De-mystifying CXL: An overview

By _Synopsys: VIP Experts Blog

September 16, 2019

As Data Center and Artificial Intelligence applications take center stage , last few years have seen the advent of various high bandwidth interconnect technologies. Compute Express Link (CXL), is an aspiring new interconnect technology for high bandwidth devices such as accelerators with memory, high density compute cards, and GPU comprised accelerators. The specification is defined by CXL Consortium https://www.computeexpresslink.org/. Synopsys has developed a comprehensive ­­CXL verification subsystem, being already used by Early Adopters planning to release their first CXL applications. CXL verification subsystem leverages industry popular Synopsys PCI Express Verification IP. Synopsys recently introduced Industry’s first CXL IP solution. For more details refer Synopsys Delivers Industry’s First Compute Express Link (CXL) IP Solution for Breakthrough Performance in Data-Intensive SoCs.

CXL is a technology which enables high bandwidth, low latency link between Host (typically CPU), and Device (typically Accelerators with memory attached). CXL stack designed for low latency, uses PCIe electricals, and standard PCIe form factors for the add-in card. CXL uses flexible processor port that can auto-negotiate to either the standard PCIe transaction protocol or the alternate CXL transaction protocol.

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