IBM Network Card MegaRAID 8480 User Manual

USER’S  
GUIDE  
MegaRAID® 8480  
Storage Adapter  
Ju ly 2 0 0 7  
®
IBM P/N: 42D8846  
 
Preface  
This book is the primary reference and user’s guide for the LSI  
®
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Storage Adapter. It contains installation  
instructions and specifications for the adapter.  
For details on how to configure the storage adapter, refer to the  
MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide. For information about the  
operating system drivers, refer to the MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver  
Installation User’s Guide.  
Audience  
This document assumes that you have some familiarity with RAID  
controllers and related support devices. The people who benefit from this  
book are:  
Engineers who are designing a system that will include a MegaRAID  
8480 SAS Storage Adapter  
Anyone installing a MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in a  
RAID system  
Organization  
This document has the following chapters and appendix:  
Chapter 1, Overview, provides a general overview of the MegaRAID  
8480 Storage Adapter.  
Chapter 2, MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation, describes the  
procedures for installing the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.  
Chapter 3, MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics,  
provides the characteristics and technical specifications for the  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
iii  
 
Appendix A, Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, lists and  
explains the terms and abbreviations used in this manual.  
Related Publications  
MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide  
IBM Document Number: 42D8847  
This document explains how to install and use the LSI battery backup  
unit for MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter. The 8480 board uses the LSI  
intelligent Transportable Battery Backup Unit 02 (LSIiTBBU02).  
MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver Installation User’s Guide  
IBM Document Number: 42D8845  
This document explains 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 8480 Storage Adapter.  
MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide  
IBM Document Number: 42D8848  
This document explains how to use the MegaRAID Storage Manager,  
WebBIOS, and Command Line Interface (CLI) utilities to configure,  
monitor, and maintain MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter and the  
storage-related devices connected to them.  
iv  
Preface  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Conventions  
Throughout the manual, the conventions described in the following table  
are used to describe user interaction with the product:  
Notation  
Example  
Meaning and Use  
courier typeface  
.nwkfile  
Names of commands, files, and directories as well as  
code and screen messages are shown in courier.  
bold typeface  
italics  
fd1sp  
In a command line, keywords are shown in bold, non-italic  
typeface. Enter them exactly as shown.  
module  
In command lines and names italics indicate user vari-  
ables. Italicized text must be replaced with appropriate  
user-specified items. Enter items of the type called for,  
using lowercase.  
Initial Capital letters  
Undo  
Edit  
Apply  
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 mis-  
reading. These elements may appear on your screen in all  
lowercase.  
semicolon, and other  
punctuation  
Use as shown in the text.  
Note:  
Notes contain supplementary information that can affect  
system performance.  
Attention:  
Attention notices identify actions that might adversely affect  
equipment operation, system performance, or data integrity.  
Revision History  
IBM Document  
Number  
Date/Version  
Remarks  
42D8846  
Version 1.2  
July 2007  
Revised Table 1.1 about the number of physical drives  
allowed for each RAID level.  
42D8846  
Version 1.1  
April 2007  
Made edits and added information about controller limita-  
tions, and the number of physical drives supported at each  
RAID level.  
42D8846  
Version 1.0  
June 2006  
Initial release of document.  
Preface  
v
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
IBM Customer Support  
If you have feedback or questions, you can contact IBM.  
E-mail:  
Phone:  
(Toll free) 1-800-IBM-4YOU (1-800-426-4968)  
Web site:  
Safety Instructions  
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system  
from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.  
Note:  
Use the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter with UL-listed  
Information Technology Equipment (ITE) products only.  
When Using Your Computer System – As you use your computer  
system, observe the following safety guidelines:  
Do not operate your computer system with any cover(s) (such as  
computer covers, bezels, filler brackets, and front-panel inserts)  
removed.  
To help avoid damaging your computer, be sure the voltage selection  
switch on the power supply is set to match the alternating current  
(AC) power available at your location:  
115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America  
and some Far Eastern countries such as Japan, South Korea,  
and Taiwan.  
230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.  
Also be sure your monitor and attached peripherals are electrically  
rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.  
vi  
Preface  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds  
after you turn off the system before you remove a component from the  
system board or disconnect a peripheral device from the computer.  
To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer and peripheral  
power cables into properly grounded power sources. These cables  
are equipped with 3-prong plugs to ensure proper grounding.  
Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a  
cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a 3-wire cable with  
properly grounded plugs.  
To help protect your computer system from sudden, transient  
increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor,  
line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).  
Be sure nothing rests 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 –  
Attention:  
Always follow the installation and service instructions  
provided with your computer closely.  
1. Review all of the safety information provided with your computer.  
2. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.  
3. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources.  
Also disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from  
the computer.  
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.  
Also note these safety guidelines:  
Preface  
vii  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its  
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 both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.  
Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the  
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.  
You can do so by touching 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 your body may have  
accumulated. In addition to the preceding precautions, you can also 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  
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.  
viii  
Preface  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Contents  
Chapter 1  
Overview  
1.1  
1.2  
1.2.1  
1.3  
1.4  
1.4.1  
1.5  
1.6  
1.5.1  
1.5.2  
1.6.1  
1.6.2  
1.6.3  
1.6.4  
1.6.5  
1.6.6  
Flexibility Features  
Drive Roaming  
1-11  
1-11  
1.7  
1.8  
Chapter 2  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
Requirements  
2-1  
2-2  
2-2  
2-6  
Quick Installation  
Detailed Installation  
SAS Device Cables  
2.4.1  
Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller to  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
ix  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Drive Boxes and Drive Expanders  
2-8  
2.6  
2-9  
Chapter 3  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
3.1  
3-6  
3-6  
3-7  
3-7  
3.1.1  
3.2  
3.3  
3.3.1  
3.3.2  
3.3.3  
3.3.5  
3.3.6  
Array Performance Features  
Fault Tolerance  
Operating and Non-operating Conditions  
Safety Characteristics  
Appendix A  
Glossary of Terms  
and Abbreviations  
x
Contents  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Figures  
1.1  
1.2  
Example of RAID Controller Configured with LSISASx12 Expand-  
2.1  
2.2  
2-4  
cal Disks  
2-6  
2.3  
2.4  
SAS and SATA II Plugs and SAS Backplane Receptacle Connec-  
tor 2-8  
Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller with External  
2.5  
3.1  
Connectors to a Drive Box or Drive Enclosure  
2-9  
3-2  
Card Layout for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Contents  
xi  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
xii  
Contents  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Tables  
1.1  
1.2  
MegaRAID 8480 Characteristics  
Storage Adapter Specifications  
Array Performance Features  
3-4  
3-5  
3-6  
3-6  
3-7  
3.1  
3.2  
3.3  
3.4  
3.5  
3.6  
Fault Tolerance Features  
Maximum Power Requirements  
Contents  
xiii  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
xiv  
Contents  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Chapter 1  
Overview  
This section provides a general overview of the Megaraid 8480 Storage  
sections:  
Section 1.3, “General Description”  
Section 1.6, “Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Characteristics”  
Section 1.7, “Hardware Specifications”  
Section 1.8, “Technical Support”  
1.1 Overview  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is a high-performance intelligent  
PCI Express-to-SCSI/Serial ATA II adapter with RAID control capabilities.  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter provides reliability, high  
performance, and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management. It is an  
ideal RAID solution for the internal storage of workgroup, departmental,  
and enterprise systems. The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter offers a  
cost-effective way to implement RAID in a server.  
SAS technology brings a wealth of options and flexibility with the use of  
SAS devices 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 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-1  
 
