DPT SmartCache User Manual

1-1

®

TM

SmartCache

DPT

TM

PM3011

ISA DISK CONTROLLER

U S E R ' S M A N U A L

U S E R ' S M A N U A L

OCTOBER 1990

This document is the user's manual for Distributed
Processing Technology's SmartCacheTM family of disk
controllers. These caching disk controllers are designed
for use with PC/AT compatible computers and include the
PM3011/55 for ST506 disk drives, the PM3011/65 for RLL
drives, and the PM3011/75 for ESDI drives. In addition,
instructions for the installation of various operating
systems are also provided.

Copyright ©1990 Distributed Processing Technology

DO-0803-004-A

DPT MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRENTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
CONTENTS HEREOF AND SPECIFICALLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PURPOSE.

DPT products are covered by a one year limited
warranty. Contact DPT or your DPT distributor for
additional warranty information.

Further, DPT reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time
in the content hereof without obligation to notify
any person of such revisions or changes.

The information contained herein has been
copyrighted by Distributed Processing Technology.
No portion of this document can be duplicated in
any form, or sold, without the express written
consent of DPT. Failure to comply could entail legal
action to remedy such violation.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the
information provided herein is correct, please notify
us in the event of an error or inconsistency. Direct
any comments to:

Distributed Processing Technology

Customer Service

132 Candace Drive

Maitland, Florida 32751 (U.S.A.)

Phone [phone] • FAX [phone]

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I Introduction

CHAPTER II Theory of Operation

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Cache Expansion Capability

2.3 Advanced Caching Algorithms

2.4 Automatic Disk Read-Ahead

2.5 Ordered Write-Back

2.6 Compatibility – Supports All Operation Systems

2.7 Optimum Drive Geometry Emulation

2.8 Controller Activity LEDs

2.8.1 LED Display During Controller Idle

2.8.2 LED Display During Controller Active

2.8.3 LED Display During Manual Self-Test

2.8.4 LED Display During Fatal Trap State

2.8.5 LED Display During Power-Up

CHAPTER III Hardware Installation

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Quick Installation Summary

3.3 SmartCache Models

3.4 SCSI Adapter Option

3.5 Floppy Controller

3.6 Computers

3.7 Disk Drives

3.8 SmartCache Accessories

3.8.1 Cache Expansion

3.8.1.1 Adding a Memory Module to the
PM3011

3.8.1.2 Adding the MX3011 Expansion Card

T-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

3.8.1.3 Adding Memory Modules to the
MX3011

3.8.1.4 Cache Expansion Size Tests

3.8.2 Using High Capacity Disk Drives

3.8.2.1 User-Definable BIOS Types

3.8.2.2 BE3011 BIOS Table Expander Chip

3.8.2.3 Determining If a BE3011 Is Needed

3.8.2.4 BE3011 Chip Installation

3.8.3 Disk Mirroring Module

3.9 Jumpers

3.10 Cabling

3.10.1 Control Cable (34-pin)

3.10.2 Data Cable (20-pin)

3.11 Drive Select Numbering

3.11.1 ESDI vs ST506

3.11.2 Straight vs Twisted Control Cable

3.12 Drive Termination

CHAPTER IV: Drive Formatting

4.1 DPT Format Utility Introduction

4.2 Drive Formatting – Quick Summary

4.3 Comprehensive Drive Formatting Instructions

4.3.1 Getting Started

4.3.2 Special Keys

4.3.3 Initial Screen

4.3.4 Drive Number

4.3.5 Selecting The Drive

4.3.6 Entering Defects

4.3.6.1 Entering Defects for ESDI Drives

4.3.6.2 Entering Defects for ST506 Drives

4.3.6.3 Entering Defects Manually

4.3.6.4 Retrieving a Defect List Already
Entered

4.3.6.5 Entering a New Defect List

4.3.7 Formatting The Disk

4.3.8 Setting The BIOS Type

4.3.8.1 Best Drive Configuration

4.3.8.2 User-Definable BIOS Option

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4.3.9 Calculating Drive Parameters

4.3.1.10 DPTFMT /CUSTOM

CHAPTER V Operating System Installation

5.1 PC/MS DOS

5.1.1 BIOS Requirements

5.1.2 DOS Disk Capacity Limitations

5.1.3 DOS Disk Partitioning

5.1.4 Accessing Over 528MB wit DOS

5.1.5 Installing DOS Step-By-Step

5.1.6 DOS Buffers

5.2 SCO Unix and Xenix

5.2.1 BIOS Requirements

5.2.2 Software Cache – I/O Buffers

5.2.3 Installing SCO Xenix Step-By-Step

5.2.4 Installing SCO Xenix GT Step-By-Step

5.2.5 Installing SCO Unix Step-By-Step

5.3 DOS and SCO Unix/Xenix Co-resident

5.3.1 Installing DOS and Unix/Xenix Step-By-Step

5.3.2 Booting Unix/Xenix or DOS

5.4 Novell NetWare 286 and 386

5.4.1 BIOS Requirements

5.4.2 Differences between Novell 2.0 and 2.1

5.4.3 Novell Software Cache

5.4.4 Installing NetWare Step-By-Step

5.4.5 Configuration and Installation of NetWare 386

5.4.6 Installing NetWare 386 Step-By-Step

5.5 Interactive Unix

5.5.1 BIOS Requirements

5.5.2 Installing Interactive Unix Step-By-Step

5.6 Pick Installation

5.6.1 BIOS Requirements

5.6.2 Installing Pick Step-By-Step

5.7 Optimum Cache Size

5.7.1 Determining Hardware Cache Size

5.7.2 Operating System Software Cache

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CHAPTER VI Troubleshooting Guide

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Diagnostics

6.2.1 Power-UP Diagnostics

6.2.2 Manual Self-Test

6.2.3 DPTFMT Certify

6.3 Physical Installation

6.4 Performance

6.5 DPT Format Utility (DPTFMT)

6.5.1 Error Messages

6.5.2 Questions About DPTFMT

6.6 BIOS Table Expander (BE3011)

6.7 Operating System Compatibility

APPENDIX A Specification

APPENDIX B Cable Specifications

APPENDIX C Jumper Settings

APPENDIX D Connectors

APPENDIX E Errata

APPENDIX F Assembly Drawing

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CHAPTER I

Introduction

The DPT SmartCache Disk Controller is the single most
effective performance improvement tool available for disk
intensive applications. In applications such as multi-user
systems, engineering workstations, and network file­servers, well over half the time is taken up waiting for the
disk. Reducing the disk access time is the key to breaking
this disk bottleneck. SmartCache accesses data in as little
as one-half millisecond – that's 50 to 100 times faster than
a random disk access. Overall system performance gains
of three to five times are common, with some programs
running ten to fifteen times faster.

1-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

CHAPTER II

Theory of Operation

2.1 Introduction

Disk caching is a technique which has been used for many
years in mainframe computers to increase system
performance. Most disk controllers have a RAM buffer to
hold the data that is read from the disk until the computer
can accept it into its own memory. Usually this buffer is
big enough to hold only one sector (512 bytes) of disk
data, although some "high performance" disk controllers
can hold several sectors of data. A cache, on the other
hand, not only temporarily holds the data while it is in
transit, but retains the data until some time later when the
computer might need it again. The SmartCache Controller
even reads data from the disk before the computer asks
for it, and stores the data in its cache in anticipation of the
computer's future needs. Later, when the computer asks
for the "cached" data the controller then retrieves it in a
fraction of the time it would take to read it from the disk.

2-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Disk drives are mechanical devices. To retrieve data from
a disk drive, the read/write head must first physically
"seek" to the proper cylinder and then the disk must rotate
until the desired data is in position under the head.
Average seek times on drives range 15 milliseconds on the
fastest, most expensive drives to 40 milliseconds on the
least expensive drives. To that must be added the average
rotation time which is typically 8 milliseconds regardless
of the drive type. Therefor the total access time for high
performance drives is 23ms.

In contrast, the SmartCache controller reads data from its
cache within one-half millisecond. This means that
SmartCache accesses data from cache 50 times faster
than a "high performance" disk drive with a standard disk
controller.

2.2 Cache Expansion Capability

The SmartCache controller's cache can be expanded
incrementally as needed to maintain optimum system
performance. To accomplish this, there should be enough
cache to allow the most frequently accessed files to be
stored in cache. Systems with many users generally need
to cache more data than single-user systems. The same
holds true for systems with large data files as opposed to
small files.

In addition, SmartCache controllers use their cache to
process ordered write-back sectors and read-ahead
segments. Increasing the size of SmartCache's memory
makes these features more efficient – a requirement for
larger computer systems. Therefore, each system will
require varying amounts of cache, and the amount of

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 2-2

cache needed will change as the demands of the system
increase.

SmartCache controllers come with 512 Kbytes of cache on
the controller card. This is generally enough cache for
most single-user environments such as CAD or desktop
publishing. The cache can then be expanded in two
Mbytes increments to up to 16 Mbytes*. With 16 Mbytes of
cache, a single SmartCache controller could typically
support a multi-user system or network file-server with as
many as 64 users.

In addition to the standard on-board 512 Kbytes of cache,
one MM3011/2 two Mbyte Memory Module or MM3011/4
four Mbyte Memory Module can plug directly onto the
PM3011 SmartCache controller card, providing 2.5
Mbytes or 4.5 Mbytes of controller cache while not taking
up any additional card slots.

