Overview
The VSC7155VU-02 is a multimode, user-configurable 18-PHY Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander produced by Maxim Integrated, now part of Analog Devices Inc. This device is designed to provide 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 VSC7155VU-02 offers a technology upgrade for systems currently using parallel SCSI technology, allowing for substantial reliance on SCSI-centric applications software or management solutions.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of PHYs | 18 SAS Expander PHYs with Integrated SerDes |
| PHY Speed | Each PHY can operate independently at 1.5Gbps or 3.0Gbps |
| Configuration | Configurable as a SAS Fanout or Edge Expander |
| Switch Architecture | Nonblocking Switch Architecture (Any PHY to Any PHY Connectivity) |
| Table Routing | Up to 320 Destination Addresses |
| Virtual PHY Engines | SMP and SSP Virtual PHY with Initiator and Target Capability |
| Enclosure Management Processor | Embedded Enclosure Management Processor (Stanford-1, 32-Bit RISC) for Local Control and SES Functions |
| Operating Modes | Four Operating Modes: Parallel Master, Parallel Slave, I²C Serial Interface Slave, and SPI™ Master |
| PHY Speed Detection | Automatic PHY Speed Detection and Negotiation |
| SATA Drive Support | Serial ATA Drive Support Using Internal STP/SATA Bridging Functions (1 per PHY) |
| Signal Quality | Programmable Output Deemphasis and Input Signal Equalization Levels |
| Wide-Port Support | Variable Wide-Port Support |
| Package | BGA; 448Pin; 529mm² |
Key Features
- 18 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
- Variable Wide-Port Support
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 VSC7155VU-02 used for?
The VSC7155VU-02 is used for SAS port expansion in storage systems, including blade servers, JBODs, and RAID systems.
- How many PHYs does the VSC7155VU-02 support?
The VSC7155VU-02 supports 18 SAS Expander PHYs with Integrated SerDes.
- What are the operating speeds of the PHYs?
Each PHY can operate independently at 1.5Gbps or 3.0Gbps.
- Can the VSC7155VU-02 be configured as different types of expanders?
Yes, it can be configured as a SAS Fanout or Edge Expander.
- What type of switch architecture does the VSC7155VU-02 use?
It uses a nonblocking switch architecture allowing any PHY to any PHY connectivity.
- Does the VSC7155VU-02 support SATA drives?
Yes, it supports Serial ATA drives using internal STP/SATA bridging functions (1 per PHY).
- How does the VSC7155VU-02 manage signal quality?
It uses programmable output preemphasis and input signal equalization to ensure consistent high signal quality.
- What kind of enclosure management does the VSC7155VU-02 provide?
The device includes an embedded enclosure management processor for local control and SES functions.
- Can the VSC7155VU-02 be used in various operating modes?
Yes, it supports four operating modes: Parallel Master, Parallel Slave, I²C Serial Interface Slave, and SPI™ Master.
- Is the VSC7155VU-02 compatible with other Maxim products?
Yes, it is software/firmware-compatible with other Maxim enclosure management controllers.
- What are some common applications of the VSC7155VU-02?
Common applications include blade servers, disk-based backup storage, enterprise storage environments, and more.