     
two similar technologies on the same controller and within the same  
enclosure.  
Note:  
You cannot mix SAS and SATA drives within the same  
virtual disk(s).  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is based on the LSI first-to-market  
SAS IC technology and proven MegaRAID technology. As the  
second-generation PCI Express storage adapter, the MegaRAID 8480  
controller addresses the growing demand for increased data throughput  
and scalability requirements across midrange and enterprise-class  
server platforms. LSI offers a family of MegaRAID SAS adapters  
addressing the needs for both internal and external solutions.  
The innovative LSI intelligent Transportable Battery Backup Unit 2  
(LSIiTBBU02) is pre-installed on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller.  
The LSIiTBBU02 provides cached data protection, which allows system  
builders to protect cached data even during the most catastrophic system  
failures.  
Note:  
You must charge the battery before use. Refer to the  
MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide on the  
MegaRAID 8480 CD for more information.  
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports the ANSI Serial Attached  
SCSI standard, version 1.1. In addition, the controller supports the SATA  
II protocol defined by the Serial ATA specification, version 1.0a.  
Supporting both the SAS and SATA II interfaces, the controller is a  
versatile controller that provides the backbone of both server and high-  
end workstation environments.  
Each port on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports SAS and/or  
SATA II devices using the following:  
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  
1-2  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
1.2 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Description  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is available with eight PHYs. The  
MegaRAID 8480 has one Intel IOP333 I/O processor that controls eight  
external SAS/SATA ports through two SAS 4x external connectors.  
1.2.1 Controller Limitations  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter has the following limitations:  
You can connect only one device per SAS PHY unless you use an  
expander  
You can use a maximum external cable length of six feet (LSI  
Though you can mix SAS drives and SATA drives in the same virtual  
disk, LSI strongly discourages the practice  
See Section 3.3.4, “Electrical Characteristics,for information about  
the power requirements, and Section 3.3.5, “Operating and Non-  
operating Conditions” for information about the minimum and  
maximum temperature ranges  
1.3 General Description  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter brings 3.0 Gbit/s Serial Attached  
SCSI and 3.0 Gbit/s Serial ATA II performance to host adapter,  
workstation, and server designs. The controller supports external storage  
devices, which allows you to use a system that supports enterprise-class  
SAS and desktop-class SATA II drives. Each MegaRAID 8480 Storage  
Adapter can connect to drives directly and can use expanders to connect  
to additional drives. Simplified cabling between devices is an additional  
benefit.  
The RAID controller integrates eight high-performance SAS/SATA II  
PHYs and a PCI Express bus master DMA core. Each of the eight PHYs  
is capable of 3.0 Gbit/s SAS link rates and 3.0 Gbit/s SATA II link rates.  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Description  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-3  
 
