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ExpressBox 3200
PCIe to PCIe Expansion
User Manual
SKU: EB3200
www.onestopsystems.com

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Summary of Contents for One Stop Systems ExpressBox 3200

  • Page 1 ExpressBox 3200 PCIe to PCIe Expansion User Manual SKU: EB3200 www.onestopsystems.com...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preface ..............................5 What’s in this Guide ......................................5 Advisories ..........................................6 Safety Instructions ....................................... 6 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200 ......................8 General Specifications ..................................... 8 Features ........................................9 Benefits ........................................9 Specifications ......................................10 Pre-Installation Information ..................................11 Part List ........................................
  • Page 3 Rack mount Front Ears Installation ............................... 61 5.5.2 Rack mount Rear Ears Installation ..............................63 Troubleshooting ..........................66 My Computer Hangs During Power Up ..............................66 My PCIe Card Doesn’t Work ..................................67 Support for 3rd Party PCI Cards ................................67 ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 4 PCI Express Links and Lanes ..................................79 Form Factor ......................................80 9.5.1 PCI Express Sample Connectors ..............................80 Bandwidth ....................................... 81 Operation Mode...................................... 81 9.7.1 PCI Express Performance Table ..............................82 Power ........................................83 Appendix C Compliance ......................84 ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 5: Preface

    Explains where to get technical support and information about online support resources. Appendix A: Information about multiple Expansion unit configuration (i.e. daisy-chain and fanout) Appendix B: General information about PCIe Appendix C: Provides information on FCC Regulatory Compliance. ExpressBox 3200 | Preface...
  • Page 6: Advisories

    Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note.  Always use caution when handling/operating the computer. Only qualified, experienced, authorized electronics personnel should access the interior of the computer and expansion chassis. ExpressBox 3200 | Preface...
  • Page 7 Just before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, be sure you are at an ESD workstation or are grounded.  When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static container or packaging. ExpressBox 3200 | Preface...
  • Page 8: Introduction, Expressbox 3200

    Use OSS’s PCI Express Expansion to create a super-fast PCIe connection outside the computer. The ExpressBox 3200 expansion chassis is the perfect solution for creating a super-fast local PCIe connection from a host computer to a target PCI Express device. The OSS 01-08003-00 interface card installs into any x8 or x16 PCIe slot in the host computer motherboard and the other OSS 01-08003-00 interface card is inserted into a designated upstream PCIe slot.
  • Page 9: Features

    Interface Card can be used with any PCIe compliant expansion chassis  Automated x1, x4 and x8 link negotiation for PCI Express Gen1, Gen2 and Gen 3  Ability to override automatic PCIe link training through dip-switch settings ExpressBox 3200 | 1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200...
  • Page 10: Specifications

    Regulatory Compliance FCC Class A Verified RoHS Compliant Supported Operating Systems MacOS 10.6.8 or higher, Windows 7 and Windows 8, Linux and Solaris Warranty 30-day money back guarantee. 1 Year Return to factory ExpressBox 3200 | 1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200...
  • Page 11: Pre-Installation Information

    Power Cord QSG (Quick Start Guide) Low Profile Bracket Rack mount Kit (Optional). 1 set Cable Clamp 1 set ExpressBox 3200 (3 PCIe – Gen3) This model cannot be connected to a laptop. ExpressBox 3200 | 1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200...
  • Page 12: Components

    One Stop Systems Components Once you have completed your inventory, your next step is to be familiarized with components of the OSS ExpressBox 3200 expansion unit. The expansion unit is composed of the following integral components Expansion Backplane 3 PCIe slots (x8 electrical and x16 mechanical)
  • Page 13: Parts Overview

    One Stop Systems Parts Overview ExpressBox 3200 | 1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200...
  • Page 14: Hardware Installation

    For more information, see “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface. Tools Required for Installation To complete the installation of the OSS product you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver and ESD wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 15: Installation-Procedures Overview

    One Stop Systems Installation-Procedures Overview Below is the concise version on how to set up the ExpressBox 3200. Open Enclosure Install Expansion Interface card (by default, this is installed) Install Host Interface card into host computer Install PCIe cards (see note below)
  • Page 16: Install Expansion Interface Card

    Make sure to check that the dipswitch (SW4) is set to proper mode. It should be set to “ON=EXP” position, see picture below. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 17: Install Host Interface Card

