AGlossary of Terms and Abbreviations

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic read/write capability.

 

Usually kept as firmware (ROM based). The system BIOS on a server board is used

 

to boot and control the system. The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension

 

of the system BIOS.

Configuration

The way a computer is setup; the combined hardware components (computer,

 

monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that make up a computer system, and the

 

software settings that allow the hardware components to communicate with each

 

other.

Device Driver

A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system) to direct the

 

operation of a peripheral device.

Domain

A software procedure in which a host queries a device to determine its ability to

Validation

communicate at the negotiated data rate.

EEPROM

Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. A memory chip

 

typically used to store configuration information. It provides stable storage for long

 

periods without electricity and can be reprogrammed. See NVRAM.

External SAS

A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected

Device

together using specific types of shielded cables.

Host

The computer system in which a storage adapter is installed. It uses the storage

 

adapter to transfer information to and from devices attached to the SCSI bus.

Host Adapter

A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to the

Board (HAB)

computer system.

Internal SAS

A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are connected

Device

together using an unshielded ribbon cable.

Main Memory

The part of a computer’s memory which is directly accessible by the CPU (usually

 

synonymous with RAM).

NVRAM

Non-volatile Random Access Memory. An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable

 

Read-Only Memory chip) used to store configuration information. See EEPROM.

Peripheral

A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or CD-ROM) used

Devices

with a computer and under the computer’s control. SCSI peripherals are controlled

 

through a SAS Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS18E.

Intel® RAID Controller SRCSAS18E User’s Guide

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Intel SRCSAS18E manual Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, Bios

SRCSAS18E specifications

The Intel SRCSAS18E is a robust and high-performance storage controller card designed for data-intensive applications, primarily targeted at enterprise environments. Featuring support for both Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and SATA drives, this controller brings an impressive array of features, technologies, and characteristics that enhance storage performance, reliability, and scalability.

One of the standout features of the SRCSAS18E is its capability to manage up to 18 drives simultaneously. This is achieved through the use of eight internal ports, which can connect to a wide range of SAS and SATA drives, enabling organizations to build a scalable storage architecture. The controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing flexibility in data management and protection strategies. This RAID functionality ensures that data can be mirrored, striped, or spread across multiple drives to enhance performance and redundancy, which is crucial for minimizing downtime.

The SRCSAS18E incorporates advanced technologies such as Intel's RAID Response Technology, which allows for enhanced data protection and recovery options. This technology facilitates faster rebuilding of arrays in the event of a drive failure, significantly reducing the risk of data loss. Additionally, the controller includes battery-backed cache memory, which helps to ensure data integrity and performance by providing temporary storage during write operations, even in case of power loss.

For seamless integration with current infrastructure, the SRCSAS18E supports PCI Express interface. It offers up to 6 Gb/s data transfer rates per port, optimizing data throughput and overall system performance. This high-speed connectivity is essential for applications that require rapid access to vast amounts of data, including virtualization and high-performance computing tasks.

The controller also features compatibility with various operating systems and server platforms, enhancing its versatility. Organizations can take advantage of plug-and-play functionality, allowing for easier deployment and management in diverse IT environments.

Furthermore, the SRCSAS18E is built with enterprise-grade reliability in mind, supporting features like thermal monitoring and advanced error correction to safeguard against hardware failures. Its ability to manage a large number of drives effectively makes it an ideal solution for data centers and enterprises looking to enhance their storage solutions while ensuring maximum uptime and data availability.

In summary, the Intel SRCSAS18E is a feature-rich storage controller well-suited for demanding environments that require reliable and efficient data management. Its combination of high performance, support for multiple RAID configurations, and robust data protection technologies makes it a valuable addition to any enterprise storage infrastructure.