PLX PCI Express Bridge, Switches Qualified, Production-Released; PLX ExpressLane Devices Enabling Wide Range of New Applications with Forward/Reverse Bridging, Unprecedented Switch Flexibility.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- PLX Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLXT), the leading supplier of PCI Express and other standard input/output (I/O) interconnect silicon to the communications, server, storage, embedded control, and consumer industries, today announced that three of its PCI Express(TM) (PCIe) devices - the PEX 8111 bridge, and PEX 8516 and PEX 8532 switches -- are fully qualified, having completed extensive reliability, quality, functionality, and compatibility testing programs.

"We're pleased with the continued adoption of the PCI Express standard, as well as the acceptance of our PCI Express switch and bridge products," said David Raun, vice president of marketing at PLX. "Customers started working with samples in late 2004, and since then have begun transitioning to initial production of our fully qualified devices."

Forward/Reverse Bridging Enables PCI-PCIe Design Integration

The PEX 8111 PCI Express-to-PCI bridge allows legacy PCI devices to be used with PCIe systems in forward-bridging mode. This allows PLX(R) customers to quickly offer products that can plug into PCIe slots. Alternatively, it enables conventional PCI processors and chipsets to configure and control PCIe switches and endpoints in reverse-bridging mode. In the case of an add-in card, the reverse mode allows the latest generation of feature-packed PCIe silicon to create legacy cards to service the large PCI installed base.

Switches Deliver Unprecedented Flexibility, Quality of Service

The PEX 8516 (four ports, 16 lanes) and PEX 8532 (eight ports, 32 lanes) are the most versatile PCIe switches on the market. Applications vary from expanding PCIe slots and end points in servers, to enabling multi-channel cards including Fibre Channel, Gigabit Ethernet, and graphics.

The PEX 8516 and PEX 8532 enable quality of service through the mapping of eight traffic classes on the two virtual channels (VCs), with per-port and per-VC arbitration.

Each switch's non-transparent bridge function allows the user to isolate two host or memory domains, enabling use of PCIe technology in intelligent I/O modules, dual-host and multi-host architectures. The PEX 8516 is packaged in a 27x27mm, 312-pin BGA package; the PEX 8532 in a 35x35mm, 680-pin BGA package.

Each member of the PLX ExpressLane(TM) line of PCIe switches and bridges family is available in leaded and lead-free packaging.

Development Tools Speed Product Designs, Time to Market

Along with qualified-production volume of the PEX 8111, PEX 8516 and PEX 8532, designers also can order PLX Rapid Development Kit (RDK) packages to evaluate each device's features, streamline product development and quickly bring designs to market. Each RDK comes with a proven, working hardware platform incorporating the specific ExpressLane device, along with a complete set of board schematics, CAD symbols and layout files for hardware design, and an extensive software support package that includes a graphical utility for access to chip registers, sample drivers and support for Microsoft(R) (Nasdaq:MSFT) Windows(R) and Linux operating systems.

Designers may contact PLX for specific pricing on the PEX 8111, PEX 8516, PEX 8532, and Rapid Development Kits for the three devices.

About PLX

PLX Technology, Inc. (www.plxtech.com), based in Sunnyvale, Calif., USA, is the leading supplier of standard I/O interconnect silicon to the communications, server, storage, embedded-control, and consumer industries. All PLX I/O interconnect products are available in lead-free packaging. The PLX solution provides a competitive edge to our customers through an integrated combination of high-performance silicon, hardware and software design tools, and partnerships. These innovative solutions enable our customers to develop equipment with industry-leading performance, scalability and reliability.

ExpressLane, PLX Technology and the PLX Technology logo are registered trademarks of PLX Technology, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other product names that appear in this material are for identification purposes only and are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.