Table of Contents
- 1.0 SS05-0B00-00 Datasheet: Inside the PEX88048 Architecture
- 1.1 ExpressFabric Technology: 50 Lanes and 50 Ports Configuration
- 2.0 Performance Benchmarks: 105ns Latency for AI & Data Centers
- 2.1 Advanced DMA and NT Port Support for Multi-Host Systems
- 3.0 Thermal Design and Power Efficiency in High-Density Racks
- 3.1 18.81W Typical Power: Optimizing Your PCIe Fabric Thermal Map
- 4.0 Sourcing SS05-0B00-00: 2026 Inventory and Pricing Trends
1.0 SS05-0B00-00 Datasheet: Inside the PEX88048 Architecture
In the architecture of 2026-era high-performance computing (HPC), the SS05-0B00-00 (Broadcom PEX88048) stands as a critical traffic controller. As part of the PEX88000 series, this PCIe Gen 4.0 switch is engineered to unify storage, GPU, and networking clusters into a single, low-latency fabric.
The primary pain point for system architects today is the inherent latency and power overhead caused by multi-protocol conversions. The SS05-0B00-00 eliminates this by providing a native PCIe 4.0 ExpressFabric environment. According to recent 2026 data center audits, the deployment of PEX88000 series switches has increased by 38% in NVMe-over-Fabrics (NVMe-oF) applications. You can access the full technical datasheet and IBIS models at aichiplink.com.
1.1 ExpressFabric Technology: 50 Lanes and 50 Ports Configuration
The SS05-0B00-00 offers a versatile 50-lane, 50-port configuration. This high granularity allows for complex fan-out designs, connecting dozens of NVMe SSDs or AI accelerators to a single host without the signal degradation typically seen in legacy PLX switches.
2.0 Performance Benchmarks: 105ns Latency for AI & Data Centers
Speed is only half the story; latency is the real bottleneck in AI training. The SS05-0B00-00 achieves an industry-leading 105ns cut-through latency. This ensures that data moving between the CPU and a GPU array remains synchronous, minimizing the "wait states" that plague deep learning workloads.
2.1 Advanced DMA and NT Port Support for Multi-Host Systems
Beyond raw speed, the PEX88048 features 24 Non-Transparent (NT) ports and 24 DMA channels. This enables multi-host failover and shared I/O configurations, which are essential for high-availability cloud platforms in 2026. The integration of DPC (Downstream Port Containment) and read tracking ensures that if one component fails, the entire fabric doesn't crash.
3.0 Thermal Design and Power Efficiency in High-Density Racks
Managing 50 lanes of Gen 4 traffic generates significant heat. The SS05-0B00-00 is designed with a typical power consumption of 18.81W. In the context of 2026 server designs, where rack density often exceeds 50kW, this efficiency is a competitive advantage.
3.1 18.81W Typical Power: Optimizing Your PCIe Fabric Thermal Map
To maintain the 6.0GHz+ speeds required by modern systems, the SS05-0B00-00 utilizes an advanced 28nm RoboSwitch™ architecture to minimize leakage current. Designers should prioritize a high-conductivity thermal interface material (TIM) and ensure at least 200 LFM of airflow across the chip's surface.
4.0 Sourcing SS05-0B00-00: 2026 Inventory and Pricing Trends
As we navigate the 2026 semiconductor market, the SS05-0B00-00 remains in high demand due to its role in "end-of-life" PCIe 4.0 infrastructure and the massive installed base of Gen 4 servers.
"While the world eyes PCIe 5.0 and 6.0, the SS05-0B00-00 remains the cost-to-performance king for enterprise storage. Current lead times have stabilized at 50-57 weeks, making early procurement for NIB (New in Box) stock essential for 2026 production runs."
Conclusion
The SS05-0B00-00 remains the definitive backbone for PCIe 4.0 ExpressFabric solutions in 2026. Its combination of 105ns latency, 50-lane density, and robust NT port features makes it the superior choice for enterprise storage and edge AI clusters. As the industry matures, the stability of the PEX88048 silicon ensures it will remain a mainstay in data center hardware for years to come. Contains forward-looking statements regarding the continued relevance of PCIe 4.0 in localized AI inference platforms.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum number of ports supported by the SS05-0B00-00?
The SS05-0B00-00 (PEX88048) supports up to 50 independent ports and 50 lanes of PCIe 4.0 traffic.
Is the SS05-0B00-00 backward compatible with PCIe 3.0?
Yes, the switch is fully backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0 specifications, allowing for mixed-generation environments.
What does the "NT" port feature do?
Non-Transparent (NT) ports allow two separate host systems to share the same PCIe fabric while maintaining independent memory spaces, which is crucial for redundancy and failover.
Where can I download the SS05-0B00-00 datasheet?
Detailed technical documentation, including the register manual and hardware design guide, is available for verified customers at aichiplink.com.
What is the typical operating temperature for this chip?
The SS05-0B00-00 is rated for a standard commercial operating range of 0°C to 70°C.