If more cache is required, an MX3011/4 four megabyte
Expansion Card can be added. This card occupies the PC
bus slot adjacent to the SmartCache controller. A two inch
ribbon cable provides the connection between the
controller and the Expansion Card.

One ore two additional MM3011 Memory Modules, each
containing 2 or 4 Mbytes of RAM, can also be added to the
MX3011 four Mbyte Expansion Card, upgrading the
MX3011 card's capacity to 6, 8, 10, or 12 megabytes of
expansion cache. These modules plug directly onto Bay 1
or 2 of the MX3011 and do not take up any additional card
slots.

* References to 16 Mbytes will be used when 16 Mbytes of expansion cache is installed. Maximum usable

cache size is actually 15.5 Mbytes due to microprocessor address limitations.

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Figure 2-1 Maximum Cache Configuration

PM3011 SmartCache Controller with one MM3011 Memory

Module plus MX3011 Expansion Card with two MM3011

Memory Modules.

With the one MX3011/4 Expansion Card and three
MM3011/4 Memory Modules, the SmartCache controller
can be configured with a maximum of 16 Mbytes of cache.
Up to three 2 or 4 Mbyte MM3011 Memory Modules can
be used in any combination, allowing the SmartCache to
be configured with 0.5, 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 14.5,
or 16 megabytes of cache memory. As a general rule of
thumb, it is recommended that the system be configured
with at least 1 Mbyte of cache for every four active users
or tasks on the system.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 2-4

Drive 2

Drive 1

PM3011

MX3011

MM3011

Bay 1

MM3011

Bay 2

MM3011

0.5 MB

High Speed
Cache Bus

(ribbon cable)

2 or 4 MB

2 or 4 MB4 MB 2 or 4 MB

2.3 Advanced Caching Algorithms

Advanced caching features such as automatic disk read­ahead and elevator sorting during cache write-back
increase disk performance to levels unobtainable by non­caching controllers. The controller's on-board 68000
microprocessor enables it to access the disk drive at the
same time as the computer reads or writes to the
controller cache. This simultaneous transfer of data
between the computer, the cache, and the disk enables the
system to maintain a very high level of performance, even
when heavily loaded.

SmartCache controllers utilize a sector caching algorithm
that assures maximum efficiency in heavily fragmented
environments such as multi-user operating systems or
networks. Most multi-user systems do not store disk data
in large contiguous segments but instead break up disk
files into many small fragments which are scattered all
over the disk. In addition, the computer's time is also
"sliced" into small fragments which are in turn allocated to
each user. Because of this fragmentation of the disk space
and computer time, the disk controller receives many
requests to read and write data in widely scattered areas
of the disk.

In order to contend with this disk fragmentation problem,
the SmartCache controller maintains a sector cache which
can simultaneously hold thousands of disk sectors from
widely scattered areas of the disk. Each disk sector is
stored in an individual cache page. Up to 32,000 disk
sectors can be simultaneously cached in a fully loaded 16
megabyte controller. Yet only the sectors which are needed
are cached, unlike track caching schemes which must
always read or write entire tracks of data.

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Because of its powerful caching architecture and on-board
68000 microprocessor, the SmartCache controller
accesses any cached data within one-half millisecond,
regardless of the size of the cache. The design of some
cache systems causes the cache search time and processor
overhead to increase as the cache size increases. The
SmartCache controller maintains the fast on-half
millisecond access time regardless of the cache size.

2.4 Automatic Disk Read-Ahead

In addition to caching the sectors requested by the
computer, the controller also caches sectors which have
not yet been requested but which have a high likelihood of
being requested in the near future. Since disk data is often
grouped in "clumps" of sequential sectors on the disk, it is
often beneficial to continue to read sequential sectors into
cache following a sector that has recently been requested
by the computer. After each read command, the controller
quickly checks its cache to see if the next eight sequential
disk sectors are present. If not, it continues to read ahead
from the disk without missing a rotation until all eight
sectors have been read into the cache. While this read­ahead operation is being performed, the computer does
not have to wait for the data requested. As soon as the
requested data has been read, the computer can start
using it. Automatic read-ahead is then handled entirely by
the controller, concurrent with other operations performed
by the PC/AT.

The computer can also read or write other data to the
cache without interfering with the read-ahead option. If
the data that the computer requests is in cache, it is
transferred between the PC/AT and SmartCache

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concurrently with the read-ahead operation.

If the computer wants to read data that is not in the cache,
the controller immediately stops the read-ahead and
services the new read operation. Automatic Read-Ahead
never slows down the PC/AT since it is controlled
independently by SmartCache's own 68000 processor over
SmartCache's high speed cache bus in parallel with other
system bus activity.

Disk read-ahead helps by pre-loading the cache with
information which has a high likelihood of being requested
by the computer in the near future. However, in order for
disk read-ahead to be effective in a multi-user
environment, it is necessary for the cache to store a large
number of read-ahead sectors from many different areas
of the disk. This is because multi-user and networking
operating systems "time-slice" I/O requests from many
different users or tasks. Data which has been cached by a
read-ahead operation may not be accessed until many
commands in the future when the same user or task has
another chance to access the disk. This is why controllers
or disk drives which store a small number of read-ahead
segments may perform well on simple sequential
benchmarks, but often do not provide real performance
benefits in actual multi-user environments.

It is possible to adjust the number of sectors in disk read
operations as well as monitor the number of cache hits
which have occurred due to read-ahead. This is
recommended only for OEMs who wish to fine tune the
caching algorithms for maximum performance in a
particular environment. For more information on this
feature, contact DPT Customer Support.

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2.5 Ordered Write-Back

When using the SmartCache controller, disk write
operations always result in a cache hit within one-half
millisecond, which is 50 to 100 times faster than a write
operation with a standard controller. The SmartCache
controller then copies the cached data to disk in the
background so the computer never waits for the disk
write. In addition, data is written in order of increasing
cylinder, head, and sector number, minimizing disk seeks
and missed rotations, thereby speeding up the entire
operation. This feature called Ordered Write-Back,
eliminates much of the "head trashing" commonly
associated with disk-intensive operations.

In effect, the controller acts as a sorting pipeline. Random
sector writes come in from the computer, and sequential
sector writes go out to the disk drive. Whenever the
controller has not received a command from the computer
for 250 milliseconds, it begins copying "dirty" pages to
disk. (When data has been written into a cache page by
the computer but has not yet been copied to the disk, the
page is said to be "dirty".) Since the data is written back to
disk in an ordered fashion, several seconds of controller
idle time will normally result in all dirty pages being
copied to disk, even through it may have taken much
longer for the computer to write the data to the computer.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 2-8

The controller also writes bursts of ten ordered sectors
back to disk whenever 50% ore more of the cache
becomes dirty. These disk write operations occur
concurrently with other cache read and write operations
from the computer. As in disk read-ahead, the computer
can also access other sectors in cache without interfering
with the write-back operation. If the data that the
computer requests is in cache, it is transferred to the
PC/AT at the same time as the write-back operation is
writing data to the disk. If the computer wants to write
data, the this data can immediately be written to cache
simultaneously with other data being written from the
cache to disk.

It is possible to adjust the number of sectors written
during disk write-back bursts, as well as the maximum
percentage dirty limit. This is recommended only for
OEMs who wish to fine tune the caching algorithms for
maximum performance in a particular environment. For
more information on this feature, contact DPT Customer
Support.

2.6 Compatibility – Supports All Operating Systems

Since SmartCache controllers operate transparent to the
operating system, special software drivers or ROM BIOS
changes are not required. Operating systems such as
3COM 3+, 10NET, BOS, CCP/M, Concurrent DOS386, IGC
VM386, Interactive Unix, Lifenet, Microport Unix, MS­DOS, MUMPS, Novell NetWare 286 and 386, OS/2, PC­Net, PC-MOS, Pick, Prologue, QNX, SCO Xenix and Unix,
Theos, Thoroughbred, Venix, and Virtual Systems Quick
Connect are all fully compatible with SmartCache
controllers.

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2.7 Optimum Drive Geometry Emulation

ESDI and RLL disk drives gain an additional storage
capacity because the are formatted with more sectors per
track than the standard 17 sectors per track of an ST506
drive. However, some PC/AT compatible operating systems
only support drives which are formatted with 17 sectors
per track. SmartCache controllers are capable of
automatically remapping the drive geometry so that ESDI
and RLL drives appear to the system as standard 17 sector

-per-track drives.

In order to compensate for making an ESDI or RLL drive
appear to have 17 sectors per track, the controller
automatically increases the apparent number of heads
and/or cylinders to yield the full drive capacity. During
normal operation, operating systems requests for cylinder,
head, and sector addresses within the limits that the OS
supports are translated by the controller into the actual
physical cylinder, head and sector addresses of the disk
drive. As long as the operating system supports the
increased number of heads and/or cylinders, the entire
capacity of the drive can be utilized with the standard disk
driver or BIOS. In fact, the SmartCache controller can
emulate any drive geometry with up to 2048 cylinders, 64
heads, and 255 sectors per track.

When the DPTFMT disk format utility is run, the program
analyzes the limitation of the operating system, ROM
BIOS, and disk drive being used and instructs the
controller to emulate the "best fit" drive geometry so that
the maximum drive capacity can be utilized. The table in
the section entitled Determining If a BE3011 Is Needed in
the Hardware Installation chapter of this manual lists the
maximum drive capacities of several popular operating
systems

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 2-10

2.8 Controller Activity LEDs

A 10-segment LED display on the controller provides a
means to visually monitor the state of the controller. There
are five different controller states which are indicated by
the LED: Idle, Active, Self-Test, Fatal-Trap, and Power-Up.

