As AI workloads push data centers to their absolute limits, the tech industry is racing to find faster, more secure ways to move and store massive amounts of data. To meet this surging demand, Microchip Technology is rolling out a major expansion to its data center hardware lineup, unveiling new innovations in PCIe connectivity, NVMe storage, and advanced data acceleration.
Here is a look at how the company is upgrading high-performance computing infrastructure from the core to the edge:
Bringing Gen 6 Speeds to Tight Spaces
Leading the charge is the new Switchtec™ PCIe 6.0 Low-Lane-Count (LLC) switch. Designed specifically for platforms where space and power are severely constrained, this chip brings next-generation PCIe Gen 6 capabilities to intelligent edge and broader data center applications.
Despite its smaller footprint, it packs up to 64 lanes and 32 ports. Crucially, it features integrated Direct Memory Access (DMA), a smart addition that allows connected devices to shuffle data directly between one another without bogging down the host CPU.
It also inherits the robust hardware security, secure boot technologies, and multicast capabilities found in Microchip’s larger Gen 6 switches.
Future-Proofing Storage Security
On the storage side, Microchip has significantly upgraded its Flashtec SSD controller portfolio. The company has supercharged its power-optimized PCIe Gen 5 NVMe 5016 controller with Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite (CNSA) 2.0 support.
It’s helping data centers prepare for the highly anticipated era of post-quantum security requirements.
The updated controller also introduces dual-port capabilities to ensure data is always accessible through redundant paths.
Combined with advanced virtualization and Quality of Service (QoS) management, the platform is custom-built to handle evolving NAND technologies and massive AI storage deployments.
Smarter, More Resilient Operations
Finally, everyday IT operations are getting a boost with comprehensive updates to the Adaptec® SmartRAID 4300 family of NVMe RAID accelerators. Microchip focused these enhancements on real-world operational headaches: slashing downtime, locking down data, and simplifying deployment.
The line now boasts serious resiliency upgrades, including self-encrypting drives (SEDs) with both local and remote key management, alongside new RAID 6 and 60 options. It’s also significantly easier to manage without taking systems offline, thanks to dynamic NVMe configuration and peer-to-peer rebuild capabilities that further reduce CPU strain.
The updated SmartRAID family now plays nicely with a wider range of environments including Linux®, Debian, Ubuntu®, and Windows® 11 and integrates seamlessly into custom third-party management tools via StorageCore API support.
Visit the website to learn more about Microchip’s full portfolio of data center solutions.
Leadership Comment
“Customers are looking for technology partners that can address multiple challenges across the infrastructure stack while helping simplify design and accelerate deployment,” said Brian McCarson, corporate vice president and GM of Microchip’s data center solutions business unit. “By continuing to expand our portfolio, we’re providing the building blocks needed to create more efficient, secure and adaptable platforms for today’s increasingly distributed and data-intensive computing environments.”
Development Tools
Microchip’s data center portfolio is supported by a suite of development and management tools, including ChipLink software for configuration, diagnostics, telemetry and debug of PCIe switches.
Additional support includes software for device monitoring, configuration and firmware management, Flashtec NVMe controller development resources and Adaptec storage management software.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and availability vary by device.
Contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor for more information.
