AMD introduces Versal Premium Gen 2 Adaptive SoC Featuring PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1

AMD introduces the Next-Gen Versal Premium Series Gen 2

Today, AMD has taken a big step forward in the world of computing with the announcement of the AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2. This isn’t just any chip; it’s an adaptive SoC platform that’s set to redefine what we think about system acceleration across a variety of workloads. Think of it as a powerhouse designed to tackle everything from data centers to aerospace and defense.

What’s particularly exciting? The Versal Premium Series Gen 2 will be the first in the FPGA industry to incorporate Compute Express Link (CXL) 3.1 and PCIe Gen 6, along with support for LPDDR5X memory. These technologies are engineered to move data at lightning speed, making them perfect for the ever-growing demands of real-time processing and storage.

Why This Matters for System Architects

As Salil Raje, AMD’s Senior VP, puts it, “System architects are constantly looking to pack more data into smaller spaces and move data more efficiently between parts of the system.” With the latest addition to the Versal Gen 2 portfolio, AMD is giving these architects the tools they need to boost overall system throughput and make the most of memory resources. This means better performance for applications that range from the cloud to the edge—essentially, everywhere data is processed.

Accelerating Host Connectivity

AMD is all about open innovation, and that’s clear with their support of CXL, which serves as an open interconnect between processors and devices like FPGA-based accelerators. The Versal Premium Gen 2 devices are equipped with CXL 3.1 and PCIe Gen 6, the fastest host interfaces available. This means that they can facilitate high-bandwidth CPU-to-accelerator connectivity that leaves competitors in the dust.

Imagine PCIe Gen 6 offering a 2-4X faster line rate compared to those stuck on PCIe Gen 4 or 5. And with CXL 3.1 running on PCIe Gen 6, you get double the bandwidth of competing devices with CXL 2.13—all while maintaining similar latencies. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to tackle data-intensive applications.

By pairing the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 with AMD EPYC CPUs, system architects can accelerate their applications even further. Plus, the memory coherency that CXL provides opens the door to a new realm of accelerated computing.

Boosting Memory Bandwidth and Utilization

When it comes to memory, the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 is a beast. It boasts the fastest LPDDR5X memory connectivity, reaching speeds of up to 8533 Mb/s. This translates to a staggering 2.7X faster host connectivity compared to devices using LPDDR4 or 5 memory.

But that’s not all. The ability to connect to CXL memory expansion modules means you can achieve even more total bandwidth, optimizing memory utilization across multiple accelerators. By dynamically allocating a memory pool, these adaptive SoCs can enhance memory usage without the need for a fabric or switch—supporting up to two CXL hosts in the process.

Enhancing Data Security

In today’s digital landscape, security is paramount. The Versal Premium Series Gen 2 doesn’t skimp on this front either. It’s the first FPGA device to support integrated PCIe Integrity and Data Encryption (IDE) in hard IP. This means that data can be transferred quickly and securely, whether it’s in transit or at rest.

With inline encryption embedded in hard DDR memory controllers and 400G High-Speed Crypto Engines, user data can be secured at up to 2X faster line rates. Fast, secure data transactions? Yes, please.

What’s Next for AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2?

If you’re wondering when you can get your hands on this technology, AMD has some timelines in mind. Development tools for the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 are expected to roll out in Q2 2025, with silicon samples available by early 2026. Production shipments are slated to kick off in the latter half of 2026.

For those eager to learn more, be sure to check out the product page. And don’t forget to dive into the complete slide-deck released by AMD for all the juicy details.

This is just the beginning for AMD, and we can’t wait to see how the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 reshapes the landscape of adaptive computing. Are you ready for the future?

Background Information

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About AMD:

AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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EPYC: EPYC is a technology designed by computer chip manufacturer AMD for use in the server and data center industry. It was introduced in June 2017 and features an innovative design to improve performance and power efficiency. EPYC processor technology is based on an innovative 14nm processor architecture, allowing up to 32 high-performance cores in a single socket. This allows for more efficient processing power, increased memory bandwidth, and greater compute density. EPYC is now widely used in the data center and cloud computing industry and provides benefits such as greater scalability, increased resource efficiency, and advanced virtualization capabilities. Additionally, EPYC technology is used in data intensive servers like server farms, gaming, and virtualization platforms. EPYC ensures that even with large deployments in multi-processor environments, power consumption and performance levels are optimized to ensure maximum efficiency.

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FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are a type of technology used in the computer industry. They are integrated circuits that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. FPGAs are used in a variety of applications, including digital signal processing, networking, and embedded systems. They are also used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. FPGAs are advantageous because they can be reprogrammed to perform different tasks, allowing for greater flexibility and faster development times. Additionally, FPGAs are more energy efficient than traditional processors, making them ideal for applications that require low power consumption.

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LPDDR5X: LPDDR5X is a type of computer memory technology that is used in many modern computers. It stands for Low Power Double Data Rate 5X and is a type of Random Access Memory (RAM). It is designed to be more efficient than its predecessors, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and lower power consumption. This makes it ideal for use in laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices. It is also used in gaming consoles and other high-end computers. LPDDR5X is capable of transferring data at up to 8400 megabits per second, making it one of the fastest types of RAM available. This makes it ideal for applications that require high performance, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

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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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SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.

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