We expect a proliferation of switch-based line card designs because data flow reconfiguration is a cost effective way to harness the power of a new generation of NPUs and related ASSPs for a variety of applications, using a single hardware platform. PivotPoint is an intriguing step in this direction with ample throughput, low latency, and a novel use of the industry-standard
SPI-4 interface.

Jag Bolaria,
The Linley Group

PivotPoint SPI-4.2 Interconnect Chip

Based on the popular SPI-4.2 interface standard, PivotPoint provides efficient interconnection of packet and protocol processing resources on a line card. By introducing a low-latency, fully-connected and reconfigurable multi-gigabit data path to the line card, PivotPoint converts traditional discrete data path designs into completely reconfigurable data paths. The result is a line card design that offers greater flexibility, greater modularity, higher throughput, and lower design and materials cost.

• FM1010: 6-interface SPI-4.2 switch chip, which contains 6 SPI-4.2 interfaces, each of which can be independently configured to operate at rates up to 14.4 Gbps.

Click on the embedded links to learn more about the FM1010 and its unique line-card switching applications.