Description
More Information on the SAS/SATA Controller
the LSI Logic 9201-16E stands out as a significant player. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of the LSI Logic 9201-16E 6GB/S 16-Port PCI Express 2.0 X8 Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Controller.
LSI Logic, a well-established name in the realm of semiconductor and storage solutions, presents the 9201-16E as a powerful controller. Let’s break down its name for a better understanding:
LSI Logic
- LSI Logic Corporation, now part of Broadcom Inc., has a rich history of providing cutting-edge solutions in the semiconductor and storage industries.
9201-16E
- This alphanumeric sequence is the model number or identifier for the specific controller. Breaking it down, “9201” likely signifies a series or family, while “16E” indicates specific features or variations within that series.
6GB/S
The “6GB/S” notation refers to the controller’s data transfer rate, measured in gigabits per second. In this context, it signifies a high-speed transfer capability, crucial for handling large volumes of data efficiently.
16-Port Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) 2.0 X816-Port
- The “16-Port” specification indicates the number of ports or connections available on the controller. In this case, the LSI Logic 9201-16E provides an impressive sixteen ports, making it suitable for environments demanding extensive connectivity.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) 2.0 X8
- Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE): PCIE is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. The “2.0” specifies the version, and “X8” denotes the number of lanes in the data path. A higher number of lanes generally translates to increased data transfer rates.
Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS)
- SAS is a robust and scalable interface designed for connecting and transferring data between devices such as hard drives and solid-state drives. It provides advantages like faster data transfer rates, better error handling, and improved scalability compared to its predecessor, Parallel SCSI.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
- SATA, like SAS, is a data transfer interface commonly used in connecting storage devices to a computer’s motherboard. While SATA is generally considered slower than SAS, it is cost-effective and suitable for various applications, especially those with less demanding performance requirements.
Controller
The term “Controller” in this context refers to the LSI Logic 9201-16E’s role as a central component responsible for managing the flow of data between the connected devices and the host system. It plays a crucial role in optimizing data transfer, ensuring reliability, and providing compatibility with various storage devices.
Key Features of the LSI Logic 9201-16EHigh-Speed Data Transfer
- The “6GB/S” specification highlights the controller’s ability to handle data transfers at an impressive rate of 6 gigabits per second. This feature is crucial for applications that demand rapid and efficient data movement, such as data-intensive computing and high-performance storage solutions.
Extensive Connectivity with 16 Ports
- The “16-Port” configuration of the LSI Logic 9201-16E makes it a standout choice for scenarios requiring connectivity to multiple storage devices. Each port represents a potential connection point for a storage device, providing flexibility and scalability in storage configurations.
PCIE 2.0 X8 for Enhanced Bandwidth
- The use of Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) 2.0 X8 signifies a substantial bandwidth for data communication between the controller and the host system. The “X8” indicates that the controller utilizes eight lanes, further boosting the overall data transfer capabilities.
SAS and SATA Compatibility
- The LSI Logic 9201-16E supports both Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). This dual compatibility ensures versatility, allowing the controller to interface with a wide range of storage devices, including high-performance SAS drives and cost-effective SATA drives.
Robust SAS Interface
- Serial-attached SCSI (SAS) is known for its reliability and performance. The LSI Logic 9201-16E leverages SAS technology to provide a robust and efficient interface for connecting storage devices. SAS’s capabilities, such as full-duplex data transfer and advanced error handling, contribute to the controller’s overall reliability.
SATA for Cost-Effective Storage Solutions
- The inclusion of SATA support adds a layer of flexibility, making the LSI Logic 9201-16E suitable for environments where cost-effective storage solutions are prioritized. SATA drives are widely available and are often preferred for less demanding applications, striking a balance between performance and affordability.
Use CasesEnterprise Storage Solutions
- The LSI Logic 9201-16E’s high-speed data transfer and extensive port configuration make it well-suited for enterprise storage solutions. In large-scale data centers or server environments, where the demand for storage capacity and speed is critical, this controller can play a pivotal role in achieving optimal performance.
