Parade Introduces PCI Express 5.0 / CXL Retimer Chip

Rhea-AI Summary

Parade Technologies has launched the PS8936 retimer chip, compatible with PCI Express Rev. 5.0 and Compute Express Link, supporting up to 32 Gbps operations across sixteen lanes. This chip not only promotes backward compatibility with earlier versions (2.5 Gbps to 16 Gbps) but is also engineered for enterprise systems, servers, and high-performance workstations. The PS8936 features advanced equalization capabilities to mitigate channel loss and operates effectively in a wide temperature range. Currently available in an 8.9mm x 22.8mm BGA package, it is set to enhance data integrity for emerging high-speed applications.

Positive

• Launch of PS8936 retimer chip enhances PCI Express 5.0 compatibility and supports up to 32 Gbps.
• Backward compatibility with previous PCI Express versions (2.5 to 16 Gbps) ensures broader market applicability.
• Advanced features like adaptive CTLE and DFE equalization aid in maintaining signal integrity over distances.
• Designed for demanding environments, the chip operates within a wide temperature range (-40 to +85 degrees).
• Current sampling stage indicates strong market entry potential.

Negative

• None.

Sixteen-Lane PCI Express 5.0 Retimer / CXL Chip Supports up to 32 Gbps Operation

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Parade Technologies, Ltd. (Taiwan OTC: 4966.TWO), a leading high-speed interface, video display, and touch controller IC supplier, introduces the new PS8936 retimer chip developed for PCI Express Rev. 5.0 and Compute Express Link (CXL), supporting sixteen bidirectional lanes. In addition to supporting the 32 Gbps data rate offered by the PCI Express 5.0 specification, it also supports 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 8 Gbps and 16 Gbps for backward compatibility with earlier PCI Express revisions.

The PS8936 is the PCI Express Gen 5 retimer addition to Parade’s PS8926 and PS8925 PCI Express 4.0 16-lane and 4-lane retimer family currently in production and PS8570 PCI Express 4.0 4-channel linear redriver in sampling stage. The PS8936 is in full compliance with the PCI Express 5.0 specification and has been successfully tested in multiple OEM systems and PCI Express 5.0 CPU platforms. It is designed for use in enterprise systems including servers and data storage, and in high-performance workstations. Retimers are needed in very-high-speed data channels to maintain signal integrity across longer PCB traces, connectors, and cables. The doubling of data rate that PCI Express 5.0 offers over the PCI Express 4.0 comes with the even tougher challenge of error-free signal propagation, which is why retimers are an integral part of the PCI Express 5.0 specification and system implementation.

“PCI Express has always been an important interface because it’s the technology leader that other high-speed data interfaces tend to follow,” said Jimmy Chiu, Executive VP of Marketing at Parade Technologies. “Parade has a long history in supplying PCI Express repeaters, starting with PCIe Gen 2, Gen 3 and Gen 4 in the past. Our success in development of the PCIe Gen 5 retimer also provides us optimized analog IP that can be leveraged for supporting the increasing data rates of other standards such as USB4 v2, DisplayPort 2.1, and HDMI.”

The PS8936 includes both adaptive CTLE and DFE equalization to compensate for up to 36 dB channel loss at Nyquist. In addition to supporting PCI Express specification-compliant retimer operation for common reference clock, SRIS and SRNS configurations, it can also enable near-zero latency bit-level retiming. It supports -40 to +85 deg. ambient temperature range.

Availability

The PS8936 is available in an 8.9mm x 22.8mm 354-ball BGA package and is sampling now.

About Parade Technologies

Parade Technologies, Ltd. is a leading supplier of mixed-signal ICs for a variety of increasingly used high-speed and display interface standards used in network and storage systems, computers, automotive, consumer electronics, and display panels. Parade is a fabless semiconductor company founded in 2005 and publicly listed on Taipei Exchange (TPEx) in 2011 (stock code: 4966). Parade’s portfolio of signal conditioning IC products serves the growing demand for high speed data integrity solutions for HDMI™, DisplayPort™, USB, and PCI Express interface applications.

Parade leverages its close relationships with market leading Tier-1 OEMs to develop ICs that enable competitive system capabilities. Parade is also a key contributor to industry standards development organizations. The company’s devices integrate proprietary technologies that offer superior signal integrity as well as improved system integration and power efficiency. As a result of the company’s “standards-plus” design philosophy, Parade ICs have been designed into products offered by nearly every leading computer and display vendor worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230118005352/en/

Parade Technologies

Bob McVay, +1 408 329 5540

pr@paradetech.com

Source: Parade Technologies, Ltd.

FAQ

What is the significance of Parade Technologies' PS8936 retimer chip?

The PS8936 retimer chip enhances PCI Express 5.0 compatibility, supporting data rates up to 32 Gbps, crucial for high-speed data integrity in enterprise systems.

When will the PS8936 chip be available?

The PS8936 is currently available for sampling in an 8.9mm x 22.8mm BGA package.

What are the key features of the PS8936 chip?

Key features include support for up to 32 Gbps, backward compatibility with earlier PCI Express versions, and advanced equalization capabilities for high signal integrity.

How does the PS8936 chip impact data centers or high-performance workstations?

The PS8936 chip ensures error-free signal propagation, which is essential for maintaining data rates in data centers and high-performance workstations.

What companies does Parade Technologies collaborate with for IC development?

Parade Technologies collaborates closely with market-leading Tier-1 OEMs to develop competitive ICs for high-speed data applications.