Black Box IC490A User Manual

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

JULY 2000

IC490A

SCSI Fiber Optic Extender

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

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FCC INFORMATION

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

3

NOM STATEMENT

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of
the trademark owners.

5

CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.2 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3 What the Package Includes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.1 AC Line Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.2 Positioning the Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.3 Cable Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.4 Connecting the Extender to the SCSI Bus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.5 Ensuring Proper Termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.6 Connecting a Fiber Optic Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.6.1 Local SCSI Fiber Optic Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.6.2 Remote SCSI Fiber Optic Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.7 Verifying Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4. Operator Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.1 Power Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.2 Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

5. Interfacing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.1 SCSI Cable Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.2 Internal/External Terminator Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

5.3 Internal Terminator Power and Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5.4 Selecting Internal Terminator Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

5.5 Fiber Optic Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.1 About the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.2 System Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

6.3 System Configuration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

7. SCSI Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1 SCSI Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1.1 SCSI-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1.2 SCSI-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

Chapter Page

7.1.3 SCSI-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1.4 Signal Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

7.1.5 Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.1.6 Passive Terminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.1.7 Active Terminators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.2 SCSI Installation Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7.3 SCSI Interface Signal Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

7

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

1. Specifications

SCSI Interface

Maximum Data Rate—80 MBps

Maximum Cable Length—82 ft. (25 m)

Internal Termination—Active

Slew Rate—3 ns. maximum

Connector—68-pin SCSI

Fiber Optic Interface

Maximum Fiber Cable Length—62.5/125 µm MMF: 700 ft. (213.4 m); 50/125

µm MMF: 1600 ft. (487.7 m)

Fiber Optic Serial Data Rate—1.06 GHz

Fiber Optic Connector Type—SC

Optical Wavelength—850 nm

Typical Bit Error Rate (BER)—10

-14

Physical

Temperature—32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C)

Power—100 to 240 VAC ±10%, 48 to 65 Hz, 15 W

Size—2.1"H x 6"W x 9.6"D (5.3 x 15.2 x 24.4 cm)

Weight—3 lb. (1.4 kg)

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

2. Introduction

2.1 Description

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender lets you surpass the distance limitation of a Low­Voltage Differential/Single-Ended SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) bus.
The SCSI bus is one of the most popular interfaces used to connect additional
devices to a computer system. With the Extender, SCSI components such as disk
drives, CD-ROM memory systems, RAID arrays, tape-backup peripherals, and SCSI
laser printers can be located up to 1600 feet (487.7 m) from the host computer.

Because the Extender is completely transparent to your SCSI system, additional

computer software is not needed for installation or operation.

Figure 2-1. Typical SCSI Fiber Optic Extender configuration.

2.2 Features

• Extends SCSI bus to 1600 feet (487.7 m).

• 80.0 MBps maximum data rate.

• ULTRA 2/wide SCSI compatible.

• Transparent to SCSI system.

• Asynchronous and synchronous compatible.

SCSI Fiber

Optic Extender

SCSI Fiber

Optic Extender

Computer

Disk Drive

Tape Drive

CD-ROM

Tower

9

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

• Supports SCSI 1, 2, and 3 specifications.

• Single-Ended/Differential SCSI interface.

• Does not require SCSI bus ID.

• 1.06 GHz fiber optic serial link.

• Standard SC fiber optic connectors.

• Compatible with standard fiber optic cables.

• Fiber optic data security.

• Internal active bus termination.

• No additional software required.

• User-installable.

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender supports a maximum SCSI data rate of 80 MBps
in asynchronous or synchronous mode. It helps you to fully take advantage of the
ULTRA 2 SCSI performance available in top-of-the-line computers and peripheral
devices. Proprietary switching logic lets the Extender maintain complete SCSI
command functionality and remain transparent to the user.

The Extender conforms to ANSI X3.131 and X3T9.2 specifications with single­ended device termination. Disconnect and Reselect are fully supported to ensure
complete SCSI compatibility. The Extender does not require a SCSI device
address.

A 68-pin SCSI connector on the rear panel is provided for easy installation to
the host or peripheral. Bus terminators are internally installed. These terminators
can be removed for systems that require external termination.

A standard duplex fiber optic cable with SC connectors provide the interface
between local and remote units. Fiber optic cable is lighter and thinner than
standard wire cable, so installation is easier.

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender contains a universal power cord receptacle and
rear-panel AC switch to autorange between 100 VAC and 240 VAC.

10

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

2.3 What the Package Includes

Your package should contain the following items:

• (1) SCSI Fiber Optic Extender

• (1) AC power cord

• This users’ manual

If anything is missing or damaged, please call Black Box at 724-746-5500.

