Utran Technology Launches Innovative PCIe 5.0 Expansion Card
Overview of the 28x M.2 Host Card
Utran Technology has unveiled its PCIe 5.0 add-in card, the 28x M.2 Host Card, at Computex 2025. This innovative device is engineered to accommodate up to 28 NVMe Gen5 M.2 8TB SSDs within a single slot, offering a staggering total storage capacity of 224TB. Designed to deliver exceptional performance, the card boasts a sequential read speed of 109GB/s, positioning itself as a powerhouse in the realm of data storage solutions.
Technical Specifications and Variants
This groundbreaking add-in card is available in two variants: the HM-5281A and the HM-5282A. Both models utilize the Broadcom AtlasII PEX89144 switch to manage internal bandwidth and enhance connectivity. The HM-5281A features a single PCIe Gen5 x16 upstream link, while the HM-5282A employs a dual x16 link configuration, significantly increasing total bandwidth capabilities to 1024 GT/s.
Efficient Cooling Mechanism
To support its high performance, the card incorporates a sophisticated cooling system comprising a high-pressure fan alongside a radiator. Although the card features a compact footprint, its design is optimized for rack-scale deployment. In an ideal configuration, it’s feasible to install up to eight of these cards in a single server, potentially accommodating nearly 1.8PB of flash storage.
Hot Plug Support and Power Management
One of the standout features of the 28x M.2 Host Card is its support for surprise hot plug functionality, allowing the system to detect and manage the 28 M.2 drives even if they are swapped unexpectedly. This feature is especially advantageous for testing scenarios or dynamic environments. However, caution is advised during real-world deployments, as the card itself is not designed for hot-swapping. Additionally, the card does not possess card-level power loss protection, which requires users to rely on SSDs equipped with their own safety measures.
Moreover, the card supports USB terminal control for firmware upgrades and system performance monitoring, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Operating System Compatibility
In terms of software compatibility, the 28x M.2 Host Card supports various operating systems, including Windows, Windows Server, and Linux. This broad compatibility ensures that the card can be effectively utilized in diverse environments, catering to a wide range of user needs.
Applications and Target Audience
While the technical specifications of the 28x M.2 Host Card are undeniably impressive, boasting a remarkable 109GB/s read speed and sub-millisecond latency, its use case primarily aligns with high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. For most enterprise storage situations, the card’s advanced capabilities may be excessive, and its performance could exceed typical storage requirements.
Future Availability
Utran Technology has announced that the 28x M.2 Host Card is set to commence shipping in the summer of 2025. With its powerful features and specifications, the card is poised to make a significant impact in the high-performance storage arena, appealing to organizations that demand cutting-edge technology for their storage solutions.
In conclusion, Utran’s PCIe 5.0 card represents a remarkable advancement in data storage technology, aimed primarily at sectors that require extraordinary performance and capacity. While it may be above and beyond what many enterprises need, its arrival signifies the ongoing evolution of storage solutions designed to meet the demands of future technological advancements.
