A Quick Overview of PCIE Interfaces

A pcie interface is a great tool, whether you know what it is, or not. Even the fastest computer isn’t much use without a way to interact with it or extract information from it, which is what it means to interface. The way you do that is through peripherals, also known as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, extra drives, printers, speakers, microphones, cameras, and any other kind of equipment you might plug into the computer to work it.

In the past, when these devices were attached to the computer, there was one main address, or point of connection, into which everything was plugged. This meant that everything had to compete for bandwidth, which affected the speed of the computer to work. If one needed to function, it affected the speed and effectiveness of all of them. This is called latency. That is the speed it takes the computer to be given a request, process that request, and provide the answer. The longer the latency, the slower the computer.

A pcie interface gives each device its own lane to connect to the computer. This means that they no longer have to fight for power. Each device is independently supplied. It increases the computers performance and increases the data transfer rates. It can also save space, which is helpful in today’s world of faster computers in smaller packages.

One of the major benefits of a pcie interface is the ability of the user to easily update and change devices. Hot swapping and hot plugging are both terms used to describe changing or adding devices while the computer is still on. With previous technologies, trying to update without turning off the computer would result in a malfunction or error. Now, things can be easily added or exchanged without interrupting computer usage.

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5 Key Selection Guidelines for Rugged Servers

1. Durability of the rugged server

Sometimes, servers are needed in harsh conditions. They can be subject to any number of elements or disturbances that normal equipment simply can not withstand. In order to make sure your information is safe and accurate, find the equipment that has been approved for use in corrosive areas, such as water, wind, and salt, dirty areas, and spaces that receive shocks and vibrations.

2. Technical Readiness Level

If you are investing in high-quality equipment, you want to make sure it has been through all of the research and development possible. You don’t want to be the Guinea pig on which the limitations are tested. The higher the TRA number, the better, with 9 being the best option.

3. EMI Testing

Electromagnetic fields can wreak havoc on electronic equipment without the right protection. Ask your rugged server vendor for the EMI testing information, to ensure that the product you select can reliably function in the environment in which it needs to be placed. The testing will take into account the proper structure, installation process, and wiring.

4. Size options

Different applications require different rugged server needs. Not every rack mount server is the same size. Review what size options are available and make sure that they will not only perform well in the conditions you have, but are also of adequate size for the application.

5. Customization options

Chances are that your need for a rugged server already means you aren’t a typical customer with typical needs. You probably have a highly specific use for the product. Ask your provider about options for customizing the product to be exactly what you need, rather than trying to simply make something work.

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How do Network Time Servers Work?

A network time server is important because as more applications for internet use and storage are found, it becomes more and more critical to have the most reliable and accurate time keeping methods possible. Some industries can not exist without this high-level and new technology. Oil and gas companies, government agencies, and financial institutions are only a few of the industries that must have safe and accurate timekeeping within their firewalls.

No device in a system can be more accurate than the server it is on. All clients receive their time information by being synchronized with the network time server. For this reason, the most advanced timekeeping methods, such as atomic clocks, also known as cesium clocks, are used. These clocks are so accurate that once they are set, the do not need to be calibrated again.

With complicated, high-processing systems, more than one server is needed. The first tier has the highest level of security and keeps the time for all secondary servers underneath it. The secondary time servers are the ones with more accessibility, keeping the primary ones safe from hacking and viruses. This provides a layered system that has both access to important areas of storage and server space, but also the highest level of security to protect the timekeeping of the network time server.

When a device is networked, it sends a package of information to the time server asking for the correct time. The time server answers back with its time, along with a time stamp. The secondary device can adjust the accurate time to the fraction of a second it took for the reply message to return to it. When a client is networked through a line of multiple devices and servers, the calculations can get more complicated, but the underlying method is still the same. Each client in the system is able to receive the time server’s time and adjust it according to how long it took to return.

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5 Important Military Applications for Chip Scale Atomic Clocks

The chip scale atomic clock is one of the most precise timekeeping methods on the planet. It is a new technology in a tiny, light-weight package that needs very little energy to operate and has revolutionized many industries. The military is one of them.

1. Synchronization of servers

Security is a big priority for the military. With the use of highly protected timekeeping servers that operate with their own chip scale atomic clock within the firewall, the system is not only maintained with the most accurate time possible, but also adds a level of security protection by not relying on outside sources for time.

2. Unmanned aerial vehicles

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs, have increased over the past several years. Often, UAVs lose contact with radio frequencies while flying, due to environmental issues. However, with their own light-weight chip scale atomic clock on board, the computing systems can stay accurate.

3. Jammers for explosive devices

One method of providing safety for troops is jamming devices. Some work with GPS to emit jamming signals to keep explosive devices from detonating. Sometimes, while moving into buildings or land structures, or due to weather, the GPS signal can be lost. The chip scale atomic clock has allowed the timekeeper to exist in a portable pack with the jammer, so signal is never lost.

4. Global positioning devices

GPS devices are now essential to many operations. The chip scale atomic clock keeps the time accurate, through cesium atoms. All things synchronizing to the GPS system can then also benefit from the same time accuracy.

5. Sensor devices

The exploration of the planet is still necessary for military applications. Deep underwater terrain must be navigated. Sensors used for seismology are fitted with a chip scale atomic clock to record and send the most accurate information possible.

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