    Insert the Host Interface card into a vacant x8 (or x16) PCIe slot by gently pushing the card until it is firmly seated. Then secure the card into the slot with a mounting screw. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 18: Computer Pcie Slots To Use

    2.5.1 Computer PCIe slots to use You must plug in the OSS Host interface card to the following slots: X16 slot @ x16 mode X16 slot @ x8 mode X8 slot @ x8 mode ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 19: Install Pcie Cards

    Slot 2 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanically).  Slot 1 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanically). Always refer to or read “3 party manufacturer installation guide” for further instructions ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 20: Pcie Slots

    Slot 3 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical).  Slot 2 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical).  Slot 1 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical). ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 21 OSS Host interface card is x16, but it is rated to run at x8 with this particular OSS EB3200 model. The diagram below represents the speed of PCIe slots that the EB3200 can support. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 22: Types Of Pcie Cards To Use

    The illustrations below will give you an idea on what PCIe cards you can plug into your EB3200 chassis. The pictures below are PCIe cards, they are not PCI. You can not plug in a PCI card into OSS EB3200 chassis. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 23 One Stop Systems If you plug in a x16 PCIe card in the OSS EB3200 unit, the card will run at x8 because the OSS PCIe slot is electrically wired as x8 lane. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 24: Auxiliary Power Connectors

    There are five 4-pin Molex AUX power connectors that can be used for providing extra power to cards.  Two (6+2 pin) PCIe connectors for GPUs.  Six SATA power connectors  One 8-pin CPU / PCIe connector  One 6-inch 5.25 Male to Female power adapter ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 25: High Power Pcie Card Installation

    75 Watt provided by PCIe slot + One-6pin: 75 Watt + One-6pin: 75 Watt = 225 Watt Number of Pins Watt 6 pin connector provides 75 Watts 8 pin connector provides 150 Watts ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 26: How To Use Oss Auxiliary Power Cable

    In this example we are using a singlewide GPU that has six-pin power connector, which draws 150 WATTS of power. Connect the auxiliary power adapter cable, supplied with PCIe card (i.e. GPU), to the OSS auxiliary power cable. Attach the six-pin connector to GPU. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 27 One Stop Systems The next example, we are using a double-wide GPU that has two eight-pin power connectors, which draws 375 Watts of power. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 28: Connect Pcie Cable

    Connect the other end of the PCIe cable to host computer x8 port A, see pictures below. Do not connect the PCIe cable to X16 B port, your system will not operate properly. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 29: Placement Of Cable

    You must plug in the PCIe cable into “x8 A” port of the interface card. Do not use the x16 B port. Note: Do not plug in the PCIe cable to x16 port B, the expansion unit will not operate. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 30: How To Disconnect Cable

    When done connecting the PCIe cable to the expansion unit and host computer, you must secure the cable using the retainer clamp. The expansion unit comes with two cable retainer clamps, one for the expansion and the other for the host. ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 31: Clamp Position / Orientation

    One Stop Systems 2.8.2 Clamp Position / Orientation ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 32: Attach Power Cord

    If at all possible, plug the power cord from the expansion chassis and your host computer into a shared power strip, preferably one that has surge and noise suppression circuitry built into it. Make sure the Power Switch is turned OFF first before connecting the power cord to ExpressBox 3200. Turn power supply switch to ON position.
  • Page 33: Connect To Electrical Outlet

    ON. ExpressBox 3200 will automatically turn OFF when the computer is turned OFF. The white light on the front of ExpressBox 3200 is not an On-Off power-push button; it simply indicates whether the chassis is ON or OFF.
  • Page 34: Hardware Check - Verify Connection

    The Backplane power LED indicator should display four solid green LEDs. If it is only displaying two LEDs, it is an indication that the expansion unit is on standby mode (unit is not powered UP). ExpressBox 3200 | 2 Hardware Installation...
  • Page 35 Uplink LED on the board should be illuminated. When this LED is illuminated, it means the host computer is linked to the expansion unit.  If it is not coming ON, the host computer is not linked up or connected to the expansion chassis. ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 36: Software Installation

