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Document 41450-02 Rev. B, November 2009. This document describes the
current versions of the LSI Corporation MegaRAID® SAS RAID controllers and
will remain the official reference source for all revisions/releases of these
products until rescinded by an update.
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TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGMENT
LSI, the LSI logo design, Fusion-MPT, and MegaRAID are trademarks or
registered trademarks of LSI Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SUSE is a trademark and NetWare is a
registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red
Hat, Inc. UnixWare is a registered trademark of The Open Group. OpenServer is
a trademark of Caldera International, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of
Linus Torvalds. All other brand and product names may be trademarks of their
respective companies.
To receive product literature, visit us at http://www.lsi.com.
For a current list of our distributors, sales offices, and design resource
centers, view our web page located at
This document is the primary reference and user’s guide for the LSI
MegaRAID
6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID On-a-Chip devices. This document contains
complete installation instructions for these RAID controllers and includes
specifications for them.
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) RAID controller family
consists of the following controllers:
•MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with an Internal
Connector
•MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with Internal
Connectors
•MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile Serial-
Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with an Internal
Connector
•MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with Internal
Connectors
•MegaRAID SAS 9260DE-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with Internal
Connectors
®
Serial Attached SCSI/SATA II RAID controllers based on the
•MegaRAID SAS 9261-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with Internal
Connectors
•MegaRAID SAS 9280-4i/4e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with an Internal
Connector and an External Connector
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controllers User’s Guideiii
•MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile Serial-
Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with External
Connectors
•MegaRAID SAS 9280DE-8e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller with External
Connectors
For information about how to configure the RAID controllers, refer to the
MegaRAID SAS Software User’s Guide. For information about the
operating system drivers, refer to the MegaRAID SAS Device Driver Installation User’s Guide.
This document assumes that you have some familiarity with RAID
controllers and related support devices. The people who benefit from this
document are:
•Engineers who are designing a system that will include a MegaRAID
6Gb/s SAS RAID controller
•Anyone who is installing a MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller in
a system
Organization
This document contains the following chapters and appendix:
•Chapter 1, Overview, provides an overview of the MegaRAID 6Gb/s
SAS RAID controllers.
•Chapter 2, MegaRAID SAS Hardware Installation, describes the
procedures for installing the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers.
•Chapter 3, MegaRAID SAS RAID Controller Characteristics,
provides the characteristics and technical specifications for the
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers.
•Appendix A, Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, lists and
defines the terms and abbreviations used in this document.
MegaRAID SAS Device Driver Installation User’s Guide
Document Number: 80-00163-01 Rev. D
This document describes how to install the MegaRAID device driver for
your operating system. The information in this document is independent
of the back-end bus and applies to the MegaRAID SAS RAID controllers.
MegaRAID SAS Software User’s Guide
Document Number: 80-00156-01 Rev. H
This document describes how to use the MegaRAID Storage Manager,
WebBIOS, and command line interface (CLI) utilities to configure,
monitor, and maintain MegaRAID SAS RAID controllers and the
storage-related devices connected to them.
MegaRAID iBBU07 Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Quick Installation
Guide
Document Number: 34231-00 Rev. C
This quick installation guide explains how to install the LSIiBBU07
intelligent Battery Backup Unit 07 directly and remotely on your
MegaRAID controller. The LSIiBBU07 is used with the MegaRAID SAS
9260 RAID controller and the MegaRAID SAS 9280 RAID controller. The
LSIiBBU07 protects the integrity of the cached data on a MegaRAID
controller for up to 72 hours in case of a complete AC power failure or a
brief power outage.
The following table describes how the user interacts with the product.
NotationExampleMeaning and Use
Courier typeface.nwk fileNames of commands, files, and directories, as well as
Bold typefacefd1spIn a command line, keywords are shown in bold, non-italic
ItalicsmoduleIn command lines and names, italics indicate user vari-
Initial capital lettersUndo
Edit
Apply
Semicolon, and other
punctuation
Notes contain supplementary information that can affect
system performance.
Caution:
Revision History
Cautions are notifications that an action has the potential to
adversely affect equipment operation, system performance,
or data integrity.
code and screen messages, are shown in Courier.
typeface. Enter them exactly as shown.
ables. Replace italicized text with appropriate userspecified items. Enter items of the type called for, using
lowercase.
Names of menu commands, options, check buttons, text
buttons, options buttons, text boxes, list boxes, and so on,
are shown in text with initial capital lettering to avoid misreading. These elements might appear on your screen in
all lowercase.
Use as shown in the text.
Document Number Date/VersionRemarks
41450-02 Rev. BNovember 2009Added the SAS 9240-4i, SAS 9240-8i, and SAS 9280-4i/4e
41450-02 Rev. AJuly 2009Added the SAS 9260-4i, SAS 9260DE-8i, SAS 9280-8e,
41450-01 Rev. AJune 2009Documented the SAS 9260-8i RAID controller.
41450-00 Rev. AMarch 2009Initial release of this document.
•Make sure that equipment does not rest on your computer system
cables and that the cables are not located where they can be
stepped on or tripped over.
•Do not spill food or liquids on your computer. If the computer gets
wet, consult the documentation that came with it.
•Do not push any objects into the openings of your computer. Doing so
can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
•Keep your computer away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do
not block cooling vents. Avoid placing loose papers underneath your
computer; do not place your computer in a closed-in wall unit or on
a rug.
When Working Inside Your Computer –
Caution:
1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.
2. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources.
Also disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from
the computer.
Performing these actions reduces the potential for personal injury or
shock. Also note these safety guidelines:
–When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its
–Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the
Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself,
except as explained in this document and elsewhere in LSI
documentation. Always follow installation and service
instructions closely.
strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a
connector with locking tabs. If you are disconnecting this type of
cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the
cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to
avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a
cable, make sure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or
by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component, such as a
microprocessor chip, by its edges, not by its pins.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge – Static electricity can
harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any
of your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor.
To discharge static electricity, touch an unpainted metal surface, such as
the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge that your body
might have accumulated. In addition to the preceding precautions, you
also can take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic
discharge:
•When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component in your
computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure
to discharge static electricity from your body.
•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an
antistatic container or packaging.
•Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
2.5.2Connecting the SAS RAID Controller with External
Connectors to a Drive Enclosure2-10
Chapter 3
MegaRAID SAS RAID Controller Characteristics
3.1MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controller Family3-1
3.1.1MegaRAID SAS 9240 RAID Controllers3-1
3.1.2MegaRAID SAS 9260 RAID Controllers3-3
3.1.3MegaRAID SAS 9261 RAID Controller3-6
3.1.4MegaRAID SAS 9280 RAID Controllers3-8
3.2MegaRAID SAS 6Gb/s RAID Controller Characteristics3-13
3.3Technical Specifications3-14
3.3.1RAID Controller Specifications3-15
3.3.2Array Performance Features3-16
3.3.3Fault Tolerance3-17
3.3.4Electrical Characteristics3-17
Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9240 RAID
Controllers3-17
Operating and Non-operating Conditionsfor the
SAS 9240 RAID Controllers3-18
Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9260 RAID
Controllers3-18
Operating and Non-operating Conditions for SAS
9260 RAID Controllers3-19
Power Supply Requirements for the SAS 9261
RAID Controller3-20
Operating and Non-operating Conditions for the
SAS 9261 RAID Controller3-21
3.3.5Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9280 RAID
Controllers3-21
Operating and Non-operating Conditions for SAS
9280 RAID Controllers3-22
This chapter provides an overview of the MegaRAID 6Gb/s Serial
Attached SCSI/Serial ATA II controllers with RAID control capability.