       
The RAID controller supports the SAS protocol as described in the Serial  
Attached SCSI Standard, version 1.1. The controller also supports the  
Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA specification,  
version 1.0a. SATA II is an extension to SATA 1.0a. In addition, the RAID  
controller supports the following SATA II features:  
3 Gbit/s SATA II  
Staggered spin-up  
Hot Plug  
Activity and fault indicators for each PHY  
Port Selector (for dual-port drives)  
Each port on the RAID controller supports SAS or SATA II devices using  
the SSP, SMP, STP, and SATA II. The SSP enables communication with  
other SAS devices. SATA II enables the RAID controller to communicate  
with SATA II devices.  
1.4 Configuration Scenario  
The following is the main scenario in which you can use the MegaRAID  
High-end external SAS or SATA II configurations: Disks can be either  
SATA II or SAS. External enclosure management through in-band,  
SCSI-enclosed storage. STP and SMP need to be supported.  
2
Figure 1.1 shows a direct-connect configuration. The Inter-IC (I C)  
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  
(PSBRAM), nonvolatile static random access memory (NVSRAM), and  
Flash ROM.  
1-4  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
 
Figure 1.1 Example of LSI SAS Direct-Connect Application  
SAS/SATA II Device  
32-Bit Memory  
Address/Data  
Flash ROM/  
PSBRAM/  
NVSRAM  
SAS  
PCI Express  
RAID Controller  
Bus  
SAS/SATA II Device  
SAS/SATA II Device  
I2C  
Interface  
I2C  
SAS/SATA II Device  
PCI Express Interface  
Configuration Scenario  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-5  
 
 
Figure 1.2 shows an example of a RAID controller configured with an  
LSISASx12 expander that is connected to SAS devices.  
Figure 1.2 Example of RAID Controller Configured with  
LSISASx12 Expander  
PCI Express Interface  
32-bit Memory  
Address/Data  
Flash ROM/  
PSBRAM/  
NVSRAM  
Bus  
SAS RAID Controller  
I2C  
Interface  
I2C  
LSISASx12  
LSISASx12  
SAS  
Drives  
SAS  
Drives  
SAS  
Drives  
SAS  
Drives  
1.4.1 Number of Physical Disks Supported  
Your configuration planning for the 8480 RAID controller depends in part  
on the number of physical disks that you want to use in a RAID array.  
The number of drives in an array determines the RAID levels that can be  
supported. Only one RAID level can be assigned to each virtual disk.  
Table 1.1 shows the minimum and maximum number of drives required  
for each RAID level.  
Table 1.1  
Physical Drives Required for Each RAID Level  
RAID  
Level  
Minimum # of  
Physical Drives  
Maximum # of  
Physical Drives  
0
1
32  
1-6  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
     
Table 1.1  
Physical Drives Required for Each RAID Level (Cont.)  
RAID  
Level  
Minimum # of  
Physical Drives  
Maximum # of  
Physical Drives  
1
5
2
3
4
6
2
32  
16  
32  
10  
50  
1.5 Benefits of the SAS Interface  
SAS is a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level device interface that  
leverages the proven SCSI protocol set. SAS is a convergence of the  
advantages of SATA 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 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.  
The RAID controller leverages 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.  
Benefits of the SAS Interface  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-7  
 
 
1.5.1 PCI 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 storage adapters in PCI Express computer  
systems with a standard bracket type. With these adapters in your  
system, you can connect SCSI and SATA II devices over the bus.  
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.  
1.5.2 Operating System Support  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter supports the following operating  
systems:  
Windows (2000 and Server 2003)  
Red Hat Linux  
SUSE Linux  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter uses Fusion-MPT™ architecture  
for all major operating systems, thinner drivers, and better performance.  
1.6 Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Characteristics  
This section provides a summary of the features and benefits of the  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller. It contains information on SAS  
features, SATA II features, PCI performance, integration, usability, and  
flexibility.  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter includes the following features:  
PCI Express x8 lane width (with support for downshifting for  
motherboards with x1 and x4 connections)  
PCI Express performance up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane  
Support for a 256 Mbyte DDR2 400 MHz on-board SDRAM with  
LSIiTBBU02 intelligible transportable battery backup  
1-8  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
     
Two external connectors  
Support for RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50  
Advanced array configuration and management utilities  
Online RAID level migration  
Drive migration  
Drive roaming  
Patrol Read  
No reboot necessary after expansion  
More than 200 Qtags per array  
User-specified rebuild rate  
32 Kbyte nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) for storing  
RAID system configuration information; the MegaRAID SAS firmware  
is stored in flash ROM for easy upgrade.  
1.6.1 SAS Features  
The following list describes the SAS features:  
Provides eight fully independent PHYs  
Supports 3.0 Gbit/s SAS data transfers per PHY  
Supports SSP to enable communication with other SAS devices  
Supports SMP to communicate topology management information  
Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface  
Simplifies cabling between devices  
Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 128 devices through  
multiple expanders  
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  
1.6.2 SATA II Features  
The following list describes the SATA II features:  
Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-9  
 
