The HighPoint Rocket 1628A is a high-performance PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4x MCIOx8 NVMe Switch Adapter, designed to provide robust, high-density NVMe storage expansion for enterprise servers, workstations, datacenters, and edge computing environments.

Built around a PCIe 5.0 x16 host interface, the Rocket 1628A provides four MCIO 8i (SFF-1016) ports, with dedicated x8 PCIe lanes per port. The adapter can directly support up to 8 NVMe devices, or scale to as many as 32 devices through compatible storage backplanes.

The Rocket 1628A is designed for demanding, data-intensive workloads including AI/ML, Big Data analytics, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, and Enterprise Storage. Its compact LP-MD2 form factor is compliant with industry-standard server and workstation specifications, making it suitable for high-density storage infrastructure.

The adapter leverages Broadcom’s 48-lane PEX89048 PCIe Switch IC to provide high-density downstream connectivity while optimizing signal integrity, stability, and latency.

Key Features

• PCIe Gen5 x16 Host Interface
• 4x MCIO 8i (SFF-1016) Ports
• Dedicated x8 PCIe lanes per MCIO port
• Supports up to 8 NVMe devices directly
• Supports up to 32 NVMe devices via compatible backplanes
• Supports U.2, U.3, E3.S and E1.S NVMe SSDs
• Powered by Broadcom PEX89048 48-lane PCIe Switch IC
• Designed for high-density NVMe storage expansion
• Plug-and-play storage expansion solution
• Native mainstream operating system support
• Driverless deployment experience
• Supports x86 Intel/AMD and ARM platforms
• Supports Hot-Plug and Hot-Swap
• Supports multiple adapters within a single workstation or server
• Configurable firmware solutions for different storage infrastructures
• Up to 60GB/s with support for up to 32 devices

High-Density NVMe Storage Expansion

The Rocket 1628A is designed to maximize storage connectivity through a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Its four MCIO 8i ports provide dedicated x8 lanes, allowing the adapter to connect to multiple NVMe devices and industry-standard storage backplanes.

The adapter can directly host up to eight U.2, U.3, E3.S and E1.S SSDs, while backplane configurations can expand connectivity to as many as 32 devices. This makes it particularly suitable for enterprise and datacenter storage environments where high device density is required.

Broadcom PCIe Switching Technology

The Rocket 1628A utilizes the Broadcom PEX89048 PCIe Switch IC, providing a 48-lane PCIe switching architecture.

This switching technology is designed to:

• Provide high-density downstream connectivity
• Optimize PCIe signal integrity
• Improve connection stability
• Minimize latency
• Maximize the performance potential of a PCIe x16 slot

This architecture allows the Rocket 1628A to provide scalable NVMe connectivity while maintaining efficient PCIe communication between the host system and connected storage devices.

Flexible and Scalable Storage Architecture

The Rocket 1628A is designed with flexible firmware and configurable PCIe lane options, allowing storage configurations to be tailored according to the requirements of different applications and infrastructure.

Its scalable architecture can accommodate various deployment requirements, from direct-to-device NVMe connections to large enterprise storage backplanes.

The adapter supports UBM (Universal Backplane Management) and VPP (Virtual Pin Port) specifications, along with real-time storage health and connectivity monitoring. It also supports communication interfaces including SMBus, I2C, MCTP and SMC, providing additional flexibility for storage administration and management.

Enterprise and Datacenter NVMe Support

The Rocket 1628A supports enterprise and datacenter-class NVMe media, including:

• U.2 NVMe SSDs
• U.3 NVMe SSDs
• E3.S NVMe SSDs
• E1.S NVMe SSDs

This makes the adapter suitable for modern enterprise storage infrastructures requiring high-performance NVMe connectivity and scalable device expansion.

Native Driverless Operating System Support

The Rocket 1628A is designed for a streamlined deployment experience through native operating system support. It utilizes Broadcom’s embedded MPT driver together with native NVMe drivers provided by the operating system.

Compatible environments include modern Windows, Windows Server and Linux-based operating systems, as well as platforms including Azure and Hyper-V. Supported Linux distributions listed by the source include RHEL, Debian, Ubuntu and Rocky Linux.

The connected NVMe media can be recognized by supported operating systems as standard physical disks, allowing administrators to format and partition storage using the operating system’s standard storage tools or software-defined storage applications.

Hot-Plug and Hot-Swap Support

The Rocket 1628A provides integrated NVMe Hot-Plug and Hot-Swap capabilities, allowing administrators to add or remove supported SSD devices while the host platform remains online.

This functionality can simplify storage maintenance, upgrades and servicing in enterprise and datacenter environments.

Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

The adapter incorporates field-service features designed to simplify monitoring and maintenance.

Intelligent Self-Diagnostic LEDs and Alarms

Built-in LED indicators and audible alarms can help administrators assess:

• NVMe media status
• PCIe connection status
• PCIe switch hardware temperature

These visual and audible indicators are designed to provide quick status information during system operation and service activities.

FRU Support

The Rocket 1628A supports FRU (Field Replicable Unit) functionality. Its stored VPD information helps customers and service providers identify and procure replacement adapters with the appropriate firmware and driver combination.