2.8.1 LED Display During Controller Idle

When no commands are in progress and all disk activity
has ceased, the controller enters the Idle State. This is
indicated by a rotating bit pattern in LED segments 1
through 8.

2.8.2 LED Display During Controller Active

By viewing these LEDs the user can determine information
concerning cache hits and misses, disk reads and writes,
and PC/AT bus reads and writes. In addition several LEDs
are provided for troubleshooting purposes

Table 2-1 LED Display During Controller Active

Segment Function
1 Busy

2 PC/AT Bus Transfer to Controller
3 PC/AT Bus Transfer from Controller
4 Cache Hit
5 Disk Read-Ahead Active
6 Disk Read
7 Disk Write
8 PC/AT Controller Reset
9 Controller Interrupt Pending to PC/AT
10 DRQ Asserted to PC/AT

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2.8.3 LED Display During Manual Self-Test

A push-button switch is provided on the controller to allow
manually activated self-diagnostic tests. Momentarily
pressing the switch when the controller is in an idle state
will cause the controller to "arm" for self test. During this
time, the controller will not respond to PC/AT commands
and segment 1 through 8 of the LED display will flash five
times per second. If the switch is pressed again within
three seconds, the controller will execute a series of self­diagnostic routines. Results of the test are displayed on
the 10-segment LED display. These routines continue to
execute until the switch is pressed a third time. If no fatal
errors were detected during self-diagnostics, the
controller then re-enters the Idle State; otherwise a fatal
trap state is entered. If the switch is not pressed within
three seconds, the LED display will flash twenty times per
second for three seconds. If the switch is pressed during
this time, the controller will enter a diagnostics mode as
detailed in the OEM manual. If the switch is not pressed,
the controller will re-enter the idle loop.

Six self-test routines are executed by the controller during
self-diagnostics. During the execution of each routine, the
corresponding LED segment flashes intermittently. If an
error is detected by any one of the self-test routines, the
LED segment remains lit and the controller executes the
next diagnostic routine. Once an LED segment is lit to
indicate an error, the corresponding diagnostic routine is
not executed again and the LED segment remains lit
through the duration of the self-diagnostics. The controller
continues to execute diagnostics in an endless loop until
the self-test switch is pressed again.

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During self-diagnostics segments 1 through 10 of the LED
have the following meaning:

Table 2-2 LED Display During Self-Test

Segment Function
1 Cache RAM Test

2 Sector Buffer Test
3 PC/AT I/O Register Test
4 Disk Protocol Controller Test
5 always off
6 Hardware Test (EPROM Checksum)
7 Disk Read/Write Test
8 always off
9 always off
10 always off

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2.8.4 LED Display During Fatal Trap State

If a fatal error is detected during the execution of
controller diagnostic routines, the controller will enter the
Fatal Trap State. Fatal errors are caused by controller or
expansion RAM failure, or failure of other critical
controller hardware. Disk drive ore PC/AT failure will not
cause the controller to enter the Fatal Trap State. Fatal
errors can be detected by Power-Up or Manual Self­Diagnostic tests.

In the Fatal Trap State, the controller alternately flashes
LED segments 1 through 4 and segment 5 through 8, and
will not allow the system to boot or respond to PC/AT
commands. In this case, a manual self-test may be
performed to determine the cause of failure. The Fatal
Trap State is exited only by a PC/AT bus reset or by
powering-down the PC/AT.

2.8.5 LED Display During Power-Up

During the power-up sequence, the 10-segment LED
display on the controller displays the amount of expansion
cache present in addition to the base 512k. The expansion
cache size in megabytes is displayed as a binary pattern,
with lit LEDs representing binary one. LED 1, the left most
LED (see Appendix F), is the least significant binary bit.
For example, if an additional 4MB of cache memory is
installed, LED 3 will light. If 12MB of expansion cache are
installed, LEDs 3 and 4 will light. If there are no cache
expansion boards installed, then all the LEDs will go
blank.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 2-14

CHAPTER III

Hardware Installation

3.1 Introduction

The procedure for installing the SmartCache controller is
presented in two formats. First, a quick step-by-step
installation summary, followed by a comprehensive
installation guide.

3.2 Quick Installation Summary

1.Power-down the computer.

2.Remove any hard disk controller already present.

3.Connect all required SmartCache accessories to the
controller.

4.Connect the floppy drive cable to connector J8. Pin
one (indicated by a stripe or arrow) must be at
the top edge of the controller.

5.Connect the 34-pin hard drive control cable to
connector J5. All drive cables should be connected
to the controller with pin 1 at the top edge of the
controller. Pin 1 on the cable is indicated by a
stripe or arrow.

3-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

6.Connect the 20-pin drive data cable(s) to the
SmartCache controller:

Connector J4 for the hard Drive 0, J3 for Drive 1, J2

for Drive 2 (PM3011/75 only) and J1 for Drive 3
(PM3011/75 only).

7.Connect the drive cables to the corresponding hard
disk.

8.Install the SmartCache Controller in a sixteen-bit
slot in the computer.

9.Proceed to the Drive Formatting chapter of this
manual and continue with installation.

3.3 SmartCache Models

All SmartCache controllers are shipped from the factory
with a floppy controller as standard equipment. The model
numbers for the SmartCache controller differ according to
the hard disk interface supported.

Table 3-1 SmartCache Controller Models

Model Interface
PM3011/55 ST506 MFM

PM3011/65 ST506 RLL
PM3011/75 ESDI

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-2

3.4 SCSI Adapter Option

SmartCache controllers can be specially ordered from the
factory with an optional SCSI adapter. The SCSI adapter is
a SmartCache controller option which provides the
hardware necessary to attach up to seven SCSI
peripherals to the computer without using an additional
computer bus slot.

Devices attached to the SmartCache SCSI adapter do not
access the controller cache. Instead, all data is transferred
directly to the PC bus. It is intended to be used with
secondary storage devices such as SCSI tape, CD-ROMs
and optical worm drives. The SmartCache SCSI adapter is
not recommended for use with SCSI hard disk drives.

Device driver software is required for all SCSI peripherals
connected to the SmartCache SCSI adapter. A Technical
Reference Manual is available to developers and OEMs
who wish to develop their own device drivers.

3.5 Floppy Controller

SmartCache's on-board floppy controller allows control of
two 5¼ inch or 3½ inch, high or low-density floppy drives.
SmartCache does not cache the floppy drives. The
SmartCache floppy controller must be the only floppy
controller operating in the computer. If there is another
floppy controller either on the motherboard or in another
slot, the SmartCache floppy controller must be disabled by
changing its base address to the secondary location, or
disabled by installing Jumper Y20 on the PM3011/75, or
Y21 on the PM3011/55 and PM3011/65. SmartCache
controllers can be specially ordered without floppy
controller circuitry.

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3.6 Computer

The SmartCache controller operates in a sixteen-bit slot in
any 80286 or 80386 AT-bus computer. All CPU clock
speeds are supported. The controller's maximum bus
transfer rate is 4MB/s.

3.7 Disk Drives

PM3011/55 MFM and PM3011/65 RLL controllers can
control up to two ST506 disk drives. Any standard ST506
drive can be used with the PM3011/55 MFM controller.

Although most ST506 drives will also work with the
PM3011/65 RLL controller, for best results, only ST506
drives which have been certified by the drive
manufacturer for RLL recording should be used. This is
because RLL recording requires 50% tighter tolerances
than standard MFM recording for the data timing on the
drive. Thus non-RLL-certified ST506 drives may cause an
unacceptable number of media defects to be generated.

The PM3011/75 will control standard ESDI drives with
data rates of up to 20MHz, and with capacities of up to
4GB per drive. Although up to four ESDI drives can be
controlled by the PM3011/75 controller, most operating
systems will only allow a maximum of two drives to be
used without special software drivers. Four ESDI drives
may be used with any operating system however, when the
DM3011 Disk Mirroring Module has been installed and
disk mirroring is enabled. In this case, the operating
system will "see" two drives, but data for each drive will
be mirrored onto a drive pair, thus providing disk fault­tolerance.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-4

3.8 SmartCache Accessories

There are several optional accessories available for
SmartCache controllers. The installation of each accessory
will be reviewed in this section. Optional equipment for
the SmartCache controller includes:

BE3011 BIOS Table Expander Chip which plugs into the
controller and allows certain operating systems to access
disk drives with greater capacity than those in the
standard BIOS. BE3011 chips are shipped as a standard
accessory on all SmartCache controllers.

MX3011 Expansion Card or MM3011 Memory Modules
to increase the cache size above the 512Kbytes that reside
on the controller.

DM3011 Disk Mirroring Module which mirrors one or two
pairs of drives together to create a disk fault-tolerance
system.

The controller is automatically configured at power-up,
hence there are no jumpers or switches when adding or
removing an accessory. The only exception is when
removing the BE3011 chip (reviewed in the section
entitled BE3011 BIOS Table Expansion Chip later in this
chapter) which requires Jumper Y7 to be removed.

3-5 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

3.8.1 Cache Expansion

SmartCache controllers come with an integral 0.5 Mbytes
of cache RAM. The SmartCache controller can be
configured with a maximum of 16 Mbytes of cache by
adding one MX3011 Expansion Card and up to three
MM3011 memory modules. MM3011 Memory Modules
come in both a 2 Mbyte and 4 Mbyte variety, both of which
can be used interchangeably. (See the section entitled
Cache Expansion Capability in the Theory of Operation
chapter of this manual.)

