The original CompactPCI® architecture is based on a parallel bus which connects the system slot to the peripheral slots. Nowadays this technology is more and more complemented by fast serial point-to-point connections. Depending on the peripheral board and the functions, different interface standards like SATA/SAS, USB, Ethernet and PCI Express are used.

These interfaces coexist in a modern computer. However, they are not operated via a single controller chip, and as such not by a single, interconnected bus. These serial interfaces are available directly at the chipset, changing the structure of a computer from a bus-based system to one with a star topology with serial communication. This is similar to the topology used in office automation to interconnect many PCs and intelligent units (like printers).

With CompactPCI this solution is within one system – the cables are in the backplane, supporting the different serial networks and topologies. With this, the CompactPCI architecture adapts these modern chipsets also. As such it evolves with CompactPCI PlusIO and CompactPCI Serial. The proven mechanics of the IEC 1101 are adopted. Existing boards can stay in use.

An overview on the CompactPCI technology can be downloaded here.