USER’S
GUIDE
MegaRAID® 8480
Storage Adapter
Ju ly 2 0 0 7
®
IBM P/N: 42D8846
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Preface
This book is the primary reference and user’s guide for the LSI
®
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Storage Adapter. It contains installation
instructions and specifications for the adapter.
For details on how to configure the storage adapter, refer to the
MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide. For information about the
operating system drivers, refer to the MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver
Installation User’s Guide.
Audience
This document assumes that you have some familiarity with RAID
controllers and related support devices. The people who benefit from this
book are:
•
•
Engineers who are designing a system that will include a MegaRAID
8480 SAS Storage Adapter
Anyone installing a MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in a
RAID system
Organization
This document has the following chapters and appendix:
•
•
•
Chapter 1, Overview, provides a general overview of the MegaRAID
8480 Storage Adapter.
Chapter 2, MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation, describes the
procedures for installing the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.
Chapter 3, MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics,
provides the characteristics and technical specifications for the
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide
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•
Appendix A, Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, lists and
explains the terms and abbreviations used in this manual.
Related Publications
MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 42D8847
This document explains how to install and use the LSI battery backup
unit for MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter. The 8480 board uses the LSI
intelligent Transportable Battery Backup Unit 02 (LSIiTBBU02).
MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver Installation User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 42D8845
This document explains how to install the MegaRAID device driver for
your operating system. The information in this document is independent
of the back-end bus and applies to the Megaraid 8480 Storage Adapter.
MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 42D8848
This document explains how to use the MegaRAID Storage Manager,
WebBIOS, and Command Line Interface (CLI) utilities to configure,
monitor, and maintain MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter and the
storage-related devices connected to them.
iv
Preface
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Conventions
Throughout the manual, the conventions described in the following table
are used to describe user interaction with the product:
Notation
Example
Meaning and Use
courier typeface
.nwkfile
Names of commands, files, and directories as well as
code and screen messages are shown in courier.
bold typeface
italics
fd1sp
In a command line, keywords are shown in bold, non-italic
typeface. Enter them exactly as shown.
module
In command lines and names italics indicate user vari-
ables. Italicized text must be replaced with appropriate
user-specified items. Enter items of the type called for,
using lowercase.
Initial Capital letters
Undo
Edit
Apply
Names of menu commands, options, check buttons, text
buttons, options buttons, text boxes, list boxes, and so on.,
are shown in text with Initial Capital lettering to avoid mis-
reading. These elements may appear on your screen in all
lowercase.
semicolon, and other
punctuation
Use as shown in the text.
Note:
Notes contain supplementary information that can affect
system performance.
Attention:
Attention notices identify actions that might adversely affect
equipment operation, system performance, or data integrity.
Revision History
IBM Document
Number
Date/Version
Remarks
42D8846
Version 1.2
July 2007
Revised Table 1.1 about the number of physical drives
allowed for each RAID level.
42D8846
Version 1.1
April 2007
Made edits and added information about controller limita-
tions, and the number of physical drives supported at each
RAID level.
42D8846
Version 1.0
June 2006
Initial release of document.
Preface
v
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IBM Customer Support
If you have feedback or questions, you can contact IBM.
E-mail:
Phone:
(Toll free) 1-800-IBM-4YOU (1-800-426-4968)
Web site:
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system
from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
Note:
Use the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter with UL-listed
Information Technology Equipment (ITE) products only.
When Using Your Computer System – As you use your computer
system, observe the following safety guidelines:
•
Do not operate your computer system with any cover(s) (such as
computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, and front-panel inserts)
removed.
•
To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure the voltage selection
switch on the power supply is set to match the alternating current
(AC) power available at your location:
–
115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America
and some Far Eastern countries such as Japan, South Korea,
and Taiwan.
–
230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
Also be sure your monitor and attached peripherals are electrically
rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
vi
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•
•
•
•
To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds
after you turn off the system before you remove a component from the
system board or disconnect a peripheral device from the computer.
To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and peripheral
power cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables
are equipped with 3-prong plugs to ensure proper grounding.
Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a
cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with
properly grounded plugs.
To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient
increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor,
line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
•
•
•
•
Be sure nothing rests on your computer system cables and that the
cables are not located where they can be stepped on or tripped over.
Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets
wet, consult the documentation that came with it.
Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so
can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do
not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your
computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on
a rug.
When Working Inside Your Computer –
Attention:
Always follow the installation and service instructions
provided with your computer closely.
1. Review all of the safety information provided with your computer.
2. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.
3. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources.
Also disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from
the computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
Also note these safety guidelines:
Preface
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•
•
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its
strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a
connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of
cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable.
As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid
bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make
sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the
components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its
metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a
microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
Protecting against Electrostatic Discharge – Static electricity can
harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any
of your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor.
You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal
around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have
accumulated. In addition to the preceding precautions, you can also take
the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge:
•
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component in your
computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure
to discharge static electricity from your body.
