PEX9712-AARDK

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Overview

The PEX9712-AARDK is a Rapid Development Kit (RDK) for the Broadcom PEX9700 series, specifically designed to support the PEX9712 switch chip. This development platform facilitates the evaluation and integration of ExpressFabric technology into server and storage systems. The kit provides hardware resources necessary for configuring and debugging PCIe fabrics based on the PEX9712 component.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Feature Summary

• Provides a dedicated hardware environment for evaluating the PEX9712 switch chip capabilities
• Supports software-defined fabric configuration through integrated management processors
• Enables testing of host-to-host Direct Memory Access (DMA) and Tunneled Window Connection (TWC)
• Facilitates validation of I/O sharing features using standard SR-IOV endpoints

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Applications

• Development and validation of high-performance computing (HPC) cluster interconnects
• Design verification for hyper-converged infrastructure and NVMe storage arrays
• Evaluation of low-latency host-to-host communication pathways in data centers
• Testing of flexible PCIe topologies including mesh and I/O expansion configurations

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific RDK part number matches the target switch chip variant required for your design. Confirm compatibility with the provided Software Development Kit (SDK) and associated drivers. Ensure the hardware revision supports the specific ExpressFabric features needed for your application. Check for any necessary peripheral components or cabling not included in the base kit.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Selection Notes

Select this RDK when developing systems based on the 12-lane, 5-port PEX9712 switch architecture. It is intended for engineering teams requiring physical access to the switch fabric for debugging and performance tuning. Consider alternative RDKs if the design requires higher lane counts such as the PEX9733 or PEX9749 series.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Part Context

This Rapid Development Kit belongs to the Broadcom PEX9700 series family, which utilizes ExpressFabric technology to converge servers and I/O controllers. The series enables scalable, cost-effective PCI Express-based fabrics for hyperscale systems. The PEX9712 variant offers a compact solution with 12 lanes and 5 ports, suitable for smaller fabric deployments or specific node configurations within larger networks.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Replacement Considerations

Direct replacement kits are available for other members of the PEX9700 series, such as the PEX9716-AARDK for 16-lane designs or the PEX9733-AARDK for 33-lane architectures. Select an alternative RDK only if the underlying switch chip requirements change significantly.