Broadcom has announced the release of its latest 400G PCIe Gen 5.0 Ethernet adapters, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of data centers, particularly those focused on AI applications. These new products are designed to address the needs for higher bandwidth and improved connectivity in environments where XPU bandwidth and cluster sizes are expanding rapidly.
Key Points:
- Advanced Manufacturing: The adapters are the industry’s first to be built using 5nm process technology, which contributes to better power and thermal efficiency.
- Improved Connectivity Options: The adapters support passive copper cables up to five meters and ultra-low power linear pluggable optics transceivers. They are compatible with Broadcom’s high-radix Ethernet switches, facilitating higher rack density through mainstream air-cooling technologies.
- Designed for AI Networks: With features like a third-generation RoCE pipeline and low-latency congestion control, the adapters are suited to the demanding requirements of AI data centers.
- Compatibility and Standards: The software for the adapters is vendor-neutral, supporting various CPUs, GPUs, PCIe, and Ethernet switches. This reflects Broadcom’s commitment to open standards, aligning with its role in the Ultra Ethernet Consortium.
The BCM57608 adapter series is now available from multiple server vendors and directly from Broadcom. Jas Tremay, Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center Solutions Group at Broadcom, highlighted the importance of these adapters in supporting the evolving requirements of AI-focused data centers. This development is part of Broadcom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in Ethernet data center infrastructure.
