Expansion card

A plug-in card (also referred to as an expansion card, or electronic card ) is a printed circuit board fitted with electronic components, which can be easily replaced. This is made possible by the connector and optionally, other mechanical elements for handling and fastening in the slot.

Most modular systems in such a motherboard exists. When it only is used for electrical connection, it is referred to as a backplane.

Form factors

This plug-in cards easily fit into an existing plug-in system and work there, they must firstly meet the mechanical specifications. Here, one speaks of the form factor, this refers to the outer dimensions and the plug assembly. On the other hand, the electrical parameters, thus the pin assignment and the signal specification must be met.

In addition to the plug-in cards for PCs, there have been a number of other standardized plug-in card formats. As an example, only the map of Europe should be noted that plays a certain role to date.

Application in the computer field

IBM - compatible PCs are the most common type of computer. These usually have expansion slots that can be used with a specific format in the electronic circuit boards. They can be replaced, removed and added, but must be compatible with the particular expansion of the device. This can support more functions of the computer, as he offers original.

Some examples of these interfaces are:

  • ISA
  • MCA
  • EISA
  • PCI
  • AGP
  • PCI Express

A list of typical bus systems can be found in Article bus ( data processing).

Plug-in cards can have different functions, such as a graphics card, the data is converted so that the monitor can spend it as an image.

There are three different types of PCI cards. Full - length, full -length PCI cards are 107 mm (height) x 312 mm ( length). Half-length, half -length PCI cards are x 175.26 mm ( long) and " low-profile " 106.68 mm (height) - also known as "Slim" PCI cards. Low-profile PCI cards range from 64.41 mm x 119.91 mm to 64.41 mm x 167.64 mm.

In many computer motherboards, some functions are already integrated, so it must be used no expansion card for that feature more. However, the use of an expansion card is almost always still easily possible. Widely known as on-board solutions are: sound, video, network and mass storage controller.

The plug-in systems described so far are used all computer internally. An example of an external plug-in card is a PC card, as it is mainly used in notebooks.

There are also computer systems that are assembled entirely of plug-in cards, and where, consequently, the CPU on a plug-in card is seated ( SBC ) and the backplane purely passive connection functions has. An example of this is the VMEbus, which is particularly used in modular test and measurement systems.

Examples

  • Graphics Card
  • Sound card
  • TV Card
  • Modem card
  • Network card
  • RAID controller

Other Applications

Also in other electronic devices plug-in cards can be used. These are then but usually manufacturer-specific and do not follow a common standard.

You can serve the simplification of maintenance and repair of complex electronic systems - eg television sets.

Another application is the expandability of such systems, such as telecommunication equipment.

Electronics Composite Video S-Video Industry Standard Architecture Accelerated Graphics Port
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