•
•
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an
antistatic container or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
viii
Preface
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Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
1.1
1.2
Overview
1.2.1
1.3
1.4
1.4.1
1.5
1.6
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.6.1
1.6.2
1.6.3
1.6.4
1.6.5
1.6.6
Flexibility Features
Drive Roaming
1-11
1-11
1.7
1.8
Chapter 2
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Requirements
2-1
2-2
2-2
2-6
Quick Installation
Detailed Installation
SAS Device Cables
2.4.1
Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller to
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide
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Drive Boxes and Drive Expanders
2-8
2.6
2-9
Chapter 3
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics
3.1
3-6
3-6
3-7
3-7
3.1.1
3.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.5
3.3.6
Array Performance Features
Fault Tolerance
Operating and Non-operating Conditions
Safety Characteristics
Appendix A
Glossary of Terms
and Abbreviations
x
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Figures
1.1
1.2
Example of RAID Controller Configured with LSISASx12 Expand-
er 1-6
2.1
2.2
2-4
cal Disks
2-6
2.3
2.4
SAS and SATA II Plugs and SAS Backplane Receptacle Connec-
tor 2-8
Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller with External
2.5
3.1
Connectors to a Drive Box or Drive Enclosure
2-9
3-2
Card Layout for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
Contents
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xii
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Tables
1.1
1.2
MegaRAID 8480 Characteristics
Storage Adapter Specifications
Array Performance Features
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-6
3-7
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
Fault Tolerance Features
Maximum Power Requirements
Contents
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xiv
Contents
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Chapter 1
Overview
This section provides a general overview of the Megaraid 8480 Storage
sections:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Section 1.1, “Overview”
Section 1.4, “Configuration Scenario”
Section 1.5, “Benefits of the SAS Interface”
Section 1.6, “Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
Characteristics”
•
•
Section 1.7, “Hardware Specifications”
Section 1.8, “Technical Support”
1.1 Overview
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is a high-performance intelligent
PCI Express-to-SCSI/Serial ATA II adapter with RAID control capabilities.
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter provides reliability, high
performance, and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management. It is an
ideal RAID solution for the internal storage of workgroup, departmental,
and enterprise systems. The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter offers a
cost-effective way to implement RAID in a server.
SAS technology brings a wealth of options and flexibility with the use of
SAS devices and Serial ATA (SATA) II devices within the same storage
infrastructure. However, SAS and SATA devices bring individual
characteristics that make each one a more suitable choice depending on
your storage needs. MegaRAID gives you the flexibility to combine these
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two similar technologies on the same controller and within the same
enclosure.
Note:
You cannot mix SAS and SATA drives within the same
virtual disk(s).
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is based on the LSI first-to-market
SAS IC technology and proven MegaRAID technology. As the
second-generation PCI Express storage adapter, the MegaRAID 8480
controller addresses the growing demand for increased data throughput
and scalability requirements across midrange and enterprise-class
server platforms. LSI offers a family of MegaRAID SAS adapters
addressing the needs for both internal and external solutions.
The innovative LSI intelligent Transportable Battery Backup Unit 2
(LSIiTBBU02) is pre-installed on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller.
The LSIiTBBU02 provides cached data protection, which allows system
builders to protect cached data even during the most catastrophic system
failures.
Note:
You must charge the battery before use. Refer to the
MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide on the
MegaRAID 8480 CD for more information.
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports the ANSI Serial Attached
SCSI standard, version 1.1. In addition, the controller supports the SATA
II protocol defined by the Serial ATA specification, version 1.0a.
Supporting both the SAS and SATA II interfaces, the controller is a
versatile controller that provides the backbone of both server and high-
end workstation environments.
Each port on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports SAS and/or
SATA II devices using the following:
•
SAS Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP), which enables communication with
other SAS devices
•
•
SATA II, which enables communication with other SATA II devices
Serial Management Protocol (SMP), which communicates
topology management information directly with an attached SAS
expander device
•
Serial Tunneling Protocol (STP), which enables communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander
1-2
Overview
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1.2 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Description
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is available with eight PHYs. The
MegaRAID 8480 has one Intel IOP333 I/O processor that controls eight
external SAS/SATA ports through two SAS 4x external connectors.
1.2.1 Controller Limitations
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter has the following limitations:
•
•
You can connect only one device per SAS PHY unless you use an
expander
You can use a maximum external cable length of six feet (LSI
•
•
Though you can mix SAS drives and SATA drives in the same virtual
disk, LSI strongly discourages the practice
•
See Section 3.3.4, “Electrical Characteristics,” for information about
the power requirements, and Section 3.3.5, “Operating and Non-
operating Conditions” for information about the minimum and
maximum temperature ranges
1.3 General Description
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter brings 3.0 Gbit/s Serial Attached
SCSI and 3.0 Gbit/s Serial ATA II performance to host adapter,
workstation, and server designs. The controller supports external storage
devices, which allows you to use a system that supports enterprise-class
SAS and desktop-class SATA II drives. Each MegaRAID 8480 Storage
Adapter can connect to drives directly and can use expanders to connect
to additional drives. Simplified cabling between devices is an additional
benefit.
The RAID controller integrates eight high-performance SAS/SATA II
PHYs and a PCI Express bus master DMA core. Each of the eight PHYs
is capable of 3.0 Gbit/s SAS link rates and 3.0 Gbit/s SATA II link rates.
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Description
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The RAID controller supports the SAS protocol as described in the Serial
Attached SCSI Standard, version 1.1. The controller also supports the
Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA specification,
version 1.0a. SATA II is an extension to SATA 1.0a. In addition, the RAID
controller supports the following SATA II features:
•
•
•
•
•
3 Gbit/s SATA II
Staggered spin-up
Hot Plug
Activity and fault indicators for each PHY
Port Selector (for dual-port drives)
Each port on the RAID controller supports SAS or SATA II devices using
the SSP, SMP, STP, and SATA II. The SSP enables communication with
other SAS devices. SATA II enables the RAID controller to communicate
with SATA II devices.
1.4 Configuration Scenario
The following is the main scenario in which you can use the MegaRAID
•
High-end external SAS or SATA II configurations: Disks can be either
SATA II or SAS. External enclosure management through in-band,
SCSI-enclosed storage. STP and SMP need to be supported.
