Turbo PCI Express PHY Supports Up To 6.4 Gbps

The new Turbo PCI Express physical layer (PHY) platform supports data rates of 5.0 to 6.4 Gb/s, as well as the 2.5 Gb/s data rate for current PCI Express applications. The platform includes a full-featured, drop-in PHY cell based on the company's silicon-proven RaSer serial link technology. The PHY supports existing PCI Express clock sources, connectors and board designs, while being able to auto-negotiate between 2.5 Gb/s and higher rates, such as 5.0 Gb/s. Innovations specific to this platform include equalization techniques for Rx as well as Tx and support for a 100-MHz RefClk. According to the company, the platform will serve as the basis for a second-generation PCI Express PHY, when such specifications are finalized and become publicly available. For more information, contact RAMBUS INC., Los Altos, CA. (640) 947-5000.