CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

/Sdd Scan device only on PCI BUS #0 and device #dd The range for “dd” is from 0 to 20 decimal.

/CCBSx Defines the maximum number of concurrent I/O operations that driver supports.

The range for “x” is from 1 to 16 decimal.

5.1.3THE ASPI CD-ROM DRIVER AND ITS COMMAND-LINE OPTIONS

INICD.SYS is a DOS device driver for SCSI CD-ROM drives. It functions as the interface between these drives and the generic Microsoft CD-ROM driver, MSCDEX.EXE. INICD.SYS requires that the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter’s ASPI Manager be loaded. A “DEVICE=” or “DEVICEHIGH=” command line to load INICD.S'YS is automatically added to the CONFIG.SYS startup file by the DOSSETUP or SETUP program. (You will be asked whether or not you want to load this driver high; the program will add the correpsonding command to CONFIG.SYS depending on how you answer.) INICD.SYS is on Driver Disk 1. It has three command-line options—/D:, /T, and /X:—as described below.

/D: or /d:—Use this option to define a “device name” for a CD-ROM drive. This device name must also be passed to MSCDEX.EXE on its command line (using the same /D: or/d: option). The name specified must be eight characters or fewer in length. Valid characters are uppercase letters “A” through “Z,” lowercase letters “a” through “z,” the digits “0” through “9,” and the underscore character. The name must start with a letter. Examples of valid command-line phrases:

/D:INICD001

/d:mscd001

/d:MYCD_01

/T or /t—Use this option to specify a timeout value to be used when sending commands to a CD-ROM drive. If a CD-ROM drive does not respond to a command within the specified timeout period, the command will be aborted and an appropriate error message will be displayed. The timeout value is specified in minutes. Valid values are “1” (one minute) through “9” (nine minutes) and “D” or “d” (timeout disabled). We do not recommend disabling the timeout—if you do, faulty hardware will be able to lock up your system. Examples of valid command- line phrases:

/T4

/Td

/TD

/T1

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Aspi CD-ROM Driver and ITS COMMAND-LINE Options

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.