Broadcom Launches Tomahawk Ultra, Challenges NVIDIA in AI, HPC Markets

Broadcom Inc. has launched its latest network processor, the Tomahawk Ultra, designed to compete with NVIDIA's NVLink switch chip. The Tomahawk Ultra is optimized for high-performance computing (HPC) systems and AI clusters, offering low-latency communication and adaptable Ethernet header values. This new processor is set to be manufactured using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) 5-nanometer technology, ensuring high performance and efficiency.

The Tomahawk Ultra series is fully compatible with the Tomahawk 5 series, featuring identical interfaces to ensure rapid market deployment. The product is already in production and will be used in rack-mounted AI training clusters and supercomputing environments. Broadcom's senior vice president, Ram Velaga, highlighted that the Tomahawk Ultra can increase the number of chips by four times compared to NVIDIA's NVLink. Unlike NVLink, which uses a proprietary data transfer protocol, the Tomahawk Ultra leverages an enhanced version of Ethernet, making it more versatile and adaptable.

In addition to the Tomahawk Ultra, Broadcom has introduced SUE-Lite, an optimized version of the SUE specification designed for power and area-sensitive accelerator applications. This move is part of Broadcom's strategy to advance Ethernet for AI scale-out, aiming to provide efficient and predictable performance for large-scale simulations, scientific computing, and synchronous AI model training and inference.

The Tomahawk Ultra's super-low latency switching technology and adaptable Ethernet header values make it ideal for applications requiring high efficiency and predictability. This includes large-scale simulations, scientific computing, and synchronous AI model training and inference. The chip's ability to handle these tasks efficiently positions it as a strong competitor in the high-performance computing and AI markets.

Broadcom's new processor is not only a technological advancement but also a strategic move to challenge NVIDIA's dominance in the AI and HPC sectors. By offering a more scalable and versatile solution, Broadcom aims to attract data center manufacturers and other stakeholders looking to maximize the performance of their computing environments. The Tomahawk Ultra's compatibility with existing Tomahawk 5 series products ensures a smooth transition for customers, further enhancing its market appeal.

Ask Aime: Will Broadcom's new Tomahawk Ultra network processor disrupt the market for NVIDIA's NVLink?