PMC-Sierra, Trebia build SAN reference platform

PMC-Sierra, Trebia build SAN reference platform
Wayne, N.J. — PMC-Sierra is combining its expertise in serializer/deserialzer (serdes) and MIPS processor design with Trebia Networks' storage network processor experience to produce a reference design for IP-based storage area network and storage system designs.

The joint reference design is developed around PMC-Sierra's PM8356 QuadPHY fibre channel serdes, PM8354 QuadPHY 1-Gbit serdes and RM5200 MIPS-based processors. It also includes Trebia's SNP-1000 and SNP-1000L storage network processors.

The PM8356 serdes device supports 1- or 2-Gbit fibre channel rates and comes equipped with a 10-bit HSPI interface. The PM8354 serdes has four Gigabit Ethernet streams and is supplied with GMII and TBI interfaces.

The RM5321 is a 64-bit superscalar host processor that operates from 250 to 600 MHz. The SNP-1000 and SNP-1000L network processors, on the other hand, provides dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, a 2-Gbit/s fibre channel interface and a PCI interface. The SNP-1000L also comes equipped with an arbitrary loop interface.

The reference system is available now. A support package including schematics, datasheets, software drivers, user manuals, hardware reference designs and device models is also available.