Repeaters triple the reach of PCIe Gen-3 standard

National Semiconductor Corp. introduced a new family of PCI Express (PCIe) Gen-3 (8 Gbps) repeaters for data center servers and storage systems.

National's PCIe repeaters passed Gen-3 interoperability testing with Intel server processors and multiple third-party PCIe controllers at the PCI-SIG Compliance Workshop, held the week of April 18, 2011. The tests included link training and data transactions in x4, x8 and x16 configurations at Gen-1, Gen-2 and Gen-3 speeds. 

Powered by National's third-generation SiGe BiCMOS process, the PCIe repeaters solve the signal integrity challenges presented by the 8 Gbps Gen-3 data rate. The DS80PCI102, DS80PCI402 and DS80PCI800 accomplish this by providing receive equalization gain up to 36 dB and transmit de-emphasis of 12 dB to deliver 3x the signal reach and half the power (65 mW/channel) of competitive devices, according to National.

The PowerWise repeaters enable up to 40 inches of FR-4 backplane reach to simplify migration from Gen-2 to Gen-3 data rates, making it possible for system designers to use inexpensive, higher loss cable and board interconnects.

The DS80PCI402 enables implementation of x4 PCIe interfaces while the DS80PCI800 is intended for higher density interfaces such as x8 and x16. The DS80PCI102's x1 interface is well-suited for industrial and desktop applications.

Pricing and Availability: Sampling now and offered in 10 mm by 5.5 mm, 54-pin leadless LLP packages, the DS80PCI800 (8-channel) repeater is priced at $7.95 each and the DS80PCI402 (4-lane) is priced at $5.95 each. The single-channel DS80PCI102 is supplied in a 24-pin LLP package and is priced at $3.95 each. All prices are in small volume quantities. Production quantities will be available in the third quarter of 2011.

Datasheets:  DS80PCI800, DS80PCI402 and DS80PCI102.

To see a video demonstration, visit http://bit.ly/DS80PCI402.