Installing A7173A Adapter Hardware

This section contains information about installing the A7173A adapter hardware in a supported HP-UX system.

WARNING! The installation procedures in this section require opening the computer cabinet, which might expose you to high-energy (high-amperage) circuits and sharp edges on the equipment chassis. Be sure to remove all rings, watches, and other jewelry before opening the cabinet.

Before beginning installation, and without removing the adapter from its antistatic bag, inspect the adapter for any signs of obvious damage, such as chipped or loose components. Contact HP if the adapter is damaged.

CAUTION: The A7173A adapter contains electronic components that can easily be damaged by small amounts of static electricity. To avoid damage, follow these guidelines:

•Store the adapter in its antistatic plastic bag until you are ready to install it.

•Work in a static-free area, if possible.

•Handle the adapter by the edges only. Do not touch electronic components or electrical traces.

•If you must lay the adapter down, place it on a non-conductive mat or surface.

•Use the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) kit that is provided with the adapter. Follow the instructions included with the kit.

•Use a suitable ground; for example, an exposed metal surface on the system chassis can serve as a ground.

Offline Installation

Install the A7173A adapter in any supported HP-UX system according to the offline host bus adapter installation procedure for that system. For more information about installation procedures, see the HP system documentation at:

http://docs.hp.com/en/hw.html

NOTE: The A7173A adapter can be installed in any PCI or PCI-X slot, but for best performance, HP recommends installing the adapter in a PCI-X, 133 MHz, 64 bit, 4x (“Twin Turbo” or “Dual Rope”) slot. For more information on slot specifications, see the system documentation; or, for entry-class servers, see the I/O Slot Matrix – Entry Class Integrity Servers, at:

http://docs.hp.com/en/hw.html#General%20Guides

After installing the A7173A adapter, go to “Connecting SCSI Peripheral Devices” (page 17).

Online Installation

The Online Addition and Replacement feature (OLAR for HP-UX 11i v1, or OL* for HP-UX 11i v2 and later HP-UX releases) enables you to add or replace PCI host bus adapters without shutting down and rebooting the system, and without adversely affecting other system components. The system hardware uses slot-specific power control, combined with HP-UX operating system support, to enable these features.

16 Installing the A7173A Adapter

Ultra320 A7173A specifications

The HP Ultra320 A7173A is a high-performance Storage Area Network (SAN) component, widely recognized for its reliability and efficiency in data storage solutions. Designed to support the demands of enterprise-level applications, this SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller excels in providing fast and reliable data transfer, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the A7173A is its ultra-fast data transfer rate. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 320 MB/s, which is made possible through the Ultra320 SCSI technology. This speed enhancement is crucial for applications requiring quick access to large volumes of data, thus improving overall system performance. The controller maintains compatibility with previous SCSI standards, allowing for interoperability in diverse environments and ensuring that organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure.

The A7173A is built on advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reliability. These include intelligent data buffering and error correction mechanisms, which minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the integrity of information during transfers. Additionally, the controller features multiple device connections, accommodating up to 15 devices on a single chain. This scalability offers flexibility in expanding storage solutions based on organizational needs.

Another significant characteristic of the HP Ultra320 A7173A is its support for a wide range of operating systems. The controller is versatile, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with numerous enterprise platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that IT departments can deploy the A7173A within their existing environments without major adjustments or additional costs.

Moreover, the A7173A comes with comprehensive management features, enabling administrators to monitor and optimize storage performance effectively. These features help in anticipating issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.

In essence, the HP Ultra320 A7173A is a comprehensive SAN solution that offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability. Its advanced technologies and versatile compatibility make it an ideal component for organizations looking to optimize their data storage infrastructure while ensuring robust performance across diverse applications. Investing in the A7173A can lead to marked improvements in data management, ultimately contributing to business efficiency and continuity.