Description:This book offers an introduction to PCI Express, a new I/O technology for desktop, mobile, server and communications platforms designed to allow increasing levels of computer system performance. Hardware and software developers will discover how to employ PCI Express technology to overcome the practical performance limits of existing multi-drop, parallel bus technology. Introduction to PCI Express explains critical technical considerations that both hardware and software developers need to understand to take full advantage of PCI Express technology in next generation systems. Learn about: Metrics and criteria for developers and product planners to consider in adopting PCI Express. Applications for desktop, mobile, server and communications plat-forms that will benefit significantly from PCI Express technology. Implications for hardware and software developers of the layered architecture of PCI Express. Features of PCI Express available in legacy software environments. Comparison of features of PCI Express, PCI-X and PCI. New form factors and mechanical designs enabled by PCI Express.