STL2 Server Board Architecture Overview

STL2 Server Board TPS

2.5.1.1Serial Ports

Two 9-pin connectors in D-Sub housing are provided for serial port A and serial port B. Both ports are compatible with 16550A and 16450 modes, and both are re-locatable. Each serial port can be set to one of four different COM-x ports, and each can be enabled separately.

When enabled, each port can be programmed to generate edge- or level-sensitive interrupts. When disabled, serial port interrupts are available to add-in cards.

2.5.1.2Parallel Port

The STL2 baseboard provides a 25-pin parallel port connector. The SIO provides an IEEE 1284-compliant 25-pin bi-directional parallel port. BIOS programming of the SIO registers enables the parallel port and determines the port address and interrupt. When disabled, the interrupt is available to add-in cards.

2.5.1.3Floppy Port

The FDC in the SIO is functionally compatible with floppy disk controllers CMOS 765B and 82077AA. The baseboard provides the 24- MHz clock, termination resistors, and chip selects. All other FDC functions are integrated into the SIO, including analog data separator and 16- byte FIFO.

2.5.1.4Keyboard and Mouse Connectors

The keyboard controller is functionally compatible with the 8042A. The keyboard and mouse connectors are PS/2-compatible.

2.5.1.5Real-time Clock

The PC97317VUL contains an MC146818-compatible real-time clock with external battery backup. The device also contains 242 bytes of general purpose battery-backed CMOS RAM. The real-time clock provides system clock and calendar information stored in non-volatile memory.

2.5.1.6Plug-and-Play Functions / ISA Data Transfers

The PC97317VUL contains all signals for ISA compatible interrupts and DMA channels. It also provides ISA control, data, and address signals to transfer data to/from the BMC and the BIOS flash device. This ISA subsystem transfers all SIO peripheral control data to the IB6566 South Bridge as well.

2.5.1.7Power Management Controller

The PC97317VUL component contains functionality that allows various events to allow the power-on and power-off of the system. This can be from PCI Power Management Events, the BMC, or the front panel. This circuitry is powered from stand-by voltage, which is present anytime the system is plugged into the AC outlet.

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Intel STL2 manual Serial Ports, Parallel Port, Floppy Port, Keyboard and Mouse Connectors, Real-time Clock

STL2 specifications

The Intel STL2, known as the Intel Storage Technology Level 2, is a robust solution designed to elevate storage management and performance for enterprise-level applications. This next-generation system is specifically tailored for organizations that demand high reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their storage solutions.

One of the primary features of the Intel STL2 is its advanced data protection mechanisms. With integrated RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support, it ensures that data remains safe, even in the event of hardware failure. RAID configurations can be easily set up and managed, allowing businesses to choose the right balance between performance and redundancy based on their unique requirements.

In terms of performance, the STL2 leverages cutting-edge SSD (Solid State Drive) integration to provide high-speed data access and reduced latency. This capability is essential for modern applications that require quick retrieval of large volumes of data, making it suitable for environments like data analytics, AI, and cloud computing.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of the Intel STL2. It is designed to grow alongside an organization’s needs, supporting a diverse range of storage architectures. Whether a company is looking to expand its data center or transition to hybrid cloud solutions, the STL2 can accommodate additional storage resources effortlessly, ensuring that performance does not degrade as storage demands increase.

Moreover, the STL2 features advanced automation and management tools that simplify storage operations. The system allows for real-time monitoring and analytics, providing insights into storage health, performance metrics, and capacity forecasts. This level of visibility enables IT teams to optimize resource utilization and proactively address potential issues before they become critical.

Another notable technology integrated into the STL2 is Intel’s Open Storage Architecture, which promotes interoperability with various software and hardware platforms. This open approach facilitates seamless integrations with existing systems and enhances flexibility within dynamic IT environments.

Lastly, Intel STL2 prioritizes energy efficiency. Its design minimizes power consumption without sacrificing performance, helping organizations reduce their operational costs and carbon footprint.

In summary, the Intel STL2 stands out in the competitive landscape of storage solutions with its focus on data protection, high performance, scalability, advanced management features, open architecture compatibility, and energy efficiency. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their data storage capabilities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.