Benefits Of The Sas Interface; Pci Express Architecture - IBM ServeRAID-MR10M User Manual

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1.5

Benefits of the SAS Interface

1.5.1

1-8

SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that

leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. SAS combines 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 it 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 ServeRAID-MR10M controller leverages a common electrical and

physical connection interface that is compatible with Serial ATA

technology. The SAS protocols 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.

PCI Express is a local bus system designed to increase data transfers

without slowing down the central processing unit (CPU). You can install

the ServeRAID-MR10M PCI Express RAID controller in PCI Express

computer systems with a standard bracket type. With these adapters in

your system, you can connect SCSI devices 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.

Overview

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