Nine Port PCIe Switch Manages 48 Lanes

Poised for server, backplane storage, and router apps, the PLX PEX 8548 embarks as the first 48-lane, nine-port PCI Express (PCIe) switch while also reporting the lowest latency at less than 110 ns. The device allows for port configurations from x1 to x16 and supports true peer-to-peer communication, making it eligible for use in backplane and switch fabrics. Cascading two or more switches enables configurations up to 80 lanes and 16 ports, and the upstream port accommodates dual processors. The device also integrates an I2C bus. In terms of support, the PLX rapid development kit (RDK) provides a working hardware platform with the PEX 8548, schematics, symbols, layout files, and a software kit with a GUI utility for access to chip registers, sample drivers, and a support library for Windows and Linux. Sampling now with production set for the first quarter of 2007, price for the PEX 8548 is $65 each in volume. Price for the PEX8548 RDK is $1,490. PLX TECHNOLOGY INC., Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 759-3735.