2Installing the Fibre Channel I/O Expansion Card

This chapter provides detailed requirements for installing the Fibre Channel I/O Expansion Cards. The expansion card can be installed in a blade server and a storage expansion unit.

Note: See the blade server or expansion unit documentation for instructions about installing the Fibre Channel Expansion Card.

Handling static-sensitive devices

Attention: Static electricity can damage electronic devices, including your blade server. To avoid damage, keep static-sensitive devices in their static-protective packages until you are ready to install them.

To reduce the possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge, observe the following precautions:

Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around you.

Handle the device carefully, holding it by its edges or its frame.

Do not touch solder joints, pins, or exposed circuitry.

Do not leave the device where others can handle and damage it.

While the device is still in its static-protective package, touch it to any unpainted metal surface of the SBCE chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component in the rack you are installing the device in for at least 2 seconds. (This drains static electricity from the package and from your body.)

Remove the device from its package and install it directly into the blade server without setting down the device. If it is necessary to set down the device, place it back into its static-protective package. Do not place the device on your blade server cover or on a metal surface.

Take additional care when handling devices during cold weather. Heating reduces indoor humidity and increases static electricity.

Installation guidelines

Before you begin installing the Fibre Channel Expansion Card, read the safety information beginning on page v and the guidelines in “Handling static-sensitive devices.” This information will help you work safely with your blade server and options.

Make sure you are using the latest versions of device drivers, firmware, and BIOS for your blade server, management module, and I/O modules that are used by the Fibre Channel Expansion Card. Go to the Support Web site, http://www.intel.com/, for the latest information about upgrading the device drivers, firmware, and BIOS for SBCE components. The latest instructions are in the documentation that comes with the updates.

If your blade server has a hard disk drive installed in the hard disk drive connector location where you are installing the expansion card, you will need to remove it to install the expansion card. The expansion card occupies the same space as this hard disk drive and replaces it. You cannot install a hard disk drive in the hard disk drive connector while an expansion card is installed in that connector location, meaning that you will need to choose between installing a hard disk drive and an expansion card for some blade server types.

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Intel SEBFCM4 Installing the Fibre Channel I/O Expansion Card, Handling static-sensitive devices, Installation guidelines

SEBFCM4 specifications

The Intel SEBFCM4 is a cutting-edge board-level platform designed for high-performance computing and embedded applications. This versatile module is engineered to cater to the evolving demands of modern data processing, making it suitable for a variety of industries, including telecommunications, industrial automation, and IoT solutions.

One of the standout features of the Intel SEBFCM4 is its robust processing capabilities powered by Intel's state-of-the-art CPUs. It supports a wide range of Intel processors, providing flexibility in performance and energy efficiency. This adaptability allows users to select the right CPU for their specific application, whether they need high processing power for complex calculations or a more energy-efficient solution for extended operational periods.

In terms of connectivity, the SEBFCM4 excels with multiple interfaces including PCIe, SATA, and USB ports, which offer extensive options for peripherals and external devices. This extensive connectivity is crucial for applications requiring rapid data transfer and real-time responsiveness. Furthermore, the board is designed with advanced networking capabilities, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems or networks, which is vital for applications in data centers and edge computing.

The Intel SEBFCM4 also incorporates advanced memory support with options for DDR4 RAM, allowing for greater bandwidth and efficiency in processing tasks. This enhanced memory architecture is especially beneficial for applications that involve large datasets or require substantial multitasking capabilities.

Moreover, the platform is built to support advanced technologies like Intel’s Virtualization Technology, which allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single processor. This feature is particularly advantageous in environments that demand high levels of resource utilization, enabling better overall efficiency and flexibility.

Thermal management is another key characteristic of the SEBFCM4. With its sophisticated design, it effectively dissipates heat, ensuring that performance remains stable even under load. This is critical for applications deployed in demanding environments where reliability is paramount.

In summary, the Intel SEBFCM4 stands out as a powerful, flexible, and reliable platform for today's advanced computing requirements. Its combination of high-performance processing, extensive connectivity, robust memory options, and superior thermal management makes it an ideal choice for a wide array of applications across various industries. As technology continues to evolve, the SEBFCM4 is poised to meet the needs of businesses looking for powerful solutions that deliver both efficiency and reliability.