PLX Technology to Drive Deployment of PCIe-Based Non-Volatile Memory Solutions

Industry-leading storage companies and PLX have defined the architectures that will blend PCIe and NVM technologies for applications ranging from consumer devices to enterprise data centers, with the objective of optimizing NVM’s fast data access with the high-performance (8Gb/s, per lane) PCIe interconnect technology.

PLX, the global leader in PCIe switching technology with more than 65 percent market share, for years has been providing PCIe switches to worldwide manufacturers of both disk- and SSD-based storage solutions used in data centers, enterprise systems and cloud computing. PLX is a founding member of the enhanced Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface (NVMHCI) Work Group, which selected PCIe as the host interface, and whose goal is to enable the broad adoption of SSDs using PCIe. The work group recently released NVM Express 1.0, the specification defining an optimized register interface, command set and features for PCIe-based SSDs.

“Having successful, long-term relationships with some of the foremost names in the storage industry, PLX is in the unique position to guide adoption of PCI Express-based SSD designs – and we’re already engaged with leading designers and manufacturers to make these designs a reality,” said Akber Kazmi, marketing director for PCIe switching at PLX. “Between the extensive experience we have with storage-system makers and our role in the NVMHCI Work Group, we expect to be active in the effort to accelerate this powerful combination of PCI Express and non-volatile memory.”

The global SSD market is experiencing rapid expansion. The total market for SSDs is projected to grow to $6.3 billion by 2013, from $2.3 billion in 2010, with shipments reaching 28.1million units in 2013, according to market researcher iSuppli.

”Enterprise SSD products have attracted significant interest over the past few years,” said Michael Yang, principal analyst for memory and storage at iSuppli. “Last year, the industry generated more than $1B in revenue and we project 2011 will further capitalize on that success. PCI Express-based products will be the primary catalyst for the segment with 40 percent compound annual growth rate in shipments through 2015.”

PLX ExpressLane™ PCIe silicon and supporting software provide the high-speed interconnect in server, storage, enterprise and consumer products from manufacturers worldwide. This family of more than 40 highly configurable switches includes devices ranging from 4 to 96 lanes and three to 24 ports, and features the industry’s lowest latency (down to 110ns) and power (as low as 2.3W). PLX recently introduced the industry’s first PCIe Gen3 (8Gb/s) switches – six devices ranging from 12 to 48 lanes designed to optimize servers, communications systems, graphics, and other performance-demanding applications.