2
Figure 1.1 shows a direct-connect configuration. The Inter-IC (I C)
interface communicates with peripherals. The external memory bus
provides a 32-bit memory bus, parity checking, and chip select signals
for pipelined synchronous burst static random access memory
(PSBRAM), nonvolatile static random access memory (NVSRAM), and
Flash ROM.
1-4
Overview
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Figure 1.1 Example of LSI SAS Direct-Connect Application
SAS/SATA II Device
32-Bit Memory
Address/Data
Flash ROM/
PSBRAM/
NVSRAM
SAS
PCI Express
RAID Controller
Bus
SAS/SATA II Device
SAS/SATA II Device
I2C
Interface
I2C
SAS/SATA II Device
PCI Express Interface
Configuration Scenario
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Figure 1.2 shows an example of a RAID controller configured with an
LSISASx12 expander that is connected to SAS devices.
Figure 1.2 Example of RAID Controller Configured with
LSISASx12 Expander
PCI Express Interface
32-bit Memory
Address/Data
Flash ROM/
PSBRAM/
NVSRAM
Bus
SAS RAID Controller
I2C
Interface
I2C
LSISASx12
LSISASx12
SAS
Drives
SAS
Drives
SAS
Drives
SAS
Drives
Your configuration planning for the 8480 RAID controller depends in part
on the number of physical disks that you want to use in a RAID array.
The number of drives in an array determines the RAID levels that can be
supported. Only one RAID level can be assigned to each virtual disk.
Table 1.1 shows the minimum and maximum number of drives required
for each RAID level.
Table 1.1
Physical Drives Required for Each RAID Level
RAID
Level
Minimum # of
Physical Drives
Maximum # of
Physical Drives
0
1
32
1-6
Overview
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Table 1.1
Physical Drives Required for Each RAID Level (Cont.)
RAID
Level
Minimum # of
Physical Drives
Maximum # of
Physical Drives
1
5
2
3
4
6
2
32
16
32
10
50
1.5 Benefits of the SAS Interface
SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that
leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. SAS is a convergence of the
advantages of SATA II, SCSI, and fibre channel, and is the future
mainstay of the enterprise and high-end workstation storage markets.
SAS offers a higher bandwidth per pin than parallel SCSI, and improves
signal and data integrity.
The SAS interface uses the proven SCSI command set to ensure reliable
data transfers, while providing the connectivity and flexibility of
point-to-point serial data transfers. The serial transmission of SCSI
commands eliminates clock skew challenges. The SAS interface
provides improved performance, simplified cabling, smaller connectors,
lower pin count, and lower power requirements when compared to
parallel SCSI.
The RAID controller leverages a common electrical and physical
connection interface that is compatible with Serial ATA technology. The
SAS and SATA II protocols use a thin, 7-wire connector instead of the
68-wire SCSI cable or 26-wire ATA cable. The SAS/SATA II connector
and cable are easier to manipulate, allow connections to smaller devices,
and do not inhibit airflow. The point-to-point SATA II architecture
eliminates inherent difficulties created by the legacy ATA master-slave
architecture, while maintaining compatibility with existing ATA firmware.
Benefits of the SAS Interface
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1.5.1 PCI Express Architecture
PCI Express is a local bus system designed to increase data transfers
without slowing down the central processing unit (CPU). You can install
MegaRAID PCI Express storage adapters in PCI Express computer
systems with a standard bracket type. With these adapters in your
system, you can connect SCSI and SATA II devices over the bus.
PCI Express goes beyond the PCI specification in that it is intended as
a unifying I/O architecture for various systems: desktops, workstations,
mobile, server, communications, and embedded devices.
1.5.2 Operating System Support
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter supports the following operating
systems:
•
•
•
Windows (2000 and Server 2003)
Red Hat Linux
SUSE Linux
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter uses Fusion-MPT™ architecture
for all major operating systems, thinner drivers, and better performance.
1.6 Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
Characteristics
This section provides a summary of the features and benefits of the
MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller. It contains information on SAS
features, SATA II features, PCI performance, integration, usability, and
flexibility.
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter includes the following features:
•
PCI Express x8 lane width (with support for downshifting for
motherboards with x1 and x4 connections)
•
•
PCI Express performance up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane
Support for a 256 Mbyte DDR2 400 MHz on-board SDRAM with
LSIiTBBU02 intelligible transportable battery backup
1-8
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two external connectors
Support for RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50
Advanced array configuration and management utilities
Online RAID level migration
Drive migration
Drive roaming
Patrol Read
No reboot necessary after expansion
More than 200 Qtags per array
User-specified rebuild rate
32 Kbyte nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) for storing
RAID system configuration information; the MegaRAID SAS firmware
is stored in flash ROM for easy upgrade.
