PCIe® Gen6: The Key Standard for Next-Generation High-Speed Data Transfer
As the demand for high-performance computing in AI servers continues to surge, PCIe Gen5 can no longer meet today’s bandwidth requirements. To address the challenges of exponential data growth, PCIe technology has officially entered the PCIe Gen6 era, providing a solid foundation for emerging innovations.
Three Key Technological Innovations of PCIe Gen6
To meet these demanding requirements, PCIe Gen6 introduces several critical advancements, highlighted in the following three innovations.
PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation)
PAM4 modulation is the core technology enabling PCIe Gen6 to double its data rate. Unlike the NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) signaling used in Gen5, PAM4 transmits two bits per clock cycle instead of one, effectively doubling the throughput at the same frequency.
FLIT (Flow Control Unit) Encoding
PCIe Gen6 leverages FLIT (Flow Control Unit) encoding to complement PAM4 modulation. This approach simplifies data packet processing while seamlessly working with Forward Error Correction (FEC) to maintain reliable communication.
FEC (Forward Error Correction) and CRC
Because PAM4 signaling is more susceptible to noise, PCIe Gen6 implements a lightweight FEC to ensure data integrity and reliability, while maintaining low latency throughout the transmission.
Allion PCIe 6.0 Test Fixture Series: Industry’s First to Support All Form Factors
With decades of expertise in test engineering, Allion excels in both standardized and customized fixture design. We have deep knowledge of global association testing standards and procedures, and long-term collaboration with clients has earned us a reputation as a trusted measurement partner. As early as 2022, Allion identified the surging demand for PCIe peripheral testing and independently developed high-frequency PCIe fixtures, bridging market gaps and helping clients overcome key product validation challenges.
Entering the new era of PCIe Gen6, Allion extends its technical expertise with the launch of PCIe 6.0 test fixtures supporting all form factors. This series fully covers mainstream interfaces, including CEM, OCP NIC 3.0, E1/E3, M.2, and U2/U3, offering the flexibility to address diverse application scenarios.
Let’s now take a closer look at Allion’s newly developed PCIe 6.0 test fixture series.
Overview
● PCIe EDSFF E1/E3 Form Factor (APT25015)
● 2X Calibration on Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Allion Automation AEMS-8T
Overview
● PCIe OCP NIC 3.0 Form Factor (APT25013)
● 2X Calibration on Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Allion Automation AEMS-16T
Overview
● PCIe CEM Form Factor (APT25012)
● 2X Calibration Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Allion Automation AEMS-16T
Overview
● PCIe CEM Form Factor for Lane
0/3/4/7/8/11/12/15 (APT25017)
● 2X Calibration on Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Allion Automation AEMS-8T
Overview
● PCIe U.2/U.3 Form Factor (APT25042)
● Golden Finger Type to reduce U.2 Connector Loss
● 2X Calibration on Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Allion Automation AEMS-4T
Overview
● PCIe M.2 Full Lanes Form Factor (APT22105)
● 2X Calibration Board
Application Area
● PCIe Gen1 to Gen6 Host Electrical Testing
● Automation Solution AEMS-4T
Our Exclusive Advantages
The PCIe CLB6.0 test fixture introduces an all-new design not found in previous generations or competing solutions.
- New SMPM Module – Upgraded from 1×4 to 1×8 for enhanced connectivity.
- One-Piece Solution – Supports all form factors without board swapping or cable reassembly.
In addition to the PCIe 6.0 test fixtures mentioned above, Allion also provides qualified standard fixtures for USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and DisplayPort. We can further deliver customized fixture solutions tailored to specific connector and electrical requirements. If you have any testing, verification, or consulting service needs, please feel free to contact us through the online form. Allion is ready to provide customized solutions to help your product stand out in today’s competitive market.
