AI Computing

Enabling Complex Topologies for Emerging AI/ML Applications

The proliferation of applications for artificial intelligence (AI) has spurred the creation of dedicated hardware platforms like GPU-based accelerator trays or purpose-built semiconductor clusters for machine learning and neural network training.

​Machine learning (ML) accelerators need reliable, high-bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity with maximum up-time to keep pace with the influx of data needing to be processed.

RT = Retimer

Requirements & Challenges

  • Multiple connectors between CPU, Riser/Backplane, Retimer and Switch can cause reflections and insertion loss which surpass PCIe® 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 specs
  • Complex topologies with multiple PCIe links and clocking domains​

Aries Retimer Benefits

  • Supports PCIe reach extension 36 dB (Gen5) on both Tx & Rx with best-in-class SerDes​
  • Proven robustness demonstrated through interoperability tests with all major PCIe switch providers
  • Extensive interop testing with GPU and AI inference / training SoC suppliers
  • Supports separate reference clock to accommodate PCIe interconnect​ without needing to send REFCLK across the midplane
Similar Applications

Products

Orderable Part NumberDocumentsDescriptionPackageMax PCIe GenPCIe LanesPack QuantityOrdering
PT5081LRShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0x 8

180

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/PT5081LRS/
PT5081LRLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0x 8

1800

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/PT5081LRL/
PT5081LXShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0 / CXLx 8

180

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/PT5081LXS/
PT5081LXLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0 / CXLx 8

1800

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/PT5081LXL/
PT5161LXLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0 / CXLx 16

2400

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt5161lxl/
PT5161LXShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0 / CXLx 16

240

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt5161lxs/
PT5161LRLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0x 16

2400

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt5161lrl/
PT5161LRShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Astera_Labs_PT5161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs CXL/PCIe 5.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0x 16

240

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt5161lrs/
COMET-REVAhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Astera_Labs_COMET_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs USB-to-I2C Communication Module354-pin FC-CSP

1

Digi-Key, https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/astera-labs-inc/COMET-REVA/13881175?s=N4IgTCBcDaIMYHsC2BTALgAgIYGc0oCcsMAbLAIxxAF0BfIA; Mouser, https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Astera-Labs/COMET-REVA?qs=%2Fha2pyFadujscaAy75Pb6mldQROydX7z1bYmIMd%252Bpx6QoUJRZnAUzA%3D%3D; Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/order-products/?product=COMET-REVA
Equinox PCIe 5.0 x16 Riser Cardhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Astera_Labs_Eclipse_Equinox_Product_Brief.pdfAries PCI Express® 5.0 Smart Retimer Riser Card354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 5.0x 16

1

Digi-Key, https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/astera-labs-inc/EQUINOX-REVA/13982648?s=N4IgTCBcDaIKYEcCuBLAdgewB4gLoF8g; Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/products/smart-retimers/pcie-cxl-smart-retimers/order-systems/?system=EQUINOX-REVA
Eclipse PCIe 4.0 x16 GPU Riser Cardhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Astera_Labs_Eclipse_Equinox_Product_Brief.pdfAries PCI Express® 4.0 Smart Retimer Riser Card354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 4.0x 16

1

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/products/smart-retimers/pcie-cxl-smart-retimers/order-systems/?system=ECLIPSE-REVA
PT4080LRLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Astera_Labs_PT4080L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs PCIe 4.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 4.0x 8

1800

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt4080lrl/
PT4080LRShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Astera_Labs_PT4080L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs PCIe 4.0 x8 Low-Latency Smart Retimer332-pin FC-CSPPCIe 4.0x 8

180

Digi-Key, https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/astera-labs-inc/PT4080LRS/13881176?s=N4IgTCBcDaIAoBUAsAGAHCkBdAvkA; Mouser, https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Astera-Labs/PT4080LRS/?qs=%2Fha2pyFadui%252BsY0Drb6169B9G43CO6KNeQYhy4%252B6jzASnE%2FjnFg7Gw%3D%3D; Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt4080lrs/
PT4161LRLhttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Astera_Labs_PT4161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs PCIe 4.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 4.0x 16

2400

Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt4161lrl/
PT4161LRShttps://www.asteralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Astera_Labs_PT4161L_Product_Brief.pdfAstera Labs PCIe 4.0 x16 Low-Latency Smart Retimer354-pin FC-CSPPCIe 4.0x 16

240

Digi-Key, https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/astera-labs-inc/PT4161LRS/13881174?s=N4IgTCBcDaIAoBUAsBGAbCkBdAvkA; Mouser, https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/390-PT4161LRS/; Contact Us, https://www.asteralabs.com/product-details/pt4161lrs/