PLX Technology Announces 24-Lane PCI Express Switch

PLX Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLXT - News), the leading supplier of standard I/O interconnect silicon to the communications, server, storage, embedded-control, and consumer industries, today announced the ExpressLane(TM) PLX® PEX 8524 PCI Express (PCIe) switching device. The PEX 8524 is the industry's most versatile and flexible 24-lane switch, featuring non-transparency and the highest port count for a switch of its lane count.

The PEX 8524 is sampling now.

This device offers 24 flexible PCIe lanes that can be allocated to six highly configurable ports, one of which could be programmed as non-transparent port to allow addition of a second CPU or an intelligent I/O module. The device provides hot-plug capability on every port, large internal packet memory, non-blocking switch fabric, programmable outputs, and multiple configuration options.

The PEX 8524 is suitable for server applications for fan-out of a wide port from the north-bridge in x86-based systems to a larger number of narrower ports. The device is also capable of being connected directly to the PCIe port of a RISC-based processor for PCIe fan-out. Additionally, the PEX 8524 allows graphics fan-out from an upstream port to several downstream ports. Furthermore, the switch can be used in communication and storage applications for high-speed port aggregation, such as Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel.

Only 24-Lane PCI Express Switch with Fully Configurable Ports, Two Virtual Channels

The PEX 8524 is the industry's only PCIe switch with six completely configurable ports, and is designed for use in high-performance systems ranging from high-speed I/O boards to complex switch-fabric systems. Any port can be configured as either upstream or downstream through hardware strapping, software configuration or an optional EEPROM. The device can be used in fan-out or peer-to-peer switching applications, providing a designer with unmatched flexibility in utilizing each lane and port.

The PEX 8524 is designed for the most demanding high-reliability applications, such as servers and storage, by offering both link and end-to-end CRC capability. Though the end-to-end CRC feature is optional in the PCIe specification, PLX has integrated it in its entire product line of ExpressLane switches. Additionally, the devices feature advanced error detection and correction capabilities that ease system development and debug, as well as a non-blocking architecture that improves quality of service and throughput efficiency.

Development Tools Streamline Design

To aid system and board designers in streamlining their PEX 8524-based product development and bring their designs to market faster, PLX is expanding its Rapid Development Kit (RDK) hardware and software to include design tools for the new switch. The PEX 8524RDK kit includes a proven, working hardware platform incorporating the switch chip, complete set of board schematics, symbols and layout files for hardware design, and an extensive Software Development Kit (SDK) that includes a graphical utility for access to chip registers, sample drivers and support library for Microsoft® (Nasdaq:MSFT - News) Windows® and Linux operating systems.

Availability, Pricing

The PLX PEX 8524 PCI Express switch is sampling now, comes in a 35x35 mm2 package and is priced at under $40.00 in volume quantities. The PEX 8524RDK Rapid Development Kit is available now for $1400.00.

About PLX Technology

PLX Technology, Inc. (www.plxtech.com), based in Sunnyvale, Calif., USA, is the leading supplier of standard I/O interconnect silicon to the communications, server, storage, embedded-control, and consumer industries. All PLX I/O interconnect products are available in lead-free packaging. The PLX solution provides a competitive edge to our customers through an integrated combination of high-performance silicon, hardware and software design tools, and partnerships.

ExpressLane, PLX Technology and the PLX Technology logo are registered trademarks of PLX Technology, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other product names that appear in this material are for identification purposes only and are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.



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Contact:
PLX Technology, Inc.
Akber Kazmi, 408-328-3553
akazmi@plxtech.com
or
CommonGround Communications (for PLX)
Jerry Steach, 415-222-9996
jsteach@plxtech.com



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