One MM3011 Memory Module can plug directly onto the
PM3011 SmartCache controller card, providing 2.5
Mbytes or 4.5 Mbytes of controller cache while not taking
up any additional card slots. Appendix F contains drawings
showing MM3011 connector locations on the SmartCache
controller.

If more cache is required, an MX3011/4 four megabyte
Expansion Card can be added. This card occupies the PC
bus slot adjacent to the SmartCache controller. A two inch
ribbon cable provides the connection between the
controller and the Expansion Card. One or two additional
MM3011 Memory Modules can also be added to the
MX3011. These modules plug directly onto the MX3011
and do not take up any additional card slots.

There are many possible ways to configure the expansion
cache since the 2 or 4 Mbyte MM3011 Memory Modules
can generally be added to the PM3011 and MX3011 in any
order. However, there are several unallowed
configurations. Refer to the table of the following page for
the various possible configurations for SmartCache
expansion boards. The following section contains step-by­step instructions for adding Expansion Cards and Memory
Modules.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-6

Table 3-2 Cache Size Configurations

MM3011 MM3011

MM3011 on MX3011 on MX3011

Total Cache on PM3011 MX3011 (Bay 1) (Bay 2) Allowed

0.5 MB none none none none yes

2.5 MB 2 MB none none none yes

4.5 MB none 4MB none none yes

4.5 MB 4 MB none none none yes

6.5 MB none 4 MB 2 MB none yes

6.5 MB none 4 MB none 2 MB yes

6.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB none none yes

8.5 MB none 4 MB 4 MB none yes

8.5 MB none 4 MB none 4 MB yes

8.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 2 MB none yes

8.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB none 2 MB yes

8.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB none none yes

10.5 MB none 4 MB 2 MB 4 MB yes

10.5 MB none 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB yes

10.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 2 MB 2 MB yes

10.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 4 MB none yes

10.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB none 4 MB yes

10.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB none yes

10.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB none 2 MB not allowed

12.5 MB none 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB yes

12.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 2 MB 4 MB yes

12.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB yes

12.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB 2 MB not allowed

12.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB none 4 MB not allowed

12.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB none yes

14.5 MB 2 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB yes

14.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB 4 MB not allowed

14.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 2 MB not allowed

15.5 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB 4 MB yes

3-7 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

3.8.1.1 Adding a Memory Module to the PM3011

One MM3011/2 or MM3011/4 Memory Module can be
added to the PM3011 SmartCache controller, increasing
the on-board cache size to 2.5 or 4.5 megabytes. The
MM3011 attaches to connectors J7 and J12 on the
controller. All expansion memory is automatically sensed
by the controller so no jumper settings or system setup
changes are required.

3.8.1.2 Adding the MX3011 Expansion Card

One MX3011 Expansion Card can be used with the
SmartCache controller. This card must occupy the
adjacent PC bus slot and connects to the controller via a
60-conductor, two inch ribbon cable. To install the
MX3011, follow the following instructions:

1.Place the MX3011 in a slot adjacent to the
controller. An 8 or 16-bit slot may be used.

2. Connect the MX3011 to the controller with the
cable provided with the MX3011. The cable runs
from J1 on the MX3011 to J9 on the controller.
The memory is now installed and ready to
function.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-8

3.8.1.3 Adding Memory Modules to the MX3011

One or two MM3011/2 or MM3011/4 Memory Modules can
be added to the MX3011/4 Expansion Card, increasing the
expansion cache on-board the MX3011 to 6, 8, 10, or 12
megabytes. All expansion memory is automatically sensed
by the controller so no jumper settings or system setup
changes are required.

1.The first MM3011 added should be attached to Bay
1 (connectors J4 and J5 on the MX3011/4.

2.If a second MM3011 is installed it should be
attached to Bay 2 (connectors J2 and J3) on the
MX3011/4.

NOTE: The MX3011/2 is a two Mbyte half-populated
Expansion Card which has been discontinued. Although it
does not provide the two bays for plugging in MM3011
modules, it can still be used along with the one MM3011
which plugs directly into the PM3011 controller. For
information regarding upgrading MX3011/2 cards to
MX3011/4 cards, contact DPT Customer Support.

3-9 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

3.8.1.4 Cache Expansion Size Tests

There are three methods to confirm that the expansion
cache has been properly installed and is being recognized
by the controller:

1. BIOS Table Expander Diagnostics (BE3011) – If a
BIOS Table Expander chip is installed on the
SmartCache controller, the amount of cache
installed will be displayed on the screen during
the power-up self-test sequence.

2. DPT Format Utility (DPTFMT) – The DPT Format
Utility reports the amount of cache memory
present each time the program is run. Cache size
is displayed on the initial screen at the top left
corner.

3. LED display – During the power-up sequence for a
brief moment, the 10-segment LED display on the
controller displays the amount of expansion cache
present in addition to the base 512KB. (See the
section entitled LED Display During Power-Up in
the Theory of Operation chapter of this manual.)

The MX3011 Expansion Card and MM3011 Memory
Module are sensed by the SmartCache controller in two
independent ways. First of all, the controller senses a
special configuration signal which indicates which boards
are present. Then the controller tests the cache RAM on
each board to assure that it is fully functional. If this test
is not passed, the controller will enter the Fatal Trap
State, flash the 10-segment LED (see the section entitled
LED Display During Power-Up in the Theory of Operation
chapter of this manual.), and will not allow the system to
boot.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-10

3.8.2 Using High Capacity Disk Drives

Many operating systems such as DOS and Novell will only
access a disk drive if there is a corresponding entry for
that particular drive type in the system BIOS.

When using the SmartCache controller, the actual number
of cylinders, heads, and sectors on the disk drive does not
have to exactly match any of the drive types listed in the
BIOS drive table. The DPTFMT format utility automatically
examines the BIOS drive table and selects the "best fit"
BIOS drive type which matches the total capacity of the
drive being installed as closely as possible. It then tells the
SmartCache controller to emulate a drive with the same
number of heads, tracks, and sectors as that drive type. As
long as the total capacity of the drive is the same or
greater than the selected BIOS drive type, the drive can be
used.

However, many BIOS tables do not include any entries
with capacities sufficient for the new high-capacity drives.
Therefore, a considerable amount of disk space will be
inaccessible to the operating system.

For example, suppose you wanted to install a 380MB ESDI
drive under DOS, which requires use of the system BIOS,
but the largest BIOS drive type was 1024 cylinder, 15
heads, and 17 sectors, resulting in a capacity of 134MB.
The operating system would only be able to access the
first 134MB of the disk, and the remaining 246MB would
be wasted.

Presently, there are two methods of correcting this
condition of lost capacity:

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1. Using a user-definable BIOS type.

2. Using a BE3011 BIOS Table Expander Chip.

3.8.2.1 User-Definable BIOS Types

Some PCs have BIOSs which include a user-definable BIOS
type which allows the user to create a BIOS type with any
parameters desired. This user-definable BIOS type should
allow the operating system to access the entire disk drive.
Instructions for utilizing user-definable BIOS types are
noted in the Drive Formatting chapter of this manual.

3.8.2.2 BE3011 BIOS Table Expander Chip

BE3011 BIOS Table Expander chips are shipped as
standard configuration on all SmartCache controllers.

If your computer's BIOS does not have a user-definable
BIOS type or a drive type with a large enough capacity for
your drive, a BE3011 BIOS Table Expander chip will be
required in order to access the drive's full capacity.

The BE3011 BIOS Table Expander chip provides additional
high capacity drive types for the computer's ROM BIOS
table. The BE3011 chip plugs directly in the C800H ROM
socket on the PM3011 SmartCache controller. The BE3011
chip has over 300 drive types ranging from 60MB to
1200MB, beginning at type 48, following the possible 47
drive types supplied by the standard BIOS. With the
BE3011, the computer's BIOS can support capacities up to
the maximum capacity limits of any operating system.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-12

3.8.2.3 Determining If a BE3011 Is Needed

Some operating systems use the computer's BIOS drive
type table and some do not. The following table lists
various OSs, along with the maximum number of heads,
tracks, sectors per track, and resultant drive capacity
supported by that OS. If the OS uses the BIOS drive table
then a BE3011 may be needed in order to support high­capacity drives. The BE3011 will allow the computer's
BIOS to support up to, but not exceed, the maximum drive
capacity for that OS as listed in the table below.

Table 3-3 Operating System Maximum Drive Capacity

Uses
BIOS

Operating System Cyls Heads Secs Capacity

Table

Interactive 386/ix 2048 16 63 1057 MB

YES
MS/PC DOS 1024 16 63 528 MB YES
Novell 2.1 2048 16 63 1057 MB YES
OS/2 1024 16 63 528 MB YES
PCMOS 1024 16 63 528 MB YES
Pick 2.2 1024 64 63 2114 MB YES
Microport Unix 2048 16 63 1057 MB NO
QNX 2048 16 63 1057 MB NO
Theos 2048 16 255 4228 MB NO
Xenix 2048 16 63 1057 MB NO

Novell 2.0 1024 16 17 142 MB

*

* Novell 2.0 will not operate with the BE3011. The DUB-14 from Golden Bow Systems is recommended

and like the BE3011, will socket directly onto the PM3011 controller.

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NOTE: Operating systems which are DOS overlays have
the same physical disk parameter limitations as DOS.
These include any operating system which is executed
from the DOS prompt. Examples of DOS overlay operating
systems include Alloy NTNX, Concurrent DOS386,
Network OS, PC-MOS, PC-NET, and VM386

3.8.2.4 BE3011 Chip Installation

Typically, the operating system must be reinstalled if a
BE3011 is added to an existing system.