   
Supports SATA II data transfers of 3.0 Gbits/s  
Supports STP data transfers of 3.0 Gbits/s  
Provides a serial, point-to-point storage interface  
Simplifies cabling between devices  
Eliminates the master-slave construction used in parallel ATA  
Allows addressing of multiple SATA II targets through an expander  
Allows multiple initiators to address a single target (in a fail-over  
configuration) through an expander  
1.6.3 PCI Express Performance  
The following list describes the PCI Express performance features:  
Provides a PCI Express interface that:  
Supports a dedicated PCI Express bus  
Supports x4 or x8 lane configuration  
Supports transfer rates of up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane  
Complies with the PCI Express Specification, Revision 1.0a  
Provides unequaled performance through the Fusion-MPT  
architecture  
Provides high throughput and low CPU utilization to offload the host  
processor  
Uses an Intel IOP333 I/O processor  
1.6.4 Usability Features  
The following list describes the usability features:  
Simplifies cabling with point-to-point, serial architecture  
Supports smaller, thinner cables that do not restrict airflow  
Provides drive spin-up sequencing control  
Provides up to two LED signals for each PHY to indicate link activity  
and faults  
2
Provides an I C interface for enclosure management  
1-10  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
Supports the internal SAS Sideband signal SFF-8485 (SGPIO)  
interface  
1.6.5 Flexibility Features  
These features increase the flexibility of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID  
controller:  
Supports a Flash ROM interface, a nonvolatile RAM (NVSRAM)  
interface, and a pipelined synchronous burst SRAM (PSBRAM)  
interface  
Allows connections to SAS or SATA II targets  
Leverages compatible connectors for SAS and SATA II connections  
Allows grouping of up to four PHYs in a single quad port to form a  
wide port  
1.6.6 Drive Roaming  
Drive roaming occurs when the hard 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 hard drives attached to the controller. This maintains the  
integrity of the data on each drive, even if the drives have changed their  
target ID.  
Note:  
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. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,  
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the  
server and device power cords.  
Step 2. Open the host system, following the instructions in the host  
system technical documentation.  
Step 3. Move the drives to different positions on the backplane to  
change the targets.  
Summary of MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-11  
 
   
Step 4. Determine the SAS target requirements.  
Step 5. Perform a safety check.  
a. Make sure the drives are inserted properly.  
b. Close the cabinet of the host system.  
c. Turn power on after completing the safety check.  
Step 6. Power-on the system.  
The controller then detects the RAID configuration from the  
configuration data on the drives.  
1.6.7 Drive Migration  
Drive migration is the transfer of a set of hard 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:  
Only complete configurations can be migrated; individual  
virtual disks cannot be migrated.  
Note:  
Drive roaming and drive migration cannot be supported at  
the same time.  
Follow these steps to migrate drives:  
Step 1. Make sure that you clear the configuration on the system to  
which you migrate the drives, to prevent a configuration data  
mismatch between the hard drives and the NVRAM.  
Note:  
When you migrate drives, move only the disks that make  
up the virtual disk (not all the physical disks 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 physical  
drives to the other controller.  
Step 2. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,  
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the  
server and device power cords.  
1-12  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
 
Step 3. Open the host systems by following the instructions in the host  
system technical documentation.  
Step 4. Remove the SAS cable connectors from the internal drives or  
the shielded cables from the external drives you want to  
migrate.  
a. Make sure 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 hard drives from the first system and insert them  
into drive bays on the second system.  
Step 6. Connect the SAS cables to the hard drives in the second  
system.  
Step 7. Determine the SAS target requirements.  
Step 8. Perform a safety check.  
a. Make sure all cables are properly attached.  
b. Make sure the RAID controller is properly installed.  
c. Close the cabinet of the host system.  
d. Turn power on after completing the safety check.  
Step 9. Power-on the system.  
The controller then detects the RAID configuration from the  
configuration data on the drives.  
1.7 Hardware Specifications  
You can install the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in a computer with  
a mainboard that has a PCI Express slot. Table 1.2 describes the  
hardware configuration features for the MegaRAID 8480 Storage  
Adapter.  
Hardware Specifications  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
1-13  
 
 
Table 1.2  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
Specifications  
Specification  
Megaraid 8480 Storage Adapter  
RAID Levels  
0, 1, 5, 10, and 50  
Devices Supported  
per Port  
Up to 15 SAS or SATA II devices (such as hard drives  
and expanders)  
Ports  
Eight external  
Data Transfer Rate  
Bus  
Up to 3 Gbits/s per phy  
PCI Express 1.0a  
Cache Function  
Write-back, write-through, adaptive read ahead,  
non-read ahead, read ahead, cache I/O, direct I/O  
Multiple Virtual Disks/ Up to 40 virtual disks per controller or per logical array  
Arrays per Controller  
Online Capacity  
Expansion  
Yes  
Dedicated and Global Yes  
Hot Spares  
Hot Swap Devices  
Supported  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Non-Disk Devices  
Supported  
Mixed Capacity  
Physical Disks  
Supported  
Number of External  
Connectors  
MegaRAID 8480 – Two (x4 SAS Port) SFF-8470 SAS  
4x connectors  
Hardware Exclusive  
Yes  
OR (XOR) Assistance  
Direct I/O  
Yes  
Architecture  
Fusion-MPT  
1.8 Technical Support  
See the Warranty and Support Information document for information  
about the technical support available for this product.  
1-14  
Overview  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
Chapter 2  
MegaRAID 8480  
Hardware Installation  
Section 2.4, “SAS Device Cables”  
Section 2.5, “Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the  
LSIiTBBU02”  
Section 2.6, “After Installing the Storage Adapter”  
2.1 Requirements  
The following items are required for installation:  
A MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
A host system with an available PCI Express expansion slot  
The MegaRAID 8480 CD, containing the drivers and documentation  
The necessary internal and/or external cables  
SAS or SATA II physical disks  
Note:  
LSI strongly recommends using an uninterruptible power  
supply (UPS).  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
2-1  
 
