As you scale each successive PCIe
specification, the single most
important idea is that signal
integrity becomes non-negotiable.
Every millimeter of routing,
connector choice, and material
stack-up must be treated as part of
a high-speed RF system."
C h a p t e r 3 | S c a l i n g f r o m E m b e d d e d P C I e 4 . 0 t o D a t a C e n t e r P C I e 7 . 0
Isolation Techniques
To manage increasing complexity, non-transparent
bridging lets multiple processing domains operate
independently while still exchanging data as needed.
Greater redundancy, isolation, and separation in in
complex embedded architectures enable designers
to combine different processor families without
forcing them into a shared memory model.
Similarly, multi-domain PCIe switches help systems
segment traffic and enforce deterministic behavior
across multiple independent root complexes. In this
context, domain isolation helps prevent large AI
workloads from disturbing the timing-critical control
plane. Meanwhile, switch-level routing and quality of
service can provide predictable throughput for all
connected devices. Such an architecture becomes
important in systems like robotics platforms or
industrial automation controllers, where one
processor manages real-time control while
another handles AI or networking.
Furthermore, diagnostics inside the switch
can reveal link quality, equalization status,
error counters, and lane behavior.
Eduardo Eslava
Sr. Hardware Electronics Engineer,
DANA Corporation
22
8 Experts Discuss PCIe for Emerging Embedded Systems