NOTE: ALL DATA ON THE DISK WILL BE LOST AND
SHOULD BE BACKED-UP BEFORE INSTALLATION OF
THE BE3011.

1. Insert the BE3011 in the empty EPROM socket
(denoted as 8K boot prom) on the controller with
the notch facing to the left, the same direction as
all the other chips. Refer to the assembly drawing
in Appendix F for details.

2. Enable the BE3011 by installing Jumper Y7 on the
PM3011 controller.

3. The following message appears at boot-up,
indicating that the BE3011 is present:

BIOS Table Expander Vxxxxx
Distributed Processing Technology
(c) Copyright 1988, 1989, 1990

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-14

As the system boots, one of the following
messages will appear:

A. BTE Version Change, Call Customer Support.

B. BE3011 Detected! Finish Installation:

(1) Backup disk data if installed.
(2) Run DPTFMT and Calculate Drive Parameters.
(3) Reinstall data.

If the BE3011 is being added to an existing
system with an operating system already installed
then proceed with step 4 below. Otherwise go on
to the Drive Formatting chapter of this manual.

4. Load DPTFMT.

5. Select the correct drive make and model. Do not
reenter defects if the drive has previously been
formatted.

6. Select "Option 3 – Calculate Best Drive
Parameters". Do not reformat the disk if it has
previously been formatted.

7. The optimum drive type will automatically be
selected from the list in the BE3011 chip.
DPTFMT will automatically select and set the
drive type in CMOS. The type selected will usually
be 1. Do not change it.

8. The final step is to reinstall your operating
system.

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3.8.3 Disk Mirroring Module

The DM3011 Disk Mirroring Module, when installed on
the SmartCache controller, will mirror one or two pairs of
drives together to create a redundant, disk fault-tolerant
system. Please refer to the SmartCache Mirroring Users
Manual for installation instructions.

3.9 Jumpers

The SmartCache controller is shipped from the factory
with all jumpers in default position and should not need to
be changed. Refer to Appendix C for the default jumper
positions.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-16

3.10 Cabling

All drive cabling with the SmartCache controller is the
same as with a standard disk controller.

3.10.1 Control Cable (34-pin)

Attach the 34-pin control cable to Connector J5 on the
SmartCache controller. Drive 0, the first logical drive,
should be attached to the last connector (end of the cable)
on the control cable.

3.10.2 Data Cable (20-pin)

The disk drive data cables must be connected as specified
below. Refer to the illustration in Appendix F for connector
locations.

Table 3-4 Data Cable Connectors

Drive SmartCache Connector

0 J4
1 J3
2 J2 (PM3011/75 only)
3 J1 (PM3011/75 only)

3-17 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

3.11 Drive Select Numbering

All disk drive have jumpers or switches which allow the
drive select number to be programmed for the drive. The
drive numbering to be used is dependent upon the type of
control cable used and the number of drives installed in
the system. Drive numbering options are described below.

3.11.1 ESDI vs ST506

Confusion often results due to the differences in the drive
numbering schemes found on ST506 disk drives (both
MFM and RLL) and ESDI disk drives. This differences are
inherent in the drive interfaces, not the disk controller.
The ST506 interface is capable of supporting four drives,
numbered 0 through 3 – the first drive being drive 0. The
ESDI interface is capable of supporting seven drives,
numbered 1 to 7 – the first drive being drive 1. In the
following cabling descriptions, the drives are simply
referred to as "first" and "second".

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 3-18

3.11.2 Straight vs Twisted Control Cable

1. Straight control cable with no twists:

Drive 0 (C:) should be attached to the last
connector on the end of the control cable, and the
drive select should be set to the "first" drive (as
described above).

Drive 1 (D:) should be attached to the middle
connector on the control cable and the drive
select should be set to the "second" drive.

2. Control cable with twisted end:

Drive 0 (C:) should be attached to the last
connector on the end of the control cable, and the
drive select should be set to the "second" drive.

Drive 1 (D:) should be attached to the middle
connector on the control cable and the drive
select should also be set to the "second" drive.

3.12 Drive Termination

Drive Termination is typically accomplished with a
socketed terminating resistor on the disk drive. The drive
attached to the last connector on the control cable must
have a terminating resistor installed. All other drives
installed should have the terminating resistor removed.
Refer to the disk drive manual for a complete description
of drive termination.

3-19 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

CHAPTER IV

Drive Formatting

4.1 DPT Format Utility Introduction

Once the SmartCache controller and drive have been
installed, it is necessary to perform a low-level format
using the DPT Format Utility (DPTFMT). This utility
program can be found on the SmartCache Utilities diskette
provided with the controller.. The program runs under
MS/PC DOS and is loaded by typing "DPTFMT" at the DOS
prompt. Formatting the disk drives using DPTFMT is
mandatory with SmartCache model PM3011/75. It is
highly recommended, but not required, for models
PM3011/55 and /65. In addition to providing a disk format
optimized for highest performance, DPTFMT allows the
SmartCache controller to provide a number of advanced
disk management features not previously available on PCs.
These are described briefly in the following pages:

4-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

1 Defect Management – The SmartCache

controller handles all media defects automatically.
It remaps data around the defects so the
computer and operating system always "see" a
defect free disk. Defects are remapped on a block­by-block basis, rather than remapping an entire
track, ensuring that valuable disk space is not
wasted.

ESDI disk drive manufacturers store a list of
media defects on the disk itself. As part of the
format process, the controller automatically reads
this list, eliminating the need to type them in
manually, saving time and reducing errors. Only
ESDI drives have the media defect list stored on
the disk. The defects for ST506 (MFM and RLL)
drives must be input manually from the list
supplied by the drive manufacturer.

2. Media Certification – After the low-level format
has been performed, the controller will write and
read several worst-case data patterns onto every
sector on the disk. Any additional defects
detected will be automatically remapped by the
controller. The "Format with Certify" option of the
DPT format utility is highly recommended for all
installations.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 4-2

3. Automatic Sensing and Remapping of
"Grown" Media Defects – Disk drives will often
develop additional media defects during normal
operation. The SmartCache controller senses
these grown defects and remaps them to spare
sectors on-the-fly. This means that any defects
detected in the future will be automatically
repaired and added to the defect list.

4. Best Fit Drive Emulation – The SmartCache
controller has the ability to change the apparent
number of cylinders, heads, and sectors per track
on the disk drive, in order to emulate a disk
geometry which provides the optimum capacity
for the particular operating system and ROM
BIOS being used. The DPTFMT format utility
automatically examines the BIOS drive table and
calculates the "Best Configuration" drive
geometry for the operating system. It then tells
the SmartCache controller to emulate a drive with
that geometry.

4-3 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

4.2 Drive Formatting – Quick Summary

This section provides a quick, step-by-step summary, and a
comprehensive formatting guide.

1. Boot-up the computer under PC/MS DOS.

2. Place the DPT Utilities diskette in Drive A: or B:.

3. Type "DPTFMT" and press Enter.

4. Note the information displayed and press Enter.

5. Enter the drive number to be formatted and press
Enter. If no drive type is set in CMOS, it will be
set to type 1. Do not change it. The system will
then automatically reboot and the formatting
procedure must be restarted from step 1.

6. Insure that the correct drive make and model are
selected and press Enter. In the case of ESDI
drives, DPTFMT automatically identifies the drive
manufacturer and model and highlights that
selection (only EDSI drives can report this
information). If enough information is supplied to
guarantee automatic drive selection, this window
will be skipped.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 4-4

7. If a PM3011/75 (ESDI) controller is being used,
answer "No" to the prompt: "Do you want to enter
additional defects?" These defects will be read
from the disk automatically. If a PM3011/55 or /65
(ST506 MFM or RLL) is being used, answer "Yes".
In this case you must enter all media defects from
the list provided with the disk drive.

8. Select formatting "Option 2 – Format and Certify".

9. Press Enter when the format is complete.

10 Select the operating system to be installed on the

disk from the list provided.

11. Note the BIOS drive type selected by DPTFMT
and record the information. DPTFMT
automatically selects the "best fit" BIOS drive
type which provides the most capacity.

12. If DPTFMT displays "Best Configuration"
information, write it down and follow the
instructions provided.

13. Prepare the computer to boot up the operating
system to be installed and press Enter to reboot.
If another drive is to be formatted press F5 to
return to Step 5.

14. Go on to the Operating System Installation
chapter of this manual and proceed with the
operating system installation.

4.3 Comprehensive Drive Formatting Instructions

4-5 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Formatting and certifying a disk with DPTFMT is an
extensive test of both the SmartCache controller and the
disk drive.

4.3.1 Getting Started

DPTFMT will run under all versions of PC/MS DOS on high
or low-density floppy drives.

1. Boot-up your computer with any version of PC/MS
DOS. If the drive has not been previously
formatted with the SmartCache controller, a drive
error may be reported during boot-up. This is
normal.

2. Place the DPT Utilities diskette in drive A: or B:.

3. Type "DPTFMT" and press Enter.

4.3.2 Special Keys

Esc displays the previous screen each time it is pressed

and will exit the DPTFMT program if pressed enough
times. This allows you to use DPTFMT to obtain
information about the system, such as the cache size, best
drive configuration, etc., without actually formatting the
drive.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 4-6

4.3.3 Initial Screen

[Section is missing.]

4.3.4 Drive Number

[Section is missing.]