     
2.2 Quick Installation  
The following steps are for quick MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
installation. These steps are for experienced computer users/installers.  
Section 2.3, “Detailed Installation,contains the steps for all others to  
follow.  
Step 1. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,  
turn off the server and all attached devices and unplug the  
server and device power cords.  
Step 2. Open the cabinet of the host system by following the  
instructions in the host system technical documentation.  
Step 3. Check the memory module on the adapter.  
Step 4. Install the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter in the server and  
connect SAS or SATA II devices to it. Ensure that the cables  
you use conform to all specifications.  
Step 5. Perform a safety check.  
a. Ensure that all cables are properly attached  
b. Ensure that the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is  
properly installed  
c. Close the cabinet of the host system  
Step 6. Turn power on after you complete the safety check.  
2.3 Detailed Installation  
This section provides detailed instructions for installing a MegaRAID  
8480 Storage Adapter.  
Step 1. Unpack the Storage Adapter  
Unpack and remove the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter.  
Inspect it for damage. If it appears damaged, or if any of the  
following items are missing, contact your place of purchase.  
The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is shipped with:  
2-2  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
A CD containing MegaRAID drivers for supported  
operating systems, an electronic version of this  
User’s Guide, and other related documentation  
A license agreement  
Warranty information  
Step 2. Turn off the Power to the System  
Review all safety information provided with the computer; then,  
turn off the computer, unplug the power cords from the power  
supplies, disconnect the computer from the network, and  
with the computer for instructions. Before installing the  
controller, make sure that the computer is disconnected from  
the power and from any networks.  
Step 3. Review the MegaRAID Controller Connectors  
Refer to Chapter 3, “MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
Characteristics” for a diagram of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID  
controller with its connectors.  
Step 4. Review the Controller Limitations  
Review Section 1.2.1, “Controller Limitations” before you install  
the controller in the system.  
Step 5. Check the Memory Module  
Ensure that the memory module is present and seated firmly in  
the dual-inline memory module (DIMM) socket.  
Step 6. Install the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
Select a PCI Express slot and align the controller’s PCI Express  
bus connector to the slot. Press down gently but firmly to  
ensure that the card is properly seated in the slot. Secure the  
bracket to the computer chassis.  
Figure 2.1 shows the installation of a RAID controller in a PCI  
Express slot.  
Attention:  
To avoid damage to the computer, always remove the 8480  
RAID Controller from the PCI Express slot before you  
relocate or ship the computer.  
Detailed Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
2-3  
 
Figure 2.1 Example of MegaRAID Board Installation in a  
PCI Express Slot  
Bracket  
Screw  
Press  
Here  
Press  
Here  
PCI Express Slot  
Step 7. Configure and Install the SAS and/or the SATA II Devices in the  
Host Computer Case  
Refer to the documentation for the devices for any  
Use SAS cables to connect SAS and/or SATA II devices to the  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter. Refer to Section 2.4, “SAS  
Device Cables” for SAS cable information. Refer to  
Section 2.4.1, “Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID  
Controller to Drive Boxes and Drive Expanders,on page 2-8 for  
details on connecting the controller to physical disks and  
expanders.  
2-4  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
 
The maximum cable length is six external meters. 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:  
a. Use cables no longer than six meters (LSI recommends  
using shorter cables, if possible)  
b. Use cables that meet the SAS specification  
c. Route the SAS cables carefully  
Step 9. Turn on the Power to the System  
Replace the computer cover and reconnect the AC power  
cords; then, turn on the computer. Ensure that the SAS and/or  
SATA II devices are powered up before or at the same time as  
the host computer. If the computer is powered up before a SAS  
or SATA II device, the device 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 displays the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
number, firmware version, and cache SDRAM size. The  
numbering of the controller follows the PCI slot scanning order  
used by the host mainboard.  
Step 10. Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility  
Run the WebBIOS Configuration Utility to configure the physical  
arrays and the logical drives. When the message Press  
<Ctrl><H> for WebBIOS appears on the screen, press  
CTRL+H immediately to run the utility.  
Step 11. Install the Operating System Driver  
The RAID controller can operate under various operating  
systems. To operate under these operating systems, you must  
install the software drivers.The MegaRAID 8480 CD includes  
software drivers for the supported operating systems, along  
with documentation. You can download the latest drivers at  
http://www.ibm.com/support/. For updates, click Downloads  
and drivers.  
For details on installing the driver, refer to the MegaRAID 8480  
Device Driver Installation User’s Guide on the MegaRAID 8480  
Detailed Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
2-5  
 
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.  
2.4 SAS Device Cables  
This section describes the cables used on the RAID controller and  
provides step-by-step instructions for connecting SAS and/or SATA II  
physical disks to the controller. The SAS and SATA II protocols use a  
thin, 7-wire connector instead of the 68-wire SCSI cable or 26-wire ATA  
cable.  
Note:  
Use only straight SAS cables, not cross-over SAS cables.  
Figure 2.2 displays the SAS cable that connects the internal connectors  
on a RAID controller to SAS drives.  
Figure 2.2 Internal SAS Cable for Connection to SAS and/or  
SATA II Physical Disks  
Hard Drive  
Connector  
Serial Signal  
Cables  
RAID Controller to HDD  
Breakout Cable  
4-Lane Internal  
Connector  
SFF 8484  
Figure 2.3 displays the SATA II device plug connector used to connect a  
RAID controller with internal connectors to the host receptable connector  
2-6  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
on a backplane. A SATA II connector consists of a signal connector and  
a power connector.  
Figure 2.3 SATA II Connectors  
Device Plug  
Connector  
Serial ATA  
Signal Connector  
(pin 1)  
Serial ATA  
Power Connector  
(pin 1)  
Host Receptacle  
Connector  
Figure 2.4 shows SAS and SATA II connectors on SAS and SATA II  
physical disks, respectively. Cables are used for connection between  
internal connectors on the RAID controller and connectors on SAS  
and/or SATA II drives, respectively. Both SAS and SATA II physical disks  
can connect to SAS backplane receptable connectors. The difference  
between the SAS connector and SATA II connector is the bridge between  
the SAS primary physical link and power connector on the SAS  
controller, which the SATA II connector does not have.  
Note:  
SAS backplane connectors can accept SAS or SATA II  
physical disks, but SATA II backplane connectors cannot  
accept SAS drives.  
SAS Device Cables  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
2-7  
 