It consists of the following sections:
•Section 1.1, “Overview”
•Section 1.2, “SAS Controller Descriptions”
•Section 1.3, “General Description”
•Section 1.4, “Configuration Scenarios”
•Section 1.5, “Benefits of the SAS Interface”
•Section 1.6, “Summary of SAS RAID Controller Characteristics”
•Section 1.7, “Hardware Specifications”
•Section 1.8, “Technical Support”
1.1Overview
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers are high-performance
intelligent PCI Express-to-SCSI/Serial ATA II adapters with RAID control
capability. MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers provide reliability, high
performance, and fault-tolerant drive subsystem management. They are
an ideal RAID solution for the internal storage of workgroup,
departmental, and enterprise systems. MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controllers offer a cost-effective way to implement RAID in a server.
SAS technology brings a wealth of options and flexibility with the use of
SAS and Serial ATA (SATA) II devices within the same storage
infrastructure. However, SAS and SATA devices bring individual
characteristics that make each one a more suitable choice depending on
your storage needs. MegaRAID gives you the flexibility to combine these
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controllers User’s Guide1-1
two similar technologies on the same controller, within the same
enclosure, and in the same virtual drive.
Note:
LSI offers a family of MegaRAID SAS RAID controllers addressing the
needs for both internal and external solutions. The MegaRAID 6Gb/s
SAS RAID controllers are based on the LSI first-to-market SAS IC
technology and proven MegaRAID technology. As second-generation
PCI Express RAID controllers, these controllers address the growing
demand for increased data throughput and scalability requirements
across midrange and enterprise-class server platforms. These controllers
provide:
LSI recommends that you carefully assess any decision to
mix SAS drives and SATA drives within the same virtual drives. Although you can mix drives, LSI strongly
discourages the practice.
•6.0 Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI performance
•3.0 Gb/s SATA II performance
•Eight-lane, 5-Gb/s PCI Express host interface
The SAS 9260DE-8i RAID controller and the SAS 9280DE-8i RAID
controller offer data security using disk encryption. This feature offers the
ability to encrypt data on drives and use disk-based key management to
provide data security. This solution provides data protection in the event
of theft or loss of physical drives. With self-encrypting drives, if you
remove a drive from its storage system or the server it is housed in, the
data on that drive is encrypted and useless to anyone who attempts to
access without the the appropriate security authorization.
For more information about self-encrypting drives, refer to the MegaRAID SAS Software User’s Guide.
The SAS 9260 RAID controllers, the SAS 9261 RAID controller, and the
SAS 9280 RAID controllers use the LSI intelligent Battery Backup Unit
07 (LSIiBBU-07) to provide cached data protection and allow system
builders to protect cached data even during the most catastrophic system
failures.
Refer to the battery backup documentation on the MegaRAID Universal
Software Suite CD for more information about this battery backup unit.
The SAS controllers support the ANSI Serial Attached SCSI standard,
version 2.0. In addition, the controller supports the SATA II protocol
defined by the Serial ATA specification, version 1.0a. Supporting both the
SAS interface and the SATA II interface, the SAS controller is a versatile
controller that provides the backbone of both server and high-end
workstation environments.
Each port on the SAS RAID controller supports SAS devices, SATA II
devices, or both, using the following protocols:
•SAS Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP), which enables communication with
other SAS devices
•SATA II, which enables communication with other SATA II devices
•Serial Management Protocol (SMP), which communicates
topology management information directly with an attached SAS
expander device
•Serial Tunneling Protocol (STP), which enables communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander
1.2SAS Controller Descriptions
The 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers are described as follows:
•The MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller is a PCI-Express
2.0, half-size, full-height RAID controller based on the LSISAS2008
PCI Express-SAS/SATA I/O Processor chip. The MegaRAID SAS
9240-4i controls four internal 6-Gb/s SAS/SATA ports through one
SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector.
•The MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller is a PCI-Express
2.0, half-size, full-height RAID controller based on the LSISAS2008
PCI Express-SAS/SATA I/O Processor chip. The MegaRAID SAS
9240-8i controls eight internal 6-Gb/s SAS/SATA ports through two
SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connectors.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9260-4i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls four
internal SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal mini
SAS connector.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9260-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls eight
internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connectors.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9260DE-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls eight
internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connectors and offers data security using disk encryption.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9261-8i PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls eight
internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 mini-SAS 4i
connectors.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9280-4i/4e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls four
internal SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connector and four external SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8088
x4 external mini SAS connector.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9280-8e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls eight
external SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8088 x4 external mini
SAS connectors.
•The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS 9280DE-8e PCI Express 2.0 Low-Profile
Serial-Attached SCSI/SATA II Disk Array Controller controls eight
external SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8088 x4 external mini
SAS connectors and offers data security using disk encryption.
1.3General Description
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers bring 6.0 Gb/s Serial
Attached SCSI and 3.0 Gb/s SATA II performance to host adapter,
workstation, and server designs. The controllers support internal storage
devices and external storage devices, which allow you to use a system
that supports enterprise-class SAS drives and desktop-class SATA II
drives. Each MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller can connect to
drives directly and can use expanders to connect to additional drives.
Simplified cabling between devices is an additional benefit.
These SAS controllers are based on the LSISAS2108 RAID On-a-Chip
(ROC) device or the LSISAS2008 PCI Express-SAS/SATA I/O Processor
chip. These devices are compliant with the Fusion-MPT™ architecture
and provides a PCI Express x8 interface.
Note:
The LSISAS2108 ROC device provides an eight-lane, 5-Gb/s PCI
Express host interface, eight 6.0 Gb/s SAS ports or eight 3.0 Gb/s SATA
ports, and a full-featured, hardware-based RAID implementation. In
addition, it integrates a high-speed DDR/DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM
interface with a hardware RAID assist engine for parity calculations. The
LSISAS2108 ROC device provides the maximum benefits of a RAID
system and enables you to configure the system to satisfy your system
requirements.
The LSISAS2108 ROC device increases system performance and
provides fault-tolerant data storage. The LSISAS2108 supports data
striping across multiple drives, which reduces drive access time because
multiple drives simultaneously read or write data. The LSISAS2108 ROC
device backs up data with either data mirroring or a parity block. Either
backup method enables you to recover lost data in the event of a drive
failure. You can select the data backup method that best suits your
needs. A hardware RAID assist exclusive-OR (XOR) engine speeds
parity generation and checking and reduces system-access times.
The SAS RAID controllers integrate eight high-performance SAS/SATA II
PHYs and a PCI Express bus master DMA core. Each of the eight PHYs
is capable of 6.0 Gb/s SAS link rates and 3.0 Gb/s SATA II link rates.
All of these RAID controllers provide an x8 PCI Express 2.0
interface.
These devices adhere to the PCI Express Specification, Revision 2.0.
The PCI Express software is backward compatible with previous
revisions of the PCI bus and PCI-X bus.
The SAS RAID controllers support the SAS protocol as described in the
Serial Attached SCSI Standard, version 2.0. The controllers also support
the Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA
Specification, Version 1.0a and the Serial ATAII; Extension to the Serial
ATA Specification, Version 1.1. SATA II is an extension to SATA 1.0a.
In addition, the SAS RAID controllers support the following SATA II
features:
Each port on the SAS controllers supports SAS devices, SATA II devices,
or both using SSP, SMP, STP, and SATA II. SSP enables communication
with other SAS devices. SATA II enables the SAS controllers to
communicate with other SATA II devices.
1.4Configuration Scenarios
There are three main scenarios in which you can use the SAS RAID
controllers:
•Low-end, internal SATA II configurations: In this configuration, use
the RAID controller as a high-end SATA II compatible controller that
connects up to eight drives either directly or through a port expander.