4.3.5 Selecting The Drive

[Section is missing.]

4.3.6 Entering Defects

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.6.1 Entering Defects for ESDI Drives

[Section is missing.]

4.3.6.2 Entering Defects for ST506 Drives

[Section is missing.]

4.3.6.3 Entering Drive Defects Manually

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.6.4 Retrieving a Defect List Already Entered

[Section is missing.]

4.3.6.5 Entering a New Defect List

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.7 Formatting The Disk

[Section is missing.]

4.3.8 Setting The BIOS Type

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.8.1 Best Drive Configurations

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.8.2 User-Definable BIOS Option

[Section is missing.]

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[Section is missing.]

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4.3.9 Calculating Drive Parameters

[Section is missing.]

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4.3.10 DPTFMT /CUSTOM

[Section is missing.]

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CHAPTER V

Operating System Installation

[Section is missing.]

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5.1 PC/MS DOS

[Section is missing.]

5.1.1 BIOS Requirements

[Section is missing.]

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5.1.2 DOS Disk Capacity Limitations

DOS supports disk drives with a maximum of 1024
cylinders, 16 heads, and 63 sectors per track for a
capacity of 528 megabytes per disk. This means that DOS
cannot utilize the full capacity of a disk with more than
528 megabytes, including disks on which DOS is co­resident with another operating system, unless special
software utilities are used. Software is available from
companies such as Ontrack, which increases the maximum
drive capacity supported by DOS to over one gigabyte. (A
BE3011 BIOS Table Expander chip may also be needed
when using high capacity drives with DOS, since quite
often, high-capacity drive types are not listed in the BIOS
drive tables.)

For example, Xenix supports drives with a maximum of
2048 cylinders, 16 heads, and 63 sectors per track for a
capacity of 1057 megabytes. A 670 megabyte drive with
both a DOS partition and a Xenix partition will only be
able to access 528 megabytes, wasting 142 megabytes.
With partitioning software from Ontrack and a BE3011
installed on the SmartCache controller, the entire drive
can be used.

5-3 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.1.3 DOS Disk Partitioning

By default, DOS will create partitions of up to 32
megabytes. If a larger partition is required the following
options are available:

A. Newer releases of DOS, including DOS 4.0, have a

revised FDISK program which generates one
partition of up to 528 megabytes.

B. Several software companies market packages

which break the 32 megabyte boundary. Disk
Manager from Ontrack and VFeature Deluxe from
Golden Bow have been tested and approved by
DPT.

The Limitations of DOS described above are inherent to
DOS and are not a result of using the SmartCache
controller. The SmartCache controller can emulate drive
geometries with up to 2048 cylinders, 16 heads and 255
sectors per track, for maximum capacity of 4.27 gigabytes
per drive.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-4

5.1.4 Accessing Over 528MB with DOS

The Disk Manager software utility version 4.0 and later
from Ontrack when combined with the BE3011 BIOS Table
Expander chip from DPT can be used to access over
528MB per disk under DOS. Follow the steps below when
using Disk Manager to exceed the 528MB DOS limitation.

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select Novell 2.1 from the list of operating
systems provided. (The Novell 2.1 option does not
limit you to 528MB.) DPTFMT will automatically
select a BIOS type from the BE3011 which will
provide access to the full capacity of the disk
drive.

3. Press Enter to accept the BIOS type selected.

4. Press Enter once again to reboot the system and
insert the DOS Boot diskette.

5. Insert the Disk Manager Utility diskette and run
SWBIOS. This is the software driver provided by
Ontrack to handle cylinders over 1024 and
capacity over 528MB.

6. Run DM on the Disk Manager disk. This option
will provide four partition configurations. If the
provided partition configurations are not
satisfactory, then run DM/M (manual mode). This
will allow custom design of the partition table.

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7. Disk Manager will display the number of disk
drives detected. Insure this information is correct
and press Y to continue.

8. Disk Manager will offer a list of drives to select.
Press Esc for Standard Drive. (Do not select the
drive from the list provided by DM.)

9. Answer N to the question: "Do you wish to
initialize this drive?"

10. Select the desired Partitions option.

NOTE: Disk Manager will increase the minimum Cluster
size to 32KB so even the smallest files will occupy a
minimum of 32KB of disk space. In systems with many
small files, a large amount of disk capacity may be wasted.

Disk Manager automatically increases the DOS buffer size
to approximately 12KB so a statement of BUFFERS=10 will
take 120KB of system RAM. In order to conserve system
RAM, it is recommended that the number of buffers be
reduced.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-6

5.1.5 Installing DOS Step-By-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select "DOS" from the list of operating systems.

3. Boot-up under DOS.

4. Run FDISK or other partitioning software to
create your partitions.

5. Format your disk with DOS.

5.1.6 DOS Buffers

With a SmartCache controller installed, do not include a
BUFFERS statement in the CONFIG.SYS file unless
specifically required by the application being used.
Unnecessarily assigning buffers can degrade system
performance.

5-7 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.2 SCO Unix and Xenix

Installing SCO Unix or Xenix with a SmartCache controller
is simple and straightforward. Review the BIOS
Requirements section below and then follow the steps
listed.

5.2.1 BIOS Requirements

Disk I/O for SCO Unix or Xenix is not dependent on the
system BIOS and therefore is not limited to using only the
drive types listed in the BIOS drive table. The exception to
this is a system in which DOS and SCO Unix or Xenix are
co-resident.

5.2.2 Software Cache – I/O Buffers

When configuring a SCO Unix or Xenix system with a
SmartCache controller, the software cache, or I/O buffers,
should be set to use approximately 10% of the system
RAM. Increasing the I/O buffers to use more system RAM
or eliminating them completely will reduce system
performance. (See the section entitled Optimum Cache
Size later in this chapter.)

5.2.3 Installing SCO Xenix Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select "SCO Unix/Xenix" from the list of operating
systems.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-8

3. DPTFMT will report the "Best Configuration"
parameters for the drive/operating system
combination. Write these down because they will
be needed later during the operating system
installation.

4. DPTFMT reboots the computer. Place the Xenix
N1 Boot Diskette in Drive A.

5. Xenix will warn: "During installation you may
choose to overwrite all or part of the present
contents of your disk" and ask if you which to
continue. Answer "Yes" and Xenix will display the
current CMOS drive parameters.

6. Select "Option 2 – Modify Disk Parameters" and
enter the Best Configuration information from
step 3 above.

7. Select the desired partitioning option.

8. Do not enter any defects when prompted to do so
by Xenix. All defect management is handled by
the controller.

9. Do not perform a Xenix Scan of the disk. If the
"Format and Certify" option was selected during
the DPTFMT low-level format, all bad blocks will
have already been remapped by the controller.

10. Continue with the standard SCO Xenix installation
procedure.

5-9 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.2.4 Installing SCO Xenix GT Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select "SCO Unix/Xenix" from the list of operating
systems.

3. DPTFMT will report the "Best Configuration"
parameters for the drive/operating system
combination. Write these down because they will
be needed later during the operating system
installation.

4. DPTFMT reboots the computer. Place the Xenix
GT N1 Boot Diskette in Drive A.

5. Xenix GT will prompt with the question "What
type of disk controller will be supporting this
disk" and offer three options. Since the DPT
controller emulates the WD1003 ST506 controller,
choose "Option 1 – ST506 (Standard Disk
Support)".

6. Xenix GT will warn: "During installation you may
choose to overwrite all or part of the present
contents of your disk" and ask if you which to
continue. Answer "Yes" and Xenix GT will display
the current CMOS drive parameters.

7. Select "Option 2 – Modify Disk Parameters" and
enter the Best Configuration information from
step 3 above.

8. Select the desired partitioning option.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-10

9. Do not enter any defects when prompted to do so
by Xenix GT. All defect management is handled by
the controller.

9. Do not perform a Xenix GT Scan of the disk. If the
"Format and Certify" option was selected during
the DPTFMT low-level format, all bad blocks will
have already been remapped by the controller.

10. Continue with the standard Xenix GT installation
procedure.

5-11 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.2.5 Installing SCO Unix Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select "SCO Unix/Xenix" from the list of operating
systems.

3. DPTFMT will report the "Best Configuration"
parameters for the drive/operating system
combination. Write these down because they will
be needed later during the operating system
installation.

4. DPTFMT reboots the computer. Place the Unix N1
Boot Diskette in Drive A. At the Unix "Boot:"
prompt press Enter and the system will proceed
until prompting for the N2 File System Diskette.

5. Insert the N2 File System diskette and press
Enter.

6. Unix will provide Disk Initialization Information
and offer three options for system initialization.

7. Select "Option 1 – Fully Configurable Instal­lation".

8. Unix will warn: "During installation you may
choose to overwrite all or part of the present
contents of your disk" and ask if you which to
continue. Answer "Yes" and Unix will display the
current CMOS drive parameters.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-12

9. Select "Option 2 – Modify Disk Parameters" and
enter the Best Configuration information from
step 3 above.

10. Select the desired partitioning option.

11. Do not enter any defects when prompted to do so
by Unix. All defect management is handled by the
controller.

12. Do not perform a Unix Scan of the disk. If the
"Format and Certify" option was selected during
the DPTFMT low-level format, all bad blocks will
have already been remapped by the controller.

13. Continue with the standard SCO Unix installation
procedure.

5-13 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.3 DOS and SCO Unix/Xenix Co-resident

When installing DOS and SCO Unix or Xenix on the same
disk drive, the maximum disk drive capacity of DOS is the
limiting factor. A maximum of 528MB of Disk capacity may
be used regardless of the actual physical disk capacity.

