PCIe 8.0 Expected to Deliver 256 GT/s

The PCI-SIG recently announced the PCI Express (PCIe) 8.0 specification, which looks to double the data of the PCIe 7.0 specification (256.0 Gtransfers/s, or GT/s). It’s expected for release to members by 2028.

The next-gen specification will heavily support AI applications, including machine learning, edge computing, and quantum computing. What’s more, PCIe 8.0 will also support large data applications in the automotive, high-performance computing, hyperscale data center, military, and aerospace markets.

“Following this year’s release of the PCIe 7.0 specification, PCI-SIG is excited to announce that the PCIe 8.0 specification (see figure) will double the data rate to 256 GT/s, maintaining our tradition of doubling bandwidth every three years to support next-generation applications,” said Al Yanes, PCI-SIG President and Chairperson.

He added, “With the increasing data throughput required in AI and other applications, there remains a strong demand for high performance. PCIe technology will continue to deliver a cost-effective, high-bandwidth, and low-latency I/O interconnect to meet industry needs.”

“As artificial intelligence and other data-intensive applications continue to scale rapidly, PCIe technology demand will be sustained in the long run due to its high bandwidth, scalability, and power efficiency,” said Reece Hayden, Principal Analyst, ABI Research. “Data center networks are already preparing to implement PCIe 6.0 technology and are showing great interest in the PCIe 7.0 specification. The introduction of the PCIe 8.0 specification further ensures that the industry’s bandwidth requirements will be supported well into the future.”