11

CHAPTER 3: Installation

3. Installation

3.1 AC Line Voltage

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender can be externally connected to any AC input
voltage between 100 and 240 volts. In the USA, your Extender will be shipped with
a 110-volt power cord. Black Box offers offers a complete source of replacement
power cords for most countries. Call Technical Support at 724-746-5500 for details.

3.2 Positioning the Extender

Place the Extender in a convenient location near the host computer and/or
peripherals. Make sure that the ventilation slots on the sides of the unit have
adequate airflow. Do not place the Extender on any devices that generate excessive
heat.

3.3 Cable Recommendations

High-quality shielded SCSI cables will provide a connection with the greatest noise
immunity and distance from the Extender to your peripherals. But in any case, no
cables connected to the Extender may exceed 6 meters (19.7 ft.) for single-ended
units and 25 meters (82 ft.) for LVD and differential units.

NOTE

Peripherals operating at Ultra SCSI data rates require shorter cable
lengths for proper operation. The total cable length for a single-ended
Ultra SCSI bus should be no longer than 1 meter (3.3 ft.) and differential
cables 12 meters (39.4 ft.).

3.4 Connecting the Extender to the SCSI Bus

NOTE

Before you connect the Extender, switch off power to all computers and
peripherals attached to the SCSI bus.

You may install the Extender at any point on the SCSI bus. The Extender has a
SCSI connector with screw lock for secure connections.

NOTE

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender can be operated with another differential
SCSI Fiber Optic Extender to convert from one bus type to the other.

12

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

3.5 Ensuring Proper Termination

All SCSI buses require proper termination at each end of a SCSI link. Since the
SCSI Fiber Optic Extender creates two optically isolated SCSI buses, termination is
required on each side of the Extender, in addition to the standard terminators at
each end of the SCSI chain.

That’s a total of four terminators—two on each side of the Extender. If external
device termination is required, make sure that the internal termination networks
have been removed. See Figures 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 to disable or enable terminators.

NOTE

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender is shipped with termination enabled.

3.6 Connecting a Fiber Optic Cable

A duplex fiber optic cable with standard SC plugs interconnects two SCSI Fiber
Optic Extenders.

3.6.1 L

OCAL

SCSI F

IBEROPTICEXTENDER

Insert one plug into each fiber optic socket on the rear of the local unit. Before
insertion, make sure that the “key” on each plug is facing the top of the Extender.

NOTE

Make sure that the plug is properly aligned with the connector before
inserting it. Do not force the plug into the connector, or damage will
result.

Figure 3-1. Installing SC Fiber Optic plugs.

3.6.2 R

EMOTE

SCSI F

IBEROPTICEXTENDER

For proper operation, the fiber optic transmitter (XMT) on the local unit must be
connected to the remote fiber optic receiver (RCV). In addition, the local fiber
optic receiver (RCV) must be connected to the remote optic transmitter (XMT).

13

CHAPTER 3: Installation

Figure 3-2. Connecting two SCSI Fiber Optic Extenders.

3.7 Verify Communications

Power on both SCSI Fiber Optic Extenders and verify that the LINK ACTIVE
indicators are lit. This will verify that the local and remote Extenders are
communicating. Other computer equipment can now be powered up.

NOTE

If the LINK ACTIVE indicators are not lit, reverse the fiber optic cables to
one unit and verify the indicators.

XMT

RCV

XMT

RCV

14

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

4. Operator Controls and
Indicators

4.1 Power Switch

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender power switch is located on the Extender’s rear
panel. Operating the switch in the “1” position applies power to the Extender.

4.2 Indicators

Four indicators on the front panel provide status information for the SCSI Fiber
Optic Extender.

• POWER: The Power lamp indicates that power is applied to the unit.

• LINK ACTIVE: The Link Active lamp provides visual indication that the
Extenders are communicating and sending sync data over the fiber optic link.
The Extender will disconnect from the SCSI bus when the link is not active.

• BUS ACTIVE: The Bus Active indicator provides visual indication of the BUSY
signal on the SCSI bus interface. This indicator provides a general indication
of devices communicating on the SCSI bus.

• LINK ERROR: The Link Error indicator notifies the user that the integrity of
the fiber optic link is below specification and data transfer errors will occur if
not corrected. The Extender will disconnect from the SCSI bus when a Link
Error is detected.

Figure 4-1. Front panel and indicators.

