A lower-lane-count Switchtec device joins security and management updates for Flashtec and SmartRAID.
Microchip has expanded its data center portfolio with a lower-lane-count PCIe 6.0 switch and updates to two NVMe storage product families. The announcement addresses several parts of server design, from moving data between devices to protecting SSD firmware and maintaining storage during operation.
The new Switchtec PCIe 6.0 Low-Lane-Count switch provides up to 64 lanes and 32 ports, with x2, x4, x8 and x16 bifurcation options. It targets platforms with tighter space and power budgets than those served by Microchip’s larger Gen 6 switches.
Integrated direct memory access supports peer-to-peer transfers between connected devices with less involvement from the host CPU. The switch also includes PCIe multicast, partitioning, a hardware root of trust and secure boot. Microchip positions the device for both data center and intelligent edge systems, although the release does not give package dimensions or power-consumption figures.
On the SSD side, an enhanced Flashtec NVMe 5016 controller adds support for the Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0. The update is intended to help storage designers prepare for post-quantum security requirements. The controller uses PCIe Gen 5 and supports dual-port operation, giving storage systems redundant data paths and load-balancing options. Virtualization, quality-of-service management and programmability support enterprise, hyperscale and AI storage designs.
Microchip is also adding features to the Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 family of NVMe RAID accelerators. The updates include self-encrypting drives with local or remote key management, plus RAID 6 and RAID 60 options. Platform support covers Linux environments, including Debian and Ubuntu, as well as Windows 11.
Several SmartRAID changes focus on service and integration. Dynamic NVMe configuration supports management while a system remains in service. Persistent event logging preserves operational records, while peer-to-peer rebuild support reduces host CPU involvement. StorageCore API support gives developers a path to integrate SmartRAID management into host applications and customized out-of-band baseboard management controller frameworks.
Development support includes ChipLink for PCIe switch configuration, telemetry, diagnostics and debugging, alongside Flashtec development resources and Adaptec storage management software.
Microchip has not announced a single price or availability date for the group. Those details vary by device and are available through its sales organization and distributors.
