Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User’s Guide Intel Order Number: E53872-002
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Preface This is the primary reference and user’s guide for the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I, which can be used to manage SAS and SATA II disk drives. It contains installation instructions and specifications. For details on how to configure the storage adapters, and for an overview of the software drivers, see the Intel® IT/IR RAID Software User’s Guide on the Resource CD.
iv Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User’s Guide
Table of Contents Preface ........................................................................................................................ iii Audience ............................................................................................................................... iii Organization ......................................................................................................................... iii Related Publication .............................................................
vi Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User’s Guide
List of Figures Figure 1. Inserting the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I into a PCI Express* Slot ................... 6 Figure 2. Attaching cables to the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I.......................................... 7 Figure 3. SAS and SATA Plugs and SAS Backplane Connector .............................................. 9 Figure 4. Card Layouts............................................................................................................
viii Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User’s Guide
List of Tables Table 1. Jumper Descriptions ..................................................................................................11 Table 2. Specifications ............................................................................................................12 Table 3. Array Performance Features .....................................................................................13 Table 4. Fault Tolerance Features ..........................................................................
x Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User’s Guide
1 Overview This chapter provides a general overview of the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I. It consists of the following sections: • Summary of SAS RAID Controller Features • Benefits of Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) The Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I is a PCI Express* SAS RAID controller. It provides reliable and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management.
The SAS controller supports the ANSI Serial-attached SCSI (SAS) Standard, Version 1.0. In addition, the controller supports the Serial ATA (SATA) protocol defined by the Serial ATA Specification, Version 1.0a. The SAS controller is a versatile controller that supports both the SAS and SATA interfaces and provides the backbone of both server and workstation environments. Protocols supported include: • Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP): Communication with other SAS devices.
— Disk Write Cache: The data written / (done) signal is returned when data is written to the drive or only to the drive’s cache. ✧ On (default): Write-back mode enabled. Faster, because it does not wait for the disk, but data will be lost if power is lost. ✧ Off: Write-through mode enabled. Slower, but ensures data is on the disk. • Redundancy through: — Configuration stored in non-volatile RAM and on the drives (COD). — Hot-swap support.
Benefits of Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. SAS is a convergence of the advantages of SATA, SCSI, and FC, and is the future mainstay of the enterprise and high-end workstation storage markets. SAS offers a higher bandwidth per pin than parallel SCSI, and improves signal and data integrity.
2 Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware Installation This chapter describes the procedures used to install the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I with internal connectors. Requirements The following items are required to install a Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I: • • • • • An Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I. A host system with an available x4 bi-directional PCI Express* slot. The Resource CD, which contains drivers and documentation. Cables that are compatible with the RAID controller.
Installing the RAID Controller To install the RAID Controller, follow these steps: 1. Power off the computer, all drives, enclosures, and system components. Remove the power cord from the computer. 2. Remove the chassis cover and access the PCI Express* add-in card slots. For instructions, see your server chassis documentation. 3. Align the controller’s connector with a x4 PCI Express* slot on the server board. 4.
Figure 2. Attaching cables to the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Note: System throughput problems can occur if non-standard SAS cables are used. To minimize the potential for problems: ✧ Use cables no longer than ten meters for SAS and one meter for SATA. It is better to use the shortest possible cables. The cable length should be reduced by about one foot (.33 meters) if using a backplane. ✧ You may connect one device per SATA/SAS cable either as a device or as an expander. ✧ Route SAS cables carefully.
10. Watch the boot process until you see a BIOS message informing you of the key combination tthat you need to press in order to enter the LSI Corporation MPT SAS BIOS Configuration Utility*. A message similar to the following appears: Press + to start the LSI SAS Configuration Utility This message times out after several seconds. If you miss it, you will pass the option to get into the LSI Corporation MPT SAS BIOS Configuration Utility*.
Connecting the Cables This section describes the cables used on the SAS controller and provides instructions for connecting SAS and SATA hard disk drives to the SAS RAID controller. Note: Use only “straight” SAS cables, not “cross-over” SAS cables. A SATA connector consists of a signal connector and a power connector. The SAS connector adds a bridge (primary physical link) between the signal connector and the power connector.
Replacing a Controller To replace a failed controller, follow these steps: 1. Power off the computer, all drives, enclosures, and system components. Remove the power cord. 2. Remove the chassis cover and access the PCI Express* add-in card slots. For instructions, see your server documentation. 3. Disconnect the cable(s) from the RAID controller. 4. Remove the failed controller from the system. 5. Insert the replacement controller into the system. For instructions, see “Installing the RAID Controller”.
3 Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Characteristics This chapter describes the characteristics of the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I. Figure 4 displays the connectors and headers on the controller and Table 1 describes them. Figure 4. Card Layout s Table 1. Jumper Descriptions Jumper Description Type Comments J1 Lane board edge connector PCI PCI Express X4 Slot or larger compatible Express* x4 J2 SATA internal rightangle connectors SATA Connection to SAS/SATA devices J3 Right angle, 0.
Technical Specifications The design and implementation of the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I minimizes electromagnetic emissions, susceptibility to radio frequency energy, and the effects of electrostatic discharge. Table 2 lists the specifications for the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I. Table 2. Specifications Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Specification Operating Voltage +3.3 V, +12 V Card Size Low-profile MD2 PCI Express* adapter card size (6.600 inches by 2.
Array Performance Features Table 3 lists the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I array performance features. Table 3. Array Performance Features Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Specification PCI Express* Host Data Transfer Rate 2.
Thermal and Atmospheric Characteristics The thermal and atmospheric characteristics are: • Temperature range from 0°C to 60°C (dry bulb). • Relative humidity range: 5% to 90% non-condensing • Maximum dew point temperature: 32°C The storage and transit environment conditions are: • Temperature range from -45°C to 105°C (dry bulb). • Relative humidity range: 5% to 90% non-condensing Safety Characteristics The Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I meets or exceeds the requirements of UL flammability rating 94 V0.
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations BIOS Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on a server board is used to boot and control the system. The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.
SAS Serial-attached SCSI. A serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. The SAS interface provides improved performance, simplified cabling, smaller connections, lower pin count, and lower power requirements when compared to parallel SCSI. SAS controllers leverage a common electrical and physical connection interface that is compatible with Serial ATA. The SAS controllers support the ANSI Serial Attached SCSI standard, version 1.0.
