Accelerate general purpose server deployments with high performance, robust PCIe® connectivity solutions in modular infrastructure based on industry standard specifications.
Specification Background: The OCP DC-MHS (Data Center Modular Hardware System) specification targets server design and deployment with modular shared architectures. The goal is decreased costs and seamless hardware optionality through reuse, circular supply chains, and accelerated server design cycles.
Challenges:
- Requirement to support DC-MHS specs for large server designs with modular disaggregated resources using connectors and cables with highly variable channel loss.
- Running high-speed PCIe over multiple connectors increases insertion loss and crosstalk, creating signal integrity and link stability challenges.
- General purpose server nodes managing activities of the system’s devices require flexible software configuration for customization, Link, Fleet and RAS management, and diagnostics.
- Dense PCIe links between multiple CPU root complexes, PCIe switches, and other endpoints present risks in system design and deployment without rigorous interoperability testing.
Solution: Aries PCIe Smart Signal Conditioners
Aries PCIe Smart Retimer
- Provides flexibility for routing high-speed PCIe signals and extended reach for high channel loss designs to support DC-MHS solutions
- Purpose-built for AI server channels, delivering robust signal integrity and link stability over long distances for modular boards with multiple high-speed connectors
- COSMOS software suite provides comprehensive diagnostics and advanced Link, Fleet and RAS management for cloud-scale deployments
Aries PCIe Smart Redriver
- Ultra-low latency signal conditioning for short-to-medium reach channels in controlled topologies, where board traces and a limited number of connectors allow a redriver to replace full retimer regeneration without compromising link stability
- Using low-power analog signal conditioning where channel loss permits optimizes thermal and power budgets in dense modular server nodes
- Footprint compatibility with Aries Smart Retimers, transparent link training support, and COSMOS diagnostics let designers match the device to each channel’s reach and move between redriver and retimer without a board redesign.
Both solutions benefit from rigorous interoperability testing in our Cloud-Scale Interop Lab with leading GPU, CPU, PCIe switch, network, and storage endpoints to minimize interoperation and accelerate time-to-market.