1.6.1 SAS Features
The following list describes the SAS features:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provides eight fully independent PHYs
Supports 3.0 Gbit/s SAS data transfers per PHY
Supports SSP to enable communication with other SAS devices
Supports SMP to communicate topology management information
Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface
Simplifies cabling between devices
Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 128 devices through
multiple expanders
•
Supports wide ports consisting of 2, 3, or 4 PHYs within a single
quad port
•
•
Supports narrow ports consisting of a single PHY
Transfers data using SCSI information units
1.6.2 SATA II Features
The following list describes the SATA II features:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Supports SATA II data transfers of 3.0 Gbits/s
Supports STP data transfers of 3.0 Gbits/s
Provides a serial, point-to-point storage interface
Simplifies cabling between devices
Eliminates the master-slave construction used in parallel ATA
Allows addressing of multiple SATA II targets through an expander
Allows multiple initiators to address a single target (in a fail-over
configuration) through an expander
1.6.3 PCI Express Performance
The following list describes the PCI Express performance features:
•
Provides a PCI Express interface that:
–
–
–
–
Supports a dedicated PCI Express bus
Supports x4 or x8 lane configuration
Supports transfer rates of up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane
Complies with the PCI Express Specification, Revision 1.0a
•
•
•
Provides unequaled performance through the Fusion-MPT
architecture
Provides high throughput and low CPU utilization to offload the host
processor
Uses an Intel IOP333 I/O processor
1.6.4 Usability Features
The following list describes the usability features:
•
•
•
•
Simplifies cabling with point-to-point, serial architecture
Supports smaller, thinner cables that do not restrict airflow
Provides drive spin-up sequencing control
Provides up to two LED signals for each PHY to indicate link activity
and faults
2
•
Provides an I C interface for enclosure management
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•
Supports the internal SAS Sideband signal SFF-8485 (SGPIO)
interface
1.6.5 Flexibility Features
These features increase the flexibility of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID
controller:
•
Supports a Flash ROM interface, a nonvolatile RAM (NVSRAM)
interface, and a pipelined synchronous burst SRAM (PSBRAM)
interface
•
•
•
Allows connections to SAS or SATA II targets
Leverages compatible connectors for SAS and SATA II connections
Allows grouping of up to four PHYs in a single quad port to form a
wide port
1.6.6 Drive Roaming
Drive roaming occurs when the hard drives are changed to different ports
on the same controller. When the drives are placed on different channels,
the controller detects the RAID configuration from the configuration data
on the drives.
Configuration data is saved in both the NVRAM on the RAID controller
and on the hard drives attached to the controller. This maintains the
integrity of the data on each drive, even if the drives have changed their
target ID.
Note:
If you move a drive that is being rebuilt, the rebuild
operation will restart, not resume.
Follow these steps to use drive roaming:
Step 1. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the
server and device power cords.
Step 2. Open the host system, following the instructions in the host
system technical documentation.
Step 3. Move the drives to different positions on the backplane to
change the targets.
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Step 4. Determine the SAS target requirements.
Step 5. Perform a safety check.
a. Make sure the drives are inserted properly.
b. Close the cabinet of the host system.
c. Turn power on after completing the safety check.
Step 6. Power-on the system.
The controller then detects the RAID configuration from the
configuration data on the drives.
1.6.7 Drive Migration
Drive migration is the transfer of a set of hard drives in an existing
configuration from one controller to another. The drives must remain on
the same channel and must be reinstalled in the same order as in the
original configuration. The controller to which you migrate the drives
cannot have an existing configuration.
Note:
Only complete configurations can be migrated; individual
virtual disks cannot be migrated.
Note:
Drive roaming and drive migration cannot be supported at
the same time.
Follow these steps to migrate drives:
Step 1. Make sure that you clear the configuration on the system to
which you migrate the drives, to prevent a configuration data
mismatch between the hard drives and the NVRAM.
Note:
When you migrate drives, move only the disks that make
up the virtual disk (not all the physical disks in an array), so
you do not see an NVRAM mismatch error (providing a
configuration is on the destination controller). The NVRAM
mismatch error appears only if you move all of the physical
drives to the other controller.
Step 2. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the
server and device power cords.
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Step 3. Open the host systems by following the instructions in the host
system technical documentation.
Step 4. Remove the SAS cable connectors from the internal drives or
the shielded cables from the external drives you want to
migrate.
a. Make sure pin 1 on the cable matches pin 1 on the
connector.
b. Make sure that the SAS cables conform to all SAS
specifications.
Step 5. Remove the hard drives from the first system and insert them
into drive bays on the second system.
Step 6. Connect the SAS cables to the hard drives in the second
system.
Step 7. Determine the SAS target requirements.
Step 8. Perform a safety check.
a. Make sure all cables are properly attached.
b. Make sure the RAID controller is properly installed.
c. Close the cabinet of the host system.
d. Turn power on after completing the safety check.
Step 9. Power-on the system.
The controller then detects the RAID configuration from the
configuration data on the drives.
1.7 Hardware Specifications
You can install the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in a computer with
a mainboard that has a PCI Express slot. Table 1.2 describes the
hardware configuration features for the MegaRAID 8480 Storage
Adapter.
Hardware Specifications
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Table 1.2
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter
Specifications
Specification
Megaraid 8480 Storage Adapter
RAID Levels
0, 1, 5, 10, and 50
Devices Supported
per Port
Up to 15 SAS or SATA II devices (such as hard drives
and expanders)
Ports
Eight external
Data Transfer Rate
Bus
Up to 3 Gbits/s per phy
PCI Express 1.0a
Cache Function
Write-back, write-through, adaptive read ahead,
non-read ahead, read ahead, cache I/O, direct I/O
Multiple Virtual Disks/ Up to 40 virtual disks per controller or per logical array
Arrays per Controller
Online Capacity
Expansion
Yes
Dedicated and Global Yes
Hot Spares
Hot Swap Devices
Supported
Yes
Yes
Yes
Non-Disk Devices
Supported
Mixed Capacity
Physical Disks
Supported
Number of External
Connectors
MegaRAID 8480 – Two (x4 SAS Port) SFF-8470 SAS
4x connectors
Hardware Exclusive
Yes
OR (XOR) Assistance
Direct I/O
Yes
Architecture
Fusion-MPT
1.8 Technical Support
See the Warranty and Support Information document for information
about the technical support available for this product.
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Chapter 2
MegaRAID 8480
Hardware Installation
•
•
•
•
•
Section 2.1, “Requirements”
Section 2.2, “Quick Installation”
Section 2.3, “Detailed Installation”
Section 2.4, “SAS Device Cables”
Section 2.5, “Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the
LSIiTBBU02”
•
Section 2.6, “After Installing the Storage Adapter”
2.1 Requirements
The following items are required for installation:
•
•
•
•
•
A MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
A host system with an available PCI Express expansion slot
The MegaRAID 8480 CD, containing the drivers and documentation
The necessary internal and/or external cables
SAS or SATA II physical disks
Note:
LSI strongly recommends using an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS).