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

POWER

LINK ACTIVE
BUS ACTIVE
LINK ERROR

15

5. Interfacing Requirements

5.1 SCSI Cable Interface Requirements

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender can be installed at any point on the SCSI bus. The
Extender provides an optically isolated SCSI bus over extended distances.
Terminators must be installed on both the local and extended bus. Make sure that
a maximum of two terminators are installed on each bus.

The desktop SCSI Fiber Optic Extender contains a 68-pin SCSI connector.

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender supports a maximum cable length of 25 meters

(82 feet) at Ultra2 SCSI data rates (80 MBps).

NOTE

Peripherals operating at Ultra SCSI data rates require shorter cable
lengths for proper operation. The total cable length for a single-ended
Ultra SCSI bus should be no longer than 1 meter (3.3 ft.) and differential
cables 12 meters (39.4 ft.).

NOTE

Do not intermix single-ended and differential devices on any one side of
the SCSI chain unless a SCSI differential converter is used to convert
from one bus type to the other.

5.2 Internal/External Terminator Options

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender contains an internal SCSI bus termination. The
internal terminator can be disabled by the user for added flexibility. Data errors
may result if more than two sets of terminators are installed on any SCSI bus.
Terminators should normally be installed on opposite ends of the SCSI bus. To
disable or enable the internal terminators, remove the four screws on the bottom
of the unit and configure as shown in Figure 5-1.

NOTE

The default setting is “INSTALLED” (internal termination enabled).

Figure 5-1. External terminator enable.

CHAPTER 5: Interfacing Requirements

Jumper E5

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

5.3 Internal Terminator Power and Fuse

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender can supply external terminator power via an
internal resettable fuse. This fuse supplies 1 amp at 5 volts to the TERMPWR
signal. The POWERLINK contains internal protection and will not be affected if
other SCSI devices provide terminator power.

To enable External Terminator Power, install jumper as shown in Figure 5-2.

NOTE

The default setting is “INSTALLED” (supply external terminator power).

Figure 5-2. External terminator power.

5.4 Selecting Internal Terminator Power

Internal SCSI Fiber Optic Extender termination can be powered by internal 5-volt
power or externally from the SCSI bus termination power line. Depending on
system applications, it may be advantageous to power the internal terminators by
the SCSI peripheral or computer.

NOTE

The default setting is “INTERNAL 5V.”

Figure 5-3. Termination power jumper locations.

Jumper E7

Internal 5 V

External Termination

Power

Jumper E6

17

5.5 Fiber Optic Cable Requirements

The Extender’s fiber optic interface incorporates industry-standard SC optical
connectors. Standard full-duplex mutimode fiber optic cables can be used with this
system. Typical cable types include 62.5/125 µm and 50/125 µm fiber optic cable.
Users with prewired multimode fiber optic cable conforming to these cable
parameters are compatible with this system if terminated with SC connectors.

High-quality connectors and low-loss fiber cable will provide the greatest
operating distance between units. The maximum achievable distance between
units is 500 meters or approximately 1600 feet for the SCSI Fiber Optic Extender.
Improper connector termination, splicing of the fiber optic cable, and use of other
cable diameters may result in reduced link distances and increased data error
rates.

If you need to order cables that work with your Extender, call Black Box
Technical Support at 724-746-5500 for details.

Keep fiber optic connectors and Extender optical components free of dust and
dirt. Whenever cables are not mated to the Extender, cover them with the
protective plastic caps included with the system.

Figure 5-4. Rear panel connectors.

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

SC FIBER

TX RX

100–240 VAC INPUT

POWER

DIFFERENTIAL SCSI

CHAPTER 5: Interfacing Requirements

18

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

6. Operation

6.1 About the Extender

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender converts SCSI data and command information into
a high-speed (1.06 GHz) serial data stream which is transmitted over a fiber optic
interface to another remote Extender. The remote Extender decodes the data
stream and re-converts it to the proper SCSI signals.

The fiber optic serial link conforms to the ANSI X3T9.5 encoding scheme
specified in SCSI 3 and is virtually immune to all forms of radio frequency and
electromagnetic interferences (RFI/EMI). An unauthorized tap of the link is
nearly impossible without detection. Fiber optic cable is also lighter and smaller
than standard wire cables, so installation is easier.

SCSI bus signals are routed through proprietary switching logic which enable
the Extender to appear “transparent” to devices on the SCSI bus. The SCSI Fiber
Optic Extender will disconnect from the SCSI bus interface in the event of a fiber
optic link failure or disconnection from power source.