Data-Intensive Computing
- Applications involving data-intensive computing, such as scientific research, simulations, and big data analytics, benefit from the LSI Logic 9201-16E’s ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently. The high data transfer rate and multiple ports enhance the controller’s utility in scenarios where rapid data processing is essential.
Media and Entertainment
- In the media and entertainment industry, where high-resolution content creation and real-time editing are commonplace, the LSI Logic 9201-16E can provide the necessary connectivity and speed. Video production workflows, for instance, can benefit from the controller’s capacity to handle the substantial data throughput required for high-quality video files.
Cost-Effective Storage Environments
- For environments where cost-effective storage solutions are paramount, the LSI Logic 9201-16E’s compatibility with SATA drives offers an economical option. This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses or applications where performance requirements are moderate, but budget considerations are crucial.
RAID support and data protection
The LSI Logic 9201-16E supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing a range of data protection options for users. RAID 0 offers improved performance through data striping, RAID 1 provides mirroring for data redundancy, RAID 5 uses parity to protect against a single drive failure, RAID 6 uses double parity for protection against two drive failures, RAID 10 combines striping and mirroring for high performance and data redundancy, RAID 50 uses a combination of RAID 5 and RAID 0 for improved performance and data protection, and RAID 60 uses a combination of RAID 6 and RAID 0 for enhanced performance and data protection against multiple drive failures. Additionally, the controller also supports hot-swapping of drives, which allows for easy replacement of failed drives without having to shut down the system.
Performance and scalability
- The 9201-16E LSI Logic 6GB/s 16-port PCI-E 2.0 x8 SAS/SATA controller is designed to provide high performance and scalability for data storage and data backup applications. The controller supports up to 16 SAS or SATA hard drives or solid-state drives and provides a maximum data transfer rate of 6GB/s per port.
- The controller utilizes a PCI-E 2.0 x8 interface, which provides a high-speed data transfer rate and low latency for data storage and data backup applications. Additionally, the controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and 50, allowing for data redundancy and protection in the event of a drive failure.
- The 9201-16E controller also includes advanced features such as support for SES-2, SMP, and STP protocols, as well as support for SAS and SATA hard drives and solid-state drives. This allows for easy integration and scalability with existing storage systems.
- In terms of scalability, the 9201-16E controller allows for the addition of up to 16 drives to a single controller, providing a maximum storage capacity of up to 64TB. This allows for easy expansion of storage capacity as needed.
Main Specification about this LSI Logic 9201-16E
- Manufacturer: LSI Logic
- Part Number or SKU# 9201-16E
- Type: Controller
- Sub-Type: SAS-SATA
Technical Information of PCI-E Card
- Device Type: SAS Raid Controller
- Controller Interface Type: Serial Attached SCSI
- Bus Type: PCI Express X8
- Data Transfer Rate: 6GB/S Per Port
- Supported Devices: SAS and SATA HDDs, SSDs, and Tape Drives
- Max Storage Devices Qty: Up to 256 Physical Devices
- Raid Levels: Raid 0, Raid 1, Raid 10, Raid 1e
- Ports: 2 x SFF-8087 Mini – Serial Attached SCSI Internal
- Form Factor: Low-Profile Plug-In Card
Outline, the LSI Logic 9201-16E 6GB/S 16-Port Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) 2.0 X8 SAS SATA Controller represents a robust solution for high-performance storage and data management. Its combination of high-speed data transfer, extensive connectivity options, and compatibility with both SAS and SATA make it a versatile choice for a variety of applications. Whether deployed in enterprise storage solutions, data-intensive computing environments, or cost-effective storage setups, the LSI Logic 9201-16E stands as a reliable and efficient controller, contributing to the seamless flow of data in modern computing ecosystems.