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2.2 Quick Installation
The following steps are for quick MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter
installation. These steps are for experienced computer users/installers.
Section 2.3, “Detailed Installation,” contains the steps for all others to
follow.
Step 1. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the
server and device power cords.
Step 2. Open the cabinet of the host system by following the
instructions in the host system technical documentation.
Step 3. Check the memory module on the adapter.
Step 4. Install the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in the server and
connect SAS or SATA II devices to it. Ensure that the cables
you use conform to all specifications.
Step 5. Perform a safety check.
a. Ensure that all cables are properly attached
b. Ensure that the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is
properly installed
c. Close the cabinet of the host system
Step 6. Turn power on after you complete the safety check.
2.3 Detailed Installation
This section provides detailed instructions for installing a MegaRAID
8480 Storage Adapter.
Step 1. Unpack the Storage Adapter
Unpack and remove the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.
Inspect it for damage. If it appears damaged, or if any of the
following items are missing, contact your place of purchase.
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is shipped with:
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–
A CD containing MegaRAID drivers for supported
operating systems, an electronic version of this
User’s Guide, and other related documentation
–
–
A license agreement
Warranty information
Step 2. Turn off the Power to the System
Review all safety information provided with the computer; then,
turn off the computer, unplug the power cords from the power
supplies, disconnect the computer from the network, and
with the computer for instructions. Before installing the
controller, make sure that the computer is disconnected from
the power and from any networks.
Step 3. Review the MegaRAID Controller Connectors
Refer to Chapter 3, “MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter
Characteristics” for a diagram of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID
controller with its connectors.
Step 4. Review the Controller Limitations
Review Section 1.2.1, “Controller Limitations” before you install
the controller in the system.
Step 5. Check the Memory Module
Ensure that the memory module is present and seated firmly in
the dual-inline memory module (DIMM) socket.
Select a PCI Express slot and align the controller’s PCI Express
bus connector to the slot. Press down gently but firmly to
ensure that the card is properly seated in the slot. Secure the
bracket to the computer chassis.
Figure 2.1 shows the installation of a RAID controller in a PCI
Express slot.
Attention:
To avoid damage to the computer, always remove the 8480
RAID Controller from the PCI Express slot before you
relocate or ship the computer.
Detailed Installation
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Figure 2.1 Example of MegaRAID Board Installation in a
PCI Express Slot
Bracket
Screw
Press
Here
Press
Here
PCI Express Slot
Step 7. Configure and Install the SAS and/or the SATA II Devices in the
Host Computer Case
Refer to the documentation for the devices for any
Use SAS cables to connect SAS and/or SATA II devices to the
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter. Refer to Section 2.4, “SAS
Device Cables” for SAS cable information. Refer to
Section 2.4.1, “Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID
Controller to Drive Boxes and Drive Expanders,” on page 2-8 for
details on connecting the controller to physical disks and
expanders.
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The maximum cable length is six external meters. You can
connect one device per SAS PHY unless you use an expander.
System throughput problems can occur if the SAS cables are
not the correct type. To minimize the potential for problems:
a. Use cables no longer than six meters (LSI recommends
using shorter cables, if possible)
b. Use cables that meet the SAS specification
c. Route the SAS cables carefully
Step 9. Turn on the Power to the System
Replace the computer cover and reconnect the AC power
cords; then, turn on the computer. Ensure that the SAS and/or
SATA II devices are powered up before or at the same time as
the host computer. If the computer is powered up before a SAS
or SATA II device, the device might not be recognized.
During boot, a BIOS message appears. The firmware takes
several seconds to initialize. The configuration utility prompt
times out after several seconds. The second portion of the
BIOS message displays the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter
number, firmware version, and cache SDRAM size. The
numbering of the controller follows the PCI slot scanning order
used by the host mainboard.
Step 10. Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility
Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility to configure the physical
arrays and the logical drives. When the message Press
<Ctrl><H> for WebBIOS appears on the screen, press
CTRL+H immediately to run the utility.
Step 11. Install the Operating System Driver
The RAID controller can operate under various operating
systems. To operate under these operating systems, you must
install the software drivers.The MegaRAID 8480 CD includes
software drivers for the supported operating systems, along
with documentation. You can download the latest drivers at
and drivers.
For details on installing the driver, refer to the MegaRAID 8480
Device Driver Installation User’s Guide on the MegaRAID 8480
Detailed Installation
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CD. Be sure to use the latest Service Packs provided by the
operating system manufacturer and to review the readme file
that accompanies the driver.
2.4 SAS Device Cables
This section describes the cables used on the RAID controller and
provides step-by-step instructions for connecting SAS and/or SATA II
thin, 7-wire connector instead of the 68-wire SCSI cable or 26-wire ATA
cable.
Note:
Use only straight SAS cables, not cross-over SAS cables.
Figure 2.2 displays the SAS cable that connects the internal connectors
on a RAID controller to SAS drives.
Figure 2.2 Internal SAS Cable for Connection to SAS and/or
SATA II Physical Disks
Hard Drive
Connector
Serial Signal
Cables
RAID Controller to HDD
Breakout Cable
4-Lane Internal
Connector
SFF 8484
Figure 2.3 displays the SATA II device plug connector used to connect a
RAID controller with internal connectors to the host receptable connector
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on a backplane. A SATA II connector consists of a signal connector and
a power connector.