6.2 System Performance

The Extender will support any combination of asynchronous and synchronous
SCSI devices on the bus. Overall system performance will depend on the individual
data rate and protocol of each SCSI device plus the overhead of the host
computer.

In general, devices connected to a SCSI Fiber Optic Extender system with a
100 meter (328 ft.) fiber optic link can expect to achieve aggregate data rates of
300 KBps in asynchronous mode. In synchronous LVD mode, with a byte offset of
8, sustainable data rates of 14 MBps can be expected. A synchronous offset of 16
will provide 18-MBps data rates.

6.3 System Configuration Options

The SCSI Fiber Optic Extender supports a maximum data rate of 80 MBps using
wide SCSI devices. This data rate is often referred to as ULTRA 2/WIDE SCSI.

For optimum system performance, some system configurations may require a
secondary SCSI channel to interface with the Extender.

19

In this configuration, the primary SCSI bus would be connected to the local high­speed peripherals.

The secondary SCSI bus would be used exclusively as the extended SCSI bus.

Figure 6-1. Alternative system configuration.

CHAPTER 6: Operation

Computer

Disk

Drives

Disk

Drive

Tape

Drive

CD-ROM

Tower

SCSI Fiber

Optic Extender

SCSI Fiber

Optic Extender

20

SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

7. SCSI Technical Information

7.1 SCSI Basics

7.1.1 SCSI-1

The original specification supports data transfers up to 5 MBps on an 8-bit wide
parallel data bus. SCSI-1 standards had some incompatibility problems between
host adapters and peripheral devices. The need to improve compatibility, increase
transfer rates, and add other features for better performance required a review of
the specifications.

7.1.2 SCSI-2

Improved compatibility and higher transfer rates were provided in this
enhancement. The addition of Wide SCSI permits 16 or 32 bits to be transferred in
parallel, the latter requiring two cables. In combination with the Fast SCSI option,
synchronous data transfers up to 10 MBps for 8-bit, 20 MB/sec for 16-bit and
40 MBps for 32-bit were achieved.

7.1.3 SCSI-3

The most significant additions include the ability to address up to 32 devices, a
16-bit single cable data bus, and serial SCSI protocol. The SCSI-3 standard has
been split into several subdocuments, including the SCSI Parallel Interface (SPI)
which is based on a layered protocol and the SCSI Interlocked Protocol (SIP), a
software link protocol.

7.1.4 S

IGNALWIRING

The signal wiring used in a SCSI bus has an impact on bus performance. The two
wiring techniques generally used for SCSI are single-ended and differential. With
single-ended wiring, a single wire carries the signal from initiator to target. Single­ended circuitry is not noise resistant and is generally limited to about 6 meters
(20 ft.) at data transfer speeds of 10 MB.

Differential wiring uses two wires for each signal and offers exceptional noise
resistance because it does not rely on a common ground. This allows cables up to
25 meters (82 ft.) and reliable operation at 10 MB or greater. Differential wiring
and circuitry is more complex than single-ended and generally tends to be more
expensive to implement.

21

CHAPTER 7: SCSI Technical Information

7.1.5 C

OMMONPROBLEMS

The majority of problems encountered with SCSI bus installations are due to
unbalanced or improper impedances on the SCSI bus transmission cables caused
by varying manufacturers’ peripheral devices. SCSI terminators compensate for
these inherent impedance mismatches on a SCSI bus where peripheral devices
such as hard drives, CD-ROM drives, scanners, or printers are used.

7.1.6 P

ASSIVETERMINATORS

The most basic is a passive resistance style terminator. This is usually supplied with
peripherals and frequently does a poor job of balancing the impedance of the
SCSI bus. Passive terminators are resistor networks that allow signal voltages to vary
with the load and termination power supplied, resulting in unstable signals from
end to end on the bus and causing data errors. Passive terminators are no longer
recommended by ANSI for designs.

7.1.7 A

CTIVETERMINATORS

Active terminators add a voltage regulator to the circuit to regulate signal voltages
with varying loads and termination power, allowing a consistent signal to be
transmitted everywhere on the bus. This in turn compensates for the varying bus
lengths and signal loads. All lines are terminated through 110-ohm resistors, which
are applicable to all narrow and wide single-ended applications. Active termination
is the minimum ANSI-recommended termination.

7.2 SCSI Installation Tips

• Keep your SCSI chain short. Official SCSI specifications limit a SCSI chain to no
more that 19.7 feet (6 meters) long. Practical experience says the shorter, the
better. The maximum length you should allow between devices is 3 feet
(0.9 m).

