ADLINK PXIe-3988 Xeon Deployment Optimization Guide

ADLINK PXIe-3988 Xeon Embedded Controller Deployment and Optimization Guide

In high-end PXI Express testing platforms, computational performance and memory capacity are often the key bottlenecks that constrain system throughput. ADLINK PXIe-3988 as an Intel based ®  Xeon ®  The 3U PXI Express embedded controller of the E-processor (Coffee Lake architecture) enhances the computing power of the series to the server level for the first time, supports up to 64GB DDR4 memory, and retains rich I/O interfaces and flexible PCIe link configurations. This article is aimed at testing system architects and integration engineers, providing a complete deployment manual from product features, hardware installation, advanced BIOS tuning (including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and detailed power management), PXI triggered I/O programming, to dual BIOS fault recovery, to help build highly reliable and high-performance automated testing systems.

Product positioning and core advantages

PXIe-3988 is the first model in the ADLINK PXIe controller family to be equipped with an Intel Xeon processor, with the processor model being Intel ®  Xeon ®  E-2276ME (formerly known as Coffee Lake), with 6 cores and 12 threads, a base frequency of 2.8GHz, a single core turbo frequency of up to 4.5GHz, and a thermal design power consumption (cTDP) of 45W. Compared to the previous generation Core i7 model, Xeon provides more powerful multi-threaded computing capabilities and richer server level features (such as support for ECC memory?)? But the document clearly states' non ECC ', so the memory does not support ECC, but still excels in high core count and caching advantages.

Key differentiated specifications:

Double the memory capacity: Dual channel DDR4 SO-DIMM, supporting up to 64GB (frequency 2400MHz), meets the real-time analysis needs of large data volumes.

Chipset upgrade: using Intel ®  The CM246 chipset supports more PCIe channels and advanced management functions.

Power consumption design: typical idle power consumption+ 3.3V@3A The+ 12V@6A When overloaded, increase the voltage from+12V to 11A and ensure sufficient power supply to the chassis backplane.

The remaining I/O interfaces remain the same as the previous generation: dual DisplayPort（ 4K@60Hz ）Dual gigabit LAN (I219+I210), dual USB 3.0, quad USB 2.0, GPIB (IEEE488), configurable RS-232/422/485 COM port, and SMB interface for triggering synchronization.

Hardware installation and maintenance of key components

2.1 Physical Installation of Controller (Standard 3U PXIe Module)

The steps for installing into the PXIe chassis system slot (Slot 1) are the same as the previous generation:

Remove the controller from the anti-static workbench and check the panel screw caps (4 in total).

Release the red locking lever, press down the buckle, and smoothly push the controller along the guide rail.

Lift the pull rod upwards until it engages with the backplane connector, ensuring that the positioning pin is aligned with the guide rail hole.

Lock the four fixing screws of the panel to ensure anti vibration performance (meeting 0.21 Grms operating vibration).

2.2 Storage Device (SSD/HDD) Replacement

PXIe-3988 comes pre installed with a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD (with optional capacity of 500GB HDD or 240GB SSD). Replacement process:

Remove the controller, remove the five screws from the hard drive bracket, and take out the bracket.

Remove the four fixing screws on both sides of the bracket and replace with a new disk (compatible with standard SATA 6Gb/s).

After reinstallation, enter the BIOS's Chipset → SATA and RST Configuration to confirm hard disk recognition, and set the "SATA Device Type" to "Solid State Drive" according to the media type to optimize read and write strategies.

2.3 Battery replacement and CMOS clearing

CR2032 battery: When replacing, pay attention to the positive pole facing upwards, first clip in the positive pole buckle and then press the negative pole to avoid short circuit.

CMOS Reset (SW1): When the BIOS settings cause the system to fail to start, locate the onboard SW1 switch (located near the SATA interface), turn it to the "Clear" position and wait for 5 seconds before resetting to restore the factory settings. Note that this operation will not clear the TPM key. If Secure Boot is enabled, it needs to be backed up in advance.

Deep Analysis of BIOS Settings (for PXIe-3988 New Menu)

The new version of BIOS (based on AMI) has undergone structural adjustments, adding a separate "Chipset" menu and subdividing system management, power consumption, hardware health, and other sub items for fine tuning.

3.1 Main Menu

BIOS Information: Display BIOS version, build date, MRC version, GOP version, ME firmware version, and the current boot BIOS source (primary/backup). This page also provides "Link Cap" information, displaying the current PCIe link configuration (x16 x8 or x4 x4 x4).

