ULTRA2 LVD SCSI HOST ADAPTER

 

 

Contents

 

Chapter

 

Page

1.

Specifications

9

2.

Introduction

11

 

2.1

Features

11

 

2.2

The Adapter Illustrated

13

3. Before You Install: Getting Started

14

 

3.1

The Adapter and the SCSI Bus

14

 

3.2

SCSI ID Numbers

14

 

3.3

SCSI-Bus Length

16

 

3.4

SCSI-Bus Termination

16

 

3.5

Attaching Legacy Equipment

20

 

3.6

The Complete Package

20

4.

Installation and Configuration

21

 

4.1

Installing the Adapter Itself

21

 

4.2

Attaching Other SCSI Devices to the Adapter’s Bus

24

 

 

4.2.1 Connecting Internal SCSI Devices

24

 

 

4.2.2 Connecting External SCSI Devices

26

 

4.3

Initial Startup

27

 

4.4

Hard-Drive Preparation

28

 

 

4.4.1 Why You Need to Do This

28

 

 

4.4.2 Low-Level Formatting

28

 

4.5

Multiple Initiators and Clustering

29

 

4.4

The Setup Utility

30

 

 

4.4.1 The Boot Options, Select Channel Menu, and Main Menu

30

 

 

4.4.2 The Scan Bus Screen

32

 

 

4.4.3 The Device Setup Menu

32

 

 

4.4.4 The Adapter Setup Menu

34

 

 

4.4.5 The BIOS Setup Menu

35

 

 

4.4.6 The Disk Utility Menu

36

 

 

4.4.7 Exiting the Utility

36

6

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Contents

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.