1 HP A7173A Adapter Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the features and capabilities of the A7173A adapter:

“About the A7173A Adapter” (page 11).

“The A7173A PCI-X Dual Channel Ultra320 SCSI Host Bus Adapter” (page 11).

About the A7173A Adapter

The HP A7173A Dual Channel PCI-X Ultra320 SCSI Host Bus Adapter (A7173A adapter) provides two Ultra320 SCSI Parallel Interface Specification-4 (SPI-4) interfaces to PCI computer systems.

The A7173A adapter is a PCI-X adapter capable of up to 133 MHz, 64 bit data transfers. It supports connection of up to 15 SCSI devices per channel, or a total of 30 SCSI devices per adapter.

The A7173A adapter provides synchronous or asynchronous 16-bit (Wide) Low Voltage Differential (LVD) or 16-bit (Wide) Single-Ended(SE) SCSI solutions, using only one PCI slot. The adapter is backward compatible, supporting Ultra160, Ultra2, Ultra, and Fast SCSI devices.

The A7173A adapter cannot be connected to FWD (HVD) devices. Consult with your Hewlett-Packard representative for information on specific system configurations.

For a detailed summary of A7173A adapter features and specifications, see Appendix B (page 71).

Figure 1-1 The A7173A PCI-X Dual Channel Ultra320 SCSI Host Bus Adapter

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1Channel B 68 Pin External VHDCI Connector

2 Channel A 68 Pin External VHDCI Connector

3 Channel B 68 Pin Internal HD Connector

4 Channel A 68 Pin Internal HD Connector

5 PCI-X Bus Edge Connector

About the A7173A Adapter 11

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HP Ultra320 A7173A manual HP A7173A Adapter Overview, About the A7173A Adapter

Ultra320 A7173A specifications

The HP Ultra320 A7173A is a high-performance Storage Area Network (SAN) component, widely recognized for its reliability and efficiency in data storage solutions. Designed to support the demands of enterprise-level applications, this SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller excels in providing fast and reliable data transfer, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the A7173A is its ultra-fast data transfer rate. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 320 MB/s, which is made possible through the Ultra320 SCSI technology. This speed enhancement is crucial for applications requiring quick access to large volumes of data, thus improving overall system performance. The controller maintains compatibility with previous SCSI standards, allowing for interoperability in diverse environments and ensuring that organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure.

The A7173A is built on advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reliability. These include intelligent data buffering and error correction mechanisms, which minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the integrity of information during transfers. Additionally, the controller features multiple device connections, accommodating up to 15 devices on a single chain. This scalability offers flexibility in expanding storage solutions based on organizational needs.

Another significant characteristic of the HP Ultra320 A7173A is its support for a wide range of operating systems. The controller is versatile, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with numerous enterprise platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that IT departments can deploy the A7173A within their existing environments without major adjustments or additional costs.

Moreover, the A7173A comes with comprehensive management features, enabling administrators to monitor and optimize storage performance effectively. These features help in anticipating issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.

In essence, the HP Ultra320 A7173A is a comprehensive SAN solution that offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability. Its advanced technologies and versatile compatibility make it an ideal component for organizations looking to optimize their data storage infrastructure while ensuring robust performance across diverse applications. Investing in the A7173A can lead to marked improvements in data management, ultimately contributing to business efficiency and continuity.