System Information: includes information such as board version, CPU brand string, stepping, frequency, total memory capacity and frequency, PCH SKU, etc.

Board Information (submenu): Display serial number, manufacturing date, latest repair date, and MAC ID for asset tracking purposes.

Runtime Statistics: records the total system running time (in minutes), current running time (in seconds), power cycle times, startup times, and startup reasons, which are extremely useful for on-site fault analysis.

3.2 Advanced Menu

3.2.1 CPU Configuration

Key options:

Hyper Threading: For Xeon 6-core 12 thread, it is recommended to enable it on Windows 10/Linux, and it can be turned off as needed on RTOS.

Intel ®  Speed Shift Technology: Added an option that allows the operating system to dynamically adjust frequency and voltage, which can improve energy efficiency. It is recommended to enable it.

Turbo Mode: When turned on, a single core can reach 4.5GHz, suitable for burst computing, but temperature monitoring is required.

Configurable TDP Boot Mode: Optional Nominal/Down/Up/Deactivated, allowing adjustment of power consumption limits to accommodate cooling conditions.

C States&Package C State Limit: If pursuing the lowest latency, C States can be disabled, but it will increase power consumption.

3.2.2 Graphics Configuration

GTT Size、Aperture Size、DVMT Pre‑Allocated Mem  The 'wait' option is used to adjust the allocation of core display memory, which is the default and can be increased as needed when displaying multiple screens.

3.2.3 USB Configuration

Added XHCI Compliance Mode and XDCI Support for compatibility debugging, usually kept as default.

3.2.4 TPM 2.0 Configuration

Supports SHA-1 and SHA-256 PCR Bank, and can enable Security Device Support to support Windows 11 or secure boot. If you need to install Windows 10, it is recommended to select "TCG_1_2" for the TPM2.0 UEFI Spec Version; On Windows 11, select 'TCG_2'.

3.2.5 Onboard Devices Configuration

LAN1/LAN2 Controller: Enable/disable dual network cards.

COM1 Control: Switch RS-232/422/485 mode, note that RS-485 needs to be matched with terminal resistance settings.

3.2.6 PCI and PCIe Configuration

Above 4G Decoding: If you need to use high-capacity PCIe devices (such as GPUs), it is recommended to enable them.

Holdoff Timer: Set PCIe enumeration delay for compatibility with certain older devices.

3.2.7 Advanced Power Management

RTC Wake System from S5: Supports timed wake-up (fixed time or dynamic time).

PCIe Wake/I219 LAN Wake: Enable network wake-up function.

3.2.8 Network Stack Configuration

Configure IPv4/IPv6 PCIe network boot, suitable for diskless boot scenarios.

3.2.9 System Management & Flags

Display SEMA firmware version, BIOS selection status, ATX/AT mode, and exception codes for debugging purposes.

3.2.10 Power Consumption

Real time reading of voltage values of various power rails (VCORE, VCC-GT, VDDQ, V3P3S, V5S, V12, etc.) can assist in determining power supply stability.

3.2.11 Hardware Health Configuration

Displaying the ambient temperature and core temperature of PCIe switch chips, as well as the system+3.3V/+5V/+12V voltage and battery voltage, is very helpful for verifying heat dissipation design.

3.2.12 PXle Links Control Configuration

The maximum speed (Auto/Gen1/Gen2/Gen3) for Link 1 and Link 2 can be set separately for compatibility with outdated backplanes.

3.3 Chipset Menu

This menu is newly added and is divided into two parts: System Agent (SA) and PCH-IO.

3.3.1 System Agent (SA) Configuration

PEG Port Configuration: It can be configured to enable/disable the three root ports of PEG 0:1:0, 0:1:1, and 0:1:2, as well as the maximum link speed (Gen1/Gen2/Gen3), respectively, for connecting external PCIe devices.

3.3.2 PCH‑IO Configuration

PCI Express Configuration: includes PCIe clock gating, DMI link ASPM control, PCIe port allocation, etc., which can be adjusted by advanced users to optimize power consumption or compatibility.

SATA and RST Configuration：

SATA Mode Selection: Available in AHCI or IDE mode, AHCI is recommended to support hot swapping and NCQ.

SATA Controller Speed: Can be limited to Gen1/Gen2/Gen3, used for compatibility with older devices.

SATA Device Type: Set optimization mode for HDD or SSD, it is strongly recommended to choose according to the actual disk type.

Hot Plug: Supports hot plugging and requires the cooperation of the chassis backplane.

3.4 Security Menu

Administrator/User Password: Set the BIOS access password or boot password.

