Network (midplane) port: The single port to the IBM BladeCenter H midplane is 4 balanced-differential 3.125GBaud signals in each direction, equivalent to 10GBase-CX4 or XAUI, 10+10 Gbit/s data rate, full-duplex. Depending on the software release used, the port can operate with either Ethernet or Myrinet protocols at the Data Link layer. When operating in Ethernet mode, the port supports Ethernet flow control as defined by IEEE 802.3x. (See this Guide to Myri-10G PHYs (pdf).)

PCI Express host port: This HSEC is a x8 (8 lane) PCI Express device. It is capable of exchanging data with a host computer at up to 2 GBytes/s (250 MBytes/s per lane) data rate in each direction, full-duplex. The port is fully compliant with the PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.1.

Optional PCI Express capabilities supported: Advanced Error Reporting, Device Serial Number. Firmware with Completion Timeout Control capability is available upon request.

The PCI Express add-in card versions of these interfaces have been tested and qualified in many commercially available motherboards and with all of the common PCI Express chip sets. See this tabulation for the test results with different motherboards and chip sets.

NIC processor: The NIC is based on a Myricom custom-VLSI chip called the Lanai Z8E. The RISC and other processors inside the Lanai-Z8E chip operate at 300MHz minimum.

Local memory: 2MB (256Kx8B). The local memory operates from the same 300MHz clock as the processors in the Lanai Z8E, and provides 2,400 MB/s of local-memory bandwidth. Byte parity is generated and checked on all on-chip and off-chip memories. The local memory is used principally for firmware execution and for buffering packet headers. Packet data is buffered inside the Lanai Z8E.

EEPROM: 512KB, which includes the firmware required for PCI device initialization and an Etherboot (PXE-compatible) driver. The driver loads the matching firmware as required by the mode in which the NIC is operating. The EEPROM can be re-programmed in-place by the Lanai Z8E.

Physical characteristics: The HSEC circuit board is approximately 159mm (6.25in) by 127mm (5in) in its longest dimensions, and weighs 68.8g (0.15lb).

Power: The NIC is powered from 3.3V from the PCI Express connector, 2.5A (8.3W) maximum.

Environmental: Operating: Temperature 0C to 55C up to 10,000 foot altitude. Relative humidity 15% to 80% @ 50C, non-condensing. Storage: Temperature -40C to 70C. Relative humidity 90% @ 65C.

Test connector: The test connector is used for Myricom's production testing, and should not be used in normal service.

Regulatory Approvals: In accordance with the regulatory standards for the IBM BladeCenter H.

Reduction of Hazardous Substances: These NICs are RoHS-compliant under the server exemption.

Myricom-supported software: These NICs may use the included (bundled) software for 10-Gigabit Ethernet operation, or licensed MX-10G software for 10-Gigabit Myrinet operation. This software is distributed from the Myricom Software & Customer Support page.

Last significant revision: 15 July 2008