Features - Storage Innovations:

LSI LAUNCHES DUAL-CHANNEL ULTRA320 PCI-X SCSI RAID SOLUTION

LSI Logic Corp announced it has begun shipping its dual-channel Ultra320 SCSI PCI-X RAID storage adapters to the distribution channel markets. Designed for mid-range server and performance workstation computing platforms, LSI Logic's new family of Ultra320 SCSI RAID products with PCI-X support are targeted at the critical need for high-bandwidth server and storage environments.

The MegaRAID SCSI 320-2X provides the industry's most feature-rich RAID solution, including support for two internal SCSI connectors offering fault tolerant OS and data storage, and two external connectors for additional data storage requirements. The card is optimized to meet the superior system performance available in PCI-X based server platforms with extensive external storage requirements.

"LSI Logic's MegaRAID SCSI 320-2X offers customers a robust and powerful RAID solution designed around a high-speed PCI-X host interface for maximum data throughput and fault tolerant data protection," said Luca Bert, director of product and program management with LSI Logic's RAID Storage Adapters Division. "LSI Logic's leadership and expertise in delivering proven, highperformance host-based RAID technology has made us the preferred choice of the industry's premier systems manufacturers."

LSI Logic continues to set the standard for high-performance host-based RAID fault tolerance by bringing new data protection features to market. New features include Patrol Read for enhanced detection of physical device failure and Read Error Recovery from secondary drive failures during rebuilds.

The dual-channel MegaRAID SCSI 320-2X will offer mid-range servers and performance workstations a highly flexible, half-size PCI-X form factor RAID solution for environments requiring maximum bandwidth, performance and data protection.

Optional Battery Backup Support

The MegaRAID SCSI 320-2X ships with the option to field install a battery backup unit for additional fault tolerant data protection. The MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit (part number LSIBBU03) is a mezzanine card that mounts on top of the MegaRAID adapter. This module monitors the voltage level of the DRAM and supporting circuitry installed on the MegaRAID card. If the voltage drops below a predefined level, the Battery Backup Unit switches the memory power source from the MegaRAID card to the battery pack. If the voltage level returns to an acceptable level, the Battery Backup Unit switches the power source back to the MegaRAID adapter card.

A transportable battery backup unit (TBBU) will also be available as a field upgrade option. The TBBU (part number LSITBBU02) adds additional fault tolerance by protecting data in cache memory even in the event of an adapter failure. The TBBU includes battery circuitry integrated onto the DIMM module, which can be removed and mounted onto a replacement RAID controller to prevent data corruption when the system is brought back online.

LSI Logic is the leading supplier of host-based RAID to the global PC and server markets. Powered by a proven RAID firmware engine and common interface across its product lines, LSI Logic services OEMs, ODMs, system integrators and resellers worldwide with a complete spectrum of PCI-RAID solutions ranging from highly integrated RAID on motherboard (ROMB) technologies to highperformance host-based SCSI and Serial ATA RAID adapters.

In addition to supplying OEMs worldwide, LSI Logic distributes products to the channel through US partners such as Arrow Electronics, Avnet, Bell Microproducts, Insight Electronics, Ingram-Micro, Microland and TechData. A listing of international distribution partners can be found by visiting: lsilogic.com /contacts/intl_distributors.html.

About LSI Logic Corp

LSI Logic Corp is a leading designer and manufacturer of communications, consumer and storage semiconductors for applications that access, interconnect and store data, voice and video. In addition, the company supplies storage network solutions for the enterprise. LSI Logic is headquartered at 1621 Barber Lane, Milpitas, CA 95035, and is online at www.lsilogic.com/.