PMC-Sierra today introduced the PM6352 RSE 160 Serial RapidIO Switch Element, a scalable 16-port switch device for wireless infrastructure equipment. Wireless Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are leveraging standards-based hardware solutions, such as AdvancedTCA (ATCA) and MicroTCA to deliver high-performance next-generation platforms. The RSE 160 features: -- Scalability, with 16 ports running up to 10 Gbit/s per port to deliver a single-chip solution for ATCA and MicroTCA-based platforms; -- Protection and diagnostic features for carrier-grade applications; -- Enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) features for high performance systems; and -- Industry-leading SERDES technology for guaranteed signal integrity. "Customers have a need for a high-speed switching solution with advanced QoS capabilities and PMC-Sierra was able to meet these requirements," said Dino Bekis, vice president of marketing and applications for PMC-Sierra's Communications Products Division. "We are leveraging our extensive experience in high-capacity and high-availability switching and have implemented a Serial RapidIO switch that delivers a scalable solution to address the requirement for carrier-grade service." Scalable Serial RapidIO Switch Solution The RSE 160 implements Serial RapidIO, a scalable, low overhead, high-performance interconnect protocol. With a single RSE 160, manufacturers can scale their systems up to 160 Gbit/s, providing a high capacity, space-saving switch solution for ATCA and MicroTCA backplane or processing connectivity (See Figure 1). "The introduction of the RSE 160 device for backplane and high density interconnect applications is a clear indication of the continued growth of the Serial RapidIO ecosystem," said Tom Cox, executive director of the RapidIO Trade Association. "With PMC-Sierra's high-performance switch solution, equipment vendors can architect their entire platform around Serial RapidIO." The RSE 160 has 16 configurable ports to provide up to 10 Gbit/s. Each port supports bundling of 1 or 4 links operating at 1.25Gbit/s, 2.5Gbit/s or 3.125Gbit/s. The device integrates high performance SERDES based on PMC-Sierra's industry leading QuadPHY 10GX, minimizing chip count for space-constrained applications. The SERDES technology enables connection on a single board, across a backplane, or for shelf-to-shelf connectivity. "The PMC-Sierra switch is an exciting addition to the growing RapidIO ecosystem, which also includes Serial RapidIO-enabled DSPs and processor products," said Mark Skalabrin, vice president and general manager of the Advanced Solutions business at Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Mercury is the developer of the industry's first Serial RapidIO-based ATCA platform for Telecom Infrastructure. "With the RSE 160, PMC-Sierra provides a single-chip Serial RapidIO backplane solution with a unique set of features that are well-suited for ATCA and MicroTCA applications," Mark added. Ideal for High-Performance Systems The RSE 160 has several features that make it ideal for high-performance systems. The device is a very low-delay switch with latency less than 100ns for time-sensitive data distribution and feedback. Furthermore, the device supports strict priority and FIFO methods of traffic prioritization, and includes additional features to allocate bandwidth and to provide fairness in multi-stage architectures. "With the introduction of the RSE 160, Serial RapidIO becomes a key contender as the technology of choice for backplane interconnect," said Jag Bolaria, senior analyst with The Linley Group. "The device offers the capacity, scalability and QoS features that system integrators require, creating a challenge for competing technologies. The PMC-Sierra switch should contribute to the adoption of standards-based hardware for next generation communications systems." Carrier Grade Service Equipment designers can take advantage of the RSE 160's enhanced features to deliver the system reliability that is required in carrier-class networks. Feature enhancements for improved reliability include fault detection coverage, fast protection switching, and port diagnostics. RSE 160 also allows elevated priority of control packets, thus ensuring timely responses to exception conditions. Availability and Customer Support The RSE 160 will be sampling in Q1 2006. The device is implemented in 0.13 micron technology and is packaged in a 31mm x 31mm 896-pin Flip-chip package. The device requires 1.2V and 2.5V supplies, and is rated for industrial temperature operation (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius). A comprehensive support package including datasheets and application notes is available at its Web site.