Marvell 88SE9170A2-NNX2C000: Powering High-Speed Storage Expansion

The Marvell 88SE9170A2-NNX2C000 is a highly integrated SATA 6Gb/s PCIe to SATA controller, a critical component designed to expand storage connectivity in modern computing systems. This controller chip serves as a vital bridge, translating high-speed PCIe bus commands into SATA interface signals, thereby enabling the addition of multiple SATA ports to systems where they are limited or absent.

Engineered for both performance and reliability, this controller supports up to two SATA 6Gb/s ports, allowing for the connection of hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives. Its native PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface ensures a sufficient bandwidth pipeline, eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring that connected drives can operate near their maximum potential speeds. This is particularly crucial for SSDs, which can saturate the SATA 6Gb/s bandwidth.

A key feature of the 88SE9170A2 is its support for Port Multiplier functionality. This advanced capability allows a single SATA controller port to host multiple drives, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for storage arrays and expander setups, maximizing the utility of a single PCIe lane.

The controller is commonly found in various applications, from high-performance desktop motherboards and server add-on cards to external storage enclosures. Its design emphasizes low power consumption and robust error recovery mechanisms, ensuring data integrity and stable operation in continuous-use environments. By offering a flexible and powerful solution for storage expansion, the Marvell 88SE9170A2-NNX2C000 plays an indispensable role in meeting the growing demand for fast and accessible storage.

ICGOOODFIND: The Marvell 88SE9170A2-NNX2C000 is a robust and efficient bridge chip that effectively addresses the need for additional high-speed SATA connectivity, making it a fundamental enabler for flexible storage expansion in diverse computing platforms.

Keywords: SATA 6Gb/s, PCIe to SATA Controller, Port Multiplier, Storage Expansion, Marvell 88SE9170