Secure Boot: Enabling it can prevent unsigned boot programs from loading and enhance system security. Ensure that the operating system is UEFI booted and the partition is GPT before enabling.

3.5 Boot Menu

Boot Configuration: Set Setup Prompt Timeout, NumLock status, Quiet Boot (hide self-test information), Fast Boot (skip partial initialization).

CSM (Compatibility Support Module): When Legacy mode is required, enable CSM Support and set the OpROM execution strategy for Network, Storage, Video, and Other PCI devices to Legacy only.

Boot Mode Select: UEFI or Legacy switch, default UEFI.

UEFI Hard Disk Drive BBS priorities: Adjust the boot sequence of UEFI hard disks.

3.6 Save&Exit

Provide options to save/discard changes and exit or restart, as well as the ability to restore default values and save/restore user default values. Boot Override supports manually starting EFI Shell.

PXI Trigger I/O Programming Library (API) Detailed Explanation

PXIe-3988 uses the same trigger I/O driver library, with header files located at X:  ADLINK  MAPS Core  PII  PXIE Trigger IO  Include  pitrigio. h, and the data type definitions are the same as before (U8, U16, U32, etc.). The following is a practical explanation of key functions:

TRIG_Init(): Must be called first, returns an error code.

TRIG_Close(): Call to release resources before exiting.

TRIG_SETSoftTrg (U8 status): Generate software TTL level (0/1), which can be output to SMB or backplane trigger line.

TRIG_Gets SoftTrg (U8 * status): Read the current software trigger status (default low level).

TRIG_Trigger_Route(U32 source, U32 dest, U32 halfway)：

Source: Optional PXI_TRIG_VAL_SMB (external input), PXI_TRIG_VAL_SOFT (software), PXI_TRIG_VAL_TRIG0~7 (backplane cable).

Dest: Target object, as above (excluding SOFT).

Halfway: When source=SOFT and dest=SMB, a trigger line needs to be specified as a relay, and in other cases, it should be set as PXI_TRIG_VALINONE.

Typical use case: Route external triggers (SMB) to backplane TRIG0, or software triggers to backplane TRIG1.

TRIG_Trigger_Clear(): Clears all routing settings.

TRIG_Trigger_Soute_Query(): Query the current routing path for debugging purposes.

TRIG_dDriverRevision(): Obtain the driver version number to ensure compatibility.

When programming, it is necessary to include header files and link corresponding library files, and drivers need to be installed in advance.

Dual BIOS emergency recovery mechanism

PXIe-3988 also integrates a dual BIOS hardware redundancy scheme, consisting of a main BIOS, a backup BIOS, and an independent monitoring controller. During normal startup, the main BIOS boots. If the main BIOS fails to start due to upgrade failure or data corruption, the monitor automatically switches to the backup BIOS and prompts the user. At this point, the system can continue to work, but the main BIOS needs to be reprogrammed through technical support tools. To reduce risks, it is recommended to enter the "Save&Exit" menu before updating the BIOS to save the current settings as user defaults for quick recovery.

Environmental tolerance and power supply planning

Working temperature: 0-55 ℃ for SSD configuration, 0-50 ℃ for HDD configuration (mechanical disks are more sensitive to temperature).

Vibration: Operating state 0.21 Grms (5~500Hz), non operating 2.46 Grms.

Humidity: 5%~95% non condensing.

Power consumption (key): When overloaded (CPU+storage high load), the+12V current reaches 11A,+3.3V is 3A, and the total power is close to 150W. For controllers with a width of 4 slots, it is necessary to ensure that the PXIe chassis backplane can provide sufficient+12V power supply margin. It is recommended to choose high-power chassis (such as ADLINK PXES-2590 series). At the same time, the heat dissipation under heavy load needs to be coordinated with the chassis fan to ensure that the CPU temperature does not exceed the specification limit.

Driver installation and system deployment

Windows 10 64 bit is the official supported system. In addition to the system's built-in drivers, the following components need to be manually downloaded and installed (obtained from the ADLINK official website PXIe-3988 product page):

Intel Chipset Driver

Intel Graphics Driver

Intel Ethernet/LAN Driver (I219 and I210)

Intel ME（Management Engine）Driver

Intel RST（Rapid Storage Technology）Driver

GPIB Driver (NI-488.2 compatible)

PXI Trigger I/O Driver

Optional: PXI Platform Services and MAPS Core Suite

Suggested installation sequence: chipset → graphics card → network card → ME → RST → trigger driver → GPIB → platform service. After installation, all devices can be confirmed to be properly recognized through the device manager.