PCI Express is a third-generation Peripheral Component Inter-connect technology for a variety of systems and peripheral devices. Therefore, anyone working on next-generation PC systems, BIOS and device driver development, and design of peripheral devices will need to have a thorough understanding of PCI Express. PCI Express System Architecture provides an in-depth description and comprehensive reference to the PCI Express standard. Here are the PCI Express architecture, the book moves on to cover transaction protocols, physical layer / electrical, power management, configuration, and more. Specific topics covered include: * Split transaction protocol * packet formats and definitions, including the use of each field * ACK / NAK protocol * Traffic Class and Virtual Channel applications and use * Flow control initialization and operation * Error checking mechanisms and reporting options * Switch design issues * Advanced Power Management mechanisms and use * Active State Link power management * Hot Plug design and operation * Message transactions * Physical layer functions * Electrical signal characteristics and issues * PCI Express * Configuration register definitions counting procedures Thoughtfully organized, featuring many illustrations, and comprehensive in scope, PCI Express System Architecture is an important resource for anyone working with important technology.MindShare 's PC System Architecture Series is a crisply written and comprehensive set of guidelines for the most important standard PC hardware.