Serial Cables has introduced a dual-connector PCIe 6.0 adapter card aimed at CXL memory expansion and EDSFF storage attachments in enterprise data centers. The PCI6-AD-x162x8-EDSFF is a PCIe x16 add-in card (AIC) that breaks out to two x8 EDSFF device interfaces for higher-density, cabled expansion use cases.
The PCI6-AD-x162x8-EDSFF plugs into the host with a PCIe x16 edge connector and implements two 84-pin EDSFF device connectors mounted at a right angle. Each connector supports an x8 device interface, targeting CXL-based memory expansion appliances, as well as EDSFF device connectivity, where operators are trying to add capacity without dedicating more server sockets to DIMMs.
Power is selectable. Engineers can choose between host PCIe slot power or auxiliary power delivered through a PCIe 2×6 connector, with selection handled by an SW1 toggle switch. In practice, that kind of option matters when you’re chasing density: slot power limits and cable/connector placement can dictate whether an expansion design is viable in a given chassis and airflow plan.
For management and validation workflows, the board includes SMBus connectivity intended to bridge EDSFF devices to the host for monitoring. It also exposes access for external I²C analyzers, a useful touch for lab work where teams need to verify device communications before scaling the design into production racks.
Serial Cables also built in a “comprehensive header interface” for field and factory integration, including access to MFG and FRU signals for asset tracking and version management. The card provides per-device control headers for functions including power disable, reset, HLED control, and configuration, and it can be switched between single-port and dual-port operation to match different CXL module and storage configurations. Two onboard fan connectors are included for thermal management.
“CXL technology is transforming how enterprises approach memory capacity: pooled architectures eliminate memory over-provisioning, reduce costs, and achieve better resource utilization,” said Paul Mutschler, CEO at Serial Cables.
The PCI6-AD-x162x8-EDSFF is available now through Serial Cables’ distribution network. More information is available at serialcables.com.
Source: Serial Cables
