The PCIe-SATA conversion adapter, identified by part number AB01-PCIe2SATA, is a specialized interface board designed to facilitate the evaluation of Serial ATA (SATA) IP cores developed by DesignGateway. This adapter acts as a crucial bridge, converting signals between a 1-lane PCI-Express interface and a SATA interface, thereby enabling users to test and verify the real-world operation of SATA IP with their existing hardware setups.

Function Description

At its core, the AB01-PCIe2SATA adapter serves as a protocol and physical layer translator. It takes the high-speed serial data streams from a 1-lane PCI-Express bus and converts them into the corresponding SATA signals, and vice-versa. This conversion is essential for developers and engineers who are integrating DesignGateway's SATA IP into their designs and need a practical means to evaluate its performance and compatibility with standard SATA devices.

The adapter's primary function is to provide a reliable and transparent pathway for data transfer between a PCI-Express host and a SATA device. This means that from the perspective of the PCI-Express host, it appears to be communicating with a SATA controller, and from the perspective of the SATA device, it appears to be connected to a standard SATA host. This seamless integration is achieved through the adapter's internal logic, which handles the necessary signal conditioning, clock synchronization, and protocol translation required for both interfaces.

Specifically, the adapter supports the full duplex communication inherent in both PCI-Express and SATA. It manages the transmission (TX) and reception (RX) of data packets, ensuring that data integrity is maintained across the interface conversion. This capability is vital for applications requiring high-speed data throughput, such as connecting Solid State Drives (SSDs) or Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) to a system that primarily uses PCI-Express for peripheral connectivity.

The adapter is particularly useful in development and testing environments where an FPGA evaluation board, such as the Xilinx SP-605, is used to host the DesignGateway SATA IP. By connecting the adapter to the FPGA board's 1-lane PCIe connector and then to a SATA SSD/HDD device, engineers can observe and analyze the actual SATA interface operation. This allows for thorough debugging, performance profiling, and validation of the SATA IP's functionality under real-world conditions.

Usage Features

The AB01-PCIe2SATA adapter is designed for straightforward integration and ease of use in development and evaluation scenarios. Its compact form factor, measuring 18mm in width and 44mm in length, allows for convenient placement within various test setups. Both the 1-lane PCIe connector and the SATA Host connector are mounted on the component side of the board, simplifying connections.

To utilize the adapter, users connect it to a 1-lane PCIe connector on an FPGA evaluation board. This establishes the PCI-Express link. Subsequently, a standard SATA cable is used to connect the adapter's SATA Host connector to a SATA device, such as an SSD or HDD. This simple plug-and-play approach minimizes setup time and allows developers to quickly begin their evaluation tasks.

A key usage feature relates to scenarios where the FPGA is intended to act as a SATA device, communicating with a PC's SATA port. In such cases, the signal channels for transmission (TX) and reception (RX) need to be swapped to ensure proper communication. DesignGateway addresses this by offering a separate SATA crossover adapter (Part No.: AB02-CROSSOVER). This crossover adapter is inserted between the AB01-PCIe2SATA's SATA connector and the SATA cable, effectively performing the necessary TX/RX signal swapping. This flexibility ensures that the AB01-PCIe2SATA can be used in both host-to-device and device-to-host configurations, expanding its utility in diverse testing environments.

The adapter's design also incorporates standard PCI-Express and SATA power and signal pins, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. The schematic provided in the manual details the pin assignments for both the J1 (1-lane PCIe connector) and J2 (SATA connector), which is crucial for advanced users who might need to verify signal integrity or troubleshoot connections. The presence of +12V and +3.3V power rails on the PCIe connector, along with ground connections, ensures stable operation. Similarly, the SATA connector includes dedicated pins for TX/RX differential pairs and ground, adhering to SATA specifications.

Maintenance Features

Given the nature of the AB01-PCIe2SATA as an interface conversion board primarily for development and evaluation, its maintenance requirements are minimal. The device is designed for robust operation within its specified environment, and no user-serviceable parts are present on the board.

The primary aspect of "maintenance" from a user perspective involves ensuring proper handling and connection to prevent physical damage. Users are advised to connect the adapter carefully to both the FPGA board's PCIe slot and the SATA cable to avoid bending pins or stressing connectors. The compact size, while convenient, also implies a certain degree of fragility if mishandled.

The manufacturer, DesignGateway, explicitly states a disclaimer: "DesignGateway is exempted from any damage to the connected SATA device or FPGA board." This underscores the importance of users exercising caution and adhering to best practices when integrating the adapter into their systems. While the adapter is designed to be reliable, improper connections, incorrect power application, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) can potentially damage not only the adapter itself but also the connected FPGA board or SATA device. Therefore, users should follow standard ESD precautions when handling the board.

From a long-term perspective, the solid-state nature of the adapter means there are no moving parts to wear out. The electronic components are generally robust, and as long as the operating environment (temperature, humidity) is within acceptable limits, the adapter should provide consistent performance over its lifespan. Regular visual inspection for any signs of physical damage, such as bent pins, cracked solder joints, or component discoloration, would be the extent of user-level maintenance.

In the event of suspected malfunction, the first step would typically involve verifying all connections and ensuring that the connected FPGA board and SATA device are functioning correctly independently. If issues persist, consulting the provided schematic for pinouts and signal paths can aid in basic troubleshooting. However, for any internal component failures, the device is not designed for user repair, and replacement would be the recommended course of action. The availability of contact information (URL and email) for DesignGateway ensures that users can seek support or inquire about replacements if necessary.

DG PCIe-SATA - Schematic