Broadcom LSI00348 Single SAS 4 Port 12GB/S PCIe 3.0 X8 SAS New

The Broadcom LSI00348 Single SAS Host Bus Adapter is a critical component used in data storage systems to facilitate communication between a server or workstation and storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Broadcom LSI00348 HBA, exploring its features, specifications, and role in data storage solutions.

Before we delve into the specifics of the Broadcom LSI00348, it's essential to understand the concept of a Host Bus Adapter. A Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a hardware device that acts as an interface between a server or computer and storage devices. It plays a crucial role in managing data traffic between the host system and storage devices, ensuring efficient data transfer and access.

The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA is an SAS HBA, which stands for Serial Attached SCSI. To comprehend the significance of this, we should first understand SAS technology.

SAS, or Serial Attached SCSI, is a high-speed data transfer technology used in enterprise storage systems. It is a protocol that allows for the connection and communication between a host (such as a server) and storage devices (like hard drives, solid-state drives, and tape drives). SAS offers several advantages in terms of speed, scalability, and reliability, making it a preferred choice for many data storage solutions.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the technology involved, let's explore the specific features and capabilities of the Broadcom LSI00348 HBA.

The LSI00348 HBA is equipped with four SAS ports. These ports serve as the connection points for storage devices. The ability to connect multiple devices is particularly beneficial in enterprise-level storage systems, where a large number of drives need to be managed efficiently.

One of the standout features of the Broadcom LSI00348 is its support for the SAS 12Gbps interface. This high data transfer rate allows for swift and efficient data transfer between the host system and the attached storage devices. It's worth noting that the 12Gbps SAS interface represents a significant improvement over earlier SAS generations, making it ideal for modern data-intensive applications.

The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA utilizes a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface. PCIe, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-speed interface standard commonly used for connecting various hardware components within a computer or server. In the case of this HBA, the PCIe 3.0 x8 interface ensures a fast and reliable connection between the HBA and the host system.

While the Broadcom LSI00348 HBA provides connectivity for up to four SAS devices, it is worth noting that it is a single-port HBA. This means that it can handle one connection at a time. However, the presence of four SAS ports means that multiple devices can be connected to the HBA, and the host system can manage data transfers to and from these devices simultaneously.

SAS technology is known for its data redundancy and fault tolerance features. SAS devices often support features like error correction, data mirroring, and hot swapping, which enhance data reliability and availability. The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA, when used with compatible SAS drives, can leverage these features to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime.

The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA finds applications in various scenarios where high-speed and reliable data storage and retrieval are essential. Here are some common use cases:

Enterprise data centers, which store and manage vast amounts of data, rely on HBAs like the Broadcom LSI00348 to connect storage devices efficiently. The high data transfer rate of the SAS 12Gbps interface is particularly advantageous in data center environments where rapid access to data is critical.

Workstations used for content creation, engineering, and scientific computing often require fast storage solutions to handle large files and complex data. The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA can be used in workstations to ensure quick access to data, improving productivity and workflow efficiency.

In server environments, the HBA plays a pivotal role in managing the storage subsystem. Servers require reliable and high-performance storage solutions to serve multiple clients or users simultaneously. The Broadcom LSI00348, with its four SAS ports and 12Gbps SAS interface, is well-suited for this purpose.

Data backup and archiving are critical for data protection and compliance requirements. The Broadcom LSI00348 HBA can be used to connect tape drives and other archival storage devices, ensuring that data is safely and efficiently backed up and stored for the long term.

Now that we have explored the features and applications of the Broadcom LSI00348, let's discuss the benefits it offers:

High-Speed Data Transfer

The SAS 12Gbps interface ensures that data can be transferred quickly and efficiently. This is especially important for applications where rapid access to data is crucial.

Scalability

The presence of four SAS ports allows for the connection of multiple storage devices, making the HBA highly scalable. This is valuable for enterprises with growing data storage needs.

Data Reliability

SAS technology is known for its data redundancy and fault tolerance features. The Broadcom LSI00348, when used with compatible SAS drives, helps ensure data integrity and minimizes the risk of data loss.

Compatibility

The HBA is compatible with a wide range of storage devices, including SAS and SATA drives, tape drives, and other SAS-compatible devices. This compatibility enhances its versatility and usability in various storage setups.

• Brand: Broadcom
• Part Number or SKU# Broadcom LSI00348
• Type: SAS-SATA

• Host Bus Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 Lane
• Physical Dimensions: Low Profile (2.6" x 6.0")
• Supported Devices: Up to 1024 non-RAID SAS/SATA devices
• External Connectors: 1 x Mini-SAS HD SFF8644
• Fusion MPT Support: Fusion MPT 2.5
• Internal Connectors: 1 x Mini-SAS HD SFF8643
• Internal Ports: 4
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Operating Voltage: +12V +/- 8%, 3.3V +/- 9%
• OS Support: Microsoft Windows, Linux (SUSE, Red Hat), Solaris, VMware, FreeBSD. Solaris 10 is supported without requiring an additional LSI driver.
• PCI Power: 14.2W
• Cable Support: Passive copper, active optical (external only)
• I/O Controller: LSI SAS3008
• MTBF: >2,800,000 hours
• Operating Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing
• Data Transfer Rates: 12GB/s SAS-3 compliant

In summary, the Broadcom LSI00348 Single SAS Host Bus Adapter is a vital component in data storage solutions, particularly in enterprise-level environments. Its support for SAS 12Gbps, four SAS ports, and the PCIe 3.0 x8 interface make it a powerful and versatile HBA. Whether used in data centers, workstations, server environments, or for backup and archiving, the Broadcom LSI00348 plays a crucial role in ensuring high-speed, reliable, and scalable data storage and retrieval. Its compatibility with various storage devices and SAS technology's data redundancy features further enhance its value in the world of data storage.