PCI-SIG intros PCIe 8.0 specs: 256 GT/s bandwidth, with 1TB/sec bi-directional on x16 port

PCI-SIG has announced the new PCIe 8.0 specification will once again double the data throughput of PCIe 7.0 to 256 GT/s, planned for release to its members in 2028.

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The new PCIe 8.0 standard will provide 256 GT/s of raw bit rate and up to 1TB/sec bi-directionally through a next-gen PCIe 8.0 x16 configuration, with the new PCIe 8.0 specification aimed at supporting emerging applications like AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning).

PCI-SIG says the next-gen PCIe 8.0 standard will also be aimed at high-speed networking, Edge computing, quantum computing, and other data-intensive markets like automotive, hyperscale data centers, high-performance computing (HPC) and military/aerospace.

Al Yanes, PCI-SIG President and Chairperson, explains: "Following this year's release of the PCIe 7.0 specification, PCI-SIG is excited to announce that the PCIe 8.0 specification will double the data rate to 256 GT/s. With the increasing data throughput required in AI and other applications, there remains a strong demand for high performance. PCIe technology will continue to deliver a cost-effective, high-bandwidth, and low-latency I/O interconnect to meet industry needs".

PCIe 8.0 Specification Feature Objectives

• Delivering 256.0 GT/s raw bit rate and up to 1 TB/s bi-directionally via x16 configuration
• Reviewing new connector technology
• Confirming latency and FEC targets will be achieved
• Ensuring reliability targets are met
• Maintaining backwards compatibility with previous generations of PCIe technology
• Developing protocol enhancements to improve bandwidth
• Continuing to emphasize techniques to reduce power