Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has expanded its data center portfolio with new PCIe connectivity, NVMe storage and acceleration solutions designed to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing and distributed data infrastructure. As AI workloads increase the volume of data handled by modern computing systems, data center operators are seeking solutions that improve processing speeds, storage performance, security and scalability. Microchip’s latest additions address these requirements across connectivity, solid-state drives and storage management.
“Customers are looking for technology partners that can address multiple challenges across the infrastructure stack while helping simplify design and accelerate deployment,” said Brian McCarson, corporate vice president and general manager of Microchip’s data center solutions business unit. He said the expanded portfolio provides components for building efficient, secure and adaptable computing platforms.
The company’s new Switchtec PCIe 6.0 Low-Lane-Count (LLC) switch is designed for platforms with limited space and power. It supports up to 64 PCIe Gen 6 lanes and 32 ports, with x2, x4, x8 and x16 bifurcation options. Integrated Direct Memory Access (DMA) enables peer-to-peer data transfers between connected devices while reducing dependence on the host CPU.
The switch also supports PCIe Multicast and partitioning, along with hardware root of trust and secure boot features. These capabilities are intended to extend PCIe Gen 6 connectivity to a wider range of data center and intelligent edge applications. Microchip has also enhanced its Flashtec PCIe Gen 5 NVMe 5016 solid-state drive controller. The updated controller adds support for Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite (CNSA) 2.0, helping customers prepare for emerging post-quantum security requirements. Dual-port capability supports redundant data paths and load balancing, while virtualization, Quality of Service management and programmable features allow system developers to optimise storage performance.
The enhancements target enterprise, hyperscale and AI infrastructure requiring high-capacity SSDs and support for evolving NAND technologies. Separately, the company has added features to its Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 family of NVMe RAID storage accelerators. Updates include self-encrypting drive support with local and remote key management, RAID 6 and RAID 60 options, and compatibility with Linux, Debian, Ubuntu and Microsoft Windows 11.
Dynamic NVMe configuration, persistent event logging and peer-to-peer rebuild support are designed to simplify maintenance, reduce CPU workloads and minimise service disruption. StorageCore API support also allows integration with third-party management applications and customised out-of-band baseboard management controller frameworks.
Microchip Technology is widely recognized for its semiconductor, embedded systems, and timing solutions used across automotive, industrial, aerospace, communications, and consumer electronics applications. Through ongoing innovation in frequency control and precision timing technologies, the company aims to support next-generation electronic systems that demand higher performance, lower power consumption, and improved operational resilience.