This configuration is mostly for low-end or entry servers. Enclosure
management is provided through out-of-band I
both types of internal SAS connectors support the SFF-8485
(SGPIO) interface.
2
C bus. Side bands of
•Midrange internal SAS configurations: This is like the internal
SATA II configurations, but with high-end SAS drives. This is more
suitable for low-range to midrange servers.
•High-end external SAS/SATA II configurations: This configuration
is for external connectivity using SATA II drives, SAS drives, or both.
External enclosure management is supported through in-band,
SCSI-enclosed storage. The configuration must support STP and
SMP.
Figure 1.1 shows a direct-connect configuration. The Inter-IC (I
interface communicates with peripherals. The external memory bus
provides a 32-bit memory bus, parity checking, and chip select signals
for pipelined synchronous burst static random access memory
SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that
leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. SAS is a convergence of the
advantages of SATA II, SCSI, and Fibre Channel, and is the future
mainstay of the enterprise and high-end workstation storage markets.
SAS offers a higher bandwidth per pin than parallel SCSI, and it
improves signal and data integrity.
The SAS interface uses the proven SCSI command set to ensure reliable
data transfers, while providing the connectivity and flexibility of
point-to-point serial data transfers. The serial transmission of SCSI
commands eliminates clock-skew challenges. The SAS interface
provides improved performance, simplified cabling, smaller connectors,
lower pin count, and lower power requirements when compared to
parallel SCSI.
SAS controllers leverage a common electrical and physical connection
interface that is compatible with Serial ATA technology. The SAS and
SATA II protocols use a thin, 7-wire connector instead of the 68-wire
SCSI cable or 26-wire ATA cable. The SAS/SATA II connector and cable
are easier to manipulate, allow connections to smaller devices, and do
not inhibit airflow. The point-to-point SATA II architecture eliminates
inherent difficulties created by the legacy ATA master-slave architecture,
while maintaining compatibility with existing ATA firmware.
1.5.1PCI Express Architecture
PCI Express is a local bus system designed to increase data transfers
without slowing down the central processing unit (CPU). You can install
MegaRAID PCI Express RAID controllers in PCI Express computer
systems with a standard bracket type. With these controllers in your
system, you can connect SAS devices and SATA II devices over the bus.
Note:
PCI Express goes beyond the PCI specification in that it is intended as
a unifying I/O architecture for various systems: desktops, workstations,
mobile, server, communications, and embedded devices.
Some PCI-E slots support PCI-E graphics cards only; if a
RAID controller is installed on those PCI-E slots, it will not
function.
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers supports the following
operating systems:
•Windows Vista, Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008
•Red Hat Linux
•SUSE Linux
•Novell NetWare
•SCO OpenServer
•SCO UnixWare
•Solaris
•FreeBSD
To download the latest operating system drivers, go to:
http://www.lsi.com/cm/DownloadSearch.do.
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers use Fusion-MPT™
architecture for all major operating systems, thinner drivers, and better
performance.
1.6Summary of SAS RAID Controller Characteristics
This section provides a summary of the features and benefits of the
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers. It contains information on SAS
features, SATA II features, PCI performance, integration, usability, and
flexibility.
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers have the following features:
•PCI Express x8 lane width (with support for x16 connections)
•PCI Express performance up to 5Gb/s per lane
•Support for 512-Mbyte DDR2 800 MHz on-board SDRAM intelligent
battery-backed module
•One internal connector for the SAS 9240-4i, SAS 9260-4i, and SAS
•Supports STP to enable communication with a SATA II device
through an attached expander
•Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface
•Simplifies cabling between devices
•Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 240 devices through
the use of expanders
Note:
The number of devices varies depending on the MegaRAID
product. Check the LSI web site (http://www.lsi.com) for
specific details about your product.
•Supports wide ports consisting of 2, 3, or 4 PHYs within a single
quad port
•Supports narrow ports consisting of a single PHY
•Transfers data using SCSI information units
1.6.2SAS Array Limitations
This section describes the array limitations of the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS
RAID controllers. These limitations include the number of drives
supported per controller, the maximum number of drives per controller,
and the maximum number of virtual drives allowed per controller.
Ta bl e 1 .1 lists the array limitations for the 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers.
Table 1.1SAS RAID Controller Array Limitations
Specification
Maximum virtual
drives per controller
Maximum drive groups
per controller
Maximum virtual
drives per drive group
Maximum drives per
drive group
SAS 9240-4i
16166464646464
881616161616
16161616161616
16163232323232
Summary of SAS RAID Controller Characteristics1-11
* - Can support up to 64 devices, but only 16 can be used in a RAID
configuration.
** - Assumes one Storage Enclosure Processor (SEP) per enclosure.
The maximum numbers in Tab l e 1. 1 depend on how many physical
devices you have connected to the RAID controller. For example, the
maximum number of drive groups is equal to the number of drives
supported by the controller. Thus, for the SAS 9240-4i RAID controller,
the maximum number of drive groups per controller is eight, which is
based on the maximum number of physical devices that can be
connected. In addition, the maximum number of hot spares per controller
is equal to the maximum number of drives per controller.
SAS 9240-4i
16*16*323232240240
88323232240240
8888888
222221010
SAS 9240-8i
SAS 9260-4i
SAS 9260-8i
SAS 9261-8i
SAS 9280 4i/4e
SAS 9280-8e
Although you can have up to 16 virtual drives per drive group and up to
16 drive groups per controller (depending on the controller), there is a
limit of 64 virtual drives per controller.
These RAID controllers support 64-bit logical block addressing (LBA),
which makes it possible to connect a large number of drives to the RAID
controller, directly and through expanders. However, the actual number
of drives that you can attach depends on the limits listed in Ta bl e 1. 1
rather than by actual RAID volume capacity.
•Provides one LED signal for each PHY to indicate link activity (this
is a fault LED only for controllers with internal port connectors)
Note:
•Provides an I
•Supports the internal SAS Sideband signal SFF-8485 (SGPIO)
interface
1.6.6Flexibility Features
These features increase the flexibility of the RAID controllers:
•Supports a Flash ROM interface, a nonvolatile static RAM
(NVSRAM) interface, and a pipelined synchronous burst SRAM
(PSBRAM) interface
•Offers a flexible programming interface to tune I/O performance
•Allows mixed connections to SAS targets or SATA II targets
•Leverages compatible connectors for SAS connections and SATA II
connections
•Allows grouping of up to four PHYs in a single quad port to form a
wide port
•Allows programming of the World Wide Name
The SAS 9280-8e RAID controller and the SAS 9280DE-8e
RAID controller do not have any LEDs to indicate link
activity.
2
C interface for enclosure management
1.6.7Drive Roaming
Drive roaming occurs when the drives are changed to different ports on
the same controller. When the drives are placed on different channels,
the controller detects the RAID configuration from the configuration data
on the drives.
Configuration data is saved in both the NVRAM on the RAID controller
and on the drives attached to the controller. This action maintains the
integrity of the data on each drive, even if the drives have changed their
physical device ID.
If you move a drive that is being rebuilt, the rebuild
operation will restart, not resume.
Follow these steps to use drive roaming:
Step 1.Turn off power to the server and all drives, enclosures, and
system components. Disconnect the power cords from
the system.
Step 2.Open the host system by following the instructions in the host
system technical documentation.
Step 3.Move the drives to different positions on the backplane to
change the targets.
Step 4.Determine the SAS target requirements.
Step 5.Perform a safety check.
a. Make sure that the drives are inserted correctly.
b. Close the cabinet of the host system.
Step 6.Reconnect the power cords to the system.
