Adaptec 48300, 58300, 44300, 1220SA, 1420SA How is SAS Different from Parallel SCSI?, SAS Domain

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Appendix A: Introduction to SAS 62

You can connect up to 128 edge expanders to a fanout expander.

You can use only one fanout expander in any single SAS domain (a topology of SAS—and possibly SATA—end devices and expander devices). A single SAS domain can therefore comprise up to 16,384 SAS ports (and therefore up to 16,384 SAS addresses).

The following figure illustrates (in very basic terms) a SAS domain and shows how SAS controllers, SAS and SATA disk drives, and expander devices can fit together in a large data storage topology.

 

SAS Domain

SAS

SATA

Disk Drives

Disk Drives

SAS

SATA

SATA

Edge

SAS Card

Expander

Edge

Expander

Edge

Expander

Disk Drives

SATA SAS

Fanout Expander

SAS Card

Edge Expander

Disk Drives

SATA

 

SAS Card

Expander

SATA

Disk Drives

 

SAS SATA

SAS SATA

Disk Drives

Disk Drives

Edge

SAS

How is SAS Different from Parallel SCSI?

In summary, although SAS and parallel SCSI use the SCSI command set, how they move data from one place to another is very different. To support point-to-point serial data transport, SAS introduces new types of connectors, cables, connection options, and terminology.

Generally speaking, SAS is faster and more flexible than parallel SCSI, and provides more options for building your storage space. SAS lets you mix SAS and SATA disk drives together, and lets you connect many, many more devices.

The following table describes many of the main differences between the two interfaces.

Parallel SCSI

Parallel interface

Maximum speed 320 MB/sec shared by all devices on the bus

Supports SCSI devices only

Up to 16 devices per SCSI channel

Supports single-port devices only

Uses SCSI IDs to differentiate between devices connected to the same adapter

Serial Attached SCSI

Serial interface

Maximum speed 600 MB/sec per phy when in full-duplex mode

Supports SATA and SAS disk drives simultaneously

More than 128 disk drives per SAS controller, using an expander (see page 61)

Supports single- and dual-port devices

Uses unique SAS addresses to differentiate between devices

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Contents SAS and Sata HostRAID Controller Copyright Adaptec Customer Support Limited 3-Year Hardware Warranty Regulatory Compliance Statements Contents Getting Started Managing Your Storage Space Using the ARC Utility Safety Information What You Need to Know Before You Begin About This GuideWhat You Need to Know Before You Begin How to Find More InformationTerminology Used in this Guide Conventions Used in This GuideAbout This Guide l About Your HostRAID Controller Array Level Features HostRAID Controller FeaturesAbout Your HostRAID Controller l PCI-X About the Adaptec 58300 ControllerAbout the Adaptec 48300 Controller About the Adaptec 44300 Controller About the Adaptec 1430SA Controller About the Adaptec 1420SA Controller About the Adaptec 1220SA Controller About the Adaptec 1225SA Controller Kit Contents and System Requirements System Requirements Kit ContentsInstalling the HostRAID Controller Disk Drives Before You Begin Installing the HostRAID ControllerSelecting SAS Cables Selecting Disk DrivesInstalling the HostRAID Controller and Disk Drives l Selecting Sata Cables Connecting Disk Drives to SAS HostRAID ControllersConnecting to a Backplane Connecting Directly to the HostRAID ControllerChecking Your Controller and Devices Connecting Disk Drives to Sata HostRAID ControllersInstalling the SAS HostRAID Controller to a SAS Expander Setting the Boot Controller Next Steps Getting Started Basic Installation Steps Choosing Installation OptionsInstalling with an Operating System Choosing a RAID LevelInstalling on an Existing Operating System Creating a Bootable Array Creating an Array with Adaptec Storage Manager Creating an ArrayCreating an Array with the ACU Select Express configuration..., then click Next Making Your Array BootableInstalling the Driver and an Operating System Creating a Driver Disk Installing with WindowsInstalling with Suse Linux Installing with Red Hat LinuxInstalling with NetWare Installing the Driver on an Existing Operating System Creating a Driver Disk or an Array Installing on Windows XP or WindowsInstalling on NetWare Installing on Windows VistaInstalling on Red Hat or Suse Linux Continue with Managing Your Storage Space on Managing Your Storage Space About Adaptec Storage Manager About the Hrconf Command Line UtilityInstalling Adaptec Storage Manager Which Utility Should I Use? About the ARC UtilityAbout the Adaptec Flash Utility Solving Problems Recovering from a Disk Drive Failure Troubleshooting ChecklistFailed Disk Drive Protected by a Hot Spare Failed Disk Drive Not Protected by a Hot SpareFailure in Multiple Arrays Simultaneously Resetting the ControllerDisk Drive Failure in a RAID 0 Array Multiple Failures in the Same ArraySolving Problems l Understanding RAID RAID 0 Non-RAID Arrays RAID Technology OverviewUnderstanding Drive Segments Stripe-Unit SizeRAID 10 Arrays RAID 1 ArraysSelecting the Best RAID Level Introduction to SAS Terminology Used in This Appendix What is SAS?What’s a SAS Port? How Do SAS Devices Communicate?What’s a Phy? What’s a SAS Address? What’s a SAS Connector?What do SAS Cables Look Like? How are Disk Drives Identified in SAS?Direct-Attach Connections What are the SAS Connection Options?Backplane Connections SAS Expander ConnectionsSAS Domain How is SAS Different from Parallel SCSI?Parallel Scsi Serial Attached Scsi Using the ARC Utility Running the ARC Utility Introduction to the ARC UtilityCreating and Managing Arrays Creating a New ArrayQuick Init Creating a RAID 0 on new drives Viewing Array Properties Managing ArraysRebuilding Arrays Enabling/Disabling Write Cache Adding/Deleting Hot SparesDeleting Arrays Managing Bootable Arrays and Devices Using SerialSelectConfiguring Disk Drives Atapi SupportDevice SerialSelect OptionsPHY Configuration Using SATASelectSATASelect Options Formatting and Verifying Disk DrivesIdentifying Disk Drives Locating Disk DrivesViewing the Event Log DOS Using the Adaptec Flash Utility forObtaining the Firmware IntroductionCompatibility Information Running the Menu-Based AFU Running the AFUCreating the Firmware Kit On Floppy Disks Examples AFU CommandsRunning the AFU from the Command Line Example Command SyntaxCommand Switches Update \ AFU Verify /C Updating Flash Using AFU Command LineTo update a single HostRAID controller HostRAID Controller LED and I2C Connector Reference Adaptec 48300 Activity LED Connector Specification Adaptec 58300 Activity LED Connector SpecificationAdaptec 1430SA Activity LED and I2C Connector Specification Adaptec 44300 Activity LED Connector SpecificationLedsum Adaptec 1420SA Activity LED and I2C Connector SpecificationAdaptec 1225SA Activity LED Specification Adaptec 1220SA Activity LED Connector SpecificationElectrostatic DischargeESD Safety InformationTechnical Specifications Current Requirements Environmental SpecificationsDC Power Requirements Glossary Configured array ConfigureConsistency check command BuildDisk ID Fault-tolerant arrayDrive LED EventLegacy disk Native Command QueuingLogical device Low-level formatSimple volume RAID volumeRAID signature RebuildStripe size VolumeStriped array TaskACU IndexSATASelect SerialSelect utilities SATASelect Adaptec, Inc

