BRCM: Broadcom Launches Next Generation of Server I/O Controllers Featuring a Modular Architecture for Platform Scalability

Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today introduced its second generation of server I/O controller silicon based on HyperTransport® technology. The new Broadcom® controller features a modular architecture for platform scalability, enabling server OEM customers to optimally configure their servers for specific market segments while achieving better energy efficiencies, lower system costs and faster time-to-market. Broadcom's modular approach to server chipset architecture provides server OEMs with the freedom to choose the appropriate I/O and feature set for today's mainstream multi-socket servers, server towers and blade server designs.


Broadcom's flexible server I/O architecture enables OEMs to manage the cost structure of their server systems and customize feature sets best suited for each particular server market segment. The scalable architecture also enables OEMs to expand beyond the dual-socket segment into multi-socket product segments while leveraging the existing enterprise-class architecture. Therefore, end users can now take advantage of server-class reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) features regardless of the server segment. These same RAS features that have become standard in the 4-way and above server segment are now available to the 2-way volume server market.

A server I/O controller chip acts as the interface from processor(s) to other I/O protocols, such as PCI-Express® (via the open standard HyperTransport bus technology) to facilitate data transmission in a server system. Announced today is the Broadcom HT-2100 server I/O controller chip and platform solution designed to solve cost and usability issues for server OEMs. The modular architecture of the HT-2100 controller enables server OEMs to use the same chipset family and software for multiple server markets, requiring minimal changes. By leveraging Broadcom's industry-leading, field proven I/O technology and expertise, the new server I/O controller demonstrates Broadcom's commitment in providing flexible, reliable and scalable server I/O products with the best mix of performance, power consumption and cost-effectiveness.

"AMD applauds Broadcom on the launch of its second generation HyperTransport technology-based server I/O solution," said Pat Patla, Director, Server/Workstation Marketing, AMD (NYSE: AMD). "By supporting Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors and leveraging AMD's revolutionary Direct Connect Architecture, Broadcom demonstrates its ability to deliver robust I/O platform solutions to server OEM customers. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Broadcom."

"By integrating Broadcom's second generation server I/O controllers based on HyperTransport technology in our servers and server blades, we are able to deliver leading innovation and a balanced system architecture that our customers have come to rely on," said Paul Miller, vice president, marketing, Industry Standard Servers and BladeSystem, HP. "HP's comprehensive ProLiant and BladeSystem Opteron-based server portfolio gives customers the most choice and functionality at competitive price points."

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Broadcom for our new IBM System x and BladeCenter servers based on Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors," said Kelvin Hawkins, director of hardware development, IBM System x. "IBM's collaboration with Broadcom has enabled time-to-market delivery of highly-validated and robust IBM systems based on Broadcom's entire portfolio of chipset platform solutions."

"Broadcom's flexible architecture allows TYAN to come up with multiple server designs that leverage the same I/O resources, enabling faster time to market while still allowing for product differentiation," said Danny Hsu, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at TYAN Computer Corp.

The HT-2100 server I/O controller features a high performance HyperTransport to PCI-Express bridge that is capable of tunneling data between two HyperTransport ports. The HT-2100 also features 1 GHz HyperTransport technology, 24 lanes of PCI-Express and a HyperTransport tunnel to provide the speed and bandwidth required for next generation I/O protocols.

"Broadcom's HT-2100 controller continues our philosophy of providing modular, flexible and scalable I/O solutions that leverage existing designs and future-proof platform designs," said Wei-Ai Tai, Director of Marketing for Broadcom's Server I/O Line of Business. "Our server OEM customers benefit from the extensive industry-wide validation of our products, as we strive to provide the most robust I/O solution in the server market."

Availability and Pricing

The HT-2100 server I/O controller has been released in mass production. Pricing is available upon request.