Chapter 7 SCSI Setup

7.1 Introduction

The PCA-6185 is equipped with an Adaptec AIC-7902 single-chip PCI- to-SCSI host adapter which provides a dual channel Ultra 320 multitask- ing interface between your computer’s PCI bus and SCSI devices (disk drives, CD-ROM drives, scanners, tape backups, removable media drives, etc.). Ultra 320 is a new generation of SCSI technology that expands SCSI performance from 80 MBytes/sec to 320 MBytes/sec. Up to a total of 15 SCSI devices can be connected to each of the SCSI con- nectors.

The AIC-7902 combines this Ultra 320 SCSI technology with Adaptec’s SpeedFlex™ technology. SpeedFlex allows the Adaptec SCSI card to be backwards compatible with previous generations of SCSI products, while allowing newer Ultra 320 SCSI devices to operate at the higher 320 MBytes/sec rate.

If you need to configure the SCSI, the onboard SCSI Select configuration utility allows you to change host adapter settings without opening the computer or handling the board. The SCSI Select utility also contains a utility to low-level format and verifies the disk media on your hard disk drives.

Note:

If any peripheral is running at SE mode, the Ultra 320

 

SCSI segment will run at speeds up to 40 MBytes/

 

sec only instead of 320 MBytes/sec.

7.2 Understanding SCSI

SCSI (pronounced “scuzzy”) stands for Small Computer Systems Inter- face. SCSI is an industry standard computer interface for connecting SCSI devices to a common SCSI bus.

A SCSI bus is an electrical pathway that consists of a SCSI interface installed in a computer and one or more SCSI devices. SCSI cables are used to connect the devices to the SCSI interface. For the SCSI bus to function properly, a unique SCSI ID must be assigned to the SCSI inter- face and each SCSI device connected to it, and the SCSI bus must be properly terminated.

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Advantech PCA-6185 user manual Introduction, Understanding Scsi

PCA-6185 specifications

The Advantech PCA-6185 is a high-performance, industrial-grade single-board computer designed for a variety of applications, particularly in automated, industrial, and embedded systems. It leverages the powerful Intel architecture to deliver robust computing power, making it an ideal choice for those needing reliability and performance in mission-critical environments.

One of the main features of the PCA-6185 is its support for the Intel Core i7/i5/i3 and Celeron processors, providing significant processing capabilities while ensuring energy efficiency. This range of processor options delivers the flexibility needed to tailor the board to specific application requirements, allowing users to balance performance with thermal constraints effectively.

In terms of memory, the PCA-6185 supports dual-channel DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, accommodating up to 32GB of RAM. This generous memory capacity improves multitasking capabilities and allows for demanding applications to run smoothly. Additionally, the onboard Intel HD Graphics engine enhances video processing performance, supporting 4K resolution outputs for advanced graphical applications.

The I/O capabilities of the PCA-6185 are extensive, with multiple options for connectivity and expansion. It features a variety of ports, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Serial ports, and Ethernet interfaces, enabling seamless integration with other devices and networks. The board offers PCIe expansion slots for added flexibility, allowing developers to customize their systems with specialized hardware.

Durability and reliability are significant considerations for any industrial application, and the PCA-6185 excels in this area as well. Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, it has a wide operating temperature range, making it suitable for deployment in demanding settings. Its fanless design also contributes to longevity by reducing wear and tear on moving components.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the board’s support for various operating systems, including Windows and Linux. This compatibility ensures that developers can choose their preferred environment, enhancing software integration and development speed.

In summary, the Advantech PCA-6185 is a versatile and powerful single-board computer that adeptly meets the needs of industrial and embedded applications. With its robust Intel processing capabilities, substantial memory support, and extensive I/O options, it provides a reliable foundation for complex tasks in challenging environments. Its durability and flexibility make it a top choice for engineers and developers looking to create efficient and long-lasting computing solutions.