LSI Logic's Serial ATA RAID storage adapter with battery backup support

Computer Technology Review, June, 2003 by Louis Raphael

Just the other day, I found myself stuck in the garage of my apartment complex. As I sat there, one hand on the wheel, the other pressing vehemently on my clicker-which at the time seemed like my only ticket to freedom--I realized that the power outage that had recently struck my neighborhood, had also impacted the functioning of this wretched barrier. "Why on earth is there no alternate power source?" I repeated to myself over and over again.

LSI Logic has recently released a product designed to avoid this kind of sticky situation with its new line of Serial ATA MegaRAID solutions. It includes the only Serial ATA PCI RAID solution with battery backup module and is being released to the public as the one-stop-source for professional class Serial ATA RAID storage adapters, including low-cost two-, four- and six-port solutions.

It comes in an assortment of different models to fit each individual need. The MegaRAID SATA 150-2 and SATA 150-4, are designed for entry-level servers and performance workstations; and the SATA 150-6, features optional battery backup support. The MegaRAID Battery Backup Module is a mezzanine card that mounts on top of the SATA 150-6.

This module monitors the voltage level of the DRAM and supporting circuitry installed on the MegaRAID card and switches the memory power source from the card to the battery pack when it is needed. Once the voltage level returns to its appropriate level, the Battery Backup Module switches the power source back to the MegaRAID adapter card. "LSI Logic MegaRAID technology is consistently the choice of the top server and system builders who rely on our proven and stable software and hardware designs to protect their customers' critical data," said Phil Bullinger, vice president and general manager of the LSI Logic RAID Storage Adapters Division. "Our family of Serial ATA MegaRAID solutions delivers this expertise to customers looking to bring more data protection and improved system performance to cost-sensitive environments where reliability and performance cannot be compromised."

LSI Logic Serial ATA RAID adapters are proven to be effective in markets requiring sequential transactions such as video streaming and CAD applications for Web, email file servers and nearline networked storage environments.

According to LSI Logic, it is ensuring viable and interoperable Serial ATA RAID solutions by collaborating with Serial ATA drive makers on extensive compatibility testing programs. The company assures that it is taking the appropriate measures to design the LSI Logic MegaRAID SATA storage adapters and peripherals so that they are fully compliant with the Serial ATAJ High Speed Serialized ATA Attachment specification.

www.lsilogic.com