PCI-SIG just shared some exciting news with a new update to the PCI Express (PCIe) specs, bringing higher performance through an optical interconnect solution. The Optical Aware Retimer Engineering Change Notice (ECN) tweaks the PCIe 6.4 and the upcoming PCIe 7.0 specs to include a retimer-based approach—the first standardized way to use PCIe over optical fiber.
“We noticed a gap for a universal optical interconnect based on PCIe, and the Optical Aware Retimer ECN is our first step toward a flexible optical option,” said Al Yanes, PCI-SIG President and Chairperson. “We think it’ll first take off in data centers for AI/ML and cloud projects. As PCIe spreads more widely, we’re excited to see creative uses pop up across different industries.”
Optical Aware Retimer ECN
This update smoothly ties in various optical tech with existing PCIe 6.4 and 7.0 Switch, Root-Complex, and Endpoint designs. It stretches the reach across racks and pods, lets you mix and map data between electrical and optical systems, and offers a more compact setup compared to copper cables. The Optical Retimer ECN is now ready for PCI-SIG members to download from the PCIe 6.4 and 7.0 specs on their site. They’re also inviting anyone interested to join their technical workgroups.
What do you think about this new optical PCIe leap? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Source: Business Wire
