PCI Mini is a smaller subset of the standard PCI interface, designed primarily for use in laptops and other small devices. Despite its intended purpose for peripherals like network adapters, it eventually found its way into DVD players, HDTVs, and other devices.
There are three types of PCI Mini cards available, simply named Type I, Type II, and Type III. Type I and II cards have 100 pins, while Type III cards have 124. Type II cards also include RJ-45 connectors on the board, which must be installed near the edge of the laptop for the sockets to extend outside. Type I and Type III cards use cables to connect to external RJ-45 ports.
While Mini PCI only supports 3.3 volts and 32 bits of the PCI specification, it remains a popular choice for a variety of devices due to its compact size and versatility.
FAQ
What is PCI?
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is a computer bus commonly used in modern PCs and laptops to connect peripherals like graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.
What is the difference between Mini PCI and standard PCI?
Mini PCI is a smaller subset of the standard PCI interface, designed primarily for use in smaller devices like laptops. It supports 3.3 volts and 32 bits of the PCI specification, while standard PCI supports up to 5 volts and 64 bits of the specification.
What types of devices use Mini PCI?
Mini PCI was initially intended for use in network adapters for laptops, but it has since found its way into a wide variety of devices, including DVD players, HDTVs, and other small electronics.
Conclusion
While Mini PCI may be a smaller subset of the standard PCI interface, it remains a popular choice for many device manufacturers due to its compact size and versatility. With three types of cards available, Mini PCI can be used in a variety of devices to meet various performance and size requirements.
