Chapter 7 SCSI Setup & Configuration

7.1 Introduction

The PCA-6187 is equipped with an Adaptec AIC-7899 single-chip PCI- to-SCSI host adapter which provides a dual channel Ultra 160 multi- tasking interface between your computer.s PCI bus and SCSI devices (disk drives, CD-ROM drives, scanners, tape backups, removable media drives, etc.). Ultra 160 is a new generation of SCSI technology that expands SCSI performance from 80 MBytes/sec to 160 MBytes/ sec. Up to a total of 15 SCSI devices can be connected to each of the SCSI con- nectors.

The AIC-7899 combines this Ultra 160 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 160 SCSI devices to operate at the higher 160 MBytes/sec rate.

There are 3 SCSI connectors on the CPU card: CN50 and CN51 for Ultra 160 devices, and CN52 for 50-pin SCSI devices. You can use Ultra 160 and Ultra wide devices simultaneously without compromising the perfor- mance.

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 160 SCSI segment will run at speeds up to

 

40 MBytes/sec only instead of 160 MBytes/sec.

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Advantech PCA-6187 user manual If any peripheral is running at SE mode

PCA-6187 specifications

The Advantech PCA-6187 is a high-performance industrial PC/104-Plus single-board computer designed to meet the rigorous demands of embedded applications. This robust and versatile board is particularly well-suited for applications in industrial automation, transportation, and telecommunications, where reliability and performance are paramount.

One of the main features of the PCA-6187 is its support for the Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors, providing a potent combination of processing power and energy efficiency. This architecture allows for the execution of complex computation tasks while maintaining a low thermal profile, making it ideal for environments with limited cooling options. Furthermore, the PCA-6187 offers a wide operating temperature range, from -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable functionality in extreme conditions.

The board incorporates advanced memory capabilities, supporting up to 1GB of SDRAM with a 64-bit data bus. A flash disk interface is also available for high-speed storage solutions, making it easier to manage large amounts of data typical in industrial applications. Additionally, the PCA-6187 features several I/O options, including multiple COM ports, USB interfaces, and parallel ports, allowing for extensive connectivity options for various peripherals and devices.

One of the standout characteristics of the PCA-6187 is its PC/104-Plus form factor, which allows for a modular architecture. This design enables developers to easily expand the capabilities of the board by stacking additional PC/104 modules, facilitating the customization of hardware solutions tailored to specific application requirements. The PCA-6187 also includes watchdog timers to ensure system reliability and prevent system lock-ups, which is critical for mission-critical applications.

Furthermore, the PCA-6187 supports various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, providing developers with flexibility in software development. The integration of rich development resources and tools enhances the speed and efficiency of application deployment in diverse environments.

In conclusion, the Advantech PCA-6187 stands out as a powerful and flexible industrial single-board computer, perfectly suited for a wide array of embedded computing tasks. With its robust design, advanced processing capabilities, and extensive connectivity options, it provides an ideal platform for developers aiming to create reliable systems in demanding operational conditions. The PCA-6187 truly embodies the essence of industrial computing, balancing power and efficiency for a wide range of applications.