Fast (20 MB/s)

Ultra (40 MB/s)

Ultra2 (80 MB/s)

Ultra160 (160 MB/s)

Ultra320 (320 MB/s)

The actual data transfer rate between the A7173A adapter and the other SCSI devices on the bus depends on the maximum data transfer rate that is automatically negotiated for each of the devices on the bus.

For example, if you set the A7173A adapter’s maximum data transfer rate to NOLIMIT (which will be 320 MB/s), and then connect a disk drive that has a maximum data transfer rate of Ultra2 (80 MB/s), the actual transfer rate will automatically be negotiated to a maximum of 80 MB/s.

WARNING! HP DS2100, DS2110, and DS2300 external storage devices are only supported at a maximum SCSI data transfer rate of U160. The SCSI data transfer rate must be limited to U160 (or slower) to avoid potential data integrity issues. The SCSI bus will not automatically adjust to accommodate the DS2100 or the DS2110. The SCSI data transfer rate must be deliberately set to a maximum of U160; offline via the Boot Console Handler (on HP 9000 systems) or EFI (on HP Integrity systems), or online via the mptconfig command. With the DS2300 the SCSI data transfer rate will automatically be negotiated to U160 (or slower), but the negotiation could cause a few SCSI bus resets, which can be avoided by deliberately setting the maximum SCSI data transfer rate to U160.

TIP: Unless you are connecting an HP DS2100, DS2110, or DS2300 external storage device to an A7173A adapter, HP recommends that you always set the A7173A adapter’s maximum data transfer rate to MAX or NOLIMIT (this is the default setting for the A7173A adapter).

Using MAX or NOLIMIT enables the adapter’s maximum data transfer rate of 320 MB/s to be used, unless there are slower devices on the bus that automatically negotiate a slower data transfer rate. Automatic negotiation of the data transfer rate will set the maximum data transfer rate on the SCSI bus to the maximum data transfer rate capability of the slowest SCSI device on the bus.

TIP: If you are trying to debug a communication problem between the A7173A adapter and a specific SCSI device, setting the data transfer rate at a slower speed may enhance diagnostic efforts. See Chapter 5: “Troubleshooting” (page 51), for more information.

Setting the Maximum Data Transfer Rate Offline

For HP 9000 systems, the Boot Console Handler (BCH) menus are used to set the maximum data transfer rate offline. See “Using the BCH Menus on HP 9000 Systems” (page 28), for details.

For HP Integrity® systems, EFI is used to set the maximum data transfer rate offline. See “Using the EFI Utility on HP Integrity Systems” (page 32), for details.

Setting the Maximum Data Transfer Rate Online

The mptconfig command is used to set the maximum data transfer rate online for all supported systems. See “Using mptconfig for Online Configuration” (page 40), for details.

About Bus Width

The firmware suggested default for the A7173A adapter’s bus width is MAX (the A7173A adapter’s maximum bus width, 16 bits [Wide]). However, either of the following bus widths can be used:

8 bits (Narrow)

16 bits (Wide)

About Bus Width 25

Page 25
Image 25
HP Ultra320 A7173A manual About Bus Width, Setting the Maximum Data Transfer Rate Offline

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.