Gigabit Ethernet PCI-X Card Provides Bypass

In addition to dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, made possible by an on-board 82546EB controller, and 133-MHz PCI-X operation, the PCI-8246 card provides a bypass capability during power-off or software-halt conditions. The bypass function employs a mechanical-relay array to control the physical routing of the Ethernet signals. Two communication states are available for signal routing: normal state and bypass state. A watchdog timer and bypass-control logic circuits maintain the relay and communication states. Users can control functions via the software-definable pins on the 82546EB dual Gigabit Ethernet controller by programming its registers. The watchdog time-out value is programmable for 1s, 2s, 4s, or 8s intervals with a DIP switch or software. Price for the PCI-8246 starts at $299 each. ADLINK TECHNOLOGY AMERICA INC., Irvine, CA (866) 423-5465.