Step 7.Turn on the power to the system.
1.6.8Drive Migration
Drive migration is the transfer of a set of drives in an existing
configuration from one controller to another. The drives must remain on
the same channel and must be reinstalled in the same order as in the
original configuration. The controller to which you migrate the drives
cannot have an existing configuration.
Note:
Note:
Follow these steps to migrate drives:
Step 1.Make sure that you clear the configuration on the system to
The controller then detects the RAID configuration from the
configuration data on the drives.
Partial configurations, including individual virtual drives, can
be migrated.
Drive roaming and drive migration cannot be supported at
the same time.
which you migrate the drives, to prevent a configuration data
mismatch between the drives and the NVRAM.
Summary of SAS RAID Controller Characteristics1-15
Note:When you migrate drives, move only the drives that make
up the virtual drive (not all of the drives in an array), so you
do not see an NVRAM mismatch error (providing a
configuration is on the destination controller). The NVRAM
mismatch error appears only if you move all of the drives
to the other controller.
Step 2.Turn off power to the server and all drives, enclosures, and
system components. Disconnect the power cords from
the systems.
Step 3.Open the host system by following the instructions in the host
system technical documentation.
Step 4.Either remove the SAS cable connectors from the internal
drives, or remove the shielded cables from the external drives
that you want to migrate.
a. Make sure that pin 1 on the cable matches pin 1 on the
connector.
b. Make sure that the SAS cables conform to all SAS
specifications.
Step 5.Remove the drives from the first system, and insert them into
drive bays on the second system.
Step 6.Connect the SAS cables to the drives in the second system.
Step 7.Determine the SAS target requirements.
Step 8.Perform a safety check.
a. Make sure that all of the cables are attached correctly.
b. Make sure that the RAID controller is installed correctly.
c. Close the cabinet of the host system.
Step 9.Reconnect the power cords to the system.
Step 10. Turn on the power to the system.
The controller detects the RAID configuration from the
configuration data on the drives.
You can install the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers in a computer
with a motherboard that has a PCI Express slot. Ta bl e 1. 2 describes the
hardware configuration features for the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controllers.
Table 1.2MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controller Features
MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i, SAS 9240-8i, SAS 9260-4i,
SAS 9260-8i, SAS 9260-8e, SAS 9260DE-8i, SAS
Specification
RAID levels0, 1, 5, 6, 00, 10, 50, 60
Devices supported
per port
Number of ports• MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i RAID controller – Four ports
Data transfer rateUp to 6Gb/s per PHY
BusPCI Express 2.0
9280-4i/4e, SAS 9280-8e, and SAS 9280DE-8e RAID
Controllers
Up to 15 SAS devices or SATA II devices (such as
drives and expanders)
• MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i RAID controller – Eight
• MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i RAID controller – Four ports
• MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i RAID controller – Eight
• MegaRAID SAS 9260DE-8i RAID controller – Eight
• MegaRAID SAS 9261-8i RAID controller – Eight
• MegaRAID SAS 9280-4i/4e RAID controller – Four
• MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e RAID controller – Eight
• MegaRAID SAS 9280DE-8e RAID controller – Eight
through one SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connector
ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connectors
through one SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connector
ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connectors
ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connectors
ports through two SFF-8087 mini-SAS 4i connectors
ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
connector and four ports through one SFF-8088 x4
external mini SAS connector
ports through two SFF-8088 x4 external mini SAS
connectors
ports through two SFF-8088 x4 external mini SAS
connectors
For assistance installing, configuring, or running your MegaRAID 6Gb/s
SAS RAID controller, contact LSI Technical Support. Click the following
link to access the LSI Technical Support page for storage and board
support:
This chapter describes the procedures you can follow to install the
MegaRAID 6Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI/Serial ATA II controllers with
internal and external connectors. It consists of the following sections:
•Section 2.1, “Requirements”
•Section 2.2, “Quick Installation”
•Section 2.3, “Detailed Installation”
•Section 2.4, “After Installing the RAID Controller”
•Section 2.5, “SAS Device Cables and Connectors”
2.1Requirements
The following items are required to install a MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controller:
•A MegaRAID SAS 92xx RAID controller
•A host system with an available x8 PCI Express 2.0 slot
Note:
•The MegaRAID Universal Software Suite CD, which contains the
drivers and documentation
•The necessary internal cables, external cables, or both
•SAS drives or SATA II drives
Note:
These controllers also work in PCI Express first generation
slots. The PCI Express software is backward compatible
with previous revisions of the PCI bus and the PCI-X bus.
LSI strongly recommends using an uninterruptible power
supply.
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controllers User’s Guide2-1
The following steps are for quick installation of your MegaRAID 6Gb/s
SAS RAID controller. These steps are for experienced computer users
or installers. Section 2.3, “Detailed Installation,” contains the steps for all
others to follow.
Step 1.Turn off the power to the system, all drives, enclosures, and
system components, and disconnect the PC power cord.
Step 2.Open the cabinet of the host system by following the
instructions in the host system technical documentation.
Step 3.Check the jumper settings to make sure that they are in the
desired position. The jumpers are set at the factory and you
usually do not need to change them.
Note:
Step 4. Install the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller in the server,
Step 5.Perform a safety check.
Step 6.Reconnect the power cords to the system.
Step 7.Turn on the power to the system.
See Chapter 3, “MegaRAID SAS RAID Controller
Characteristics” for detailed information about the jumpers
and the connectors.
and connect SAS devices or SATA II devices to it. Make sure
that the cables you use conform to all specifications.
a. Make sure that all cables are attached correctly.
b. Make sure that the RAID controller is installed correctly.
c. Close the cabinet of the host system
Make sure that the power is turned on to any external drives,
before the power is turned on to the host computer. If the
computer is powered up before these devices, the devices
might not be recognized.
This section provides detailed instructions for installing your MegaRAID
6Gb/s SAS RAID controller.
Step 1.Unpack the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller
Unpack and remove your RAID controller. Inspect it for
damage. If it appears damaged, or if any of the following items
are missing, contact your LSI support representative. The RAID
controller is shipped with the following items:
–A CD containing MegaRAID drivers for supported
–A license agreement
–Warranty information
Step 2.Turn off the Power to the System
Turn off the power to the computer, and disconnect the AC
power cord. Remove the computer cover. Refer to the system
documentation for instructions. Before you install the controller,
make sure that the computer is disconnected from the power
and from any networks.
operating systems, an electronic version of this
User’s Guide, and other related documentation
Step 3.Review the RAID Controller Jumpers and Connectors
The jumpers are set at the factory, and you usually do not need
to change them. See Chapter 3, “MegaRAID SAS RAID
Controller Characteristics” for diagrams of the MegaRAID
6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers with their jumpers and connectors.
Step 4.Install the RAID Controller
Select a PCI Express slot, and align the controller’s PCI
Express bus connector to the slot. Press down gently, but firmly,
to make sure that the card is seated correctly in the slot. Secure
the bracket to the computer chassis with the bracket screw.
Figure 2.1 shows the installation of the MegaRAID SAS
Note:Some PCI-E slots support PCI-E graphics cards only; if a
RAID controller is installed on those PCI-E slots, it will not
function.
Figure 2.1Example of the MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i Board
Installation in a PCI Express Slot
Step 5.Configure and Install the SAS Devices, SATA II Devices, or
Both in the Host Computer Case
Refer to the documentation for the devices for any
preinstallation configuration requirements.
Step 6.Connect the RAID Controller to the Devices
Use SAS cables to connect SAS devices, SATA II devices, or
both to the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller.
See Section 2.5, “SAS Device Cables and Connectors” for SAS
cable and connector information. See Section 2.5.1,
“Connecting a SAS RAID Controller with Internal Connectors to
Drives,” for information about connecting the controller to drives.