Figure 2.3 SATA II Connectors
Device Plug
Connector
Serial ATA
Signal Connector
(pin 1)
Serial ATA
Power Connector
(pin 1)
Host Receptacle
Connector
Figure 2.4 shows SAS and SATA II connectors on SAS and SATA II
physical disks, respectively. Cables are used for connection between
internal connectors on the RAID controller and connectors on SAS
and/or SATA II drives, respectively. Both SAS and SATA II physical disks
can connect to SAS backplane receptable connectors. The difference
between the SAS connector and SATA II connector is the bridge between
the SAS primary physical link and power connector on the SAS
controller, which the SATA II connector does not have.
Note:
SAS backplane connectors can accept SAS or SATA II
physical disks, but SATA II backplane connectors cannot
accept SAS drives.
SAS Device Cables
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Figure 2.4 SAS and SATA II Plugs and SAS Backplane Receptacle
Connector
SAS Primary
Physical Link
Serial Attached SCSI
Power
SAS Backplane
Receptacle Connector
SAS Primary
Physical Link
Power
Serial ATA
SAS Secondary
Physical Link
Power
SATA II/SAS
Primary
Physical Link
SATA II
Physical Link
do not accept SAS drives.
The following subsection provides step-by-step instructions for
connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller to SAS and SATA II
physical disks, either directly or through an expander. Figure 2.5 shows
the controller connected to physical disks and to expanders, which then
2.4.1 Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller to Drive Boxes
and Drive Expanders
Figure 2.5 shows how to connect the external SAS cable from the
MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller to drive boxes or drive enclosures.
Follow these steps to connect a RAID controller with external connectors
to a drive box or drive enclosure.
Step 1. Connect the 4-lane external PCB receptacle plug on the
external cable to the external connector on your RAID
controller.
Step 2. Connect the plug on the other end of the SAS cable to the
connector on the drive box or drive enclosure.
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Figure 2.5 Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller with
External Connectors to a Drive Box or Drive Enclosure
To Drive Box
or Expander Board
4-Lane
External PCB
Receptacle
and Plug and
Cable with
Jackscrews
SFF-8470
2.5 Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the
LSIiTBBU02
The MegaRAID intelligible Transportable Battery Backup Module 2
(LSIiTBBU02) is a cache memory module with an integrated battery
pack. The module provides an uninterrupted power source to the module
if power is unexpectedly interrupted while cached data is still present. If
the power failure is the result of the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter
itself failing, then the LSIiTBBU02 can be moved to a new controller and
the data can be recovered. The replacement controller must have a
cleared configuration.
Note:
See the Warranty and Support Information document for
the replacement battery part number and battery-disposal
instructions.
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Follow these steps to replace a failed controller with data in the
transportable battery backup unit.
Step 1. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,
power down the server and the drives.
Step 2. Remove the failed controller from the system.
Step 3. Remove the LSIiTBBU02 from the failed controller.
Step 4. Insert the LSIiTBBU02 into the replacement controller.
Step 5. Insert the replacement controller into the system.
Step 6. Power-on the system.
The controller then reads the disk configuration into NVRAM
and flushes cache data to the virtual disks.
Note:
Refer to the MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide
for additional information about the LSIiTBBU02.
2.6 After Installing the Storage Adapter
After MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter installation, you must configure
the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter and install the operating system
driver. The MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide instructs you on the
configuration options and how to set them on your MegaRAID 8480
Storage Adapter. The MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver Installation User’s
Guide provides detailed installation instructions for operating system
drivers.
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Chapter 3
MegaRAID 8480 Storage
Adapter Characteristics
This chapter describes the characteristics of the LSI MegaRAID Serial
the following sections:
•
•
•
Section 3.1, “MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller”
Section 3.2, “MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics”
Section 3.3, “Technical Specifications”
3.1 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller is a dual PHY, SAS PCI Express
adapter and is used in a system with a PCI Express slot. PCI Express
goes beyond the PCI specification in that it is intended as a unifying I/O
architecture for various systems: desktops, workstations, mobile, server,
communications, and embedded devices.
The following subsections provide graphics and connector information for
the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller.
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3.1.1 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
through two SAS 4x internal connectors.
This subsection provides the board layout and connector information for
the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller, which has eight external SAS/SATA
connectors. Figure 3.1 displays the connectors on the controller, while
Table 3.1 describes them.
Figure 3.1 Card Layout for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
J3
J2
Ports
0–3
J4
J8
J6
J5 J7
Ports
4–7
U6
J12
J11
U9
P1
J9
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Table 3.1
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller – Connectors
Connector Description
Type
Comments
J2
J3
DIMM Socket
Ports 0–3
Socket
Holds cache memory module.
x4 SAS
ports
SAS 4x connector that connects to
physical drives and expanders.
J5
Write Pending
Indication LED
2-pin
Connector for enclosure LED.
connector When lit, it indicates the on-board
cache contains data and a write
from the cache to the hard drives is
pending. Optional.
J6
Firmware
Initialization
2-pin
connector
Reserved for LSI internal use.
Mode 0 or 3 Select
J7
J8
On-board BIOS
Enable
2-pin
connector
Reserved for LSI internal use.
Reserved for LSI internal use.
Universal
Asynchronous
4-pin
connector
Receiver/Transmitter
(UART) debugging
J9
Ports 4–7
x4 SAS
ports
SAS 4x connector that connects to
physical drives and expanders.
2
J11
J12
Keyed I C connector 3-pin
Used for enclosure management.
connector Reserved for LSI internal use.
2
Unkeyed I C
3-pin Used for enclosure management.
connector
connector Reserved for LSI internal use.
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3.2 MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics
Table 3.2 shows the general characteristics for the MegaRAID 8480
RAID controller.
