CopprLink in the works at PCI-SIG
The organization is working on a new connector specs for PCIe 5.0 and 6.0 devices.
The PCI-SIG is introducing a new naming scheme for internal and external cables designed for the next generation of PCIe devices. The organization, while terse in its explanation of CopprLink, has left room for speculation, leading some media to prematurely consider it a potential replacement for 12VHPWR connectors.
CopprLink appears to be geared toward interdevice communication rather than serving as a power source. The PCI-SIG already offers a cable for such purposes, known as OCulink (Optical Copper Link), capable of supporting up to 63 Gbps of bandwidth. This standard might be set for an update to align with the 5.0 and 6.0 PCIe standards, promising even greater bandwidth capabilities. Reportedly, there is also a fiber-based design in the works.
PCI-SIG announced the new naming scheme for PCIe Internal and External Cables will be CopprLink™. The PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 6.0 Internal and External Cable Specifications are currently in development and are targeted for release in 2024.
— PCI-SIG
According to the PCI-SIG website, the organization is currently reviving draft 0.9 specs and that review period ends in February 2024.
CopprLink, Source: PCI-SIG
The full specs for internal and external specs are expected to be released in 2024. Should this really be a cable for device interconnection, then it will first see its use in HPC (data-center) systems rather than consumer segment.
Source: PCI-SIG PR (PDF), Phoronix
