Appendix A: Introduction to SAS ● 60

SAS controller port options vary. A SAS controller with four phys could be configured with one wide port, with two wide ports that comprise two phys, or with four narrow ports each containing one phy. (A wide port with four phys is referred to as a 4-wideor 4x port.)

What’s a SAS Address?

Each SAS port is identified with a unique SAS address, which is shared by all phys on that port.

For example, a SAS disk drive might have two narrow ports. Each port has one unique SAS address. The single phy in each port uses its port’s SAS address.

In another example, a SAS device might have one 4-wide port. That port has one SAS address, which is shared by all four phys in the port.

Unlike SCSI devices and SCSI IDs, SAS devices self-configure their SAS addresses. User intervention is not required to set SAS addresses, and SAS addresses cannot be modified.

What’s a SAS Connector?

A SAS or mini-SAS connector is the physical plug or receptacle that you see on a SAS device. It supports the power and signal line cable. It’s what you plug a SAS cable into, or the end of the SAS cable that’s being plugged in.

A connector is what forms physical links between phys. Some SAS connectors can support multiple links. The number of links a SAS connector can support is referred to as its width. Narrow connectors support a single link; wide connectors support up to four links.

A single SAS device may have one or more connectors. You can use a single SAS connector to inter-link more than two SAS devices. For example, in the figure on page 59, the 4-wide internal SAS connector forms links with four independent disk drives.

Mini-SAS connectors support both internal and external SAS connections. The mini-SAS connectors are smaller than the standard SAS internal and external connectors. Mini-SAS connectors support single and multilinks with the ability to scale to future speed needs.

What do SAS Cables Look Like?

Internal SAS cables are narrower than internal parallel SCSI cables. The connectors vary in size depending on the number of links they support, from single link connectors to 4-wide (or larger) connectors. Internal fan-out cables let you connect four disk drives to a single 4-wide connector.

For an example of some internal SAS or mini-SAS cables and an external SAS cable, see Selecting SAS Cables on page 28.

How are Disk Drives Identified in SAS?

In the BIOS and in the management utilities, disk drives are identified with numbers in this format:

XX:YY:ZZ

where XX is the disk drive count number, YY is the enclosure number, and ZZ is the slot number (within the enclosure). If the disk drive is not installed in an enclosure, a double dashes (--) appear instead of YY and ZZ (for instance, 01:--:--).

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Adaptec 58300, 44300, 48300, 1220SA, 1420SA What’s a SAS Address?, What’s a SAS Connector?, What do SAS Cables Look Like?
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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.
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