CHAPTER 4: Installation and Configuration

SCSI Parity Check ON: You can use this option to enable or disable parity checking on the SCSI bus by the Adapter. The default setting for this option is “Yes”—if you leave it set this way, make sure that all of your peripherals on which parity checking can be user-enabled or -disabled have it enabled. If any of the devices attached to the bus don’t support parity checking, set this option to “No.”

4.6.5THE BIOS SETUP MENU

If you select “BIOS Setup” at the Main Menu and press ENTER, the Utility displays a screen at which you can set four key options for the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter’s BIOS. Again, use the up- and down-arrow keys to select an option, the plus and minus keys to change its setting, or <F8> to reload the factory-default settings for all options.

Enable Host Adapter BIOS: Use this option to control whether the Adapter uses the SCSI-disk I/O routines in its BIOS. The factory-default setting for this option is “Yes.” If you set it to “No,” you will disable the Adapter’s ability to use the boot capabilities and other features of its BIOS, including all of the other features normally available in this menu (they will be “grayed out”). Only disable the BIOS if you want to use other drivers for all of the attached devices.

Boot Device ID: You can use this option to select which SCSI device will be the designated boot device for the system. The factory-default device ID is “0”, which is the best choice for most operating systems and applications.

BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM:When this option is set to “Yes,” the Adapter will support booting from one CD-ROM (and only one CD-ROM at any given time). (This option is useful if you need to install an operating system or other software from CD-ROM at boot-up.) The default setting for this option is “No.” Unless this option is set to “Yes,” pressing [CTRL] [B] at boot time to boot from CD-ROM (see Section 3.2.1) will have no effect.

BIOS Treat Removable Disk as Fixed Disk: When this option is set to “Yes,” the Adapter’s BIOS will treat removable disks as if they were fixed disks, so you can run removable-disk media without needing additional (third-party) software drivers. (You will still need third-party drivers, however, if you need to be able to hot-swap removable disks while the system is operating. Hot-swapping removable disks without using drivers that support this function will reult in lost data and possibly other unexpected problems.) The default setting for this option is “No.”

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Bios Setup Menu

SCSI-2 LVD specifications

The Black Box SCSI-2 LVD (Low Voltage Differential) represents a significant advancement in data storage and connectivity technology, particularly in environments requiring high performance and reliability. As a variant of the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, it is optimized for faster data communication, essential for modern computing needs.

One of the main features of SCSI-2 LVD is its capability to handle increased data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors. It supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 80 MB/s, which is double that of the original SCSI-2 single-ended signaling. This increase in speed is largely due to the differential signaling that LVD employs, allowing for reduced electromagnetic interference and extended cable lengths while maintaining signal integrity. The technology effectively converts the SCSI bus into a more robust system that can accommodate various devices without compromising performance.

The SCSI-2 LVD standard is backward compatible, meaning that it can interface with older SCSI devices, albeit at reduced speeds. This compatibility is significant for users looking to upgrade their systems without discarding existing hardware. This makes SCSI-2 LVD an attractive choice for enterprise environments where legacy systems are common.

Another key characteristic is the flexible cabling options provided by SCSI-2 LVD. It can support cable lengths of up to 12 meters, which is beneficial for large data center configurations where space between devices can be substantial. This extended range does not typically come at the expense of performance, ensuring that data integrity remains high, even over longer distances.

In terms of technology, LVD employs lower voltage levels, which not only contributes to greater power efficiency but also minimizes heat generation in devices. This is particularly crucial in data centers where temperature management can impact hardware longevity and reliability. The combination of lower voltage use and differential signaling makes SCSI-2 LVD well-suited for high-density environments.

Error correction and handshaking features are also integral to SCSI-2 LVD, enhancing its robustness against data loss during transmission. These characteristics make it a reliable choice for applications requiring consistent and high-speed data access, such as server arrays and high-performance computing tasks.

Overall, Black Box SCSI-2 LVD stands out due to its impressive speed, compatibility, and extensive cabling options, positioning it as a reliable solution for demanding data environments. It effectively bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern technology, ensuring that users can optimize their data handling capabilities without significant disruption.