PMC-Sierra Introduces Industry's First 6Gbit/s SAS/SATA Architecture for Enterprise-Class Storage Systems

Business Wire, April 16, 2007

Tachyon SPC 8x6G SAS/SATA protocol controller enables high performance, scalable storage system design using SAS 2.0

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq:PMCS) today announced the latest addition to its Tachyon[R] Controller family, the PM8000 Tachyon SPC 8x6G, enabling the first generation of SAS 2.0 enterprise-class tiered storage architectures. The 6Gbit/s SAS/SATA controller is the industry's first SAS 2.0 compliant device, enabling storage OEMs to provide true enterprise-class SAS/SATA disk-array systems. The device leverages PMC-Sierra's market-leading Tachyon protocol controller technology, preserving storage OEMs' software and hardware investments. The Tachyon SPC 8x6G, together with PMC-Sierra's maxSAS[TM] expander switches and active-active multiplexers, provides a comprehensive end-to-end enterprise-class chip set solution (see figure 1).

SAS 2.0 enhances the SAS protocol to achieve the levels of performance, scalability, availability and reliability that Fortune 500 organizations require at an optimal total cost of ownership. It also significantly improves the connector and cabling within the data center, reducing IT operational cost and improving its overall usability compared to first generation SAS/SATA deployment.

"SAS/SATA technology is gaining momentum in the storage industry as end-users look for ways to meet the continuing demand for scalability in cost optimized tiered storage systems," said David Reinsel, program director of storage research at IDC. "SAS 2.0, with 6Gbit/s data rate and other advanced features, allows SAS-based solutions to offer new levels of RAS (reliability, availability, scalability) for enterprise storage solutions."

"As the market leader in storage systems controllers and disk interconnect switches, PMC-Sierra is in the unique position to drive the next generation of technology for Enterprise Storage," said Travis Karr, vice president of marketing and application for PMC-Sierra's Enterprise Storage Division. "PMC-Sierra worked with the leading storage OEMs to define an architecture that meets the high-performance and scalability requirements for SAS 2.0 storage systems."

The Tachyon SPC integrates a host of leading-edge features, including:

* Compatibility with industry-proven and established Tachyon programming model;

* Support for 1024 end devices for high density storage arrays;

* 1.5Gbit/s SATA and 3Gbit/s SAS/SATA backwards compatibility;

* Eight-lane PCI-Express 2.0 bus;

* Greater than 250,000 input/output per second (IOPS) performance;

* SAS 2.0 compliant multiplexing to boost performance when used in 3G infrastructures;

* Full-featured fault isolation framework application in Host software; and

* Support for the T-10 Standard DIF (Data Integrity Field) to ensure complete integrity in the I/O data path.

PMC-Sierra provides a SAS Tachyon Software Development Kit (sTSDK) that encapsulates the SAS protocol behind an architected Application Programming Interface (API), managing all chip-specific control of the Tachyon device. This software, including sample drivers, allows users to focus their engineering resources on system-level software development, significantly improving time to market.

Availability

The PM8000 Tachyon SPC 8x6G device is available now to select partners, packaged in 672-pin FC PBGA package. For further information, including datasheets and pricing, please visit http://www.pmc-sierra.com/storage or contact PMC-Sierra at sales@pmc-sierra.com.

PMC-Sierra Tachyon PCI-Express Controller Product Family

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PMC-Sierra 3G maxSAS Product Family

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About PMC-Sierra's Storage Products

PMC-Sierra is a leading provider of enterprise storage system solutions for networked (SAN/NAS) and server storage applications, with a broad portfolio of Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA protocol controllers and disk interconnect products. PMC-Sierra's Tachyon protocol controllers, Fibre Channel loop switches, enclosure management controllers and maxSAS expander switches and multiplexers provide the most comprehensive solution for enterprise-class storage systems. Together, these products are providing end-to-end semiconductor and software solutions to the industry's leading storage OEMs and ODMs. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com/storage.> About PMC-Sierra

PMC-Sierra(TM) is a leading provider of broadband communications and storage semiconductors for metro, access, fiber to the home, wireless infrastructure, storage, laser printers, and fiber access gateway equipment. PMC-Sierra offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe, Israel and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.pmc-sierra.com.

Attachments:

Figure 1: SAS/SATA 2.0 Storage System Architecture

For figures visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/pdf/SPC_figure.pdf

For photos visit: http://www.pmc-sierra.com/news_room/images/PM8000.jpg