Bill Wilson, New Product Development Manager, Molex
Data centers need to optimize for efficiency, scalability, and adaptability.
Data center demands are rising at a breakneck pace. This means system design engineers must stay one step ahead of the game, developing faster and more compact hardware solutions to address the exploding need for computing power. Today, with the growing interest and limitless potential found in applications fueled by data- rich artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), it is more crucial than ever for data centers to optimize their architecture for efficiency, scalability, and adaptability.
One key strategy for accomplishing these goals is standardization. In the past, engineers chose from an array of hardware and connectivity solutions, each requiring its own testing, qualification, and supply chain, but standardization across the industry presents many benefits. It permits customers to choose from tested and field-proven technologies and systems with an expected baseline of functionality and reliability. Standardization also reduces supply chain and procurement risks by offering multiple suppliers for each product. And with faster time to market for common components, standardization can enable easier and more seamless upscaling and system expansion, helping system designers adapt more rapidly to changing demands.
The Open Compute Project (OCP) is at the forefront of this standardization effort. OCP works with data center hardware manufacturers not only to develop standard solutions, but also to innovate and improve data center architectures through miniaturization and modularization. The DC- MHS (Data Center Modular Hardware System) effort within OCP aims to adopt a list of standard interconnect and hardware solutions that will simplify, streamline, and modularize server design. This approach will make it easier for users to scale their capacities and capabilities while helping to enable the improved performance emanded by today’s data-rich applications.
At the heart of these efforts is evolving hardware technology itself. To enable the miniaturization that is necessary to deliver greater computing power without a commensurate increase in the space required, it is vital to simplify server architecture. To help achieve this, DC- MHS standard designs rely on all-in-one hardware solutions that consolidate multiple functions into one. An example is Molex’s KickStart Connector System, which is recommended inOCP’s M-PIC specification for cable-optimized, boot- peripheral connectors.
KickStart is a small form factor (SFF TA-1036) connector that incorporates high-speed data, low-speed data, and power circuits into a single low- profile, cable-based connector. By combining these functions into a single assembly, the design enables a reduction in the number of components needed for the server and a simplification of the design process. This miniaturized design optimizes space facilitating more compact server architectures, while supporting PCIe Gen 5 data transfer rates of up to 32Gbps NRZ. The KickStart connector is based on the robust design of the proven NearStack PCIe connector for optimal mechanical experience.
The path forward for data center architectures seems clear. All-in-one component and interconnect solutions like KickStart are simplifying server design. Standardization is improving supply chain challenges and shortening time to market. Modularization, supported by advances in miniaturization, is enabling better scalability to meet changing market demands. Embracing these trends offers many benefits, including lower costs, reduced procurement risks, optimized space usage, improved flexibility, and an enhanced ability to meet changing market needs. As data storage and networking demands continue to exhibit strong, AI-driven growth, data centers will do well to take advantage of these solutions.