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Astera Labs
Aries PCIe® Smart Cable Modules
Rack-scale AI Infrastructure through Purpose-built Connectivity Solutions
Product Introduction
The Aries Smart Cable Module is a highly integrated connectivity solution consisting of the Aries PCIe Smart Retimer or Redriver and peripheral components assembled on multiple form factors. The paddle card is designed to be integrated into Active Electrical Cable (AEC) and Active Copper Cable (ACC) assemblies supporting a variety of applications, such as straight cables and breakout cables. Rack-scale infrastructure in data centers requires cable solutions that are thin, bendable, and 1-6 meters or more in length. Large AI clusters require connecting AI compute within and across racks. The Aries Smart Cable Modules make these architectures possible by enabling PCIe 7x16 connectivity using Aries 7 Smart Retimer or Redriver applications over thin-gauge copper cables.Astera Labs' COSMOS suite enables system baseboard/system management controllers (BMCs/SMCs) to utilize an array of customizable diagnostics and telemetry features to enable continuous monitoring of critical server-to-JBOG, JBOG-to-JBOG, and Switch-to-JBOG links. Parameters such as eye opening, equalization levels, junction temperature, and more are monitored. Interrupts to the host can be enabled whenever configurable limits are crossed. A full set of self-test features—host-side and line-side loopback, pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) generation and checking, etc.—enable rapid troubleshooting to minimize link down time and accelerate fault isolation.
Designed for High-Speed Applications
- Server-to-JBOG external PCIe cabling
- JBOG-to-JBOG external PCIe cabling
- Switch-to-JBOG external PCIe cabling
Key Features
- Purpose-built in multiple form factors for a flexible supply chain.
- Supports various copper cable gauges.
- Up to 6 meters in length for PCIe 7 with Retimer.
- Up to 3 meters in length for PCIe 7 with Redriver.
- Compatible with PCIe 7, including backwards compatibility with previous PCIe generations.
- 128/64/32/8/5/2.5 GT/s data rates with automatic link equalization.
- Flexible link bifurcation including 1x16, 2x8, 4x4, 8x2, and others.
- Automatic orientation detection for symmetric cable design and operation.
- Supports Common and Separate clock topologies.
- Supports hot plug and loose cable detections.
- Supports lane margining at the receiver and protocol loopback.
- Supports systems with lane reversal and implements automatic polarity correction.
- Low-power advanced CMOS process.
- Supports L1.0 low-power modes.
- Connectivity System Management and Optimization Software (COSMOS) suite for extensive link management, fleet management and RAS features.
- Full featured C and Python SDKs for rapid integration of advanced diagnostics features.
- Non-disruptive module firmware update capability.
Product Family Information
- PM20-5xx (AEC): PCIe 5, Various Lanes, Production Status.
- PM30-6xx (AEC): PCIe 6, Various Lanes, Production Status.
- PM40-7xx (AEC): PCIe 7, Various Lanes, Pre-Production Status.
- PC40-7xx (ACC): PCIe 7, Various Lanes, Pre-Production Status.
Astera Labs Intelligent Connectivity Platform
The Aries PCIe/CXL Smart DSP Retimer portfolio is an integral part of Astera Labs' Intelligent Connectivity Platform. In addition to Aries, there are multiple PCIe, CXL and Ethernet ICs, Modules and Boards that are at the foundation of the platform. Astera Labs' Connectivity System Management and Optimization Software (COSMOS) suite provides extensive Link, Fleet and RAS Management features and diagnostics. Through the combination of software and hardware, the Intelligent Connectivity Platform enables a smart connectivity backbone that is both scalable and customizable for AI and cloud infrastructure.*Astera Labs Authorized Distributor