 
Figure 2.4 SAS and SATA II Plugs and SAS Backplane Receptacle  
Connector  
SAS Primary  
Physical Link  
Serial Attached SCSI  
Power  
SAS Backplane  
Receptacle Connector  
SAS Primary  
Physical Link  
Power  
Serial ATA  
SAS Secondary  
Physical Link  
Power  
SATA II/SAS  
Primary  
Physical Link  
SATA II  
Physical Link  
Note: SATA II backplane connectors  
do not accept SAS drives.  
The following subsection provides step-by-step instructions for  
connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller to SAS and SATA II  
physical disks, either directly or through an expander. Figure 2.5 shows  
the controller connected to physical disks and to expanders, which then  
2.4.1 Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller to Drive Boxes  
and Drive Expanders  
Figure 2.5 shows how to connect the external SAS cable from the  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller to drive boxes or drive enclosures.  
Follow these steps to connect a RAID controller with external connectors  
to a drive box or drive enclosure.  
Step 1. Connect the 4-lane external PCB receptacle plug on the  
external cable to the external connector on your RAID  
controller.  
Step 2. Connect the plug on the other end of the SAS cable to the  
connector on the drive box or drive enclosure.  
2-8  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
Figure 2.5 Connecting the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller with  
External Connectors to a Drive Box or Drive Enclosure  
To Drive Box  
or Expander Board  
4-Lane  
External PCB  
Receptacle  
and Plug and  
Cable with  
Jackscrews  
SFF-8470  
2.5 Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the  
LSIiTBBU02  
The MegaRAID intelligible Transportable Battery Backup Module 2  
(LSIiTBBU02) is a cache memory module with an integrated battery  
pack. The module provides an uninterrupted power source to the module  
if power is unexpectedly interrupted while cached data is still present. If  
the power failure is the result of the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter  
itself failing, then the LSIiTBBU02 can be moved to a new controller and  
the data can be recovered. The replacement controller must have a  
cleared configuration.  
Note:  
See the Warranty and Support Information document for  
the replacement battery part number and battery-disposal  
instructions.  
Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the LSIiTBBU02  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
2-9  
 
   
Follow these steps to replace a failed controller with data in the  
transportable battery backup unit.  
Step 1. Review all safety information provided with the server; then,  
power down the server and the drives.  
Step 2. Remove the failed controller from the system.  
Step 3. Remove the LSIiTBBU02 from the failed controller.  
Step 4. Insert the LSIiTBBU02 into the replacement controller.  
Step 5. Insert the replacement controller into the system.  
Step 6. Power-on the system.  
The controller then reads the disk configuration into NVRAM  
and flushes cache data to the virtual disks.  
Note:  
Refer to the MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide  
for additional information about the LSIiTBBU02.  
2.6 After Installing the Storage Adapter  
After MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter installation, you must configure  
the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter and install the operating system  
driver. The MegaRAID 8480 Software User’s Guide instructs you on the  
configuration options and how to set them on your MegaRAID 8480  
Storage Adapter. The MegaRAID 8480 Device Driver Installation User’s  
Guide provides detailed installation instructions for operating system  
drivers.  
2-10  
MegaRAID 8480 Hardware Installation  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
 
Chapter 3  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage  
Adapter Characteristics  
This chapter describes the characteristics of the LSI MegaRAID Serial  
the following sections:  
Section 3.1, “MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller”  
Section 3.2, “MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics”  
Section 3.3, “Technical Specifications”  
3.1 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller is a dual PHY, SAS PCI Express  
adapter and is 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 subsections provide graphics and connector information for  
the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller.  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
3-1  
 
     
3.1.1 MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
The MegaRAID 8480 PCI Express Disk Array RAID Controller has one  
Intel IOP333 I/O processor, which controls eight internal SAS/SATA ports  
through two SAS 4x internal connectors.  
This subsection provides the board layout and connector information for  
the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller, which has eight external SAS/SATA  
connectors. Figure 3.1 displays the connectors on the controller, while  
Table 3.1 describes them.  
Figure 3.1 Card Layout for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
J3  
J2  
Ports  
0–3  
J4  
J8  
J6  
J5 J7  
Ports  
4–7  
U6  
J12  
J11  
U9  
P1  
J9  
3-2  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
   
