PCI-devices - what is it? PCI-graphics card

In the framework of this article, the most common PCI devices will be considered today. What is it Such, and when one can not do without it - the key issues of this material. Although this standard is gradually disappearing into the past, it will still be relevant for quite a long time. In essence, it can be considered the progenitor of the most modern interfaces of YUSB and PCI-Express, which came to replace it.

Tire Specifications

Before we get an answer to the question: "PCI-devices: what is it and where are they used?", Let's consider the characteristics of this bus. Its victorious procession began this standard in 1991. The first processor that could fully function with it was 80486. A little later, the first "Pentiums" appeared, further revealing its potential. Physically, behind this abbreviation lies a group of connectors, soldered on the motherboard. For the organization of their work, one of the chips installed on it is responsible. The characteristics of PCI are as follows:

• The bit depth is 32/64 bits.
• The operating frequency is 33 or 66 MHz.
• The maximum bandwidth is 500 MB / s (for 64 bits of the PCI 2.0 version).
• The supply voltage is 3.3 V (for 32 bits) or 5 V (for 64 bits).

Another important nuance that predetermined the future of this standard. Intel made it "open." That is, each developer could, if desired, develop any expansion board that would work without problems with this standard.

Which devices can be installed

A variety of devices can be installed in the PCI expansion slot. Among them we can distinguish:

• Graphic adapter.
• Sound card.
• Tuner.
• Expansion board.
• A network card.

This list can be continued indefinitely. Essentially, this is a complete analogue of the modern UBS bus, but only with a lower data rate. Even the PCI device driver is installed in the same way. Many of the ideas that were implemented in this outdated tire have been further developed in more modern standards. The PCI bus had a very big impact on the further development of computer technology.

Graphic adapters

A graphic video card was used to display the graphic image. At one time, it significantly increased the performance of computer systems and fully revealed the potential of processors 80486 and the first "Pentiums".

But time does not stand still. What was then a revolutionary decision, is now outdated both morally and physically. Until 1997, such graphics accelerators had no analogues. Therefore, they could be found on each personal computer. And only with the advent of the AGP slot on the motherboard such adapters gave way to new graphics solutions for the performance palm.

Now PCI-graphics card - a rarity. It can be found only on very old personal computers. We can say that this is an anachronism. Their performance is sufficient only to solve the most simple tasks - typing, working with a word processor and viewing pictures. But with more complex applications there will be problems, and in that case they should not be started.

Sound card

A sound card is also one of the varieties of a PCI device. What is it Is this? The answer to this question is quite simple. Until 1997, motherboards did not have integrated audio adapters. Therefore for the organization of an acoustic system such adaptations were used. On the one hand, this board was equipped with a "classic" connector for installation in the expansion slot. Its interface panel was displayed on the back side of the system unit.

A single bolt was used to fix the inside of the computer. The sound quality of them left much to be desired. But still it was a breakthrough that can not be underestimated. It was the installation of such devices that allowed earlier to turn any computer into a real multimedia center. You could listen to such a computer and listen to music, and watch a movie, and play a game.

Tuners

Another important type of device for this bus is the tuner. This PCI-controller allows you to watch TV programs and listen to the radio. To ensure the operation of such a card, it is necessary to connect an external antenna to it. Otherwise, the quality of the received signal will be far from ideal.

In addition, complete with the tuner without fail went remote control bullets. This made it possible to turn a computer into a real TV. This practice has not been widely spread, but there have always been cases when it was not necessary to do without such know-how. For example, such a decision made it possible for a busy person to be constantly aware of the events.

Modem

An important attribute of old computers is the modem. Using it, you could connect to the Internet earlier. Most of these devices were internal, that is, it was installed in a PCI slot. Now they have been successfully replaced by network cards from this segment . Although there are still areas where they have no alternative. One of them is the "Client-Bank" system, which is often found in the accounting department. With its help, the accountant can monitor the status of the company's accounts and, if necessary, make payments.

Expansion board

Often in the device manager you can find the following device: "PCI controller simple communications". Behind this phrase is an expansion board. It allows you to increase the number of ports for connecting peripherals or hard drives. That is, such a device is installed in the expansion slot of the motherboard, and on the outside it is equipped with connectors YUSB, COM or LPT. About 5 years ago, it allowed to significantly increase the number of connected peripherals. Now the number of ports on the motherboard has grown many times, and the need to install such controllers has simply disappeared.

Results

In this material, an answer was given to the question: "PCI-devices - what is it and where are they used?"

As you can see, this is a fairly wide range of devices that allows you to turn your computer into a real entertainment center. At least, this statement was true until recently. Now the situation has changed a little. More and more components are integrated directly into the processor itself or to the motherboard. Therefore, the need for them disappears. You can also find a PCI bridge device, for example, a network card that allows you to connect computers to a local computer network. The only device that does not yet have a worthy alternative is a tuner for receiving telecasts and listening to the radio. But already in this segment began to appear compact USB-analogues. In general, the PCI standard is gradually becoming a thing of the past, but it will still be a long time to be present on the market.