    If, however, the installation was unsuccessful, you may not see the PCI to PCI Bridge, or it will have a small yellow symbol in front of it. The picture below is showing three instances of PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridges. These are the three OSS PCIe slots in the expansion chassis. ExpressBox 3200 | 3 Software Installation...
  • Page 37: Mac Os X

    OSS requires no driver for MacOS. To verify a successful installation of OSS ExpressBox 3200 on Mac select “About This Mac” under the Apple Icon. Your first step will vary depending on which version of Mac OS X you are using: Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard or earlier:...
  • Page 38: Linux

    Use the “lspci | grep “IDT” command to check that the OSS card slot devices are detected (see image below). IDT is the PCIe switch (component) on the OSS expansion board. Four instances of PCI Bridges / IDT ExpressBox 3200 | 3 Software Installation...
  • Page 39 Based on the lspci –vvv output above we will use 01:00.0 and 02:00.0 . Open the terminal windows and type lspci -s 01:00.0 –vvv and lspci -s 02:00.0 –vvv. ExpressBox 3200 | 3 Software Installation...
  • Page 40: Check Pcie Cards

    If your PCIe cards are still not detected, try another known good card. If this works, it means the problem is with the card. If swapping the PCIe card still exhibiting the same issue, you may have a OSS expansion related problem or the computer is a having issue (i.e. Motherboard). ExpressBox 3200 | 3 Software Installation...
  • Page 41: Windows 7, 8 And 10

    If your PCIe cards are still not detected, try another known good card. If this works, it means the problem is with the card. If swapping the PCIe card still exhibiting the same issue, you may have a OSS expansion related problem or the computer is a having issue (i.e. Motherboard). ExpressBox 3200 | 3 Software Installation...
  • Page 42: Linux

    For example, looking at the lspci –vtt output (see picture above) we will look up the Quadro FX 3800. Open the terminal windows and type lspci –s 03:00.0 -vvv, see output below ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 43: Advanced Technical Information

    Speed / Performance of OSS EB3200 The ExpressBox 3200 is x8 Gen3 = 8GB/s. The ExpressBox 3200 is composed of three boards, the backplane, the expansion card and the host card.  The backplane is Gen3 with a x16 slot connector wired as x8 lane.
  • Page 44 Picture 1 shows that the OSS Expansion card is installed to a x16 slot @ x4 lane Gen2, which is 2GB/s. With this configuration your OSS ExpressBox 3200 upstream link will be @ x4 (2GB/S) and the GPU / PCIe card in the expansion chassis will downgrade its speed / performance to x4 (2GB/s).
  • Page 45 Picture 3 shows that the OSS Expansion card is installed to a x16 slot @ x8 lane Gen2, which is 8GB/s. With this configuration your ExpressBox 3200 upstream link will be @ x8 (8GB/S). The GPU / PCIe card in the expansion chassis will still run @ x8 (8GB/s).
  • Page 46: Card And Led Indicators

    If any of the Interface cables are not connected correctly, the LED D5 will stay ON (Amber). Once the cables are connected correctly and the expansion board is powered on and the host is turned on then the amber LED D5 should be off. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 47: Display Functions Of Interface Card Leds

    For any link below gen 3, the display will alternate between these two. A 75% on 25% off duty cycle indicates a gen 2 link whereas a 25% on 75% off duty cycle is a gen 1 link. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 48: Reset & Power Status Leds

    When ON means that the locally generate 1.0V is good and within specification. When OFF means that there is a problem 1.0V good with the local 1.0V 1.0V is bad 1.0V is good ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 49: Dipswitches

    There are four control switches on the interface card: SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 4.5.1 SW1 and SW2 SW1 and SW2 should not be altered or changed. See screenshot below for their corresponding combination of dipswitch settings. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 50: Sw3

    Link width can be changed by using the following dipswitch settings. By default, the card is set to x16. 4.5.3 Toggle switch for interface mode setting , the interface card can be used either host or expansion . Below are the two mode-settings for the interface card. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 51: Backplane / Expansion Board

    24 A of +5 V power, the auxiliary connector is required to carry the additional load. These higher levels of power are needed in systems using 250- or 300-watt or greater supplies. ATX Main connector Power Supply main connector ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 52: Power Leds & Link Up Led

    A functional / operational backplane will illuminate four solid green LEDs (3v3SB; 5VSB; 5V; 12V). All four LEDs will come ON once the unit is powered UP. Link UP LED will immediately illuminate when there is a solid connection between chassis and host computer. Standby power status LEDs are illuminated when the unit is on standby mode. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 53: Fan Control Switch

