Sun StorageTek ExpressModule SAS HBA Installation Guide

This chapter provides a basic overview of the PCI Express, eight-port Sun StorageTek ExpressModule Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) host bus adapter (HBA), which uses LSI technology. The chapter also describes the various operating systems, host platforms, storage, and infrastructure configurations that support the HBA.

This chapter contains the following topics:

• Kit Contents
• HBA Features
• Operating System and Technology Requirements
• System Interoperability
• Environmental Requirements

---

Kit Contents

• Sun StorageTek ExpressModule SAS HBA
• Accessing Documentation document (part number: 820-2299-xx)

---

HBA Features

The Sun StorageTek ExpressModule SAS HBA (SG-XPCIE8SAS-EB-Z) provides a low-cost PCI Express SAS solution for computer manufacturers. The HBA includes hot-plug architecture that enables convenient insertion in and removal from any ExpressModule-compliant enclosure. The card is packaged in a singlewide PCI Express Module that conforms to the PCI Express ExpressModule Electromechanical Specification, Rev. 1.0.

The PCI Express interface of the HBA has eight PCI Express PHYs that operate at 2.5 Gb/s in each direction, yielding a total bandwith of 5Gb/s for each of the eight full-duplex lanes. This host interface provides a possible host-side maximum transmission and reception rates of up to 4GB/s.

The HBA supports x8 PCI Express link widths. The connection is made through the edge connector J1. The signal definitions and pin numbers conform to the PCI ExpressModule specifications.

The two external x4 mini-SAS connectors on the HBA allow you to connect to SAS and SATA (serial ATA) devices. The HBA host adapter has a 2-Mbyte Flash ROM for the BIOS and firmware, an NVSRAM, and a PBSRAM memory device for storing SAS address port information. The LEDs on the host adapters report fault conditions and activity. Fusion-MPT firmware operates the host adapter.

The LSISAS1068E controller chip provides the functionality of the HBA. This controller chip integrates eight high-performance SAS/SATA PHYs. Each PHY is capable of 1.5Gbit/sec and 3.0Gbit/sec link rates.

The HBA supports the following features:

• Narrow and wide ports
• SSP, STP, and SMP, as defined in the Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Specification, version 1.0
• SATA target devices, as defined in the Serial ATA Specification, version 1.0a
• Hot-plug insertion in ExpressModule enclosures, as defined in the PCI Express ExpressModule Electromechanical Specification, version 1.0
• Configurable drive spin-up sequencing on a per-PHY basis
• Simplified cabling with a serial point-to-point architecture
• Transfer of data using SCSI information units
• Several LEDs routed through the end of the enclosure: an Activity LED and Fault LED for each mini-SAS connector and a Power LED and Attention LED for the HBA

FIGURE 1-1 Sun StorageTek ExpressModule SAS HBA

---

Operating System and Technology Requirements

The HBA requires the operating system (OS) and technology levels, at minimum, listed in TABLE 1-1.

---

System Interoperability

This section provides host platform, storage, and software support information. This section contains the following topics:

• Host Platform Support
• Storage System Support
• Software Support

Host Platform Support

The HBA is supported by the platforms listed in TABLE 1-2.

Storage System Support

The HBA supports the following arrays:

• Sun StorageTek 2530
• Sun Storage J4000
• Sun Storage J4200
• Sun Storage J4400
• Sun Storage J4500

Software Support

Install, Flash, and BIOS configuration utilities are provided. The HBA uses the Fusion-MPT architecture for all major operating systems, which allows for thinner drivers for better performance. To obtain a device driver that supports your operating system, go to http://www.lsi.com.

The HBA is supported by the software applications listed in TABLE 1-3.

---

Environmental Requirements

The HBA environmental requirements are listed in TABLE 1-4.

^{1 (TableFootnote) Patches are available at http://sunsolve.sun.com.}

Sun StorageTek ExpressModule SAS HBA Installation Guide

820-3214-11

Copyright © 2009 Sun Microsystems, Inc. All rights reserved.