• Never assign the same SCSI ID number to two devices residing on the same bus. SCSI
uses these numbers as addresses to ensure that information goes to the correct
location. Giving two devices the same address can result in lost information.

• Know that some SCSI-ID numbers may be reassigned. Internal boot hard drives are
usually set to ID “0” while secondary hard drives are set to “1.” Motherboards
or host adapters are generally set to ID “7.”

• Always terminate the first and last devices on the chain. Drives purchased specifically
for internal use nearly always arrive with terminators installed. If in doubt, call
the vendor you purchased the device from.

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

• If the last device on the chain has two SCSI connectors, attach the cable to one and a
terminator to the other. Otherwise, you’ll have an open connector that may cause

noise on the SCSI chain.

• Always turn off the power to your computer and SCSI devices before swapping cables or
moving devices around. SCSI cables contain sensitive data transmission lines and
one or more live power wires.

• Turn on your SCSI devices before you turn on the computer. Some SCSI devices will
not mount if they are not running when you power up your computer.
Shutting down your computer first and then the attached SCSI devices allows
your system to completely “flush” itself.

7.3 SCSI Interface Signal Descriptions

A total of 18 signals are required for the SCSI interface. These signals are described
as follows:

• BSY (BUSY): An “OR-tied” signal indicating that the bus is being used.

• SEL (SELECT): An “OR-tied” signal used by an initiator to select a target or by
a target to reselect an initiator.

• C/D (CONTROL/DATA): A signal driven by a target that indicates whether
control or data information is on the data bus. True indicates control.

• I/O (INPUT/OUTPUT): A signal driven by a target that controls the
direction of data movement on the data bus with respect to an initiator. True
indicates input to the initiator. This signal is also used to distinguish between
selection and reselection phases.

• MSG (MESSAGE): A signal driven by a target during the message phase.

• REQ (REQUEST): A signal driven by a target to indicate a request for a
REQ/ACK data transfer handshake.

• ACK (ACKNOWLEDGE): A signal driven by an initiator to indicate an
acknowledgment for a REQ/ACK data transfer handshake.

• ATN (ATTENTION): A signal driven by an initiator to indicate the
ATTENTION condition.

• RST (RESET): An “OR-tied” signal that indicates the reset condition.

• DB(0 through 15,P,P1) (DATA BUS): Eight data-bit signals, plus a parity-bit

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signal that form a data bus. DB(7) is the most significant bit and has the
highest priority during the Arbitration phase. Bit number, significance, and
priority decrease downward to DB(0). A data bit is defined as one when the
signal value is true and is defined as zero when the signal value is false. Data
parity DB(P) shall be odd.

Table 7-1. SCSI connector assignments

low-voltage differential (LVD)/16-bit SCSI (wide)

Signal Name Pin Number Signal Name Pin Number

+DB(12) 1 -DB(12) 35

+DB(13) 2 -DB(13) 36

+DB(14) 3 -DB(14) 37

+DB(15) 4 -DB(15) 38

+DB(P1) 5 -DB(P1) 39

+DB(0) 6 -DB(0) 40

+DB(1) 7 -DB(1) 41

+DB(2) 8 -DB(2) 42

+DB(3) 9 -DB(3) 43

+DB(4) 10 -DB(4) 44

+DB(5) 11 -DB(5) 45

+DB(6) 12 -DB(6) 46

+DB(7) 13 -DB(7) 47

+DB(P) 14 -DB(P) 48

CHAPTER 7: SCSI Technical Information

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SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER

Table 7-1 (continued). SCSI connector assignments

low-voltage differential (LVD)/16-bit SCSI (wide)

Signal Name Pin Number Signal Name Pin Number

Ground 15 Ground 49

DIFFSENS 16 Ground 50

TERMPWR 17 TERMPWR 51

TERMPWR 18 TERMPWR 52

Reserved 19 Reserved 53

Ground 20 Ground 54

+ATN 21 -ATN 55

Ground 22 Ground 56

+BSY 23 -BSY 57

+ACK 24 -ACK 58

+RST 25 -RST 59

+MSG 26 -MSG 60

+SEL 27 -SEL 61

+C/D 28 -C/D 62

+REQ 29 -REQ 63

+I/O 30 -I/O 64

+DB(8) 31 -DB(8) 65

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Table 7-1 (continued). SCSI connector assignments

low-voltage differential (LVD)/16-bit SCSI (wide)

Signal Name Pin Number Signal Name Pin Number

+DB(9) 32 -DB(9) 66

+DB(10) 33 -DB(10) 67

+DB(11) 34 -DB(11) 68

CHAPTER 7: SCSI Technical Information

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