Intel® RAID Adapters RS3P4TF160F and RS3P4MF088F Hardware User Guide
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3.
Tri-Mode Intel® RAID Adapters General Features
3.1
General Features Overview
The tri-mode Intel RAID adapters offer interfaces for SAS and for a Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe). By
using the proper cables, it is possible to connect NVMe-only drives, SAS / SATA drives, or a mix of them.
3.2
SAS Interface
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) is a point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol set. SAS is a convergence of the advantages of Serial
Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), SCSI, and fiber channel, combined with the mainstay of the
enterprise and high-end workstation storage markets.
The SAS interface uses the SCSI commands 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. Compared to the original parallel SCSI, the SAS interface provides
improved performance, simplified cabling, smaller connectors, and lower pin count and power requirements.
SAS adapters leverage a common electrical and physical connection interface that is compatible with SATA
technology. The SAS protocols and the SATA III protocols use a common thin, 7-wire connector. The SAS /
SATA III connector and cable are easier to manipulate, allow connections to smaller devices, and do not inhibit
airflow. The point-to-point SATA III architecture eliminates inherent difficulties created by the legacy ATA
primary / secondary architecture while maintaining compatibility with existing ATA firmware.
The support for SAS drives is automatic, the controller detects the drive type, there is no need to switch
profiles or IDs.
3.2.1
SAS Features
The characteristics of the SAS interface are:
•
SAS interface supports the following:
o
12 Gb/s, 6 Gb/s, and 3 Gb/s SAS data transfers per PHY.
o
SMP communicating topology management information.
o
SSP-enabling communication with other SAS devices.
o
STP-enabling communication with SATA devices through an attached expander.
•
Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface.
•
Simplifies cabling between devices.
•
Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 240 devices using expanders.
•
Supports x2 through x8 wide ports that consist of two, four, or eight PHYs within a single port.
•
Supports narrow ports consisting of a single PHY.
•
Transfers data by using SCSI information units.
3.2.2
SATA III Features
The SAS interface is compatible with SATA and it has the following characteristics:
•
Supports the following:
o
SATA III data transfers up to 6 Gb/s.
o
STP data transfers up to 6 Gb/s.
•
Provides a serial, point-to-point storage interface.
•
Simplifies cabling between devices.
•
Eliminates the primary / secondary construction used in parallel ATA.
•
Permits addressing of multiple SATA targets through an expander.
