INDUSTRIAL
Memory Access). As of today, chiplets are the only way to integrate truly complete systems in a single package. The chiplet design also eliminates the need for external chipsets or additional I/O chips, known as “bridges”, saving space and cost.
Siemens has equipped its first edge rack server with AMD EPYC processors.
Why AMD EPYC?
Siemens deliberately opted for the AMD EPYC 9004 processor family to power the servers. Based on AMD’s super-efficient Zen4 technology, these processors are optimised for server and storage applications. With features like an independent security processor and a hardware-based TPM (Tamper-Proof-Module) for a secure root- of-trust, they meet the high security needs of edge and server environments. The EPYC Embedded processors also offer long-term availability and extended temperature range support.
Another key advantage of the EPYC design is AMD’s unique chiplet technology. This brings both technical and commercial benefits, Chiplets, which are individual chips or dies within a single package, enable stacking multiple chips on top of each other in the smallest space. Compared to a monolithic chip design within a package with a limited number of external connections, this approach achieves significantly higher packing and wiring densities. In addition, it is possible to combine chips or chiplets of different technologies and functions in one package as needed.
It was this hybrid multi-chip SoC approach that enabled, among other things, the first x86 server processors in 7nm technology with significantly higher energy efficiency and memory access speeds (NUMA = Non-uniform
The internal Infinity Fabric architecture adds further advantages like high memory bandwidths and accelerated I/O performance, exactly what is needed to address the high requirements of server and storage applications. Ultimately, Siemens selected the EPYC 9004 family because it offers higher power density, more processing cores (up to 96 cores/192 threads), and significantly better energy efficiency compared to competitors, thanks to the Zen4 architecture in 5nm process technology. With 12 super-fast DDR5 channels supporting 4800 MHz RAM, unprecedented memory bandwidths of up to 480 GB/s are theoretically attainable.
With up to 160 processor-supported PCI Gen5 lanes in a dual-processor configuration, along with internal Infinity Fabric networking between each die, these servers enable an unmatched I/O throughput, double that of the previous generation. To reduce the energy bill, which today constitutes the biggest cost factor in running a data centre, more and more data centres around the world are adopting AMD-powered systems. What sets Siemens apart from most of its competitors here is that the company has decades of experience building and deploying rugged industrial PCs for harsh environments.
Rugged high-performance edge servers with full scalability
The Siemens SIMATIC IPC RS-828A server is designed for reliable 24/7 operation at ambient temperatures of +5°C to +45°C. It can be equipped with up to two AMD EPYC 9004 processors, 6 TB RAM (24 DIMMs), and eight drives. The processors are widely scalable in terms of computing power, so core count and maximum clock speed. Dual onboard 10 GB Ethernet ports ensure powerful and
redundant network integration; fiber optic and additional Ethernet connections are possible through PCIe expansion cards. The system can accommodate up to seven such PCIe expansion cards, including two double-slot cards with a maximum power dissipation of 350 W, for example, for AI or hardware simulation accelerators.
The compact design and integrated cooling system with air filter makes it easy to combine multiple systems. This allows building hyperconverged infrastructures or data centres directly onsite in industrial environments. Supported operating systems include Windows Server, RedHat Linux, and VMware; IPMI and Redfish are supported for management. Future support for edge computing solutions like Siemens’ Industrial Edge will facilitate fast implementation of production requirements and enable centralised management and rollout of updates and new apps.
The combination of high-performance server capabilities and industrial PC ruggedness, along with Siemens’ experience, is unique in the market today. Key target groups are OEMs and their suppliers, who can use the solution to build production-site data centres or even complex production systems and/or consolidate and virtualise existing legacy systems. Other applications are found in discrete production and manufacturing environments, or “self-organising factories”, and include driverless transport/logistics systems (AGV= Automated Guided Vehicle), process automation, simulation and test, as well as AI applications. Thanks to their high reliability and availability, the servers are also suitable for 5G and campus network infrastructures.
Authors:
Sebastian Drosdek, Product Portfolio Manager, Digital Industries, Factory Automation, Industrial PC, Siemens AG
Wolfgang Lay, Marketing Manager, Digital Industries, Factory Automation, Sales, Marketing and Promotion, Siemens AG
Built for hyperconverged infrastructures, the industrial Siemens servers with AMD EPYC Embedded processors empower a wide range of applications. For instance, they can be used as a basis for telecommunication services, data centres and private IoT clouds.
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