Table 3.2
MegaRAID 8480 Characteristics
Flash Serial
SCSI
1
2
ROM EEPROM
SAS Data Transfers
SCSI Features Termination
Yes
Yes
Up to 3 Gbits/s per port Plug and Play
Scatter/Gather
Active
Activity LED
1.
2.
For boot code and firmware.
For BIOS configuration storage.
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller ensures data integrity by
intelligently validating the compatibility of the SAS domain. The 8480
uses Fusion-MPT architecture, which allows for thinner drivers and better
performance.
3.3 Technical Specifications
The design and implementation of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller
minimizes electromagnetic emissions, susceptibility to radio frequency
energy, and the effects of electrostatic discharge. The adapter carries the
following marks and certifications:
•
•
•
•
•
•
CE mark
C-Tick mark
FCC Self-Certification logo
Canadian Compliance Statement, Korean MIC
Taiwan BSMI
Japan VCCI
In addition, the adapter meets the requirements of CISPR Class B.
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The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller and the LSIiTBBU02 are CSA
C22.2 No. 60950-1, UL 60950-1 First Edition listed Accessory, UL file
number E257743.
3.3.1 Storage Adapter Specifications
Table 3.3 lists the specifications for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller.
Table 3.3
Storage Adapter Specifications
Specification
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
Processor
Intel IOP333 I/O processor @ 500 MHz
(PCI Express Host
Controller to PCI
Secondary I/O
Controller)
Operating Voltage
Card Size
+3.3 V, +12 V
8480 RAID Controller: Standard height, half-length PCI
Express adapter card size (4.376" x 6.6")
Array Interface
to Host
PCI Express Rev 1.0a
Type of Drives
Supported
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA II (SATA II)
PCI Express Bus
Data Transfer Rate
•
•
Up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane
x8 lane width (with support for downshifting for
motherboards with x1 and x4 connections)
•
Up to 2 Gbytes/s per direction for SAS x8 cards
(4 Gbytes/s total)
Serial Port
3-pin RS232-compatible connector (for manufacturing
use only)
SAS Controller(s)
SAS Bus Speed
SAS Ports
One LSISAS1068 Single SAS controller
3 Gbits/s
Two SAS connectors with four SAS ports each
Cache Configuration 8480 RAID controller: Integrated 256 Mbyte Double Data
Rate II 400 MHz SDRAM intelligent transportable battery-
backed DIMM module
Size of Flash ROM 4 Mbytes
for Firmware
Nonvolatile Random 32 Kbytes for storing RAID configuration
Access Memory
(NVRAM)
Technical Specifications
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3.3.2 Array Performance Features
Table 3.4 shows the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter array performance
features.
Table 3.4
Array Performance Features
Specification
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
PCI Express Host Data Transfer
Rate
2.5 Gbits/s per lane
Drive Data Transfer Rate
Maximum Scatter/Gathers
Maximum Size of I/O Requests
Maximum Queue Tags per Drive
Stripe Sizes
3.0 Gbits/s per lane
26 elements
6.4 Mbytes in 64 Kbyte stripes
As many as the drive can accept
8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 Kbyte
255
Maximum Number of Concurrent
Commands
Support for Multiple Initiators
Yes
3.3.3 Fault Tolerance
Table 3.5 shows the fault tolerance features of the Megaraid 8480
Storage Adapter.
Table 3.5
Fault Tolerance Features
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller
Specification
1
Support for SMART
Yes
Optional Battery Backup for
Cache Memory
LSIiTBBU02 battery backup. 4.8V/880mAH
battery pack; up to 72 hours of data retention
for 256 Mbytes
Drive Failure Detection
Automatic
Drive Rebuild Using Hot Spares Automatic
Parity Generation and Checking Yes
1.
The Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) detects
up to 70 percent of all predictable disk drive failures. In addition, SMART
monitors the internal performance of all motors, heads, and drive
electronics.
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3.3.4 Electrical Characteristics
This subsection provides the power requirements for the MegaRAID
8480 RAID controller. Table 3.6 lists the maximum power requirements.
Table 3.6
Maximum Power Requirements
PCI Express
PCI Express
+3.3 V
RAID Controller
+12 V
MegaRAID 8480
12 W; used only if battery
is present
9 W
3.3.5 Operating and Non-operating Conditions
For the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller, the operating (thermal and
atmospheric) conditions are:
•
•
Relative humidity range is 5% to 90% noncondensing
Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid
operating the Intel IOP333 processor above the maximum
ambient temperature
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)
environment for the 8480 are:
•
•
Temperature range: −30 °C to +80 °C without battery backup unit
Temperature range: 0 °C to +45 °C with LSIiTBBU02 battery backup
3.3.6 Safety Characteristics
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller meets or exceeds the requirements
of UL flammability rating 94 V0. Each bare board is also marked with the
supplier name or trademark, type, and UL flammability rating. The board
is installed in a PCI Express bus slot, so all voltages are lower than the
SELV 42.4 V limit.
Technical Specifications
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Appendix A
Glossary of Terms
and Abbreviations
active
The electrical connection required at each end of the SCSI bus,
termination
composed of active voltage regulation and a set of termination resistors.
array
An array of disk drives combines the storage space on the disk drives
into a single segment of storage space. A hot spare drive does not
actively participate in an array.
BIOS
Acronym for Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic
read/write capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM-based). The system
BIOS on the mainboard of a computer boots and controls the system.
The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.
configuration
device driver
Refers to the way a computer is set up, the combined hardware
components (computer, monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that
make up a computer system, or the software settings that allow the
hardware components to communicate with each other.
A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system)
to direct the operation of a peripheral device.
domain
validation
Domain Validation is a software procedure in which a host queries a
device to determine its ability to communicate at the negotiated data rate.
