Intel® Tri-Mode Raid Module General Features; Overview; Benefits Of The Sas Interface; Benefits Of The Nvm Express (Nvme) Interface - Intel RMSP3AD16OF Hardware User's Manual

Intel® RAID Modules RMSP3AD160F, RMSP3CD080F and RMSP3HD080E Hardware User Guide
2. Intel® Tri-Mode RAID Module General Features
2.1

Overview

The Intel® Tri-Mode modules include a SAS interface and an NVMe interface. Both share the same
connectors by multiplexing the data and sideband signals. As compared with the previous generation of Intel
RAID modules, the new Tri-Mode family offers increased performance by reducing latency, increasing IOPS,
increasing queue depth and increasing cache memory. They also offer NVMe drive support to allow doing
hardware RAID using these new technology drives.
2.2

Benefits of the SAS Interface

SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven SCSI protocol set.
SAS is a convergence of the advantages of SATA, SCSI, and Fiber Channel and the mainstay of the enterprise
and high-end workstation storage markets.
The SAS interface uses the 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, and lower pin count and power requirements when compared to the original parallel SCSI.
SAS controllers leverage a common electrical and physical connection interface that is compatible with Serial
ATA (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 master-slave architecture while maintaining compatibility with existing ATA firmware.
2.3

Benefits of the NVM Express (NVMe) Interface

NVMe (non-volatile memory express) is a storage protocol created to accelerate the transfer of data with
solid-state drives (SSDs) by utilizing multiple PCIe connections. Benefits are increased bandwidth (up to
8Gb/s per lane), lower latency, increased efficiency, lower CPU utilization with multiple long command
queues and lower power.
2.4 Intel® Tri-Mode RAID Module Features
Next is an explanation of the features of the Intel® Tri-Mode RAID Modules.
2.4.1

SAS Features

Characteristics of the SAS interface.
Supports the following:
•
12 Gb/s, 6Gb/s, and 3Gb/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.
o
Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface.
•
Simplifies cabling between devices.
•
Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 240 devices through the use of expanders.
•
Supports x2 through x8 wide ports that consist of two (2), four (4), or eight(8) PHYs within a single port.
•
Supports narrow ports consisting of a single PHY
•
Transfers data by using SCSI information units.
•
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