The VSC7161 is a 10-port SAS expander that supports 1.5Gbps and 3.0Gbps. This device is used for server and enclosure applications for midrange and enterprise storage systems requiring active SAS port expansion.
The VSC7161 offers an evolutionary upgrade path for systems that currently employ parallel SCSI technology and rely heavily on SCSI-centric software or management solutions.
By combining industry-leading I/O, embedded enclosure functions, and a high-performance internal switching architecture, the VSC7161 provides all the feature needed to design, develop, and deploy high-performance SAS storage solutions.
Programmable output preemphasis and input signal equalization ensure consistent high-signal quality in lengthy in- and out-of-box backplanes or cable infrastructures.
The embedded v3000 CPU serves as an SMP management application client and can provide enclosure management functions using a I²C serial interface or vendor-specific SMP implementation. As the SMP management application client, the CPU (in master mode) handles all SMP initiator requests and all SMP response functions.
The VSC7161 contains all the functions needed to implement a SAS enterprise server or JBOD system. Typically, this device distributes SAS signals to an array of disk drives in either a server or an external enclosure. An embedded enclosure management controller configures and monitors both the VSC7161 and the entire enclosure through flexible, low-speed interfaces.
Each receiver's incoming data is monitored and checked for 8-bit and 10-bit violations, data path parity errors, disparity errors, CRC errors, and other common error conditions.
Sofware compatibility is supported for Maxim products using enclosure management controllers. This provides for reduced time-to-market and development effort.
Key Features
Applications/Uses
1.5Gbps and 3.0Gbps 10-Port Self-Configuring Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Expander
Automatic Link Speed Detection and Negotiation
ANSI T10 SAS 1.1 Compliant
Six Programmable Output Levels
Nine Levels of Programmable Output Preemphasis
Programmable Input Signal Equalization
Embedded v3000 Processor (Stanford-I 32-Bit RISC CPU) for Local Control and Expander or Vendor-Unique Enclosure Management Functions
32kB Internal User Data SRAM with Single-Cycle Access
JTAG-Based Hardware CPU Debug Interface
Software-Compatible with Other Maxim Enclosure Management Processors for SCSI, Fibre Channel, Serial ATA (SATA), SFF-8067, IPMI, and Others
Three Operating Modes: SPI-Master, Autonomous, and Slave
