Innosilicon Technology Launches World-First 120-Channel PCIe Gen5 Switch Chip
Summary:
- Innosilicon has announced the world’s first 120-channel PCIe Gen5 switch chip, disrupting the long-standing dominance of overseas manufacturers.
- This innovative technology serves as a backbone for AI infrastructure, facilitating high-speed data transmission among critical devices.
- Featuring advanced performance metrics, the chip is optimized for various applications, including data centers and high-performance computing.
In a landmark development for the semiconductor industry, Innosilicon Technology has officially introduced the world’s first 120-channel PCIe Gen5 switch chip, designated GX9104/GX9120. This launch represents a significant technological advancement, as it achieves complete independence in innovation, encompassing everything from foundational IP to architectural design. This breakthrough effectively dismantles the long-standing technological monopoly held by foreign firms and marks a pivotal step in the evolution of domestic high-end PCIe switching chips.
Breaking Ground in PCIe Switching Technology
The introduction of Innosilicon’s PCIe Gen5 switch chip fills a crucial void in the realm of high-end interconnect technology in China. It signifies a transformative leap from the research and development phase to practical market application. Impressively, all performance metrics of the chip have reached levels that align with—if not surpass—industry standards.
Often referred to as the "nerve center" of new AI infrastructures, PCIe5 switching chips play a vital role in facilitating rapid data exchange between CPUs, GPUs, Network Interface Cards (NICs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), and other critical devices. They are instrumental in overcoming hurdles such as the "memory wall" and "interconnect wall" challenges faced by the tech industry.
Innovative Design Meets Industry Demand
The Innosilicon chip boasts a fully self-developed underlying IP along with an innovative architecture designed to tackle pressing industry challenges. Its components and functionalities are rigorously benchmarked against global industry leaders.
Key Features of the PCIe Gen5 Switch Chip
- High-Performance Architecture: Featuring a non-blocking switching architecture, the chip offers 120 channels and supports 30 flexibly configurable ports, achieving a remarkable single-channel rate of 32GT/s.
- Adaptability: The chip supports multiple host systems, end-to-end communication, and non-transparent transmission modes, making it versatile for a range of applications—from data centers to ultra-low latency AI servers, as well as high-performance computing and enterprise-grade storage solutions.
- Robust Reliability: Employing proprietary SerDes technology, the chip includes multi-level Feed-Forward Equalization (FFE), one-click adaptive Continuous Time Linear Equalization (CTLE), and 14-level Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) signal processing. This ensures stable transmission, even under challenging conditions, with an impressive insertion loss tolerance of 36dB, functioning effectively in temperature ranges from -40°C to 105°C.
Cutting-Edge Performance Metrics
The distinct highlights that set Innosilicon’s PCIe Gen5 switch chip apart include:
- Scalable Interconnections: With support for 120 channels, the chip enables efficient interconnection of up to 16 cards, offering enhanced scalability and flexibility.
- Ultra-Low Latency: The chip offers an ultra-low latency of 115ns, unlocking the full computational potential of GPUs and meeting the real-time processing demands of large-scale AI models.
- Enhanced Throughput: Its intelligent switching scheduling algorithm boosts bandwidth resource utilization efficiently.
- High Reliability: Full-link redundancy and error-correction mechanisms establish a robust defense for high-reliability system operations.
- User-Friendly Hot-Swapping: The chip is designed for NTP hot-swapping capabilities, allowing plug-and-play functions that significantly increase system flexibility.
- Sustainable Operations: With low energy consumption, the chip contributes to building a green computing ecosystem, promoting sustainable development and high energy efficiency.
- Comprehensive Security: A tri-layered security architecture, including a dedicated engine, physical unclonable keys, and a software firewall, ensures a reliable security framework.
Leading the Charge in PCIe Technology
Innosilicon stands out as a pioneer in China, being the first manufacturer to achieve mass production of PCIe switching chips. Their previous series, dedicated to PCIe Gen4/3 technologies, has already seen successful mass production and distribution, integrating seamlessly into the supply chains of over 40 leading partners, including ZTE, Hengwei Technology, and Leyan Technology. These applications extend across various sectors such as servers, communication platforms, network security, industrial control, edge computing, and storage solutions.
In conclusion, the introduction of Innosilicon’s groundbreaking PCIe Gen5 switch chip not only marks a significant technological advancement but also positions the company as a formidable player in the global semiconductor landscape. With its advanced capabilities and local manufacturing, this development is set to enhance the performance and efficiency of various applications in the tech industry.
