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Discussion on:
Intel's Light Peak to cut the cables

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"multiple devices could be strung in series...."
Rick S._z 25th Sep 2009
Of course Intel is intending to replace these ports as well. Conceptually, Light Peak is like PCIe -- but with bandwidth rivaling a 16x connector, and distance limitations removed, on an ultra-cheap, easy-to-connect interface.

Right now, I understand that an extremely high proportion of motherboard failures (WITH rework) in the manufacturing process is related to failed connectors-- and most often, it's when they try to attach the large, complex PCIe x16 connectors. Because the MB is almost entirely done, a big salvage effort is worthwhile. But it's costly. Eventually, even Video Cards will likely be connected in this manner: Instead of a huge number of error-prone pins and wire layouts to map all those lanes, just the one short data connector.

But I think you're post misses the boat on some other aspects. Each port within the "strung-up cascade" would be a point of failure for all subsequent devices, and rapidly turns into a bird's nest of wires. Since a large number of these connectors connectors can be provided in a very small space, it makes no sense to connect devices through each other--

Just run more of the point-to-point cables, with (maybe) one or two hubs providing cheaper off-the-bus interconnect points, both outside and inside the box.

Video card bandwidth at 100 meters over a durable cable which a 5-year old can plug in correctly? WOW, sounds great!
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