Connecting Scsi Peripheral Devices

For more information on OLAR or OL*, see the following documents:

•To determine whether OLAR or OL* is supported on your system, see the HP Ultra320 SCSI Host Bus Adapter Support Matrix:

http://docs.hp.com/en/netcom.html#SCSI%20Host%20Bus%20Adapters

•For detailed instructions on using OLAR on HP-UX 11i v1, see Configuring HP-UX for Peripherals:

http://docs.hp.com/en/oshpux11i.html#System%20Administration

•For detailed instructions on using OL* on HP-UX 11i v2, see the Interface Card OL* Support Guide:

http://docs.hp.com/en/oshpux11iv2.html#System%20Administration

•For detailed instructions on using OL* on HP-UX 11i v3, see the Interface Card OL* Support Guide:

http://docs.hp.com/en/oshpux11iv3.html#System%20Administration

IMPORTANT: Superdome systems are not intended for access by users. HP recommends that Superdome systems only be opened by a qualified HP engineer. Failure to observe this requirement can invalidate any support agreement or warranty to which the system owner might otherwise be entitled.

IMPORTANT: If you use OLAR or OL* to add or replace an A7173A adapter, the SCSI ID will be set at 7 by default. If the SCSI ID for an add-in or replacement adapter needs to be set at some value other than 7, the mptconfig command can be used to set the SCSI ID after the A7173A adapter is inserted into the slot and powered on, but before the SCSI cable(s) are connected. See “About SCSI IDs” (page 24) and “Using mptconfig for Online Configuration” (page 40), for more information.

The A7173A adapter is capable of communicating with Low Voltage Differential (LVD) or Single Ended (SE) SCSI devices. LVD allows up to 12m cable lengths with multiple SCSI devices, or 25m point-to-point connections.

Important Rules For Connecting SCSI Devices

When you connect SCSI devices to an A7173A or AB290A Host Bus Adapter, the following rules apply:

•All of the devices connected to each port must be of the same type; for example, you cannot mix hard disks and removable-media devices on the same port.

•All of the removable-media devices (such as a tape drive, DVD, or CD-ROM) on a SCSI port must be of the same type and speed. For example, you can connect two or more 320 MB/S tape drives to a port, but you cannot mix tape drives of different speeds on the same port.

•Each SCSI channel on the A7173A adapter has an internal HD (high density) SCSI connector and an external VHDCI (very high density cable interconnect) SCSI connector. Do not connect SCSI devices to both the internal and external SCSI connectors on the same channel.

•If you connect devices with different data transfer rates to the same SCSI channel, the speed of that channel will be limited to the maximum transfer rate of the slowest device. For example, if you connect both LVD SCSI devices and SE SCSI devices to the same SCSI channel, the data transfer rate for that channel will be limited to 40 MB/s, which is the maximum rate for SE SCSI.

To view a list of supported peripheral devices see the HP Ultra320 SCSI Host Bus Adapter Support Matrix:

Connecting SCSI Peripheral Devices

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.