Microchip Adds PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 Retimers for AI Data Centers

Microchip Technology has introduced XpressConnect PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 retimers for AI servers and data center fabrics. The devices operate at 64 GT/s and are intended for systems that use PCIe Gen 6 and CXL interconnects across baseboards, riser cards, and cabled links.

The XpressConnect family is a PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 retimer platform used to maintain signal integrity across high-speed server interconnects. The devices support AI infrastructure, memory expansion architectures, and resource-disaggregated computing systems.

PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 Connectivity

The retimers support PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 links operating at up to 64 GT/s. Microchip states the devices are intended for deployments where signal reach exceeds the limits typically associated with direct PCIe connections. Support is provided for baseboards, riser cards, and cabled interconnects used in large-scale server and accelerator platforms. The retimers can also be deployed alongside existing PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 platforms. Microchip specifies a pin-to-pin latency of less than 12ns. According to the company, this is approximately 80% lower than PCIe 6.0 specification limits.

Link Configuration and Platform Support

The XpressConnect retimers support multiple link bifurcation configurations, including 1×16, 2×8, and 4×4 operation. The devices follow industry-standard retimer footprint guidelines and include hot-plug support together with end-to-end data integrity features. Microchip also positions the products as drop-in retimer solutions for hyperscale and enterprise server platforms.

The retimers are intended to operate alongside other products in Microchip's data center portfolio, including Switchtec PCIe Gen 6 switches, Adaptec SmartRAID controllers, Host Bus Adapters, and Flashtec NVMe controllers.

ChipLink Diagnostics and PAM4 Monitoring

The retimers integrate with Microchip's ChipLink diagnostic environment. ChipLink provides configuration, monitoring, diagnostics, and debug functions through a graphical user interface. Connectivity is supported through in-band PCIe communication as well as sideband interfaces including UART, TWI, and EJTAG.

The diagnostic environment also supports real-time 2D eye capture and PAM4 telemetry, providing visibility into high-speed link operation during development and deployment.

Learn more and read the original announcement at www.microchip.com

Technology Overview

XpressConnect is a family of PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 retimers for server and data center interconnects. The devices support operation at 64 GT/s, pin-to-pin latency below 12ns, and link bifurcation modes including 1×16, 2×8, and 4×4. The retimers integrate with Microchip's ChipLink diagnostic environment and support PAM4 telemetry monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What standards do the XpressConnect retimers support?

The devices support PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 connectivity and can also be deployed in PCIe Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 platforms.

What latency does Microchip specify for the XpressConnect retimers?

Microchip specifies a pin-to-pin latency of less than 12ns.

What link configurations are supported?

The retimers support 1×16, 2×8, and 4×4 link bifurcation modes.