The Magenta Research 2211093-02 expansion link kit allows the extension of the PCI Express signals from a host server to an external expansion backplane or chassis. The Magma 01-04978-03 interface card installs into any x8 or x16 PCIe slot in the host computer motherboard and a second Magma 01-04978-03 interface card can be inserted into any upstream PCIe slot. A high-speed iPass cable allows data transfers to and from the host computer at 40Gbp.
Onboard Visual Diagnostic Features
Multiple LEDs and dip switches make debugging and troubleshooting easy. Visible LEDs show the PCIe link width that each PCIe interface card is operating. Other LEDs for "Loss of Lock," "Reset ON" and "Clock Good" are useful visual indicators for troubleshooting and verifying the connection without expensive software diagnostic tools.
Use Case - Test Multiple Solid State Drives (SSD) Simultaneously
A test fixture can be created that connects a SuperMicro server to an 8 slot PCIe expansion backplane. With the server you can connect eight test fixtures and therefore can test sixteen solid state drives simultaneously. The server runs a routine to test each card in sequence and either accepts or rejects it. The PCI Express Expansion Link Kit is used to connect the test fixture to the server at 40Gbps.