Features
Compaq Smart Array 5i Plus Controller User Guide
1-5
COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL
Writer: Amy L. Laffitte File Name: b-ch.1-features
Codename: Executor Part Number: 266328-001 Last Saved On: 4/18/02 2:33 PM
Controller Interface
The Smart Array 5i Plus Controller and Battery Backed Write Cache Enabler
interfaces to the server through a high-performance 32- or 64-bit PCI bus that:
•
Provides a high-speed path (up to 533 MB/s between the system board and the
controller)
•
Has multiplexed address and data lines
•
Includes a parity protection signal
The Smart Array 5i Plus Controller and Battery Backed Write Cache Enabler is a PCI
bus master device conforming to the PCI Local Bus Specification. As a bus master
device, it takes control of the PCI bus during high-speed transfers, freeing the system
processor to handle application processing or other types of tasks.
SCSI Support
The Smart Array 5i Plus Controller and Battery Backed Write Cache Enabler
supports Wide Ultra3 and Wide Ultra2 SCSI devices that use Low Voltage
Differential Signaling (LVDS) on the SCSI bus.
The Smart Array 5i Plus Controller and Battery Backed Write Cache Enabler does
not support Wide SCSI-3 devices that use the Single-Ended (SE) signaling protocol.
Drive Array Technology
Drive array technology distributes data across a series of hard drives to unite physical
drives into one or more logical drives. This technology enables concurrent access to
data on multiple drives in the array and yields faster input/output rates than those
using non-arrayed drives. You may set each logical drive in the array to a different
fault-tolerant configuration. The Smart Array 5i Plus Controller and Battery Backed
Write Cache Enabler manages the drive array independent of the host processor.
The Compaq ACU-XE, a browser-based utility, helps you configure the hardware in
the way that best suits your needs. Refer to the Compaq
SmartStart™
and Support
CD for additional information.
