Unibrain FireboardBlue-e FireWire 400 PCIe Adapter (3-Port IEEE 1394a)
3-port FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) PCIe adapter with TI chipset for legacy cameras, audio, and storage devices on modern PCs.
Interface
PCIe x1
Ports
3× FireWire 400
Speed
Up to 400 Mbps
Power
Up to 54W Vbus
Technical Architecture & Functionality
The Unibrain FireboardBlue-e™ is a FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) PCI Express host adapter built for professionals who still rely on legacy FireWire devices in machine vision, broadcast, scientific, and industrial environments. It provides fast, reliable FireWire connectivity to modern desktop systems through a single PCIe slot.
Built on the proven Texas Instruments TSB43AB23 1394 PHY/Link controller combined with the TI XIO2001 PCIe-to-PCI bridge, the FireboardBlue-e delivers stable OHCI-compliant operation with full 100 / 200 / 400 Mbps FireWire data rates.
The card features three FireWire ports total:
- Two (2) external 6-pin FireWire ports
- One (1) internal FireWire port
With four isochronous DMA channels, the FireboardBlue-e can simultaneously control and stream from multiple FireWire digital cameras, making it a favorite in IIDC machine vision, automation, security, and mapping applications.
For power-hungry peripherals, the card includes a 4-pin Molex power connector, enabling up to 18W Vbus power per port (54W total), ensuring stable operation with external drives, cameras, and AV devices. A low-profile bracket is included, making it suitable for compact PCs and rackmount systems.
Key Engineering Advantages
Machine Vision Ready
Supports multiple IIDC FireWire cameras with four DMA channels for simultaneous capture and control.
High-Power Device Support
Molex power input delivers up to 18W per port for demanding FireWire peripherals.
Stable TI Chipset
Built on proven Texas Instruments controllers for reliable, low-latency FireWire operation.
Legacy Hardware Compatibility
Maintains full compatibility with FireWire 400 cameras, storage, and AV equipment still used in production environments.
Compact System Friendly
Low-profile bracket included for small form factor PCs and rackmount systems.
Plug-and-Play Deployment
OHCI compliance ensures easy driver support across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Feature Checklist
- FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) PCIe adapter
- Three (3) FireWire ports: 2 external + 1 internal
- Supports 100 / 200 / 400 Mbps
- Built on TI TSB43AB23 + XIO2001 chipset
- OHCI compliant for broad device compatibility
- Four (4) isochronous DMA channels
- Supports simultaneous multi-camera streaming
- Molex power input for high-power FireWire devices
- Up to 18W Vbus per port (54W total)
- Low-profile bracket included
- CE / FCC / RoHS compliant
Technical Specifications
Validated performance benchmarks and physical parameters.
- Part Number
- 1213 (Bulk)
- Alternate SKU
- 1134 (with Fire API™ SDK license)
- Brand
- Unibrain
- Product Type
- FireWire 400 PCIe Host Adapter
- Interface
- PCI Express x1
- FireWire Standard
- IEEE 1394a
- Ports
- 2 × External 6-pin, 1 × Internal
- Data Rates
- 100 / 200 / 400 Mbps
- Chipset
- TI TSB43AB23 + TI XIO2001
- DMA Channels
- 4
- Max Vbus Power
- 18W per port / 54W total
- Power Connector
- 4-pin Molex
- Power Consumption
- 2.5W (board)
- Bracket
- Standard + Low Profile
- Certifications
- CE, FCC, RoHS
- Operating Temp
- 0°C to 65°C
- Humidity
- 0–80% RH (non-condensing)
Documentation & Drivers
Package Contents
- 1x Unibrain FireboardBlue-e PCIe Host Adapter (Bulk)
- 1x Standard Profile Bracket
- 1x Low-Profile Bracket
Wiring & Connection Diagram
Inspect module pinouts, transmitter/receiver cabling, and power connections.
Target Application Scenarios
Engineered for harsh industrial automation, medical suites, aerospace testing, and command centers where signal integrity is non-negotiable.
Sector Compliance & Use Cases
- IIDC / FireWire machine vision cameras
- Industrial automation systems
- Broadcast and capture devices
- FireWire audio interfaces
- External FireWire hard drives
- Scientific imaging systems
- Security and mapping systems
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Need Custom Lengths or Volume Pricing?
Our engineering team can assist with high-density AV routing, custom termination, OEM integration, or government procurement specs for Unibrain FireboardBlue-e FireWire 400 PCIe Adapter (3-Port IEEE 1394a).
Unibrain FireboardBlue-e FireWire 400 PCIe Adapter (3-Port IEEE 1394a)
$59.00