    Fans will run at minimum speed if the temperature is at or below lower limit. To set the FAN (speed) locate the red Dipswitch SW2 on the expansion board. MAX = Fan runs at fast mode. THERM = Fan is set to Thermistor controlled. ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 54: Internal Front Fan Specifications

    0.194 lb (88g) Operating Temperature 14 ~ 140°F (-10 ~ 60°C) Current Rating 0.550A Voltage Range 10.8 ~ 12.6VDC Life Expectancy 70000 hrs @ 40°C Material - Frame Plastic Material - Blade Plastic ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 55: Power Supply - Fanless

    Gold Plated High Current Terminals  Dual Sided PCB Layout  Ultra Ventilation [Honeycomb Structure]  Multi-GPU Technology Support  All-in-One DC Cabling Design  Easy Swap Connector  Universal AC Input 4.10.1 PSU Specifications ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 56: 4.10.2 Power Distribution

    One Stop Systems 4.10.2 Power Distribution 4.10.3 Wire Configuration ExpressBox 3200 | 4 Advanced Technical Information...
  • Page 57: How To Remove & Install Parts

    Disconnect the Fan power cable assembly from the board using a long-nosed pliers. Remove the four mounting screws from the front panel. Pull the front panel out from the chassis. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 58: How To Remove The Power Supply

    Remove the four screws from the back of the unit. Pull the power supply out from the chassis. Disconnect the main ATX power connector. Unplug the two PCIe power connectors. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 59: How To Remove The Expansion Board

    Remove all screws on the expansion board. Slowly lift the expansion board and unplug the Fan power cable assembly. Disconnect the ATX power cable from the board. Unplug the PCIe power cable. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 60 One Stop Systems Disconnect the ON/OFF switch power cable assembly. Remove Expansion Interface card. Remove all screws on the expansion board. Slowly lift the expansion board. Unplug the Fan power cable assembly. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 61: Rack Mount Kit Installation

    Remove two screws front the right side, remove small panel. Prepare rack mount ears (kit). Mount and secure the front left rack mount ear. Mount and secure front right rack mount ear. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 62 One Stop Systems Remove four screws, and then pull the front panel out from the enclosure. Remove two screws on front the right side, remove small panel. Prepare rack mount ears (kit). ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 63: Rack Mount Rear Ears Installation

    Start with the left side ear, attach and secure the rear bracket to the back of the expansion unit. Insert the sliding rear ear. Attached and secure the right side rear ear bracket. Insert the sliding rear ear. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 64 Mount the left side rear ears. Attach and secure the rear bracket to the back of the expansion unit. Insert the sliding rear ear. Mount the right side rear ears. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 65 One Stop Systems Attached and secure the right side rear ear bracket. Insert the sliding rear ear. ExpressBox 3200 | 5 How to Remove & Install Parts...
  • Page 66: Troubleshooting

    If it still hangs up, try a different card – this one is probably bad (or has driver problems). If the second cards works, troubleshoot the first card. If the second card also fails, call the vendor of the card for technical assistance. ExpressBox 3200 | 6 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 67: My Pcie Card Doesn't Work

    Windows or Mac computer as if the expansion chassis WAS the desktop computer. When correctly installed, there is no difference to the operating system, removable cards, or most software. ExpressBox 3200 | 6 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 68: Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

    If the Interface card is properly seated and connected, there should be 8 green LEDs lit on the Interface card. Q: Will ExpressBox 3200 show up in Apple System Profiler or Windows Device Manager without any PCIe cards installed? Yes.
  • Page 69 01-08003-00, SW4 when set to OFF=HOST should be installed inside the host computer. If the 01-08003-00 cards are not set properly according to their corresponding mode your computer will not link up with the OSS expansion unit. See pictures below for correct mode setting. ExpressBox 3200 | 6 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 70 Q: My computer will not boot up while the OSS ExpressBox 3200 is connected, what should I do? When the computer is having problem starting up while the OSS ExpressBox 3200 is attached, it is an indication that you either have a faulty ExpressBox 3200 expansion unit or malfunctioning PCIe cards that are installed in the expansion unit.
  • Page 71 Yes, you can replace your Gen3 Interface cards to Gen2. The part# is 01-04978-03-00. You would need to replace the cable also. Your existing Gen3 cable is not compatible with Gen2 Interface card. Q: I have an old ExpressBox 3200, can I upgrade the expansion board and backplane to the latest revision? NO, the new boards only fit in the new enclosure.
  • Page 72: How To Get More Help

