PEX9781-AA80BI G

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Overview

The Broadcom PEX9781-AA80BI G is a managed PCI Express switch based on ExpressFabric technology, featuring 81 lanes and 21 ports. It supports PCIe Gen 3 with integrated SerDes operating at 8.0 GT/s per lane. The device provides full line rate performance with cut-thru packet latency of less than 150ns for x16 to x16 transfers. It includes a dedicated management port for an off-chip CPU (mCPU) and supports MSI-X interrupts. The component operates within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C and is housed in a 35x35 mm² package.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Feature Summary

• Supports host-to-host Direct Memory Access (DMA) and Tunneled Window Connection (TWC) for low-latency communication between hosts without protocol bridging.
• Enables Shared I/O capabilities allowing Virtual Functions of SR-IOV endpoints to be concurrently assigned to multiple hosts using standard drivers.
• Features Downstream Port Containment (DPC/eDPC) to disable downstream links after uncorrectable errors, enabling controlled system recovery.
• Offers flexible fabric topologies including mesh configurations and eliminates traditional PCIe topology restrictions while maintaining software compatibility.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Applications

• High-performance computing (HPC) clusters requiring high bandwidth and low latency pathways.
• Hyper-converged infrastructure systems demanding cost-effective high availability.
• Data center servers and storage networks needing scalable, non-blocking interconnection fabrics.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against official documentation, as variations may indicate differences in packaging or environmental ratings. Confirm current lifecycle status, as this model is listed as discontinued by major distributors. Ensure compliance with RoHS directives and check for available replacement part numbers if sourcing new units is not feasible.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring up to 21 independent ports with integrated SerDes. It is suitable for applications needing any port to function as either an upstream or downstream port. Consider the 35x35mm package size and typical power consumption of 21.5W for thermal management planning. Verify support for required features like SR-IOV sharing and TWC for specific workload requirements.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Part Context

This device belongs to the Broadcom PEX9700 series, which utilizes ExpressFabric technology to converge servers and I/O controllers. The series is designed to simplify connectivity in data-intensive environments by reducing latency and power consumption compared to traditional switching architectures. It targets hyperscale and rack-scale systems requiring flexible I/O sharing.

Analog Switches - Special Purpose Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other models from the PEX9700 series such as the PEX9797, PEX9765, or PEX9749, depending on the required number of lanes and ports. Evaluate these alternatives based on specific lane counts, port configurations, and package dimensions to ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility.