The PEX8618-BA50BC is a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) switch manufactured by PLX Technology (now Broadcom). It is designed to provide high-performance connectivity and switching capabilities in various applications, including servers, storage systems, and embedded systems. This switch allows multiple devices to share a single PCIe link, increasing bandwidth and reducing latency.

Applications

• Servers: Used in servers to expand PCIe connectivity and support multiple add-in cards.
• Storage Systems: Implemented in storage systems to enable high-speed data transfer between storage devices and the host system.
• Embedded Systems: Integrated into embedded systems requiring high-performance PCIe connectivity.
• Industrial PCs: Employed in industrial PCs to support multiple expansion cards and peripherals.
• Networking Equipment: Utilized in networking equipment for PCIe-based data transfer and switching.

Features

• PCIe Gen 2 Switch: Supports PCIe Gen 2, offering data rates up to 5 GT/s per lane.
• 18 Lanes: Provides 18 PCIe lanes for flexible configuration and connectivity.
• Non-Transparent Bridging (NTB): Supports NTB for inter-system communication and data sharing.
• Hot-Plug Support: Enables hot-plugging of PCIe devices for easy maintenance and upgrades.
• Advanced Error Reporting: Offers advanced error reporting for enhanced system reliability.
• Low Latency: Designed for low-latency data transfer, improving overall system performance.

Benefits

• Increased Bandwidth: Expands PCIe bandwidth to support multiple high-performance devices.
• Flexible Configuration: Offers flexible lane configuration to meet specific application requirements.
• Improved System Performance: Reduces latency and enhances overall system performance.
• Enhanced Reliability: Provides advanced error reporting and hot-plug support for increased system reliability.
• Inter-System Communication: Enables inter-system communication and data sharing through NTB support.

Additional Details

The PEX8618-BA50BC is typically available in a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package. It requires a stable power supply for reliable operation. Configuration options are typically set through registers accessible via PCIe configuration space. It supports various features such as peer-to-peer communication and quality of service (QoS) for prioritized data transfer. It can be used in applications requiring PCIe fan-out and aggregation.