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PCIe Technology

The Forefront of PCIe Technology

As the need for faster, higher-capacity data transfer continues to grow, PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) has become essential due to its low-latency performance, scalability and hot-swap capabilities. As a leader in PCI-SIG (Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group)-standard solutions, Molex offers an extensive portfolio spanning multiple generations, including the latest PCIe Gen 5.0, Gen 6.0 and Gen 7.0, ensuring our customers stay ahead of the curve.

Keeping Pace with PCIe Upgrades


While PCIe solutions are pervasive in computing infrastructure, the varying specifications, performance requirements, power consumption and signal integrity issues can make the selection process complex. Each generation of PCIe introduces new features and performance enhancements. Data center architects face the need to upgrade servers, storage systems and networking equipment to fully capitalize on enhanced performance capabilities.

Design engineers must walk a tightrope balancing high data transfer rates, low-latency performance and space-saving design. At the same time, they need interconnect solutions that evolve to accommodate new applications and emerging standards while ensuring seamless backward compatibility. 

As a leader in PCI-SIG standard solutions, Molex has developed a comprehensive range of PCIe solutions that are cost efficient and compatible with both current and future demands. With a strong emphasis on design for manufacturability, Molex ensures that PCIe products not only meet technical requirements but also provide OEMs with customization, higher bandwidth and greater efficiency for faster time-to-market.

Category Product Name Standard PCIe Gen. 5
32Gbps
PCIe Gen. 6
64Gbps
PCIe Gen. 7
128Gbps
High-Speed Internal I/O Connector Systems NearStack PCIe SFF-TA-1026   x  
NextStream SFF-TA-1035   x x
KickStart SFF-TA-1036 x x  
Multi-Trak SFF-TA-1033 x x  
High Speed Pluggable I/O Connector System CDFP SFF-TA-1032 x x  
Near Edge Solution Sliver Cables SFF-TA-1020 x x  
Backplane Connector System Impel Plus   x    

PCIe Technology Applications

Storage Server Interconnect Solutions

Designers of high-performance storage servers face the dual challenge of maximizing signal integrity while minimizing latency in real-time environments. This involves increasing storage density and managing thermal loads within limited spaces. Using high-speed interfaces like NVMe, PCIe, SAS, and 100Gbps Ethernet alongside advanced interconnects ensures rapid data transfer and low-latency access. This approach paves the way for scalable, future-proof storage solutions that maintain optimal performance.

Overcoming Design Challenges in High-Speed PCIe Implementation


Signal Integrity

As data speeds continue to climb, maintaining signal integrity becomes increasingly challenging. Issues like crosstalk, electromagnetic interference and signal attenuation must be closely managed. Molex’s innovative solutions are rigorously tested and proven to deliver industry-leading signal integrity, ensuring reliable performance even under the most demanding conditions.

OCP

Space Constraints

When rack space is limited, packing more connectors and components into tight spaces poses a risk of degraded performance. Molex provides high-density solutions that make optimal use of limited PCB space, offering designers improved flexibility and performance even in applications where space is at a premium.

OCP

Design for Manufacturability

High-speed interfaces rely on precise motherboard design, where trace layout and impedance matching help to maintain stability and performance. Design for manufacturability is a core focus in Molex's product development, ensuring complex designs can be efficiently produced without compromising on quality or performance.

OCP

Backward and Forward Compatibility

To protect their brand reputation, OEMs must ensure that each new PCIe interconnect carefully preserves backward compatibility with existing devices and software while also being upgradeable to future generations. Molex offers multi-protocol solutions adhering to various industry standards, including Small Form Factor (SFF), which are backward compatible and upgradeable across PCIe generations. This approach accelerates time to market, maintains seamless integration with previous PCIe versions and ensures a reliable, future-proof solution.

OCP

Additional Resources for PCIe


Navigating the Future of Data Centers with PCIe Evolution

PCIe technology is essential for enhancing data center performance to meet the growing demands of AI, ML and cloud computing. Molex’s PCIe solutions ensure high-speed, reliable data transfers, keeping data centers ready for future advancements.

Building Blocks of High-Performance Computing

Thermal management, future-proofed scalability and reliable, high-speed connectivity are critical data center design issues when upgrading to next-generation infrastructure. See how Molex innovations support the implementation of advanced modular architectures to help address these design challenges.

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The Architecture of OCP DC-MHS

Hyperscale data centers are trending from monolithic architectures to modular, scalable and pluggable designs with a focus on interoperability. Molex is a recommended supplier for the Data Center – Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) developed by the Open Compute Project (OCP).

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Data Center Solutions

Balancing the need for higher power throughputs and faster data rates with the increasing demand for compact, efficient systems is one of the challenge of today’s Data Center engineers. Molex's next-gen solutions and expansive portfolio enable seamless scalability and performance, ensuring you can rise to the challenge of today's server storage demands. 

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