The following outlines the key distinctions:

1. Data Lane Capabilities:

   
   

   • PowerTrace Serial supports up :

     • 8 lanes/12.5 GT/s

     • 4 lanes/22.5 GT/s with Aurora 2 Preprocessor

       
       

   • In contrast, the Serial Preprocessor allows for up to 4 lanes, with the speed distributed as follows:

     
     

     • Up to 6.25 GT/s per lane for configurations using 3 lanes.

       
       

     • Up to 5.00 GT/s per lane for configurations using 4 lanes.

       
       

     
     

     
     

   
   

   • Serial interfaces are designed specifically for high-speed data transfers. Minimum transfer rates for each system are as follows:

     
     

     • 500 Mbps for the PowerTrace Serial.

       
       

     • 625 Mbps for the Serial Preprocessor.

       
       

2. Design Considerations for PCIe/HSDP

   
   

If a customer plans to transition to a PCIe-based or HSDP project in the future, He cannot use the PowerTrace III with the Serial Preprocessor. Instead, the PowerTrace Serial should be used.