Overview
The VSC7153-02 is a multimode, user-configurable 24-PHY Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander designed by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. This device provides SAS port expansion as defined by the ANSI T10 Serial Attached SCSI 1.0 and 1.1 specifications for both edge and fanout expanders. It is targeted at embedded applications in midrange and enterprise storage environments, including blade servers, JBODs, and RAID systems. The VSC7153-02 offers a significant technology upgrade for systems currently using parallel SCSI technology and relies heavily on SCSI-centric applications software or management solutions.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of SAS Expander PHYs | 24 |
| PHY Speed | 1.5Gbps or 3.0Gbps |
| Expander Type | Configurable as SAS Fanout or Edge Expander |
| Switch Architecture | Nonblocking Switch Architecture (Any PHY to Any PHY Connectivity) |
| Table Routing | Up to 320 Destination Addresses |
| SMP and SSP Virtual PHY | Initiator and Target Capability |
| Embedded Processor | Stanford-1, 32-Bit RISC for Local Control and SES Functions |
| Operating Modes | Parallel Master, Parallel Slave, I²C Serial Interface Slave, and SPI™ Master |
| PHY Speed Detection and Negotiation | Automatic |
| SATA Drive Support | Internal STP/SATA Bridging Functions (1 per PHY) |
| Signal Quality | Programmable Output Deemphasis and Input Signal Equalization Levels |
Key Features
- 24 SAS Expander PHYs with Integrated SerDes
- Each PHY Can Operate Independently at 1.5Gbps or 3.0Gbps
- Configurable as a SAS Fanout or Edge Expander
- Nonblocking Switch Architecture (Any PHY to Any PHY Connectivity)
- Table Routing (Up to 320 Destination Addresses)
- SMP and SSP Virtual PHY with Initiator and Target Capability
- Embedded Enclosure Management Processor (Stanford-1, 32-Bit RISC) for Local Control and SES Functions
- Four Operating Modes: Parallel Master, Parallel Slave, I²C Serial Interface Slave, and SPI™ Master
- Automatic PHY Speed Detection and Negotiation
- Serial ATA Drive Support Using Internal STP/SATA Bridging Functions (1 per PHY)
- Programmable Output Deemphasis and Input Signal Equalization Levels
Applications
- Blade Servers
- Disk-Based Backup Storage
- Enterprise Storage Environments
- Fabric Attached Storage (FAS) Systems
- Fixed-Content Storage Systems
- JBOD Arrays
- Modular Direct-Attached Storage (DAS)
- Near-Line Storage Replacement Systems
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) Systems
- Rack-Mounted Servers with RAID
- Storage Area Network (SAN) Appliances
Q & A
- What is the VSC7153-02 used for?
The VSC7153-02 is used for SAS port expansion in storage systems, including blade servers, JBODs, and RAID systems.
- How many SAS Expander PHYs does the VSC7153-02 have?
The VSC7153-02 has 24 SAS Expander PHYs.
- What are the operating speeds of the PHYs in the VSC7153-02?
The PHYs can operate at 1.5Gbps or 3.0Gbps.
- Can the VSC7153-02 be configured as different types of expanders?
Yes, it can be configured as a SAS Fanout or Edge Expander.
- What kind of switch architecture does the VSC7153-02 use?
The VSC7153-02 uses a nonblocking switch architecture.
- Does the VSC7153-02 support SATA drives?
Yes, it supports SATA drives through internal STP/SATA bridging functions.
- What kind of processor is embedded in the VSC7153-02?
The VSC7153-02 has an embedded Stanford-1, 32-Bit RISC processor for local control and SES functions.
- How does the VSC7153-02 handle signal quality?
The VSC7153-02 has programmable output preemphasis and input signal equalization levels to ensure high signal quality.
- What are the common applications of the VSC7153-02?
Common applications include blade servers, disk-based backup storage, enterprise storage environments, and more.
- Can the VSC7153-02 be used in existing backplane infrastructures?
Yes, it can drive 3.0Gbps signals across existing backplanes.