Table 3.1  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller – Connectors  
Connector Description  
Type  
Comments  
J2  
J3  
DIMM Socket  
Ports 0–3  
Socket  
Holds cache memory module.  
x4 SAS  
ports  
SAS 4x connector that connects to  
physical drives and expanders.  
J5  
Write Pending  
Indication LED  
2-pin  
Connector for enclosure LED.  
connector When lit, it indicates the on-board  
cache contains data and a write  
from the cache to the hard drives is  
pending. Optional.  
J6  
Firmware  
Initialization  
2-pin  
connector  
Reserved for LSI internal use.  
Mode 0 or 3 Select  
J7  
J8  
On-board BIOS  
Enable  
2-pin  
connector  
Reserved for LSI internal use.  
Reserved for LSI internal use.  
Universal  
Asynchronous  
4-pin  
connector  
Receiver/Transmitter  
(UART) debugging  
J9  
Ports 4–7  
x4 SAS  
ports  
SAS 4x connector that connects to  
physical drives and expanders.  
2
J11  
J12  
Keyed I C connector 3-pin  
Used for enclosure management.  
connector Reserved for LSI internal use.  
2
Unkeyed I C  
3-pin Used for enclosure management.  
connector  
connector Reserved for LSI internal use.  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
3-3  
 
 
3.2 MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
Table 3.2 shows the general characteristics for the MegaRAID 8480  
RAID controller.  
Table 3.2  
MegaRAID 8480 Characteristics  
Flash Serial  
SCSI  
1
2
ROM EEPROM  
SAS Data Transfers  
SCSI Features Termination  
Yes  
Yes  
Up to 3 Gbits/s per port Plug and Play  
Scatter/Gather  
Active  
Activity LED  
1.  
2.  
For boot code and firmware.  
For BIOS configuration storage.  
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller ensures data integrity by  
intelligently validating the compatibility of the SAS domain. The 8480  
uses Fusion-MPT architecture, which allows for thinner drivers and better  
performance.  
3.3 Technical Specifications  
The design and implementation of the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller  
minimizes electromagnetic emissions, susceptibility to radio frequency  
energy, and the effects of electrostatic discharge. The adapter carries the  
following marks and certifications:  
CE mark  
C-Tick mark  
FCC Self-Certification logo  
Canadian Compliance Statement, Korean MIC  
Taiwan BSMI  
Japan VCCI  
In addition, the adapter meets the requirements of CISPR Class B.  
3-4  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
     
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller and the LSIiTBBU02 are CSA  
C22.2 No. 60950-1, UL 60950-1 First Edition listed Accessory, UL file  
number E257743.  
3.3.1 Storage Adapter Specifications  
Table 3.3 lists the specifications for the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller.  
Table 3.3  
Storage Adapter Specifications  
Specification  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Processor  
Intel IOP333 I/O processor @ 500 MHz  
(PCI Express Host  
Controller to PCI  
Secondary I/O  
Controller)  
Operating Voltage  
Card Size  
+3.3 V, +12 V  
8480 RAID Controller: Standard height, half-length PCI  
Express adapter card size (4.376" x 6.6")  
Array Interface  
to Host  
PCI Express Rev 1.0a  
Type of Drives  
Supported  
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA II (SATA II)  
PCI Express Bus  
Data Transfer Rate  
Up to 2.5 Gbits/s per lane  
x8 lane width (with support for downshifting for  
motherboards with x1 and x4 connections)  
Up to 2 Gbytes/s per direction for SAS x8 cards  
(4 Gbytes/s total)  
Serial Port  
3-pin RS232-compatible connector (for manufacturing  
use only)  
SAS Controller(s)  
SAS Bus Speed  
SAS Ports  
One LSISAS1068 Single SAS controller  
3 Gbits/s  
Two SAS connectors with four SAS ports each  
Cache Configuration 8480 RAID controller: Integrated 256 Mbyte Double Data  
Rate II 400 MHz SDRAM intelligent transportable battery-  
backed DIMM module  
Size of Flash ROM 4 Mbytes  
for Firmware  
Nonvolatile Random 32 Kbytes for storing RAID configuration  
Access Memory  
(NVRAM)  
Technical Specifications  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
3-5  
 
   
3.3.2 Array Performance Features  
Table 3.4 shows the MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter array performance  
features.  
Table 3.4  
Array Performance Features  
Specification  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
PCI Express Host Data Transfer  
Rate  
2.5 Gbits/s per lane  
Drive Data Transfer Rate  
Maximum Scatter/Gathers  
Maximum Size of I/O Requests  
Maximum Queue Tags per Drive  
Stripe Sizes  
3.0 Gbits/s per lane  
26 elements  
6.4 Mbytes in 64 Kbyte stripes  
As many as the drive can accept  
8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 Kbyte  
255  
Maximum Number of Concurrent  
Commands  
Support for Multiple Initiators  
Yes  
3.3.3 Fault Tolerance  
Table 3.5 shows the fault tolerance features of the Megaraid 8480  
Storage Adapter.  
Table 3.5  
Fault Tolerance Features  
MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller  
Specification  
1
Support for SMART  
Yes  
Optional Battery Backup for  
Cache Memory  
LSIiTBBU02 battery backup. 4.8V/880mAH  
battery pack; up to 72 hours of data retention  
for 256 Mbytes  
Drive Failure Detection  
Automatic  
Drive Rebuild Using Hot Spares Automatic  
Parity Generation and Checking Yes  
1.  
The Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) detects  
up to 70 percent of all predictable disk drive failures. In addition, SMART  
monitors the internal performance of all motors, heads, and drive  
electronics.  
3-6  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
       
