It has been revealed by the PCI Special Interest Group at their annual developer conference that a new PCIe cable is currently under development that could bring 32Gbps speeds to PCIe cables by 2013.
The new development is a variation on PCI Express 3.0 that would challenge the new super fast Thunderbolt format currently in use by Apple and Intel. The yet-to-be-named new format would be capable of transferring data at three times the speed with eight billion transfers per second, using the same peak four lanes of data over distances of up to 3 meters or 10ft.
Technical Specifications and Advancements
Initially, the new PCIe cables will be using copper, but the technology is expected to expand over time to higher speed copper and optical links in the future. The cable and connector are expected to have a lower profile and be flatter than those of Thunderbolt. This design improvement could potentially make the new PCIe cables more versatile and easier to integrate into various devices, reducing the bulk and improving the aesthetics of connected systems.
The PCI Special Interest Group has emphasized that the new PCIe specification will not only enhance data transfer speeds but also improve power efficiency. This is particularly important for mobile devices, where battery life is a critical factor. By optimizing power consumption, the new PCIe cables could contribute to longer battery life in laptops, tablets, and other portable devices.
Consumer and Industry Impact
The new faster spec PCIe specification will be aimed at consumer uses for desktop and mobile PCs and tablets, together with their peripherals such as external storage devices. This means that users can expect significantly faster data transfer rates when moving large files, such as high-definition videos or extensive databases, between devices. For example, a 4K movie that currently takes several minutes to transfer could be moved in a fraction of the time with the new PCIe cables.
Moreover, the gaming industry stands to benefit greatly from this advancement. Faster data transfer rates can lead to reduced loading times and smoother gameplay experiences. Gamers who use external GPUs or storage devices will find the new PCIe cables particularly beneficial, as they can handle the high data throughput required for modern gaming.
In addition to consumer applications, the new PCIe cables are expected to have a significant impact on the enterprise sector. Data centers, which rely heavily on fast and reliable data transfer, could see improvements in efficiency and performance. The ability to transfer data quickly and over longer distances without significant loss of speed or integrity is crucial for maintaining the high standards required in professional environments.
Furthermore, the development of optical links in future iterations of the PCIe cables could open up new possibilities for industries that require high-speed data transfer over even longer distances. This could include applications in telecommunications, scientific research, and media production, where large amounts of data need to be moved quickly and reliably.
As technology continues to evolve, the demand for faster and more efficient data transfer solutions will only increase. The new PCIe cables represent a significant step forward in meeting this demand, offering a promising alternative to existing technologies like Thunderbolt. With the backing of the PCI Special Interest Group and the potential for widespread adoption, the future of data transfer looks faster and more efficient than ever.
Source: Electronista
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