Intel SRCSAS18E manual Benefits of SAS, Example Direct-Connect Application

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SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

SAS/SATA Device

Port 0

 

Port 1

 

Port 2

 

Port 3

PCI Express*

 

 

RAID Controller

Port 4

 

Port 5

 

Port 6

 

Port 7

 

PCI Express Interface

32-bit Memory

Address/Data

Bus

I2C

Interface

Flash ROM/

PSBRAM/ NVSRAM

I2C

Figure 1. Example Direct-Connect Application

Benefits of 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.

The SAS interface uses the proven SCSI command set to ensure reliable data transfers, while providing the connectivity and flexibility of point-to-point serial data transfers. The serial transmission of SCSI commands eliminates clock skew challenges. The SAS interface provides improved performance, simplified cabling, smaller connectors, 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 technology. The SAS and SATA protocols use a thin, 7-wire connector instead of the 68-wire SCSI cable or 40-wire ATA cable. The SAS/SATA connector and cable are easier to manipulate, allow connections to smaller devices, and do not inhibit airflow. The point-to-point SATA architecture eliminates inherent difficulties created by the legacy ATA master-slave architecture, while maintaining compatibility with existing ATA firmware.

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Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide

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Contents Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide Intel Order Number D26788-003Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guidel Safety Warnings and Instructions Warnung Deutsch Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise Avertissement Français Consignes de sécurité When Using Your Computer System Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Regulatory and Certification Information Regulatory Compliance Country Marking Regulatory Compliance Country Marking Electromagnetic Compatibility Notices Europe CE Declaration of Conformity Organization AudienceRelated Publication Xiv Contents Xvi Figures Xviii Tables Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E OverviewOverview Configuration Scenarios SAS Controller DescriptionBenefits of SAS Example Direct-Connect ApplicationPCI Express* Architecture Summary of SAS RAID Controller FeaturesOperating System Support Sata Features SAS FeaturesPCI Performance Flexibility UsabilityDrive Roaming Drive Migration NvramHardware Specifications Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E OverviewIntel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E Hardware Installation RequirementsQuick Installation Detailed InstallationPCI Express Slot SAS Device Cables Serial ATA Connectors SAS and Sata Plugs and SAS Backplane Receptacle Connector Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E to a Hard Disk Drive RAID Controller SRCSAS18E to an Expander Board Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide After Installing the Storage Adapter Intel RAID Controller SRCSAS18E Characteristics Jumper Description Type CommentsCharacteristics Card CharacteristicsTechnical Specifications SpecificationsArray Performance Features Fault ToleranceThermal and Atmospheric Characteristics Electrical CharacteristicsSafety Characteristics Bios Glossary of Terms and AbbreviationsSAS

SRCSAS18E specifications

The Intel SRCSAS18E is a robust and high-performance storage controller card designed for data-intensive applications, primarily targeted at enterprise environments. Featuring support for both Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and SATA drives, this controller brings an impressive array of features, technologies, and characteristics that enhance storage performance, reliability, and scalability.

One of the standout features of the SRCSAS18E is its capability to manage up to 18 drives simultaneously. This is achieved through the use of eight internal ports, which can connect to a wide range of SAS and SATA drives, enabling organizations to build a scalable storage architecture. The controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing flexibility in data management and protection strategies. This RAID functionality ensures that data can be mirrored, striped, or spread across multiple drives to enhance performance and redundancy, which is crucial for minimizing downtime.

The SRCSAS18E incorporates advanced technologies such as Intel's RAID Response Technology, which allows for enhanced data protection and recovery options. This technology facilitates faster rebuilding of arrays in the event of a drive failure, significantly reducing the risk of data loss. Additionally, the controller includes battery-backed cache memory, which helps to ensure data integrity and performance by providing temporary storage during write operations, even in case of power loss.

For seamless integration with current infrastructure, the SRCSAS18E supports PCI Express interface. It offers up to 6 Gb/s data transfer rates per port, optimizing data throughput and overall system performance. This high-speed connectivity is essential for applications that require rapid access to vast amounts of data, including virtualization and high-performance computing tasks.

The controller also features compatibility with various operating systems and server platforms, enhancing its versatility. Organizations can take advantage of plug-and-play functionality, allowing for easier deployment and management in diverse IT environments.

Furthermore, the SRCSAS18E is built with enterprise-grade reliability in mind, supporting features like thermal monitoring and advanced error correction to safeguard against hardware failures. Its ability to manage a large number of drives effectively makes it an ideal solution for data centers and enterprises looking to enhance their storage solutions while ensuring maximum uptime and data availability.

In summary, the Intel SRCSAS18E is a feature-rich storage controller well-suited for demanding environments that require reliable and efficient data management. Its combination of high performance, support for multiple RAID configurations, and robust data protection technologies makes it a valuable addition to any enterprise storage infrastructure.