3.3.4 Electrical Characteristics  
This subsection provides the power requirements for the MegaRAID  
8480 RAID controller. Table 3.6 lists the maximum power requirements.  
Table 3.6  
Maximum Power Requirements  
PCI Express  
PCI Express  
+3.3 V  
RAID Controller  
+12 V  
MegaRAID 8480  
12 W; used only if battery  
is present  
9 W  
3.3.5 Operating and Non-operating Conditions  
For the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller, the operating (thermal and  
atmospheric) conditions are:  
Relative humidity range is 5% to 90% noncondensing  
Airflow must be at least 200 linear feet per minute (LFPM) to avoid  
operating the Intel IOP333 processor above the maximum  
ambient temperature  
The parameters for the non-operating (such as storage and transit)  
environment for the 8480 are:  
Temperature range: 30 °C to +80 °C without battery backup unit  
Temperature range: 0 °C to +45 °C with LSIiTBBU02 battery backup  
3.3.6 Safety Characteristics  
The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller meets or exceeds 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. The board  
is installed in a PCI Express bus slot, so all voltages are lower than the  
SELV 42.4 V limit.  
Technical Specifications  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
3-7  
 
           
3-8  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter Characteristics  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
Appendix A  
Glossary of Terms  
and Abbreviations  
active  
The electrical connection required at each end of the SCSI bus,  
termination  
composed of active voltage regulation and a set of termination resistors.  
array  
An array of disk drives combines the storage space on the disk drives  
into a single segment of storage space. A hot spare drive does not  
actively participate in an array.  
BIOS  
Acronym for Basic Input/Output System. Software that provides basic  
read/write capability. Usually kept as firmware (ROM-based). The system  
BIOS on the mainboard of a computer boots and controls the system.  
The BIOS on your host adapter acts as an extension of the system BIOS.  
configuration  
device driver  
Refers 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.  
A program that allows a microprocessor (through the operating system)  
to direct the operation of a peripheral device.  
domain  
validation  
Domain Validation is a software procedure in which a host queries a  
device to determine its ability to communicate at the negotiated data rate.  
EEPROM  
Acronym for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.  
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.  
external SAS  
device  
A SAS device installed outside the computer cabinet. These devices are  
connected using specific types of shielded cables.  
Fusion-MPT  
architecture  
Fusion-MPT (Message Passing Technology) architecture consists of  
several main elements: Fusion-MPT firmware, the Fibre Channel and  
SCSI hardware, and the operating system level drivers that support these  
MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter User’s Guide  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
A-1  
 
   
architectures. Fusion-MPT architecture offers a single binary, operating  
system driver that supports both Fibre Channel and SCSI devices.  
host  
The computer system in which a storage adapter is installed. It uses the  
storage adapter 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 spare  
An idle, powered on, standby drive ready for immediate use in case of  
disk failure. It 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 disk 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 disks with redundancy (RAID levels 1, 5, 10, and  
50; 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 memory  
The part of a computer’s memory which is directly accessible by the CPU  
(usually synonymous with RAM).  
NVRAM  
Acronym 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 Express  
Acronym 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.  
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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
peripheral  
devices  
A piece of hardware (such as a video monitor, disk drive, printer, or  
CD-ROM) used with a computer and under the control of the computer.  
SCSI peripherals are controlled through a MegaRAID 8480 Storage  
Adapter (host adapter).  
PHY  
The 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.  
RAID  
Acronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks (originally  
Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks). An array of multiple independent  
physical disks managed together to yield higher reliability and/or  
performance exceeding that of a single physical disk. The RAID array  
appears to the controller as a single storage unit. I/O is expedited  
because several disks can be accessed simultaneously. Redundant  
RAID levels (RAID levels 1, 5, 10, and 50) provide data protection.  
RAID levels  
SAS  
A set of techniques applied to disk groups to deliver higher data  
availability, and/or performance characteristics to host environments.  
Each virtual disk must have a RAID level assigned to it.  
Acronym 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. The SAS controller  
leverages a common electrical and physical connection interface that is  
compatible with Serial ATA. The SAS controller supports the ANSI Serial  
Attached SCSI standard, version 1.0. 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 and SATA II  
interfaces, the SAS controller is a versatile controller that provides the  
backbone of both server and high-end workstation environments. Each  
port on the RAID controller supports SAS and/or SATA II devices.  
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Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 
SAS device  
SATA  
Any device that conforms to the SAS standard and is attached to the  
SAS bus by a SAS cable. This includes SAS storage adapters  
(host adapters) and SAS peripherals.  
Acronym 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.  
SMP  
Acronym for Serial Management Protocol. SMP enables communicates  
topology management information directly with an attached SAS  
expander device. Each PHY on the controller can function as an SMP  
initiator.  
SSP  
Acronym 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.  
STP  
Acronym 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 size  
The total disk space consumed by a stripe not including a parity disk. For  
example, consider a stripe that contains 64 Kbytes of disk space and has  
16 Kbytes of data residing on each disk 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 physical disks in the stripe). You can specify  
stripe sizes of 8 Kbytes, 16 Kbytes, 32 Kbytes, 64 Kbytes, or 128 Kbytes  
for each virtual disk. 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.  
striping  
Disk striping writes data across two or more disks. Each stripe spans two  
or more disks but consumes only a portion of each disk. Each disk,  
therefore, may have several stripes. The amount of space consumed by  
a stripe is the same on each disk included in the stripe. The portion of  
a stripe that resides on a single disk is a stripe element. Striping by itself  
does not provide data redundancy; striping in combination with parity  
provides data redundancy.  
A-4  
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations  
Copyright © 2006-2007 by LSI Corporation. All rights reserved.  
 

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