ULTRA2 LVD SCSI HOST ADAPTER

5.6.3COMMAND-LINE OPTIONS FOR THE DEVICE DRIVER

The Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter’s device drivers support command-line switches to optimize driver performance. Device drivers normally require no additonal information to work effectively, but for your system or applications you might need to turn certain features ON or OFF. In the CONFIG.SYS file, use the following standard command format to modify the device driver’s switches:

BASEDEV = INIA100.ADD [driver-config option]

The “driver-config options” are:

/V

Verbose Mode provides detailed information about the driver on

 

the system command line when the driver is initialized

 

 

 

/!V

Non-Verbose Mode (default)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/ET

Driver assumes that all targets have more than one LUN (logical

 

unit number)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/!ET

Driver assumes that all targets only have LUN 0 (default)

 

 

/T:hhhh

Target-enable mask word (default: FFFF hex, scan all targets)

 

 

The range for “hhhh” is from 0000 hex (disable all targets) to

 

FFFF hex (scan all targets).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a powerful and complex option by which you can have the

 

driver control only certain selected devices. Each of the four hex

 

characters stands for four of the SCSI IDs, each of which has its own

 

corresponding bit for which “1” = control enabled, “0” = control

 

disabled. For example, if you wanted the driver to be able to

 

 

control all of the devices on the bus except a CD-ROM drive on

 

ID 3, a tape drive on ID 6, and scanners on IDs 9 and 10, you would

 

enter the command phrase “/T:F9B7”:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDs:

15 14 13 12 11 10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

 

Binary:

1

1

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

 

 

__________ __________ __________ __________

 

Hex:

 

F

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

7

 

/B:b,dd

Scan PCI DEVICE #dd on PCI BUS #b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The range for “b” is from 0 to 7 decimal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The range for “dd” is from 0 to 20 decimal.

 

 

 

 

 

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual COMMAND-LINE Options for the Device Driver

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.