Installing Drivers for SCO Unix | Black Box SCSI-2 LVD guide

CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.8 Installing Drivers for SCO UNIX

The SCO UNIX device driver for your Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter will support SCO UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2v4.0 or later; SCO Open Desktop v2.0, 3.0, or later; and SCO Open Server Releases 3.0 and 5.0.x. The device drivers are transferred from the floppy diskette to the hard drive, from which they are loaded during system initialization. The two SCO UNIX device-driver files on Driver Disk 2 are the object file “driver.o” and the definition file “space.c”. Before proceeding, you might want to have the following reference documentation handy in addition to this manual:

•SCO UNIX documentation, installation and user’s guide

•The systems setup and installation guide

•The documentation for your system peripherals

•Any README.TXT file contained on Driver Disk 2. Such a file might contain important updated information about driver-installation procedures.

The Adapter drivers developed for SCO UNIX will be installed on the disk drive used for system initialization. The drivers are loaded during the system boot routine and will remain resident on the drive. This is accomplished by following one of the three installation procedures listed in this section: new SCO UNIX installation, adding the device drivers to an existing SCO UNIX system (Adapter is not bootable), or adding the drivers to an existing system and making the Adapter bootable. These procedures differ significantly from one another. We strongly suggest that you carefully read the instructions for the procedure you plan to use and make sure you understand them before proceeding with the corresponding system-configuration changes.

Another thing you need to check on before you go any further is the interrupt and SCSI ID settings in your system:

•You can assign interrupt-request level (IRQ) 9, 11, or 15 to the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter; we recommend IRQ 11. Avoid using IRQ 10 as the Adapter’s interrupt.

•Set the primary SCSI disk (the boot disk) to ID 0 (this is a first-time-installation requirement)

•If you’ve attached a tape drive to the Adapter, set its target ID to 2. (Please be aware that you will still need a third-party driver for any tape drive.)

•If you’ve attached a CD-ROM drive to the Adapter, set its target ID to 5. (Please be aware that you will still need a third-party driver for any CD-ROM drive.)

Please refer to your system’s documentation to set the interrupt levels and to your peripherals’ documentation for help in setting SCSI IDs.

SCSI-2 LVD specifications

The Black Box SCSI-2 LVD (Low Voltage Differential) represents a significant advancement in data storage and connectivity technology, particularly in environments requiring high performance and reliability. As a variant of the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, it is optimized for faster data communication, essential for modern computing needs.

One of the main features of SCSI-2 LVD is its capability to handle increased data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors. It supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 80 MB/s, which is double that of the original SCSI-2 single-ended signaling. This increase in speed is largely due to the differential signaling that LVD employs, allowing for reduced electromagnetic interference and extended cable lengths while maintaining signal integrity. The technology effectively converts the SCSI bus into a more robust system that can accommodate various devices without compromising performance.

The SCSI-2 LVD standard is backward compatible, meaning that it can interface with older SCSI devices, albeit at reduced speeds. This compatibility is significant for users looking to upgrade their systems without discarding existing hardware. This makes SCSI-2 LVD an attractive choice for enterprise environments where legacy systems are common.

Another key characteristic is the flexible cabling options provided by SCSI-2 LVD. It can support cable lengths of up to 12 meters, which is beneficial for large data center configurations where space between devices can be substantial. This extended range does not typically come at the expense of performance, ensuring that data integrity remains high, even over longer distances.

In terms of technology, LVD employs lower voltage levels, which not only contributes to greater power efficiency but also minimizes heat generation in devices. This is particularly crucial in data centers where temperature management can impact hardware longevity and reliability. The combination of lower voltage use and differential signaling makes SCSI-2 LVD well-suited for high-density environments.

Error correction and handshaking features are also integral to SCSI-2 LVD, enhancing its robustness against data loss during transmission. These characteristics make it a reliable choice for applications requiring consistent and high-speed data access, such as server arrays and high-performance computing tasks.

Overall, Black Box SCSI-2 LVD stands out due to its impressive speed, compatibility, and extensive cabling options, positioning it as a reliable solution for demanding data environments. It effectively bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern technology, ensuring that users can optimize their data handling capabilities without significant disruption.