EEPROM
Acronym for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
It is a memory chip that typically stores configuration information, as it
provides stable storage for long periods without electricity and can be
reprogrammed. Refer to NVRAM.
external SAS
device
A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are
connected using specific types of shielded cables.
Fusion-MPT
architecture
Fusion-MPT (Message Passing Technology) architecture consists of
several main elements: Fusion-MPT firmware, the Fibre Channel and
SCSI hardware, and the operating system level drivers that support these
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architectures. Fusion-MPT architecture offers a single binary, operating
system driver that supports both Fibre Channel and SCSI devices.
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
board
A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to
the computer system.
hot spare
An idle, powered on, standby drive ready for immediate use in case of
disk failure. It does not contain any user data. A hot spare can be
dedicated to a single redundant array or it can be part of the global
hot-spare pool for all arrays managed by the controller.
When a disk fails, the controller firmware automatically replaces and
rebuilds the data from the failed drive to the hot spare. Data can be
rebuilt only from virtual disks with redundancy (RAID levels 1, 5, 10, and
50; not RAID level 0), and the hot spare must have sufficient capacity.
internal SAS
device
A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are
connected by using a shielded cable.
main memory
The part of a computer’s memory which is directly accessible by the CPU
(usually synonymous with RAM).
NVRAM
Acronym for Nonvolatile Random Access Memory. An EEPROM
(Electronically Erasable Read-Only Memory chip) that stores
configuration information. Refer to EEPROM.
PCI
Acronym for Peripheral Component Interconnect. A high-performance,
local bus specification that allows the connection of devices directly to
computer memory. The PCI Local Bus allows transparent upgrades from
32-bit data path at 33 MHz to 64-bit data path at 33 MHz, and from 32-bit
data path at 66 MHz to 64-bit data path at 66 MHz.
PCI Express
Acronym for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. A
high-performance, local bus specification that allows the connection of
devices directly to computer memory. PCI Express is a two-way, serial
connection that transfers data on two pairs of point-to-point data lines.
PCI Express goes beyond the PCI specification in that it is intended as
a unifying I/O architecture for various systems: desktops, workstations,
mobile, server, communications, and embedded devices.
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peripheral
devices
A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or
CD-ROM) used with a computer and under the control of the computer.
SCSI peripherals are controlled through a MegaRAID 8480 Storage
Adapter (host adapter).
PHY
The interface required to transmit and receive data packets transferred
across the serial bus.
Each PHY can form one side of the physical link in a connection with a
PHY on a different SATA device. The physical link contains four wires that
form two differential signal pairs. One differential pair transmits signals,
while the other differential pair receives signals. Both differential pairs
operate simultaneously and allow concurrent data transmission in both
the receive and the transmit directions.
RAID
Acronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks (originally
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). An array of multiple independent
physical disks managed together to yield higher reliability and/or
performance exceeding that of a single physical disk. The RAID array
appears to the controller as a single storage unit. I/O is expedited
because several disks can be accessed simultaneously. Redundant
RAID levels (RAID levels 1, 5, 10, and 50) provide data protection.
RAID levels
SAS
A set of techniques applied to disk groups to deliver higher data
availability, and/or performance characteristics to host environments.
Each virtual disk must have a RAID level assigned to it.
Acronym for Serial Attached SCSI. A serial, point-to-point,
enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven SCSI protocol
set. The SAS interface provides improved performance, simplified
cabling, smaller connections, lower pin count, and lower power
requirements when compared to parallel SCSI. The SAS controller
leverages a common electrical and physical connection interface that is
compatible with Serial ATA. The SAS controller supports the ANSI Serial
Attached SCSI standard, version 1.0. In addition, the controller supports
the Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA
specification, version 1.0a. Supporting both the SAS and SATA II
interfaces, the SAS controller is a versatile controller that provides the
backbone of both server and high-end workstation environments. Each
port on the RAID controller supports SAS and/or SATA II devices.
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SAS device
SATA
Any device that conforms to the SAS standard and is attached to the
SAS bus by a SAS cable. This includes SAS storage adapters
(host adapters) and SAS peripherals.
Acronym for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. A physical storage
interface standard, SATA is a serial link that provides point-to-point
connections between devices. The thinner serial cables allow for better
airflow within the system and permit smaller chassis designs.
SMP
Acronym for Serial Management Protocol. SMP enables communicates
topology management information directly with an attached SAS
expander device. Each PHY on the controller can function as an SMP
initiator.
SSP
Acronym for Serial SCSI Protocol. SSP enables communication with
other SAS devices. Each PHY on the SAS controller can function as an
SSP initiator or SSP target.
STP
Acronym for Serial Tunneling Protocol. STP enables communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander. Each PHY on the SAS
controller can function as an STP initiator.
stripe size
The total disk space consumed by a stripe not including a parity disk. For
example, consider a stripe that contains 64 Kbytes of disk space and has
16 Kbytes of data residing on each disk in the stripe. In this case, the
stripe size is 64 Kbytes and the stripe element size is 16 Kbytes. The
stripe depth is four (four physical disks in the stripe). You can specify
stripe sizes of 8 Kbytes, 16 Kbytes, 32 Kbytes, 64 Kbytes, or 128 Kbytes
for each virtual disk. A larger stripe size produces improved read
performance, especially if most of the reads are sequential. For mostly
random reads, select a smaller stripe size.
striping
Disk striping writes data across two or more disks. Each stripe spans two
or more disks but consumes only a portion of each disk. Each disk,
therefore, may have several stripes. The amount of space consumed by
a stripe is the same on each disk included in the stripe. The portion of
a stripe that resides on a single disk is a stripe element. Striping by itself
does not provide data redundancy; striping in combination with parity
provides data redundancy.
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