PCIrelated

PCI-related is a broad term used to describe topics connected to the PCI designation in two main domains: computer hardware and payment card industry standards. In computing, PCI refers to the Peripheral Component Interconnect bus family, originally developed in the 1990s to connect expansion cards to a motherboard. It evolved into faster versions such as PCI-X and PCI Express (PCIe). PCIe is the current dominant standard, using serial point-to-point links with scalable lanes (for example x1, x4, x8, x16) to attach devices like graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers. PCI and PCIe involve concepts such as slot types, device configuration space, and interoperability across generations, with backward compatibility where feasible and ongoing improvements in bandwidth and power delivery.

In the payment card industry, PCI relates to standards designed to protect cardholder data. The most widely known framework is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. PCI DSS sets requirements for securing networks, protecting stored card data, maintaining vulnerability management, access control, monitoring, and regular testing. Related concepts include PCI P2PE (point-to-point encryption) and PA-DSS (a former standard now superseded by other guidance). Compliance is pursued by merchants and service providers through formal assessments and attestations to reduce fraud and data breaches.

The term PCI-related therefore covers both hardware ecosystem topics in computing and security/compliance standards in electronic payments. The intended meaning is usually clarified by context, as the two areas address different technologies and regulatory frameworks.