RapidIOŽ Connections - Special Edition - 2/2007

Definitive White Paper Provides Detailed Technology Comparison of Ethernet and RapidIO Interconnects

To request a download of the white paper, go here.

A newly released white paper, System Interconnect Fabrics: Ethernet Versus RapidIOŽ Technology, offers embedded designers a detailed technology comparison that will prove invaluable as they design and specify standards for next generation applications. The paper, authored by Greg Shippen, system architect for Freescale Semiconductor's Digital Systems Division, NCSG and a member of the RapidIO Trade Association's Technical Working Group and Steering Committee, is available on the RapidIO web site, www.RapidIO.org.

As the white paper's introduction notes, "market pressures demand that each new generation of networking and communications system deliver both higher performance and new functionality at a lower price." As system engineers strive to meet these demands, they turn increasingly to standards-based solutions, and many, by default, consider Ethernet due to its longevity in the market. Yet, interconnect technologies like RapidIO are gaining wide acceptance and in many cases, becoming the de facto standard as in the wireless and military/aerospace markets.

"A white paper on this topic and of this high caliber is long overdue. This document provides essential information that designers can use to make an informed technical design choice."

With this white paper, engineers for the first time have access to an unbiased, comprehensive review and comparison of these two important interconnect technologies. The paper explores system level fabric requirements and provides a technical overview of both technologies before delving into an in-depth comparison. Prior to concluding, the white paper examines practical considerations and economics.

While system requirements will determine whether Ethernet or RapidIO is most suitable for a given application, this paper provides critical information that delineates where each technology excels. While Ethernet will clearly dominate the WAN and the Internet markets, market trends that demand increasing performance with higher levels of QoS, suggest that RapidIO will be increasingly important in meeting many system requirements in the future.

"For too long designers believed it was either Ethernet or RapidIO. This paper demonstrates the need for both interconnect standards and helps clarify where each is best suited to meet performance demands."

Continued on to System Interconnect Fabrics: Ethernet Versus RapidIOŽ Technology -- White Paper At-A-Glance