Optical CXL for disaggregated compute architectures
Updated: November 18, 2024
Summary
The video dives into the revolutionary technology of CXL Over Optics in data centers, emphasizing its role in enhancing memory-centric architectures and accommodating the rise of AI and large-scale models. The speaker explores the benefits of CXL, such as low latency and increased memory bandwidth, while discussing the significance of optics in addressing signal loss issues over distances, showcasing the cutting-edge Photow Wave product. A case study featuring AMD Genoa processor and Nvidia A10 GPU demonstrates the performance enhancements of CXL memory expansion over traditional SSD and system memory solutions, showcasing the promising future of CXL technology in data center optimization.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Overview of CXL Over Optics Products
Membership in OCP Community and Solutions Provider
Data Center Trends and Growth Factors
Advantages of CXL and Optical CXL
Memory Interconnect and Hierarchical Switching
Importance of Optics in Data Centers
Introduction of Photow Wave Product
Case Study: AMD Genoa Processor and Nvidia A10 GPU
Performance Results and Benefits of CXL Memory
Form Factors and Features of CXL Products
Introduction and Overview of CXL Over Optics Products
Introduction of the speaker, role as Director of Engineering at Lightelligence, and management of CXL Over Optics products for data centers. Discusses the significance of CXL Over Optics as a groundbreaking improvement in data center fabric.
Membership in OCP Community and Solutions Provider
Being a member of the OCP community, mentioned by Cliff recently, and serving as an OCP solutions provider. Encourages checking their solutions on the OCP website and highlights the intersection of AI and optics in the future.
Data Center Trends and Growth Factors
Explores the memory-centric shift in data centers, the rise of AI and LLMS, and the increasing popularity of CXL. Introduces the concept of disaggregated architectures to accommodate growing models.
Advantages of CXL and Optical CXL
Explains the benefits of CXL, such as low latency and memory bandwidth advantages, and compares traditional Ethernet-based architectures with CXL for reduced latency. Highlights the openness and standardization of CXL.
Memory Interconnect and Hierarchical Switching
Discusses the importance of a low latency memory interconnect and introduces the concept of hierarchical switching with CXL 2.0 and 3.0, enabling the creation of compute-to-memory fabrics with multiple switches and racks.
Importance of Optics in Data Centers
Emphasizes the necessity of optics due to signal loss over distance with copper cables, showcasing the advantages of optics in terms of signal loss and future technologies with multi-wavelengths for improved performance.
Introduction of Photow Wave Product
Introduces the Photow Wave product, highlighting its role in extending CXL fabric over multiple racks in the data center. Describes it as a low latency, high bandwidth data center reach solution, marking a new product in the market.
Case Study: AMD Genoa Processor and Nvidia A10 GPU
Presents a case study featuring an AMD Genoa processor and Nvidia A10 GPU with a Photow Wave card for memory expansion. Compares storing models in local SSD memory versus CXL memory expansion boxes.
Performance Results and Benefits of CXL Memory
Shares the performance results of the case study, showing improved decode throughput with CXL memory and the significance of faster model running. Compares CXL memory performance with local SSD and system memory.
Form Factors and Features of CXL Products
Details the form factors and features of CXL products, including PCI card, active optical cables, and working on various form factors. Discusses jitter reduction, electrical retim, and sideband signals over optics for signal transmission.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of CXL Over Optics in data centers?
A: CXL Over Optics is considered a groundbreaking improvement in data center fabric, offering advantages like low latency and memory bandwidth.
Q: How does CXL compare to traditional Ethernet-based architectures in terms of latency?
A: CXL offers reduced latency compared to traditional Ethernet-based architectures.
Q: What are the benefits of using optics over copper cables in data centers?
A: Optics offer advantages such as lower signal loss over distance and potential future technologies like multi-wavelengths for improved performance.
Q: What is the role of hierarchical switching in CXL 2.0 and 3.0?
A: Hierarchical switching with CXL 2.0 and 3.0 enables the creation of compute-to-memory fabrics with multiple switches and racks.
Q: What is the purpose of the Photow Wave product in the data center?
A: The Photow Wave product extends CXL fabric over multiple racks in the data center, providing a low latency, high bandwidth data center reach solution.
Q: How does CXL memory expansion compare to local SSD memory in terms of performance?
A: In a case study, CXL memory expansion showed improved decode throughput and faster model running compared to storing models in local SSD memory.
Q: What are some form factors and features of CXL products?
A: CXL products come in various form factors including PCI cards and active optical cables, offering features like jitter reduction and sideband signals over optics for signal transmission.
Get your own AI Agent Today
Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative
AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your
own custom AI chatbot now!