HighPoint MPT Utility

The HighPoint MPT Utility provides advanced real-time monitoring and diagnostic functionality for the Switch Adapter, helping administrators monitor and manage the storage expansion hardware.

Advanced Cooling Solution

The Rocket 1628A features an advanced PCIe Gen5 NVMe hardware cooling design. Its full-length aluminum heat exchanger incorporates an innovative copper piping system designed to efficiently move heat away from the PEX89048 switch IC and controller components.

This thermal design helps manage heat generated during demanding workloads and is intended to support the longevity and reliability of the adapter hardware.

Versatile Cabling and Backplane Connectivity

The Rocket 1628A supports a variety of industry-standard storage chassis and connectivity configurations.

It can interface with:

• Internal 2.5-inch drive bays
• Mobile racks
• Storage backplanes
• Direct-to-device NVMe configurations

Supported direct SSD connection options include SFF-8639 for U.2/U.3 SSDs and SFF-TA-1002 for E1.S/E3.S SSDs.

Backplane and mobile-rack connectivity options include MCIO, SFF-8654 and SFF-8643 interfaces.

Multi-Adapter Configuration

The Rocket 1628A supports flexible multi-adapter deployments. When a system provides the required free PCIe x16 slots, multiple NVMe Switch Adapters can operate within a single workstation or server environment.

Up to four NVMe Switch Adapters can coexist in a compatible platform, with each adapter recognized by the operating system as an independent device.

This enables system administrators to scale storage connectivity according to the requirements of large storage infrastructures and high-performance workloads.

PCIe Peer-to-Peer and GPU Direct Storage

The Rocket 1628A supports HighPoint’s PCIe Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture, which enables compatible devices such as NVMe storage and GPUs to exchange data directly across the PCIe fabric.

For supported NVIDIA platforms, GPUDirect Storage (GDS) can enable direct data transfers between NVMe storage and GPU memory. This architecture can help reduce unnecessary CPU and system-memory transfers and is designed for demanding workloads such as AI, HPC, media processing and data-intensive applications.

Applications and Use Cases

The Rocket 1628A is designed for a broad range of enterprise and professional storage applications.

AI & Machine Learning

The adapter is suitable for neural-network training, AI algorithm workloads and real-time data analytics. High-throughput NVMe connectivity can help accelerate data loading and model-training workflows.

Big Data Analytics

For applications processing large datasets, the Rocket 1628A provides high-density NVMe connectivity designed for rapid access to storage.

It is suitable for real-time analytics, business intelligence and other data-intensive applications where fast access to large datasets is important.

Cloud Computing & Virtualization

The Rocket 1628A is suitable for cloud computing environments and virtual-machine hosting. Its high-speed NVMe connectivity and native Windows/Linux support can be used for VM platforms and cloud storage services.

Enterprise Servers & Datacenters

The adapter’s support for enterprise NVMe media, low-profile form factor and native hardware support make it suitable for servers, datacenters and rackmount storage environments.

It is designed to simplify storage service and upgrade workflows while providing high-density connectivity.

Edge Computing

The Rocket 1628A can be integrated into industrial platforms, edge servers and workstations. Its low-profile form factor makes it suitable for compact rackmount chassis and space-constrained infrastructure.

Key Benefits

• High-Density Storage Expansion: Connect multiple NVMe devices through a single PCIe expansion solution.
• High-Speed PCIe Gen5 Architecture: Uses a PCIe 5.0 x16 host interface.
• Scalable Connectivity: Supports up to 8 direct NVMe devices and up to 32 devices through compatible backplanes.
• Enterprise NVMe Support: Compatible with U.2, U.3, E3.S and E1.S NVMe media.
• Low Latency: Broadcom PCIe switching technology is designed to optimize signal integrity and minimize latency.
• Driverless Deployment: Native operating system support simplifies installation and maintenance.
• Hot-Swap Capability: Enables supported SSD devices to be added or removed while the host remains online.
• Flexible Cabling: Supports multiple industry-standard direct and backplane connectivity options.
• Multi-Adapter Support: Allows multiple adapters to coexist in compatible server and workstation platforms.
• Professional Monitoring: Provides diagnostic LEDs, alarms and monitoring capabilities.
• Advanced Cooling: Full-length aluminum heat exchanger and copper piping help manage thermal output.
• AI/HPC Ready: Designed for data-intensive AI, ML, HPC and analytics workloads.

Technical Specifications

Ideal for High-Performance Storage Infrastructure

The Rocket 1628A provides a scalable and flexible solution for organizations that require high-density NVMe storage connectivity in servers, workstations, datacenters and edge computing platforms.

With its PCIe Gen5 x16 host interface, four MCIO 8i ports, Broadcom PEX89048 PCIe switch, enterprise NVMe support, hot-plug/hot-swap capability, native OS support and flexible cabling options, the Rocket 1628A is designed to meet the demands of modern high-performance storage environments.

Its combination of scalability, connectivity density, monitoring features and enterprise-oriented serviceability makes it an ideal solution for AI/ML, Big Data analytics, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Enterprise Servers, Datacenters and Edge Computing applications.