Refer to the table in the section entitled Determining If a
BE3011 Is Needed in the Hardware Installation chapter of
this manual, which lists the maximum drive capacity for
several operating systems and specifies which operating
system/drive combinations typically require a BE3011.

As a general rule, DOS and DOS-compatible operating
systems require the BE3011 when using high-capacity
drives.

5.3.1 Installing DOS and Unix/Xenix Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select "DOS" from the list of operating systems.

3. Boot-up under DOS.

4. Run FDISK or other partitioning software to
create your partitions.

5. Format your disk with DOS.

6. Boot-up under Unix/Xenix.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-14

7. Do not select Modify Disk Parameters. Accept the
CMOS parameters and proceed to step 8.

8. Create the Unix/Xenix partition and make it
active.

9. Do not enter any defects when prompted to do so
by Unix/Xenix. All defect management is handled
by the controller.

10. Do not perform a Unix/Xenix Scan of the disk. If
the "Format and Certify" option was selected
during the DPTFMT low-level format, all bad
blocks will have already been remapped by the
controller.

11. Continue with the standard SCO Unix/Xenix
installation procedure.

5.3.2 Booting Unix/Xenix or DOS

With the SCO Unix or Xenix partition active, you have the
option of booting Unix/Xenix or DOS. When the "BOOT"
prompt appears during boot-up:

1. Press Enter to continue to boot Unix/Xenix

2. Type "DOS" and press Enter to boot DOS.

5-15 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.4 Novell NetWare 286 and 386

Before installing Novell NetWare 286 or 386, review the
following information and determine if any additional
hardware or software will be required to complete the
installation. All of the information in this section refers to
Novell NetWare 386 and NetWare version 2.1 and later.

5.4.1 BIOS Requirements

Novell NetWare is limited to the drive capacities
supported by the system BIOS. If the disk drive being used
is not supported in the standard drive types provided with
the computer, a BE3011 is probably required. Refer to the
table in the section Determining If a BE3011 Is Needed in
the Hardware Installation chapter of this manual, which
lists the maximum drive capacity for several operating
systems and specifies which operating system/drive
combinations typically require a BE3011.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-16

5.4.2 Differences Between Novell 2.0 and 2.1

The only significant difference in the installation of Novell
NetWare 2.0 and 2.1 is the maximum number of cylinders,
heads, and sectors per track supported. Refer to the table
in the section Determining If a BE3011 Is Needed in the
Hardware Installation chapter of this manual for details.

The BE3011 is compatible with Novell NetWare version

2.1 or higher. It is not compatible with NetWare version

2.0. The DUB14 from Golden Bow Systems is
recommended for NetWare 2.0 installation requiring a
BIOS table extension.

5.4.3 Novell Software Cache

Novell software can be divided into two categories:
Directory Cache and File Cache. The directory cache must
be left enabled. DPT recommends that the Novell file
cache be set to the minimum possible value. Since Novell

2.1 automatically allocates all available system memory for
file caching, the easiest way to limit the amount used is to
lower the total amount of system memory. Two megabytes
is normally recommended. Some additional system
memory may be required, depending on the system
configuration.

5-17 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.4.4 Installing NetWare 286 Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select the version of Novell NetWare to be
installed from the list of operating system options.

3. Boot-up under DOS.

4. Begin the Novell NetWare installation procedure.

5. Select "No" in response to the Novell drive
formatting option.

6. Select a 0 Pass Compsurf with the I/Os set to 100
(this is only true for version 2.1). Since the
controller has already performed a thorough
media certification during the DPTFMT low-level
format, only a zero-pass Compsurf is needed.

7. Continue with a standard Novell NetWare 286
installation.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-18

5.4.5 Configuration and Installation of NetWare 386

Please review the section on BIOS requirements regarding
Novell NetWare in the preceding section. Novell is limited
to the drive capacities supported by the system BIOS and
a BE3011 may be required.

NetWare 386 can reside co-resident on a disk drive with
MS/PC DOS. Therefore, if a MS/PC DOS partition is
desired, pay special attention to instructions regarding
drives over 528mb in the section on MS/PC DOS
installation in this chapter. Many NetWare installations
include drives over 528mb and even if the DOS partition
will be less than 528mb, the DOS portion of the drive will
have to be partitioned with special software like Disk
Manager from Ontrack.

5.4.6 Installing NetWare 386 Step-by-Step

1. Boot the machine with MS/PC DOS from the
floppy.

2. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

3. Select "NetWare 386 3.x" from the list of
operating systems offered. DPTFMT will reboot
the system.

4. Boot the machine with MS/PC DOS from the
floppy.

5-19 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5. If an MS/PC DOS partition is desired, create and
format the DOS partition as described in the
MS/PC DOS installation section in this chapter. If
no DOS partition will be on the drive, insert the
NetWare System Diskette 1 in Drive A: and
proceed to Step 6.

6. Create a NetWare sub-directory and copy the
contents of System Diskette 1 and System
Diskette 2 into that sub-directory.

7. Run SERVER.EXE.

8. From the ":" prompt, type "LOAD ISADISK".

9. NetWare will prompt for the I/O address of the
controller and offer 1F0H by default. Press Enter
and accept this default.

10. NetWare will prompt for the Interrupt Number of
the controller and offer 0EH (14) by default. Press
Enter and accept this default.

11. From the ":" prompt, type "LOAD INSTALL".

12. Select "Disk Options".

13. Select "Partition Tables".

14. Select the drive(s) from the list that are to have a
NetWare 386 partition.

15. Select "Create NetWare Partition".

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-20

16. Repeat Steps 13 and 14 as necessary for all drives
that are to have a NetWare 386 partition.

17. Return to the Main Menu and select "Volume
Options".

18. Create the NetWare Volumes as necessary.

19. After the desired Volumes are created, use the
Ctrl Esc key to get to the System Console (":"
prompt) and type "MOUNT ALL".

20. Load any other necessary files from the ":"
prompt (BTRIEVE, Network Interface Cards,
BINDing the IPX, etc.).

21. Use the Ctrl Esc key sequence to get to the
Install Screen and proceed to System Options to
copy the desired NetWare 386 files to the server.

5-21 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.5 Interactive Unix

Interactive Unix may be easily installed with the
SmartCache controller. Review the BIOS Requirements
section below and follow the installation steps.

5.5.1 BIOS Requirements

Interactive Unix can take full advantage of most disk
drives available when combined with a SmartCache
controller and a BE3011. A BE3011 should be installed if
the disk drive being used is not directly supported by the
computer's BIOS table. Interactive Unix requires that
heads and sectors match the BIOS table entry being used
exactly. It does not require that the cylinders match the
cylinders of BIOS table entry being used and DPTFMT will
automatically supply a new value if it is required to get full
disk capacity.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-22

5.5.2 Installing Interactive Unix Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select the correct version of Interactive Unix from
the list provided.

3. DPTFMT will report the "Best Configuration"
parameters for the drive/operating system
combination. The cylinders of the Best
Configuration may be different than the actual
BIOS entry. The heads and sectors will match
those of the BIOS entry exactly. Write down the
Best Configuration parameters.

4. When DPTFMT reboots the computer, place the
Unix Boot Diskette in Drive A.

5. Press Enter to begin the Unix installation.

6. Interactive Unix will display the disk parameters
and ask if they are correct. If the disk parameters
displayed are different than the Best
Configuration, answer N and enter the Best
Configuration. Otherwise enter Y and continue.

7. Interactive Unix will ask if the drive should be
formatted. Do not format the drive.

8. Interactive Unix will ask what interleave factor
the drive was originally formatted at and offer 0
as the default answer. Enter 0.

9. Continue with the standard Interactive Unix
installation procedure.

5-23 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

5.6 Pick Installation

Installing Pick with the PM2001 controller requires no
special steps. Review the BIOS Requirements section
below and follow the installation steps.

5.6.1 BIOS Requirements

If the disk drive being used is not listed in the standard
BIOS table, a BE3011 will be required. Installing the
SmartCache controller with a BE3011 will allow access to
the disk drive's full capacity within the limits of Pick.

5.6.2 Installing Pick Step-by-Step

1. Format and Certify the disk using DPTFMT as
described in the previous chapter.

2. Select the version of Pick from the list provided.

3. DPTFMT will reboot the computer

4. Place the Pick System Diskette 1 in Drive A: and
proceed with the standard Pick installation
procedure.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-24

5.7 Optimum Cache Size

A common question asked is, "How much cache is
required?" While there is no exact formula for determining
the amount of cache required to get maximum
performance, there are some guidelines to follow which
should make the task easier.

5.7.1 Determining Hardware Cache Size

There are two key factors to take into account when
determining what amount of cache is needed for optimum
performance. First, the number of active users at a given
time, and second, the size of the common data set.

The common data set is the programs and data files being
accessed at one time, either by a single user or shared by
more than one user. Any programs or data which are
shared by more than one user should be counted only once
when calculating the amount of cache needed. Through
testing, DPT has generated a list of minimum cache
requirements as well as suggestions for expanding cache.

If a system has a small number of users (less than eight)
but the data set per user is above average (over 256K),
add more cache. If a system has a large number of users
who use a less than average file size, less cache is needed.