    Procedures. Please, protect your investment, a bit more padding in a good box will go a long way to insuring the device is returned to use in the same condition you shipped it in. Please call for an RMA number first. ExpressBox 3200 | 7 How to Get More Help...
  • Page 73: Online Support Resources

    Submit Technical Support If you need to send a unit for repair or diagnostic evaluation, fill out our RMA (Return Material Authorization) online request form.  RMA Information and RMA Request ExpressBox 3200 | 7 How to Get More Help...
  • Page 74: Items & Part Numbers

    01-05011-00 Expansion interface card 01-08003-00 Power Supply ( Fanless 550 Watt) 40-00008-05 High Speed PCIe (x8-x8) Cable CBL1G3 /CBL2G3 60-00029-06 Low Profile Bracket 03-04611-00 Power Cord 26-00038-00 Rack mount kit RKIT ExpressBox 3200 | 7 How to Get More Help...
  • Page 75: Appendix A Multiple Expansion System Configurations

    “nanosecond” for, the longer it will take you (your data) to get from the PCIe Card to the CPU and back again. Under most circumstances the effect cannot even be detected. ExpressBox 3200 | 8 Appendix A...
  • Page 76: Fan-Out

    Install the Interface card in the computer, use available PCIe slot, preferably use x16 @ x8 lane. Connect OSS cables. Connect power cords. Turn power supply with to “ON” position Power UP the computer All expansion units should power up automatically. ExpressBox 3200 | 8 Appendix A Multiple Expansion System Configurations...
  • Page 77: Daisy-Chaining

    Set the Interface card to “Host” mode. Check the SW4 switch. Move the switch to “OFF-Host” position. Install the Interface card in the Expansion unit, use available PCIe slot. Connect OSS cables. Connect power cords. Turn power supply with to “ON” position Power UP the computer All expansion units should power up automatically. ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 78: Appendix Bpci Express General Information

    The x16 is the largest size in common use. The lane count of a PCIe card or the PCIe slot is a determining factor its performance. ExpressBox 3200 | 9 Appendix B PCI Express General Information...
  • Page 79: Pci Express Links And Lanes

    When computer starts up, the BIOS detects and enumerates all devices that are plugged into the CPU-motherboard. It then identifies the links between the devices and creating a map of where the traffic will go and negotiating the width of each link. ExpressBox 3200 | 9 Appendix B...
  • Page 80: Form Factor

    “xsize” @ xspeed” notation (“x16 @ x4”) is also common. The advantage is that such slots can accommodate a larger range of PCI Express cards without requiring motherboard hardware to support the full transfer rate. ExpressBox 3200 | 9 Appendix B...
  • Page 81: Bandwidth

    “x2” connection. Although in theory any number from one to 32 lanes can be grouped, the most common numbers are x4, x8, and x16. ExpressBox 3200 | 9 Appendix B PCI Express General Information...
  • Page 82: Pci Express Performance Table

    32 extra bits are needed (two for every eight bits). Because of this lower overhead requirement, PCI Express 3.0 can achieve double the PCI Express 2.0 bandwidth with a clock rate of 8 GHz instead of 10 GHz. ExpressBox 3200 | 9 Appendix B...
  • Page 83: Power

    Auxiliary Power Connector Configuration 75 Watts None 150 Watts One six-pin connector 225 Watts Two six-pin connectors* 300 Watts One eight-pin connector + one six-pin connector 375 Watts Two eight-pin connectors 450 Watts Two eight-pin connectors + one six-pin connector ExpressBox 3200 |...
  • Page 84: Appendix C Compliance

    Cet appareil numériqué de la classe A est conformé à la norme NMB-003 du Canada The product(s) described in this manual complies with all applicable European Union (CE) directives. OSS will not retest or recertify systems or components that have been reconfigured by customers ExpressBox 3200 | 10 Appendix C Compliance...
  • Page 85 Manual P/N 09-09959-03 Rev A...

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