PCIe 3.0 packet switch keeps pace with data centres, says Diodes
Capable of delivering the elevated performance parameters mandated by modern data centre, cloud computing, network attached storage (NAS), and telecomms infrastructure implementations, the PI7C9X3G808GP is a PCIe 3.0 packet switch, released by Diodes.
It supports eight-lane operation, accommodating two-, three-, four-, five- and eight-port configurations. Cut-through, store and forward modes can be utilised with a packet forwarding latency of less than 150ns (typical) supported.
The switch’s proprietary architecture provides enhanced flexibility, with multiple port / lane width combinations available, as well as cross domain endpoint arrangements, which enable the PI7C9X3G808GP to support fan-out and dual-host connectivity.
The built-in PCIe 3.0 clock buffer reduces the overall component count and helps to curb bill of materials (BoM) costs. The integrated buffer has low power operation, says Diodes, with three reference clock options: common, separate reference no spread (SRNS), and separate reference independent spread (SRIS). Multiple direct memory access (DMA) channels have been embedded into the switch, in order to make communication between host (or hosts) and connected end-points as efficient as possible.
Other features include error-handling, advanced error reporting, and end-to-end data protection with error correction. This is a key functionality in terms of reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS), says Diodes. Power management means that the PI7C9X3G808GP is aligned with the most stringent energy-saving requirements, claims the company. Unused hot-pluggable ports are kept in a low-power state until needed. Under full load conditions and 80 degrees C junction temperature, the PI7C9X3G808GP will draw only 2.9W of power.
Diodes supplies the PI7C9X3G808GP in a high performance flip-chip package, with 196-ball BGA format, measuring 15 x 15mm.
Diodes delivers semiconductor products to the world’s leading companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. The company’s expanded product portfolio includes discrete, analogue and mixed-signal products and advanced packaging technology for application-specific and solutions-focused designs.
Diodes has 31 sites worldwide, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.
