The RapidIO(R) Trade Association, a membership-based organization dedicated to driving the RapidIO interconnect architecture (www.RapidIO.org ), recognized PMC-Sierra’s(TM) newly launched PM6352 RSE 160 Serial RapidIO Switch Element, the first Serial RapidIO 16-port switch capable of scaling up to 10 Gbit/s per port, as a key development in the widespread deployment of RapidIO technology in next-generation embedded systems.
“PMC-Sierra’s announcement today underscores the unique value proposition RapidIO technology delivers for customers developing leading-edge applications: performance, scalability, and reliability in cost-effective packages,” said Tom Cox, executive director of the RapidIO Trade Association. “The PM6352 RSE 160 is an important component that will enable equipment vendors to architect their entire platform around Serial RapidIO.”
PMC-Sierra’s PM6352 RSE 160 is a high density, carrier-class Serial RapidIO switch for backplane and local processor/DSP connections. It provides 16 ports that scale up to 10 Gbit/s, for an aggregate of 160 Gbit/s bi-directional switching capacity, delivering a single-chip switch solution for standards-based hardware platforms such ATCA and MicroTCA.
A recent article in Electronic Design on fabrics describes RapidIO as “simply the best solution for a range of applications … [with] proven interest and support in communications … and other arenas.” These comments reflect both the growing industry deployment of RapidIO products like PMC-Sierra’s new switch element, as well as the development of the RapidIO ecosystem. This deployment will be further advanced through 2006 RapidIO Trade Association initiatives focusing on interoperability, interworking, delivery on the technology roadmap, and system-level demonstrations.
RapidIO is an established, scalable, open-standard, switched fabric, designed by the leaders in embedded computing specifically for OEMs building equipment in the wireless infrastructure, edge networking, storage, scientific, military and industrial markets. RapidIO delivers the reliability, cost effectiveness, performance and scalability required in these markets. In addition, RapidIO actively supports a development roadmap, which is closely attuned to the technology and market changes affecting embedded infrastructure designers.
About PMC-Sierra
PMC-Sierra is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for enterprise, access, metro, storage, wireless infrastructure, laser printers and customer premises equipment. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, contact a PMC-Sierra sales representative at www.pmc-sierra.com/contactSales or visit
About The RapidIO Trade Association
The RapidIO Trade Association and its global members drive the RapidIO(R) interconnect architecture. This ISO-certified, open-standard seamlessly enables the chip-to-chip, board-to-board, control, backplane and data plane interconnections needed in high-performance networking, communications and embedded systems. In 2005, there were multiple announcements of RapidIO products complementing the breadth of solutions already actively being deployed in the market including DSPs, communications controllers, switches, FPGAs, ASIC library support; processor and DSP RTOS software support, and boards including ATCA carrier cards, AMC modules for DSPs, processors and FPGAs.
The growth of the RapidIO ecosystem in 2005 seeded deployment of RapidIO technology in next generation wireless infrastructure, edge networking and military systems. Over 2006, the deployment of RapidIO will be furthered through RapidIO Trade Association initiatives including interoperability, interworking, the next Generation PHY Release, and system-level application demonstrations. Detailed information on the RapidIO specification, products, design tools, member companies, and membership is available at www.RapidIO.org .
RapidIO(R) is a registered trademark and RapidFabric(TM) is a trademark of the RapidIO Trade Association. Product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