The maximum cable length is 10 meters (393.37 in.). You can
connect one device per SAS PHY unless you use an expander.
System throughput problems can occur if the SAS cables are
not the correct type. To minimize the potential for problems, use
the following guidelines:
a. Use cables no longer than 10 meters (393.37 in.) (LSI
recommends using shorter cables, if possible.)
b. Use cables that meet the SAS specification.
c. Route the SAS cables carefully.
Step 7.Turn on the Power to the System
Reinstall the computer cover, and reconnect the AC power
cords. Turn power on to the host computer. Make sure that the
power is turned on to the SAS devices, SATA II devices, or both
before or at the same time that the power is turned on to the
host computer. If the computer is powered up before these
devices, the devices might not be recognized.
During boot, a BIOS message appears. The firmware takes
several seconds to initialize. The configuration utility prompt
times out after several seconds. The second portion of the
BIOS message shows the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controller number, firmware version, and cache SDRAM size.
The numbering of the controllers follows the PCI slot scanning
order used by the host motherboard.
Step 8.Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility
Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility to configure the drive
groups and the virtual drives. When the message Press CTRL+H for WebBIOS appears on the screen, immediately
press CTRL+H to run the utility.
Step 9.Install the Operating System Driver
The SAS RAID controllers can operate under various operating
systems. To operate under these operating systems, you must
install the software drivers. The MegaRAID Universal Software Suite CD includes software drivers for the supported operating
systems, along with documentation. You can view the
supported operating systems and download the latest drivers
For information about installing the driver, refer to the
MegaRAID SAS Device Driver Installation User’s Guide on the
MegaRAID Universal Software Suite CD. Be sure to use the
latest service packs provided by the operating system
manufacturer and to review the readme file that accompanies
the driver.
2.4After Installing the RAID Controller
After you install the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller, you must
configure the controller and install the operating system driver. The
MegaRAID SAS Software User’s Guide instructs you on the configuration
options and how to set them on your MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controller. The MegaRAID SAS Device Driver Installation User’s Guide
provides detailed installation instructions for operating system drivers.
2.5SAS Device Cables and Connectors
This section describes the cables and the connectors used on the SAS
controllers and provides step-by-step instructions for connecting SAS
drives, SATA II drives, or both to the SAS RAID controller. The SAS and
SATA II protocols use a thin, 7-wire connector instead of the 68-wire
SCSI cable or 40-wire ATA cable.
Note:
Figure 2.2 shows the SAS cable that connects the internal connectors on
a SAS RAID controller to SAS drives, SATA II drives, or both.
Use only straight SAS cables, not crossover SAS cables.
Figure 2.2Internal SAS Cable for Connection to SAS Drives,
SATA II Drives, or Both
Figure 2.3 shows the SATA II device plug connector that connects a SAS
RAID controller with internal connectors to the host receptable connector
on a backplane. A SATA II connector consists of a signal connector and
a power connector.
Figure 2.4 shows SAS connectors and SATA II connectors on SAS drives
and SATA II drives, respectively. Cables connect internal connectors on
the RAID controllers to connectors on SAS drives, SATA II drives, or
both. Both SAS drives and SATA II drives can connect to SAS backplane
receptable connectors. The difference between the SAS connector and
the SATA II connector is the bridge between the SAS primary physical
link and the power connector on the SAS controller, which the SATA II
connector does not have.
SAS backplane connectors accept SAS drives or SATA II
drives, but SATA II backplane connectors cannot accept
SAS drives.
Serial ATA
SAS Primary
Physical Link
SAS Secondary
Physical Link
Powe r
SATA II
Physical Link
Powe r
Serial Attached SCSI
SAS Backplane
Receptacle Connector
Note: SATA II backplane connectors
do not accept SAS drives.
Powe r
SAS Secondary
Physical Link
SATA II/SAS
Primary
Physical Link
Figure 2.4SAS Plugs and SATA II Plugs and SAS Backplane
Receptacle Connector
The following subsections provide step-by-step instructions for
connecting the SAS RAID controllers to SAS drives and SATA II drives,
either directly or through an expander.
2.5.1Connecting a SAS RAID Controller with Internal Connectors to
Drives
This section provides step-by-step instructions for connecting the SAS
cable from the internal connectors on the RAID controller to SAS drives
and SATA II drives.
Follow these steps to connect your RAID controller with internal SAS port
connectors directly to SAS drives, SATA II drives, or both.
Note:
The SAS 9260-8i RAID controller is shown as an example.
You can connect other SAS controllers with internal SAS
port connectors in the same way.
Step 1.Insert the SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector on the
cable into a SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector on the
SAS 9260-8i RAID controller, as shown in Figure 2.5.
HDD
Connector
Power
Connector
85039-06
Step 2. Plug the HDD connector on the other end of the internal cable
into the connector on the SAS drive or the SATA II drive.
Step 3.If you have another drive, connect it to another plug on the
internal cable.
You can connect other devices if the cable has more
connectors.
Figure 2.5Connecting the SAS 9260-8i RAID Controller to a Drive
2.5.2Connecting the SAS RAID Controller with External Connectors to
a Drive Enclosure
This section provides step-by-step instructions for connecting a SAS
RAID controller with external SAS port connectors to a drive enclosure
containing SAS drives, SATA II drives, or a combination of both drive
types.
Chapter 3
MegaRAID SAS RAID
Controller Characteristics
This chapter describes the characteristics of the LSI MegaRAID Serial
Attached SCSI/Serial ATA II 6Gb/s RAID controllers. It consists of the
following sections:
•Section 3.1, “MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controller Family”
•Section 3.2, “MegaRAID SAS 6Gb/s RAID Controller Characteristics”
•Section 3.3, “Technical Specifications”
3.1MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controller Family
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers are dual PHY, SAS
PCI Express RAID controllers and are used in a system with a
PCI Express slot. PCI Express goes beyond the PCI specification in that
it is intended as a unifying I/O architecture for various systems: desktops,
workstations, mobile, server, communications, and embedded devices.
The following subsection provides graphics and connector information for
the 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers.
3.1.1MegaRAID SAS 9240 RAID Controllers
The MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls four internal SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connector.
The MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connectors.
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controllers User’s Guide3-1
Note:The SAS 9240-4i RAID controller does not contain the J5
connector, which supports ports 4–7. The SAS 9240-8i
RAID controller contains the J5 connector.
This subsection provides the board layout and connector and jumper
information for the RAID controller. Figure 3.2 shows the jumpers and
connectors on the SAS 9240-8i RAID controller.
Figure 3.1Card Layout for the MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i RAID
Controller
Ta bl e 3 .2 describes the jumpers and connectors on the SAS 9240-4i and
J4x4 SAS Ports 0–3SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector
J5x4 SAS Ports 4–7SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector
J6PCI Express x8 board
edge connector
TP1Universal Asynchronous
Receiver/Transmitter
(UART) debugging
U2MegaRAID RAID Key
connector
4-pin connector
Connects to external, green or red LEDs
that indicate drive activity or faults.
Connects the cables from the controller to
SAS drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
Connects the cables from the controller to
SAS drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
Note: The SAS 9240-4i RAID controller
does not have the J5 connector.
x8 interface that provides connections on
both the top and the bottom of the board.
4-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
2-pin connector
To create a RAID 5 configuration, you have
to plug a 1-wire key into this connector.
3.1.2MegaRAID SAS 9260 RAID Controllers
The MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls four internal SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connector.
The MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connectors.
The MegaRAID SAS 9260DE-8i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connectors and offers data security using disk encryption.
