Getting Started, Host adapter and the Scsi bus

Getting Started

Host adapter and the SCSI bus

The INI-9100U/9100UW is a bus mastering host adapter which works with the host computer to provide a means of control for the SCSI bus. By daisy chaining peripheral devices together, up to seven devices can be linked with the INI-9100U and up to fifteen devices can be linked with the INI-9100UW on the SCSI bus. The host adapter can be placed in any physical position on the bus.

SCSI devices communicate on the bus using bus arbitration. Bus arbitration gives each device an opportunity to use the bus based on the device priority on the bus. This is determined by the device ID and not the device’s physical location. The INI-9100U/9100UW’s ID is set at the factory with ID 7. This ID positions the host adapter in an ideal position for single adapter environment on the SCSI bus.

SCSI bus preparation

Each peripheral device that will be attached to the SCSI bus is either an internal or external device. Each peripheral will have a specific device ID, commonly referred to as a SCSI ID, which is set at the factory. Please refer to your peripheral documentation to determine switch or jumper settings for SCSI ID’s. A key point to remember is, no two devices can have the same ID. The device ID uniquely defines the device to the SCSI bus.

When assigning a SCSI ID it is recommended to have the host adapter ID set at ID 7, this is the factory default setting for the INI-9100U/9100UW. The exact physical location of the device on the bus has no relationship to the SCSI ID of the device. If you plan to boot your system from a SCSI disk drive, set that boot drive at ID 0 for best operation with most operating systems. A second drive, if used, can be set to ID 1 with additional devices using sequentially higher ID numbers.

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INI-9100UW, INI-9100U specifications

The Initio INI-9100UW and INI-9100U are high-performance SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controllers designed to provide exceptional data transfer rates and efficient connectivity for various storage solutions. These controllers are particularly favored in environments that demand reliable and fast data access, including servers and workstations.

One of the standout features of the INI-9100 series is its ability to support ultra-wide SCSI, allowing for data transfer rates of up to 40 MB/s. This speed is crucial for applications requiring rapid data movement, such as databases, streaming applications, and intensive computing tasks. The INI-9100UW variant extends this capability with its support for 68-pin connectors, which further enhances data throughput by allowing for a greater number of devices to be connected simultaneously.

Both the INI-9100UW and INI-9100U are built on a robust architecture, which includes integrated support for a wide range of SCSI devices. This includes hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, and tape drives, making these controllers versatile solutions for both modern and legacy systems. Their compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, ensures seamless integration into existing setups.

Furthermore, the Initio controllers employ advanced technologies such as asynchronous transfers and cycle stealing, which minimize CPU load and allow the system to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without bottlenecks. This makes them particularly advantageous in multitasking environments.

Another key characteristic of the INI-9100 series is their dedicated onboard BIOS, which simplifies device management and setup processes. Users can easily configure the controllers for optimal performance using the user-friendly interface provided by the BIOS.

In summary, the Initio INI-9100UW and INI-9100U are powerful SCSI controllers that offer high-speed data transfer capabilities, robust architecture, and versatile compatibility with various SCSI devices. Their advanced technologies and user-friendly features make them ideal solutions for environments requiring reliable and efficient data access. As data storage needs continue to evolve, the INI-9100 series remains a valuable asset for both enterprise-level and individual users seeking to enhance their storage solutions.