2-8
Chapter 2: Hardware installation
SAS and SATA interfaces
The SAS interface features a dual-ported connectivity with pins on both sides of its connector while the
SATA drives have only one port. In a redundant-controller system, the MUX-supported drive trays must
be separately purchased and applied. The single-controller expansion systems do not require an MUX
kit.
Power connector
Data port
Keying notch
Data port
Power connector
IMPORTANT!
• ONLY install the drive trays to the system if the system is already mounted to the rack. If the hard
drives are installed to the system before mounting to the rack, the system will be heavy to mount
and possible impact during installation may damage the hard drives.
•
Handle the disk drives with extreme care and observe all ESD prevention procedures when
installing the hard drives.
• ONLY use the screws that are bundled in the system package. Securing the drives with longer
screws may damage them.
Understanding the MUX kit’s port mechanism
If you install a SATA hard drive in a dual-controller system, this may require an MUX board. The MUX
board is paired with a hard drive in order to switch data signals between controllers A and B’s signal
ports.
Backplane
Under normal circumstances, the controller B’s signal ports is in standby mode.
