Credo introduces PCIe 6/7 and CXL 3.x Retimers at OCP Summit 2024

Credo Technology introduces Next-Gen Connectivity Solutions: A Look at PCIe 6 and 7 Retimers

In the fast-paced world of data infrastructure, where every gigabit counts, Credo Technology Group is making waves with its latest announcements. The company has just launched its first Toucan PCI Express (PCIe) 6 and Magpie PCIe 7 retimers, along with some seriously impressive HiWire AECs. If you’re scratching your head at some of this jargon, don’t worry; we’ll break it down together.

First off, let’s talk about what a retimer actually does. Think of it as a signal booster for data—helping to maintain the integrity of data as it zips through high-speed connections. With data rates soaring, the need for robust connectivity solutions is more critical than ever. And Credo is stepping up to the plate just in time, showcasing their innovations at the upcoming Open Compute Project (OCP) Summit from October 15-17. If you’re attending, swing by Booth 31 to see these tech marvels in action.

What’s particularly interesting about Credo’s new products is their focus on energy efficiency. As we all know, data centers are notorious for their power consumption. Credo’s latest retimers are designed to deliver top-notch performance without the hefty energy bill that usually comes with it. Phil Kumin, Credo’s Associate VP of PCIe Product, emphasized this point, stating that the company is leveraging mature process technology to keep costs down while enhancing performance. It’s a smart move, especially as the industry grapples with rising operational costs.

But let’s not gloss over the tech specs too quickly. The Toucan PCIe 6 retimer is built on TSMC’s N7 process technology and boasts features like a full DSP SerDes (that’s short for Serializer/Deserializer, which is just a fancy way of saying it converts data into a format suitable for transmission) that supports PAM4 PCIe channels up to 43dB. For those of us who aren’t engineers, this basically means it can handle a lot of data without losing quality. Plus, it includes an embedded logic analyzer—think of it as a built-in diagnostic tool that helps developers troubleshoot their systems more efficiently.

On the horizon, we have the Magpie PCIe 7 retimer, which is set to sample in the second half of 2025. This one is based on the even more advanced TSMC N5 process node, promising even greater performance. It’s fascinating to see how rapidly these technologies are evolving. I remember when PCIe 4 was the gold standard, and now we’re gearing up for PCIe 7. It’s a bit like watching the race for faster internet speeds; the finish line keeps moving, but the thrill of the chase is what keeps us all engaged.

Intel’s Dr. Debendra Das Sharma, a big name in I/O technology, weighed in on the significance of these advancements. He noted that as PCIe speeds escalate to 64GT/s and beyond, retimers like those from Credo become essential. It’s a clear signal that the industry is not just keeping pace but is also gearing up for a future where high-speed data transfer is the norm, not the exception.

So, what does all this mean for the average tech enthusiast or business owner? Well, if you’re involved in data-heavy applications—think AI, machine learning, or even just running a large-scale e-commerce platform—these advancements could translate into faster, more reliable performance for your systems. And who doesn’t want that?

As we look towards the future, it’s exciting to see companies like Credo pushing the envelope in connectivity solutions. With their innovative approach to efficiency and performance, they’re not just keeping up with the competition—they’re setting the stage for what comes next. If you’re as curious as I am about where this technology will lead us, keep your eyes peeled for updates from the OCP Summit. It promises to be a showcase of innovation that could redefine how we think about data transfer.

Background Information

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About TSMC:

TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

  

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Technology Explained

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PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

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