Note:
The SAS 9260-4i RAID controller does not contain the JT7
connector, which supports ports 4–7. The SAS 9260DE-8i
has the same connectors as the SAS 9260-8i.
This subsection provides the board layout, and connector and jumper
information for the RAID controller. Figure 3.2 shows the jumpers and
connectors on the SAS 9260-8i RAID controller.
Figure 3.2Card Layout for the MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i RAID
Controller
Note:
JT1, JT2, and JT4 are behind the LSIiBBU07 when the
iBBU is installed, but they are still accessible.
Ta bl e 3 .2 describes the jumpers and connectors on the SAS 9260-8i and
Write-pending Indicator
(dirty cache) LED
connector
connector
2-pin connector
Connects to an LED that indicates when the
data in the cache has yet to be written to the
storage devices. Used when the write-back
feature is enabled.
Connects to an LED that indicates drive
activity.
20-pin connector
Connects the intelligent Battery Backup Unit
LSIiBBU07 remotely to the RAID controller.
JT4Global Drive Fault LED
header
JT6x4 SAS Ports 3–0SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS connector
JT7x4 SAS Ports 7–4
2-pin connector
Connects to a single LED to indicate
whether any drive is in a fault condition.
Connects the cables from the RAID
controller to SAS drives, SATA II drives, or a
SAS expander.
Connects the cables from the RAID
controller to SAS drives, SATA II drives, or a
SAS expander.
2-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
2-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
Reserved for LSI use.
Jumper TypeDescription
JT11IPMI-style SMBus
(System Management)/I2C header
JT12Individual Drive Fault LED
header for Eight Phys (0-
7)
3-pin shielded header
Provides enclosure management support.
16-pin connector
Indicates drive faults. There is one LED per
port. When lit, each LED indicates the
corresponding drive has failed or is in the
Unconfigured-Bad state. Refer to the
MegaRAID SAS Software User’s Guide for
more information about drive states.
The LEDs function in a direct-attach
configuration (there are no SAS expanders).
Direct attach is defined as a maximum of
one drive connected directly to each port.
Note: This header is used for RAID
JT13Universal Asynchronous
Receiver/Transmitter
(UART) debugging
3.1.3MegaRAID SAS 9261 RAID Controller
4-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
controllers with internal SAS ports
only.
The MegaRAID SAS 9261-8i low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight internal SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8087 mini-SAS
4i connectors.
This subsection provides the board layout, and connector and jumper
information for the RAID controller. Figure 3.3 shows the jumpers and
connectors on the SAS 9261-8i RAID controller.
Connects the LSIiBBU07 intelligent Battery
Backup Unit remotely to the RAID controller.
20-pin connector
Connects the LSIiBBU07 intelligent Battery
Backup Unit directly to the RAID controller.
Connects the cables from the RAID
controller to SAS drives or SATA II drives, or
a SAS expander.
Connects the cables from the RAID
controller to SAS drives or SATA II drives, or
a SAS expander.
4-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
Jumper TypeDescription
JT5B3Set Factory Defaults
connector
JT6B1Test header2-pin connector
JT6B2Global Drive Fault LED
header
JT6B3SAS Activity LED header 2-pin connector
3.1.4MegaRAID SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
The MegaRAID SAS 9280-4i/4e low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls four internal SAS/SATA ports through one SFF-8087 x4 internal
mini SAS connector and four external SAS/SATA ports through one
SFF-8087 x4 external mini SAS connector.
The MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight external SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8088 x4
external mini SAS connectors.
2-pin connector
Reserved for LSI use.
Reserved for LSI use.
2-pin connector
Connects to an LED that indicates whether
a drive is in a fault condition.
Connects to an LED that indicates drive
activity.
The MegaRAID SAS 9280DE-8e low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight external SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8088 x4
external mini SAS connectors and offers data security using disk
encryption.
This section provides the board layout and connector information for the
SAS 9280 controllers.
Figure 3.4 shows the jumpers and connectors on the SAS 9280DE-8e
Table 3.4SAS 9280-8e and SAS 9280DE-8e RAID Controllers –
Connectors (Cont.)
Connector DescriptionComments
J1B1x4 SAS Ports 0–3SFF-8088 x4 external mini SAS
J6A1Global Drive Fault LED
J6A2SAS Activity LED header 2-pin connector
J6A3Write-pending Indicator
J6B1Remote Battery Backup
header
(dirty cache) LED
connector
Unit connector
connector
Connects the cables from the controller
to SAS drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
2-pin connector
Connects to an LED that indicates
whether a drive is in a fault condition.
Connects to an LED that indicates drive
activity.
2-pin connector
Connects to an LED that indicates when
the data in the cache has yet to be
written to the storage devices. Used
when the write-back feature is enabled.
20-pin connector
Connects the intelligent Battery Backup
Unit, LSIiBBU07, remotely to the RAID
controller.
J6B2Battery Backup Unit
connector
20-pin connector
Connects the intelligent Battery Backup
Unit, LSIiBBU07, directly to the RAID
controller.
Figure 3.5 shows the jumpers and connectors on the SAS 9280-4i/4e
Connects the controller by cable to SAS
drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
J2B1Standard edge card
connector
J2B2x4 SAS Ports 3-0SFF-8087 x4 internal mini SAS
J6A1Global Drive Fault
LED header
J6A2SAS Activity LED
header
The RAID controller interfaces with the
host system though a standard edge
card x8 PCI-Express 2.0 bus connection
as defined in the PCI-Express
specification. This interface provides
power to the board and to an I
interface connected to I
IPMI.
connector
Connects to an LED that indicates
whether a drive is in a fault condition.
2-pin connector
Connects to an LED that indicates
whether a drive is in a fault condition.
Connects to an LED that indicates when
the data in the cache has yet to be
written to the storage devices. Used
when the write-back feature is enabled.
20-pin connector
Connects the LSIiBBU07 intelligent
Battery Backup Unit remotely to the
RAID controller.
20-pin connector
Connects the LSIiBBU07 intelligent
Battery Backup Unit remotely to the
RAID controller.
Note:Connectors J6A1, J6A2, and J6A3 are behind the
LSIiBBU07 when the iBBU is installed, but they are still
accessible.
3.2MegaRAID SAS 6Gb/s RAID Controller Characteristics
Ta bl e 3 .6 shows the general characteristics for all MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS
RAID controllers.
Table 3.6MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controller Characteristics
Flash
ROM
YesYesUp to 6Gb/s per port for
1.For boot code and firmware.
2.For BIOS configuration storage.
Serial
1
EEPROM
2
Data Transfer RatesSCSI Features
SAS and up to 3Gb/s per
port for SATA II
Plug and Play
Scatter/Gather
Activity LED
SCSI
Termi nation
Active
Each MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller ensures data integrity by
intelligently validating the compatibility of the SAS domain.
MegaRAID SAS 6Gb/s RAID Controller Characteristics3-13
The MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers use Fusion-MPT
architecture, which allows for thinner drivers and better performance.
3.3Technical Specifications
The design and implementation of the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controllers minimize electromagnetic emissions, susceptibility to radio
frequency energy, and the effects of electrostatic discharge. The
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers show the following marks and
certifications:
•CE mark
•C-Tick mark
•FCC Self-Certification logo
•Canadian Compliance Statement
•Korean MIC
•Tai w a n B S MI
•Japan VCCI
•CISPR Class B
The following hardware is compliant with CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1,
UL 60950-1 First Edition-listed accessory, UL file number E257743:
•MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i RAID controller (model 25083)
•MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i RAID controller (model 25091)
•MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i RAID controller (model 25121-45A)
•MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i RAID controller (model 25121-44)
•MegaRAID SAS 9260DE-8i RAID controller (model 25121)
•MegaRAID SAS 9261-8i RAID controller (model ??)
