HighPoint launches PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe switch and RAID series

Designed to accommodate today’s most demanding, data-intensive applications, RocketRAID 7600 and Rocket 1600 NVMe Switch and RAID AIC/Adapter series incorporate Broadcom’s state-of-the-art Gen5 PCIe Switching technology to fully utilise x16 lanes of Gen5 host bandwidth, direct from the CPU, across all Intel and AMD desktop, workstation, and server platforms.

This architecture enables each AIC/Adapter to maximise transfer performance for up to eight independent device channels, and support as many as 32 NVMe devices via backplane connectivity.

While HighPoint Gen5 NVMe solutions are capable of delivering up to 64GB/s of bandwidth from via single PCIe slot, their value, and utility extend beyond raw storage performance. The advanced NVMe AIC and adapter solutions are empowered by an array of new DC and server grade management and pro-active monitoring features designed to extend the lifespan of hosted NVMe storage media, maintain optimal data transfer rates, and enhance the overall efficiency of server and datacentre operations.

48 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen5 bandwidth

HighPoint PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs high-performance switching architecture integrates Broadcom’s 48-Channel PEX89048 switch IC to provide x16 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen5 upstream bandwidth, and ensures x4 lanes of downstream bandwidth are available for each NVMe device channel. The innovative hardware architecture enables Gen5 NVMe product series to deliver up to 64GB/s of transfer bandwidth, minimise latency, facilitate consistent, robust I/O throughput, and support as many as 32 NVMe devices via backplane connectivity.

The PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 Switching Architecture employs a technique known as a ‘Synthetic Hierarchy’ to isolate the host system’s operating system from any PCIe topology changes (physical changes). This enables the AIC/Adapter to directly manage resource allocation to the downstream PCIe channels and provide true Hot-Swap /Hot-Plug capability by facilitating a more efficient interaction between the host CPU and PCIe switch.

Engineered to enhance the efficiency and serviceability of datacentre and server applications

HighPoint PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs/adapters are engineered to address the demands of datacentres and Edge server platforms, and incorporate a wide range of features designed to enhance the efficiency of day-to-day operations, and streamline maintenance and service workflows.

First and foremost, HighPoint Gen5 NVMe AIC’s have been built to high standards of quality reliability, and are fully compliant with PCIe Card Electromechanical (CEM) specifications. The PCB benefits from high heat resistance and superior electrical characteristics, which are essential for a high-performance NVMe solution. In addition, the AICs/adapters are fully compliant with the LP-MD2 (Low-Profile) specifications, and can be easily integrated into any industry standard PC-based computing platform. 

Rocket 1600 and 7600 series AICs/adapters are field replaceable units (FRU); the VPD stored on each controller enables customers and 3rd party service providers to easily procure replacements with the correct firmware/driver combination.

Importantly, all Rocket 1600 and 7600 series AICS feature OOB (out-of-band) management capability; an essential component of datacentre server infrastructure. BMC and MCTP over PCIe enables administrators and service technicians to securely interface with the NVMe AIC without the need for Internet access. The service is scalable and can be used to administrate multiple servers via Linux command prompts to manage storage in both Pre-OS and OS-level environments.

Rocket 1600 PCIe Gen5 NVMe switch series AICs and adapters

HighPoint Rocket 1600 series switch AICs/adapters provide enterprise-class NVMe storage connectivity and administrative capability and are suitable for use with a wide range of industry-standard x86 server and workstation platforms. These versatile, high-performance AICs and adapters are equipped with our revolutionary PCIE Gen5 switch architecture and are capable of directly supporting up to eight M.2, U.2/U.3, or E3.S SSDs, or as many as 32 NVMe devices via backplane connectivity. 

NVMe media hosted by Rocket 1600 Switch AIC/adapters will be automatically recognised by any OS platform with Native NVMe driver support.

Rocket 7600 PCIe Gen5 NVMe RAID series AICs and adapters

HighPoint RocketRAID 7600 PCIe Gen5 NVMe RAID AICs and adapters are engineered to enhance the capabilities of Linux and Windows-based Edge server and high-end workstation platforms. Built on the foundation of the Rocket 1600 Switch series product lines, each RAID AICs/adapter is armed with industry proven RAID technology and an excellent storage health monitoring and management suite designed to maximise the performance, reliability, and serviceability of NVMe arrays.

Rocket 7600 Series AICs/adapters can directly support up to eight M.2 or U.2/U.3/E3.S NVMe SSDs, and are ideal for professional and industrial workflows that require uncompromised storage performance with the flexibility of proven RAID technology and enhanced SED data protection. 

Shipping and availability

HighPoint’s PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs will begin shipping in Q3 2024, and will be available worldwide, direct from the HighPoint Technologies e-store and their authorised global resale and distribution partners.

HighPoint PCIe Gen5 and second gen PCIe Gen4 NVMe product Lines

NVMe switch series 

• Rocket 1628A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to four-MCIOx8 NVMe switch adapter
• Rocket 1608A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to eight-M.2x4 NVMe switch AIC
• Rocket 1528D – PCIe Gen4 x16 to four-SlimSASx8 NVMe switch adapter

NVMe RAID series 

• Rocket 7628A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to four-MCIOx8 NVMe RAID adapter
• Rocket 7608A – PCIe Gen5 x16 to eight-M.2x4 NVMe RAID AIC
• Rocket 7528D – PCIe Gen4 x16 to four-SlimSASx8 NVMe RAID adapter