As AI data centers expand around large-scale GPU clusters, internal server connectivity technology is emerging as a new design challenge. In response to this demand, Microchip Technology has launched the XpressConnect retimer family based on PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1.

Microchip announced on the 4th that it has unveiled XpressConnect PCIe 6.0 and CXL 3.1 retimers. With the increase in AI workloads, data centers are shifting toward structures that connect multiple GPUs and memory resources at high speeds, and in the 64GT/s transmission environment of PCIe 6.0, signal reach and latency are identified as key variables for system expansion.

This product is designed to extend signal reach in PCIe Gen5 and Gen6-based server environments and maintain data transmission quality even in complex configurations such as baseboards, riser cards, and cable interconnects. The company explained that it achieved approximately 80% lower latency performance compared to the PCIe 6.0 standard by reducing pin-to-pin latency to less than 12ns.

Brian McCarson, Vice President of Microchip’s Data Center Solutions business unit, said, “In AI data centers, not only computational performance but also the efficiency with which data is moved across the system is becoming a key constraint,” adding, “XpressConnect Retimer is designed to enhance connectivity between high-density GPU clusters and support the construction of scalable fabrics.”

The XpressConnect Retimer is designed to work in conjunction with Microchip's existing data center product family, such as PCIe Gen6 switches and storage controllers. It can also be integrated with PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 platforms, enabling it to be utilized for transitioning from existing server infrastructure to next-generation interconnect environments.

As investment in AI infrastructure expands, high-speed connectivity technology within data centers is emerging as a key element of server design. With this product, Microchip strengthens its data center solution portfolio encompassing high-performance computing, storage, and connectivity.