•MegaRAID SAS 9280-4i/4e RAID controller (model 25305)
•MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e RAID controller (model 25152)
•MegaRAID SAS 9280DE-8e RAID controller (model 25152)
•LSI intelligent battery backup unit (model 25034)
Ta bl e 3 .9 lists the fault tolerance features for the MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS
RAID controllers.
Table 3.9Fault Tolerance Features
Specification
Support for SMART
Drive failure detectionAutomatic
Drive rebuild using hot sparesAutomatic
Parity generation and checkingYes
1.The Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) detects
up to 70 percent of all predictable drive failures. In addition, SMART
monitors the internal performance of all motors, heads, and drive
electronics.
MegaRAID SAS 9240, SAS 9260, SAS
9261, and SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
128 Kbytes, 256 Kbytes, 512 Kbytes, or
1Mbyte
255
MegaRAID SAS 9240, SAS 9260, SAS 9261,
and SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
1
Ye s
3.3.4Electrical Characteristics
This subsection provides the power supply requirements for the
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers.
3.3.4.1Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9240 RAID Controllers
All power is supplied to the SAS 9240 RAID controllers through the PCI
Express 3.3V rails and the 12V rail. Onboard switching regulator circuitry
operating from the 3.3V rails and the 12V rail provide the necessary
voltages. The following states determine the typical current consumption
of the controller:
•State 1: During a hard reset
•State 2: During a drive stress test
•State 3: While sitting idle at the DOS prompt
The supply voltages are 12V ± 8 percent (from PCI edge connector only)
and 3.3V ± 9 percent (from PCI edge connector only). Ta bl e 3. 1 0 lists
the power supply for the RAID controllers for each of the three states at
the different voltages.
Table 3.10Power Supply for SAS 9240 RAID Controllers
PCI Edge ConnectorState 1State 2State 3
3.3V supply330mA330mA330mA
+12V supply1.00A1.81A1.53A
3.3V auxiliary supply30mA30mA30mA
3.3.4.2Operating and Non-operating Conditionsfor the SAS 9240 RAID Controllers
For the SAS 9240 RAID controllers, the operating (thermal and
atmospheric) conditions are:
•Relative humidity range is 20 percent to 80 percent noncondensing.
•Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid
operating the LSISAS2008 processor above the maximum
ambient temperature.
•Temperature range: +10 ° C to +60 ° C.
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)
environment for these controllers are:
•Relative humidity range is 5 percent to 90 percent noncondensing.
•Temperature range: −30° C to +80° C.
3.3.4.3Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9260 RAID Controllers
All power is supplied to the SAS 9260 RAID controllers through the PCI
Express 3.3V rails and the 12V rail. Onboard switching regulator circuitry
operating from the 3.3V rails and the 12V rail provide the necessary
voltages. The following states determine the typical current consumption
of the controller:
•State 1: During a hard reset
•State 2: During a drive stress test
•State 3: While sitting idle at the DOS prompt
The supply voltages are 12V ± 8 percent (from PCI edge connector only)
and 3.3V ± 9 percent (from PCI edge connector only). Ta bl e 3. 1 1 lists
the power supply for the RAID controllers for each of the three states at
the different voltages.
Table 3.11Power Supply for SAS 9260 RAID Controllers
PCI Edge ConnectorState 1State 2State 3
3.3V supply330mA330mA330mA
+12V supply1.00A1.81A1.53A
3.3V auxiliary supply30mA30mA30mA
Note:
3.3.4.4Operating and Non-operating Conditions for SAS 9260 RAID Controllers
For the SAS 9260 RAID controllers, the operating (thermal and
atmospheric) conditions are:
+12V is used in the charging circuitry for the battery pack
on the optional iBBU battery-backed daughter card. If the
BBU daughter card is mounted, the following power
consumption figures apply:
–During trickle charging of the battery pack: N/A (no
trickle charge for Li-ION)
–During fast charging of the battery pack: 230mA in +12V
current
•Relative humidity range is 5 percent to 90 percent noncondensing
(20 percent to 80 percent noncondensing for the RAID controllers)
•Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid
operating the LSISAS2108 processor above the maximum
ambient temperature
•Temperature range: +10 ° C to +60 ° C without battery backup unit
•Temperature range: +10 °C to +44.5 °C with iBBU battery backup
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)
environment for these controllers are:
•Temperature range: −30° C to +80° C without the battery backup unit
•Temperature range: 0° C to +45° C with the battery backup unit
3.3.4.5Power Supply Requirements for the SAS 9261 RAID Controller
All power is supplied to the SAS 9261 RAID controller through the PCI
Express 3.3V rails and the 12V rail. Onboard switching regulator circuitry
operating from the 3.3V rails and the 12V rail provide the necessary
voltages. The following states determine the typical current consumption
of the controller:
•State 1: During a hard reset
•State 2: During a drive stress test
•State 3: While sitting idle at the DOS prompt
The supply voltages are 12V ± 8 percent (from PCI edge connector only)
and 3.3V ± 9 percent (from PCI edge connector only). Ta bl e 3. 1 1 lists
the power supply for the RAID controller for each of the three states at
the different voltages.
Table 3.12Power Supply for SAS 9261 RAID Controllers
PCI Edge ConnectorState 1State 2State 3
3.3V supply330mA330mA330mA
+12V supply1.00A1.81A1.53A
3.3V auxiliary supply30mA30mA30mA
Note:
+12V is used in the charging circuitry for the battery pack
on the optional iBBU battery-backed daughter card. If the
BBU daughter card is mounted, the following power
consumption figures apply:
–During trickle charging of the battery pack: N/A (no
–During fast charging of the battery pack: 230mA in +12V
current
3.3.4.6Operating and Non-operating Conditions for the SAS 9261 RAID Controller
For the SAS 9261 RAID controllers, the operating (thermal and
atmospheric) conditions are:
•Relative humidity range is 5 percent to 90 percent noncondensing
(20 percent to 80 percent noncondensing for the RAID controllers)
•Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid
operating the LSISAS2108 processor above the maximum
ambient temperature
•Temperature range: +10 ° C to +60 ° C without battery backup unit
•Temperature range: +10 °C to +44.5 °C with iBBU battery backup
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)
environment for these controllers are:
•Temperature range: −30° C to +80° C without the battery backup unit
•Temperature range: 0° C to +45° C with the battery backup unit
3.3.5Power Supply Requirements for SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
All power is supplied to the SAS 9280-8e and SAS 9280DE-8e RAID
controllers through the PCI Express 3.3V rails and the 12V rail. Onboard
switching regulator circuitry operating from the 3.3V rails and the 12V rail
provide the necessary voltages. The following states determine the
typical current consumption of the controller:
•State 1: During a hard reset
•State 2: During a disk stress test
•State 3: While sitting idle at the DOS prompt
The supply voltages are 12V ± 8 percent (from PCI edge connector only)
and 3.3V ± 9 percent (from PCI edge connector only). Ta bl e 3. 1 3 lists
the power supply for the controller for each of the three states at the
different voltages.
Table 3.13Power Supply for SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
PCI Edge ConnectorState 1State 2State 3
3.3V supply330mA330mA330mA
+12V supply1.00A1.81A1.53A
3.3V auxiliary supply30mA30mA30mA
Note:
3.3.5.1Operating and Non-operating Conditions for SAS 9280 RAID Controllers
The operating (thermal and atmospheric) conditions for the SAS 9280-8e
RAID controller are:
+12V is used in the charging circuitry for the battery pack
on the optional iBBU battery-backed daughter card. If the
iBBU daughter card is mounted, the following power
consumption figures apply:
–During fast charging of the battery pack: 230mA in +12V
current
•Relative humidity range is 5% to 90% noncondensing.
•Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid
operating the LSISAS2108 processor above the maximum
ambient temperature.
•Temperature range: +10 ° C to +60 ° C without battery backup unit.
•Temperature range: +10 °C to +44.5 °C with iBBU battery backup.
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)
environment for the controller are:
•Temperature range: −30 °C to +80 ° C without battery backup unit.
•Temperature range: 0 °C to +45 °C with iBBU battery backup.
3.3.6Safety Characteristics
All MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers meet or exceed the
requirements of UL flammability rating 94 V0. Each bare board is also
marked with the supplier name or trademark, type, and UL flammability
rating. For the boards installed in a PCI Express bus slot, all voltages are
lower than the SELV 42.4V limit.
BIOSAcronym for Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic
read/write capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM-based). The system
BIOS on the motherboard of a computer boots and controls the system.
The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.
configurationRefers to the way a computer is set up, the combined hardware
components (computer, monitor, keyboard, and peripheral devices) that
make up a computer system, or the software settings that allow the
hardware components to communicate with each other.
device driverA program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system)
to direct the operation of a peripheral device.
domain
validation
drive groupA group of physical drives that combines the storage space on the drives
EEPROMAcronym for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
external SAS
device
Fusion-MPT
architecture
A software procedure in which a host queries a device to determine its
ability to communicate at the negotiated data rate.
into a single segment of storage space. A hot spare drive does not
actively participate in a drive group.
It is a memory chip that typically stores configuration information, as it
provides stable storage for long periods without electricity and can be
reprogrammed. Refer to NVRAM.
A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are
connected using specific types of shielded cables.
An acronym for Fusion-Message Passing Technology architecture.
Fusion-MPT consists of several main elements: Fusion-MPT firmware,
the Fibre Channel and SCSI hardware, and the operating system level
drivers that support these architectures. Fusion-MPT architecture offers
a single binary, operating system driver that supports both Fibre Channel
and SCSI devices.
MegaRAID 6Gb/s SAS RAID Controllers User’s GuideA-1
hostThe computer system in which a RAID controller is installed. It uses the
RAID controller to transfer information to and from devices attached to
the SCSI bus.
host adapter
board
A circuit board or integrated circuit that provides a device connection to
the computer system.
hot spareAn idle, powered on, standby drive that is ready for immediate use in
case of drive failure. A hot spare does not contain any user data. A hot
spare can be dedicated to a single redundant array or it can be part of
the global hot-spare pool for all arrays managed by the controller.
When a drive fails, the controller firmware automatically replaces and
rebuilds the data from the failed drive to the hot spare. Data can be
rebuilt only from virtual drives with redundancy (RAID levels 1, 5, 6, 10,
50, and 60; not RAID level 0), and the hot spare must have sufficient
capacity.
internal SAS
device
A SAS device installed inside the computer cabinet. These devices are
connected by using a shielded cable.
main memoryThe part of computer memory that is directly accessible by the CPU
(usually synonymous with RAM).
NVRAMAcronym for nonvolatile random access memory. An EEPROM
(electronically erasable read-only memory) chip that stores configuration
information. Refer to EEPROM.
PCI Acronym for peripheral component interconnect. A high-performance,
local bus specification that allows the connection of devices directly to
computer memory. The PCI Local Bus allows transparent upgrades from
32-bit data path at 33 MHz to 64-bit data path at 33 MHz, and from 32-bit
data path at 66 MHz to 64-bit data path at 66 MHz.
PCI ExpressAcronym for peripheral component interconnect Express. A high-
performance, local bus specification that allows the connection of devices
directly to computer memory. PCI Express is a two-way, serial connection
that transfers data on two pairs of point-to-point data lines. PCI Express
goes beyond the PCI specification in that it is intended as a unifying I/O
architecture for various systems: desktops, workstations, mobile, server,
communications, and embedded devices.
A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, drive, printer, or CD-ROM)
used with a computer and under the control of the computer. SCSI
peripherals are controlled through a SAS MegaRAID SAS RAID
controller (host adapter).
PHYThe interface required to transmit and receive data packets transferred
across the serial bus.
Each PHY can form one side of the physical link in a connection with a
PHY on a different SATA device. The physical link contains four wires that
form two differential signal pairs. One differential pair transmits signals,
while the other differential pair receives signals. Both differential pairs
operate simultaneously and allow concurrent data transmission in both
the receive and the transmit directions.
RAIDAcronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks (originally
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). An array of multiple independent
drives managed together to yield higher reliability, performance, or both
exceeding that of a single drive. The RAID array appears to the controller
as a single storage unit. I/O is expedited because several drives can be
accessed simultaneously. Redundant RAID levels (RAID levels 1, 5, 6,
10, 50, and 60) provide data protection.
RAID levelsA set of techniques applied to drive groups to deliver higher data
availability, performance characteristics, or both to host environments.
Each virtual drive must have a RAID level assigned to it.
SASAcronym for Serial Attached SCSI. A serial, point-to-point,
enterprise-level device interface that leverages the proven SCSI protocol
set. The SAS interface provides improved performance, simplified
cabling, smaller connections, lower pin count, and lower power
requirements when compared to parallel SCSI. SAS controllers leverage
a common electrical and physical connection interface that is compatible
with Serial ATA. The SAS controllers support the ANSI Serial Attached SCSI Standard, Version 2.0. In addition, the controller supports the
Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA Specification, Version 1.0a. Supporting both the SAS interface and the SATA II
interface, the SAS controller is a versatile controller that provides the
backbone of both server and high-end workstation environments. Each
port on the SAS RAID controller supports SAS devices, SATA II devices,
or both.
SAS deviceAny device that conforms to the SAS standard and is attached to the
SAS bus by a SAS cable. This includes SAS RAID controllers
(host adapters) and SAS peripherals.
SATAAcronym for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. A physical storage
interface standard, SATA is a serial link that provides point-to-point
connections between devices. The thinner serial cables allow for better
airflow within the system and permit smaller chassis designs.
SMPAcronym for Serial Management Protocol. SMP communicates topology
management information directly with an attached SAS expander device.
Each PHY on the controller can function as an SMP initiator.
SSPAcronym for Serial SCSI Protocol. SSP enables communication with
other SAS devices. Each PHY on the SAS controller can function as an
SSP initiator or SSP target.
STPAcronym for Serial Tunneling Protocol. STP enables communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander. Each PHY on the SAS
controller can function as an STP initiator.
stripe sizeThe total drive space consumed by a stripe not including a parity drive.
For example, consider a stripe that contains 64 Kbytes of drive space
and has 16 Kbytes of data residing on each drive in the stripe. In this
case, the stripe size is 64 Kbytes and the stripe element size is
16 Kbytes. The stripe depth is four (four drives in the stripe). You can
specify stripe sizes of 8 Kbytes, 16 Kbytes, 32 Kbytes, 64 Kbytes,
128 Kbytes, 256 Kbytes, 512 Kbytes, or 1 Mbyte for each virtual drive.
A larger stripe size produces improved read performance, especially if
most of the reads are sequential. For mostly random reads, select a
smaller stripe size.
stripingDrive striping writes data across two or more drives. Each stripe spans
two or more drives but consumes only a portion of each drive. Each
drive, therefore, may have several stripes. The amount of space
consumed by a stripe is the same on each drive that is included in the
stripe. The portion of a stripe that resides on a single drive is a stripe
element. Striping by itself does not provide data redundancy; striping in
combination with parity provides data redundancy.
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