C h a p t e r 1 | P C I e f o r I / O a n d P e r i p h e r a l C o n n e c t i v i t y
By using PCIe switches to distribute a single SoC
link to the required storage, networking, and sensor
interfaces, engineers can create modular, repeatable
patterns for embedded designs.
Consolidation and Extended Reach
PCIe also enables designers to consolidate legacy
industrial interfaces inside a common expansion
path. Systems often use protocols like USB,
Ethernet, and I2C, among others, to interact with
existing field devices. By integrating these endpoints
behind a PCIe switch, designers no longer need
multiple discrete interface chips, reducing the bill of
materials, lowering thermal density, and eliminating
dozens of potential failure points. It also improves
driver integration because many of these functions
reuse the mainline operating system's support.
A PCIe-based I/O architecture also improves timing
consistency across interfaces. Control-plane
interfaces benefit from predictable latency and
uniform configuration paths. Rather than managing
disparate heterogeneous interfaces, designers get a
single, coherent management model.
PCIe works a lot like a Lego set.
You can plug one device into
another, and it just works. That
kind of flexibility is a big reason
it's in such high demand."
Tam Do
Staff Technical Marketing,
Microchip Technology Inc.
8
8 Experts Discuss PCIe for Emerging Embedded Systems
