STL2 Server Board TPS

STL2 Server Board Architecture Overview

2.5.2BIOS Flash

The STL2 baseboard incorporates an Intel® 5V FlashFile™ 28F008SA Flash Memory component. The 28F008SA is a high-performance 8 Mbit memory that is organized as 1 MB of 8 bits each. There are 16 64-KB blocks.

The 8-bit flash memory provides 1024K x 8 of BIOS and nonvolatile storage space. The flash device is directly addressed as 8-bit ISA memory. For more information, see the 5 Volt FlashFile™ Memory (28F008SA x8) Datasheet.

2.5.3External Device Connectors

The external I/O connectors provide support for a PS/2 compatible mouse and keyboard, an SVGA monitor, two serial port connectors, a parallel port connector, a LAN port, and two USB connections.

2.6Interrupt Routing

The STL2 server board interrupt architecture implements two I/O APICs and two PICs through the use of the integrated components in the IB6566 South Bridge component. The STL2 server board interrupt architecture allows first and second PCI interrupts to be mapped to compatible interrupt through the PCI Interrupt Address Index Register (I/O Address 0C00h) in the IB6566 South Bridge.

The STL2 server board supports three interrupt modes:

PIC Mode

Virtual Wire Mode

Symmetric Mode

The IB6566 South Bridge uses integrated logic to map 16 PCI interrupts to EISA/ISA. In default or Extended APIC configurations, each PCI interrupt can be independently routed to one of the 11 EISA interrupts. The interrupt mapping logic for PCI interrupts is disabled when the make bit in the corresponding I/O APIC redirection table entry is disabled (clear). This interrupt routing mechanism allows a clean transition from PIC mode to an APIC during operating system boot.

2.6.1Default I/O APIC

The IB6566 South Bridge integrates a 16-entry I/O APIC which is used to distribute 16 PCI interrupts.

2.6.2Extended I/O APIC

An additional 16-entry I/O APIC is integrated in the IB6566 South Bridge to distribute EISA/ISA interrupts. This additional I/O APIC is enabled only when the IB6566 South Bridge is configured to the Extended APIC configuration.

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Intel STL2 manual Interrupt Routing, Bios Flash, External Device Connectors, Default I/O Apic, Extended I/O Apic

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.