Hardware and Software Components
Hardware Components
1-2
FC0054606-00 A
S
Figure 1-1 FC Adapter Components
Table 1-1. FC Adapter Component Details
Callout
Number
Description
1
The reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, also known as the ISP controller,
is the heart of the adapter. The RISC processor is a single integrated ASIC (application
specific integrated circuit) that contains the processing power required to run the FC proto-
col. The RISC processor also interfaces the host bus (PCI-X or PCI Express) and controls
the I/O operations.
2
The static random access memory (SRAM) provides the runtime memory required for the
adapter operations. The SRAM is where the firmware is downloaded when the adapter is
powered up. The RISC processor (see
1
) accesses the SRAM to process the firmware
instructions. In addition, the SRAM stores the runtime context of various I/O operations in
progress.
3
The non-volatile memory, also referred to as Flash memory, contains the boot code run by
the RISC processor (see
1
) when the adapter is powered up. On QLogic FC adapter 2400
series and later, the Flash memory contains multiple boot images—the FCode, x86 BIOS,
and EFI—to support multi-boot capability on different platforms.
4
LEDs indicate the real-time status of the adapter, FC link status, and link activity. LED pat-
terns are described in detail in
“Troubleshooting with LEDs” on page A-1
.
Processor:
QLogic’s ISP
contains a RISC
processor.
SRAM:
Static
Random Access
memory. Where
the firmware is
loaded. In
addition to the
firmware, SRAM
also retains (in
queue) the
various I/O
commands the
FC processor
must process.
1
2
5
4
3
LEDs:
Light Emitting Diodes. Display various
active/inactive states of an adapter. QLogic’s
Beaconing feature uses LEDs to identify the
physical location of the adapter.
Transceivers:
Short for
transmitter-
receiver, a
device (copper
or optical) that
transmits and
receives signals.
NVRAM:
Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (aka
EEPROM). Where some of the adapter parameter
settings are stored. Because NVRAM is a non-volatile
type of RAM, data is retained even if the power is shut off.
Flash:
Non-volatile
form of memory.
Where the boot code
is stored.