Broadcom Enhances AI Workload Scalability with Cutting-Edge PCI Express Gen5/Gen6 Retimers

  • Broadcom introduces industry-first 5nm PCIe Gen 5.0/CXL2.0 and PCIe Gen 6.0/CXL3.1 retimers, enhancing AI workload scalability.
  • The retimers, combined with Broadcom’s PEX series switches, offer extended reach, lower power dissipation, simplified interop, and end-to-end management.
  • Demand for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and open-standard-based fabric drives innovation in PCIe technology.
  • Broadcom’s expertise in SerDes, protocols, and software lays the foundation for industry-leading PCIe switches and retimers.
  • PCIe Gen 5.0 switches and retimers are widely deployed, with Gen 6.0/CXL3.1 switches slated for sampling soon.
  • Broadcom aims to accelerate the open AI ecosystem further with PCIe Gen7-based solutions.

Main AI News:

In the competitive landscape of data infrastructure technology, Broadcom Inc. emerges as the global frontrunner, spearheading innovations in PCIe, SerDes, and connectivity solutions. Today, Broadcom proudly unveils the world’s premier 5nm PCIe Gen 5.0/CXL2.0 and PCIe Gen 6.0/CXL3.1 retimers. These groundbreaking retimers, synergizing seamlessly with Broadcom’s PEX series switches, constitute an unparalleled end-to-end PCIe portfolio, delivering a plethora of advantages, including extended reach, reduced power dissipation, streamlined interoperability, and comprehensive end-to-end management.

As the demand for AI-driven servers escalates, both cloud and enterprise data center providers are in dire need of solutions that offer higher bandwidth, lower latency, minimized power consumption, and an open-standard-based fabric for interconnecting compute, accelerators, networking, and storage devices. Broadcom’s vast investment and deployment scale, coupled with its profound expertise in SerDes, protocols, and software, lay the groundwork for cutting-edge PCIe switches and retimers.

PCIe stands as one of the most pivotal and widely adopted protocols for interconnecting CPUs, AI accelerators, NICs, and storage devices,” affirms Vijay Janapaty, Vice President and General Manager of the Physical Layer Products Division at Broadcom. “Broadcom’s leading PCIe portfolio empowers our clientele to architect data center solutions with unparalleled efficiency, delivering optimal power efficiency and maximal reach. Our PCIe Gen5/Gen6 retimers, coupled with CXL support and our PEX switches, foster an open, flexible, and industry-standard-based ecosystem for the next-generation AI server fabric.

Patrick Moorhead, CEO & Chief Analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy, emphasizes, “Generative AI and high-performance computing applications have propelled a surge in server deployments worldwide. An ecosystem of open, standards-based PCIe host solutions is pivotal for AI data centers to scale. Broadcom’s industry-leading PCIe Gen 5/Gen 6 retimers, a testament to their connectivity prowess and rich technological heritage, will expedite productization for their customers with a unique end-to-end approach.”

Building upon the success of its market-leading PCIe Gen 5.0 switches, Broadcom’s Gen 5.0 retimers are widely deployed for interconnecting AI infrastructure today, perfectly complementing the existing lineup. Furthermore, Broadcom’s PCIe Gen 6.0/CXL3.1 switches are slated for sampling later this year, promising an end-to-end PCIe 6.0 portfolio. In a testament to its commitment to innovation, Broadcom aims to further accelerate the open AI ecosystem with PCIe Gen7-based solutions in the foreseeable future.

Broadcom’s extensive PCIe portfolio, boasting industry-first Gen5/Gen6 end-to-end solutions, encompasses a myriad of features and benefits:

  • Broadcom In-house SerDes: Offering 40% greater SerDes reach and the highest lane count switches in the industry, empowering customers to construct systems with larger fanout; Built-in hardware interoperability ensures impeccable signal integrity.
  • Broadcom Architecture: Facilitating a 50% reduction in power consumption and providing form factor flexibility with midplane/backplane/cables, enabling customers to develop advanced AI sub-systems.
  • Broadcom Advanced Diagnostics: Featuring LINKCAT™ and embedded logic analyzers, significantly reducing the system design and validation cycle.
  • Broadcom Software: Boasting an integrated software suite that substantially simplifies the NPI cycle and accelerates time to market.

Broadcom is currently offering samples of its Gen5 and Gen6 PCIe/CXL retimer devices to its early access customers and partners. For samples and pricing inquiries, please reach out to your local Broadcom sales representative.

Conclusion:

Broadcom’s introduction of cutting-edge PCIe Gen5/Gen6 retimers signifies a pivotal advancement in data infrastructure technology. By addressing the escalating demands of AI server environments with unmatched connectivity solutions, Broadcom solidifies its position as an industry leader. The innovative features, commitment to PCIe Gen 6.0, and extensive portfolio underscore Broadcom’s dedication to shaping the future of the data infrastructure market.

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