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The Table below shows the number of users, terminals,
network nodes, or tasks that could typically be supported
under each operating system with a given hardware cache
size. As an example, under OS/2 one or two simultaneous
tasks would typically experience performance
improvement with 512 Kbytes of cache, while under Pick
up to four users could be supported. Sixteen users would
typically require at least 4.5 Mbytes of cache. Adding more
cache to the system will often result in even greater
performance. Unlike software caches, adding more
hardware cache will never decrease performance when
using a SmartCache controller.

Table 5-1 Recommended Cache Size Versus Users

Operating System 512KB 4.5MB 8.5MB

12.5MB

OS/2 1-2 3-18 19-34 35-50

PCMOS 1-2 3-18 19-34 35-50

Novell 2.1

*

1-18 19-34 35-50

Pick 2.2 1-4 5-18 19-34 35-50

Interactive Unix

*

1-18 19-34 35-50

Xenix

*

1-18 19-34 35-50

Microport Unix

*

1-18 19-34 35-50

QNX 1-4 5-18 19-34 35-50

Theos 1-4 5-18 19-34 35-50

Prologue 1-2 3-18 19-34 35-50

* This cache size is not recommended for the listed OS.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 5-26

5.7.2 Operating System Software Cache

Many operating systems offer a software cache as an
option during installation. The question of how much
software cache to enable is commonly asked. There are a
number of issues to consider when allocating system RAM
for I/O buffers or software cache. If too much system RAM
is allocated to software cache or I/O buffers, not enough
system RAM will be left open to hold the operating system
code and application programs. This will cause the
computer to have to swap or page the programs and OS
code back and forth from the disk, and the total system
performance will degrade. As a rule of thumb, in multiuser
environments, it is best to limit the operating system's
software cache or I/O buffers to no more than 10% of the
total system RAM.

Large software caches can degrade system performance
for a variety of reasons. However, completely disable some
operating system's caches also degrades performance.
Please see the section on your particular operating system
for more information on operating system software cache.

5-27 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

CHAPTER VI

Troubleshooting Guide

6.1 Introduction

This Troubleshooting Guide provides answers to many
commonly asked questions. If a situation occurs which is
not covered in this chapter, or if the recommendations
here do not correct the problem, contact DPT Technical
Support at phone: [phone] or FAX: [phone].
We will be happy to assist you.

The following topics are covered:

1. Diagnostics

2. Physical Installation

3. Performance

4. DPT Format Utility (DPTFMT)

5. BIOS Table Expander (BE3011)

6. Operating Systems Compatibility

6-1 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

6.2 Diagnostics

Various levels of diagnostics can be performed on the
SmartCache controller as explained in the sections below:

6.2.1 Power-Up Diagnostics

Whenever the SmartCache controller is power-up, a quick
series of self-test diagnostics is performed. If these
diagnostics are not passed, the controller will not report
good status to the computer and the LEDs will flash. (See
the section entitled LED Display During Fatal Trap State in
the Theory of Operation chapter of this manual.)

6.2.2 Manual Self-Test

The push-button and a 10-segment LED on the controller
can be used to perform more thorough diagnostics to help
determine the source of a problem. The meanings of the
individual LEDs are defined in the section entitled LED
Display During Manual Self-Test in the Theory of
Operation chapter of this manual.

6.2.3 DPTFMT Certify

Formatting and certifying a disk with DPTFMT is an
extensive test of both the PM3011 SmartCache controller
and the disk drive. Upon completion the SmartCache
controller and the disk are fully tested and ready for
operation. This operation tests the controller/drive
interface only. It does not test the controller/computer
interface.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-2

6.3 Physical Installation

Question: Do any jumpers need to be set or changed

when installing the SmartCache controller?

Answer: No. All SmartCache controllers are shipped

from the factory ready to operate. Under
normal circumstances, the jumpers will never
need to be changed.

Question: How do the cables connect to the SmartCache

controller?

Answer: All cables connect to the SmartCache

controller with Pin 1 towards the top edge of
the board. Pin 1 of most cables is marked with
a red or blue stripe. Some cable connectors
indicate Pin 1 with an arrow.

6-3 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Question: Do any jumpers need to be set when adding or

removing the cache memory expansion
boards?

Answer: No. All SmartCache controllers automatically

sense the amount of cache installed and
configure themselves each time they are
powered on.

Question: I have a 32-bit computer memory board in the

slot next to the controller and I want to install
an MX3011 Expansion Card. What should I do?

Answer: Move the 32-bit memory board to another 32-

bit slot if possible. The MX3011 requires only
an 8-bit slot, but it also will work in a 32 or 16­bit slot, or move the controller to a slot with an
adjacent 8 or 16-bit slot.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-4

Question: Is it possible for the controller to conflict with

any of the other boards in my system?

Answer: It is possible but not likely. All DPT controllers

operate at Interrupt 14, the standard for all
disk controllers. DMA Channel 2 is only used
for the floppy – also standard. The BE3011 is
located at C800H and uses 2 Kbytes of memory.
If it is enabled, make sure no other devices are
operating in this address range.

Question: Will a software or CPU cache conflict with the

SmartCache controller?

Answer: No, but some software caches can degrade the

performance of the system. Refer to the section
entitled Operating System Software Cache in
the Operating System Installation chapter of
this manual for more information about
software cache.

6-5 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Question: Can more than one controller be installed in a

system?

Answer: Yes, but if the operating system does not

support two controllers a special driver may
have to be written.

Question: The SmartCache PM3011/75 can control up to

four disk drives. How are the third and fourth
drives accessed?

Answer: The SmartCache hardware mirroring option

will mirror drives 1 and 2 as recognized by the
operating system to drives 3 and 4. The
operating system only "sees" two disk drives.

Presently none of the PC/AT operating systems
available off-the-shelf recognize more than two
disk drives per controller. DPT is working
closely with several operating system
companies to increase their support to four
drives per controller.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-6

Question: When the computer is powered on, all ten

segments of the controller's LED stay on
continuously and the computer will not boot?

Answer: Power-down the computer and re-seat the

SmartCache controller and MX3011 Expansion
Card, if one is present. Also re-seat the ribbon
cable connecting the controller to the MX3011.
If the problem persists, remove the MX3011
from the system. If this does not help, try
placing the SmartCache controller into a
different bus slot.

Question: The floppy drive light stays on all the time, but

the floppy drive operates normally?

Answer: Most floppy drives have a jumper labeled IU (in

use). Remove the IU jumper and the light will
operate correctly.

6-7 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

6.4 Performance

Question: What is the best way to confirm the

SmartCache controller is performing at it's
expected level?

Answer: Create a batch file which performs disk

intensive operations. A batch file that copies a
large sub-directory (80-90% of cache size) to a
different directory, several times, is a good
test.

If a multitasking operating system is used, it is
an even better test to run multiple copies of
this batch file concurrently. Run the tests with
and without the SmartCache controller
installed, and with different amount of cache
installed.

Question: The system does not seem to operate any

faster with the SmartCache controller
installed. Why?

Answer: The application may not be disk intensive.

Install a standard controller and observe the
disk activity light while the program is
running. If the light is off most of the time the
program is not disk intensive. If the light is on
the majority of the time, it is disk intensive.
Now install the smart cache controller and run
the program again, adding more cache until
you achieve optimum performance.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-8

Another possibility is that the computer being
used is CPU bound. Slower processors spent
very little time waiting for the disk. Therefore
increasing disk I/O performance may only
produce a minimal gain in overall system
performance.

Question: My operating system uses it's own cache. How

much system RAM should be allocated to
software caching when the SmartCache
controller is installed?

Answer: Large software caches can degrade system

performance for a variety of reasons. However,
completely disabling some operating system's
caches also degrade performance. To
determining the best configuration, test the
system with and without the software cache
enabled, and with different amounts of
software cache.

Refer to the section entitled Operating System

Software Cache in the Operating System
Installation chapter of this manual for more

information about software cache. Also see the
sections on Buffers and/or Software Cache in
the individual OS installation sections of that
chapter.

6-9 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Question: I have a fast 386 or 486 PC with software

caching. Why don't I just add more RAM and
let the system CPU handle all the caching?

Answer: The system CPU, no matter how fast, can only

do one thing at a time. Adding the SmartCache
controller, with it's on-board 68000 processor,
enables the system to do more than one thing
at a time. SmartCache utilizes the time that the
system CPU is busy executing user programs
to simultaneously perform caching activities
with its own CPU over a separate high-speed
cache I/O bus. For overall system performance,
SmartCache provides the best solution.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-10

6.5 DPT Format Utility (DPTFMT)

6.5.1 Error Messages

Message: No drive type small enough.

Solution: Escape out of DPTFMT. Run the setup program

that came with the computer and set the disk
type to 1. Run DPTFMT and select the
"Calculate Drive Parameters" option.

Message: DPT Controller not found.

Solution: The SmartCache controller may need to be

reseated. Power-down the computer, remove
the controller, and re-seat it. If the problem
still occurs, try placing the controller in
another bus slot.

6-11 PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv

Message: Drive not connected correctly.

Solution: This indicates an error in drive setup or

cabling. Refer to the sections entitled Cabling,
Drive-Select Numbering, and Drive
Termination in the Hardware Installation

chapter of this manual.

Insure that the SmartCache controller is the
only hard disk controller enabled in the system.

Make sure the drive spins-up when power is
applied. If it does not, the drive's jumpers may
not be set correctly. Some ESDI drives can
optionally be set to spin-up automatically when
power is applied.

Message: Sense Key 03H x Error 0AH – RECORD NOT

FOUND.

Solution: Check drive cable connections. Replace cables.

Try another disk drive.

PM3011 User Manual on http://www.franken-online.de/ymmv 6-12