1430SA, 1225SA, 1420SA, 1220SA, 48300 specifications

Adaptec, a prominent name in the world of storage solutions, offers a diverse array of RAID controller cards aimed at enhancing data storage and management in both consumer and enterprise markets. Among its acclaimed products are the Adaptec 1220SA, 1430SA, 44300, 1225SA, and 1420SA. These cards ensure increased data protection, improved performance, and greater scalability.

The Adaptec 1220SA is a robust SATA RAID controller designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It supports RAID levels 0, 1, 1E, 5, and 10, providing flexibility for users to optimize data redundancy and performance. With the capability of handling up to four SATA drives, it guarantees an efficient and reliable setup while minimizing potential data loss. The controller also features an intuitive web-based management interface, making it easier to administer and configure.

The Adaptec 1430SA extends similar functionality with enhanced features. It is designed to accommodate up to eight SATA drives and supports the latest 3 Gbps SATA technology. This model includes optional battery backup for preserving critical data during unexpected power outages, ensuring that users maintain data integrity and protection at all times.

In the enterprise domain, the Adaptec 44300 shines as a high-performance RAID controller. It offers support for 12 SATA drives, which allows for expansive storage scalability, crucial for data-intensive applications. The advanced RAID features include support for RAID 6, providing dual parity data protection. The controller is built with a powerful processor and memory, allowing for faster data processing and enhanced throughput.

The Adaptec 1225SA is another noteworthy model. Designed for entry-level RAID applications, it offers a balanced combination of performance and reliability. Supporting up to four SATA drives, the 1225SA is particularly well-suited for environments where uptime is critical, delivering functionalities such as hot-swapping. This feature allows users to replace failed drives without shutting down the system, significantly reducing downtime.

Lastly, the Adaptec 1420SA caters to users who require a cost-effective but reliable storage solution. With support for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD, it is a versatile option for enthusiasts and small businesses. The controller can manage up to two SATA drives, making it ideal for basic applications where simplicity and efficiency are paramount.

Collectively, these Adaptec controllers showcase cutting-edge RAID technology and storage management features, reinforcing their position as reliable options for users ranging from home users to enterprise-level organizations seeking optimal data storage solutions.