User Guide - English

LSI MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e

User Guide

Edition January 2011

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Copyright and Trademarks

Copyright © 2011 Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH.

All rights reserved.

Delivery subject to availability; right of technical modifications reserved.

All hardware and software names used are trademarks of their respective manufacturers.
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.1 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Further information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3.1 Notes on safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4 CE conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.5 Environmental protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.6 Notational conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.1 Summary of SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller Features . . . . . 11

2.1.1 SAS Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.1.2 SATA II Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.3 SAS Array Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.4 PCI Express Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1.5 Usability Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3 Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.1 Controller Specifications and Array Performance Features . 17

3.2 Board Layout, Jumper and Connector Information . . . . . 19
3.3 Electrical and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3.1 Electrical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3.2 Safety Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.1 Quick Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.2 Detailed Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

Contents

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

1 Introduction
The LSI MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e RAID controller addresses data throughput
and scalability requirements across midrange and enterprise-class server
platforms. This controller provides:
– 6.0 Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI performance
– 3.0 Gb/s SATA II performance
– Eight-lane, 5-Gb/s PCI Express host interface
The SAS 9280 RAID controller uses the LSI intelligent Battery Backup Unit 07
to provide cached data protection and allows system builders to protect cached
data even during the most catastrophic system failures.
The SAS controller supports the ANSI Serial Attached SCSI standard,
version 2.0. In addition, the controller supports the SATA II protocol defined by
the Serial ATA specification, version 1.0a. Supporting both, the SAS interface
and the SATA II interface, the SAS controller is a versatile controller that
provides the backbone of server environments. Each port on the SAS RAID
controller supports SAS devices, SATA II devices, or both.

1.1 Requirements
You will need hardware knowledge in order to install the board. To install the
software, you will need to be familiar with the operating system used.

1.2 Further information

Information on boards, drives and other devices can be found in the manuals
you received with these products.
Information on your operating system and the application programs you are
using is contained in the associated manuals or help texts.
The latest information on our products, tips, updates, etc. can be found on the
Internet at: http://ts.fujitsu.com
For the Japanese market please use the URL:
http://primeserver.fujitsu.com/primergy

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 5

Introduction

1.3 Important notes

In this section you will find essential information regarding safety when working
with the board. Please read the instructions carefully if you want to
install/remove a board.
V CAUTION!
Observe the safety notes in the Operating Manual of your system unit.

1.3.1 Notes on safety

V CAUTION!
● The actions described in this manual shall be performed by technical
specialists. A technical specialist is a person who is trained to install
the server including hardware and software.
● Repairs to the device that do not relate to CSS failures shall be
performed by service personnel. Please note that unauthorized
interference with the system will void the warranty and exempt the
manufacturer from all liability.
● Any failure to observe the guidelines in this manual, and any improper
repairs could expose the user to risks (electric shock, energy
hazards, fire hazards) or damage the equipment.
● Transport the device only in the antistatic original packaging or in
packaging that protects it from knocks and jolts.
● Only install extensions that have been released. If you install other
extensions, you may interfere with the requirements and rules
governing safety and electromagnetic compatibility of your system.
Information on which system extensions are suitable can be obtained
from the customer service center or your sales outlet.
● The warranty becomes invalid if the device is damaged during the
installation or replacement of system extensions.
● Components can become very hot during operation. To avoid burns,
make sure you do not touch components when adding or removing
system board extensions!
● Transmission cables to peripheral devices must be adequately
shielded.

6 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Introduction

● Never connect or disconnect data cables during a storm (lightning

hazard).

Notes about boards

● During installation/uninstallation of a board, observe the specific instructions
described in the service manual for the server.
● To ensure that the system and system board are completely disconnected
from the mains voltage, remove the plug from the mains outlet.
● To prevent damage to boards and the components and conductors on them,
please take great care when you insert or remove them. Make sure that
extension boards are slotted in straight, without damaging components or
conductors on the system board, or any other components, for example EMI
spring contacts.
● Be careful with the locking mechanisms (catches, centering pins etc.) when
you replace boards.
● Never use sharp objects (e.g. screw drivers) for leverage.

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 7

Introduction

Modules with electrostatic-sensitive components

Systems and components that might be damaged by electrostatic discharge
(ESD) are marked with the following label:

Figure 1: ESD label

When you handle components fitted with ESDs, you must observe the following
points under all circumstances:
● You must always discharge yourself of static (e.g. by touching a grounded
object) before working.
● The equipment and tools you use must be free of static charge.
● Before inserting or removing boards containing ESDs, remove the power
plug from the power socket.
● Always hold boards with ESDs by their edges.
● Never touch pins or conductors on boards fitted with ESDs.
● When you install/uninstall a board, use a specially designed grounding cable
to connect yourself to the system unit.
● Place all components on a static-free base.
I You will find a detailed description how to handle ESD components in the
relevant European or international standards (EN 61340-5-1,
ANSI/ESD S20.20).

1.4 CE conformity

The system complies with the requirements of the EC directives

2004/108/EC regarding "Electromagnetic Compatibility" and
2006/95/EC "Low Voltage Directive". This is indicated by the CE
marking (CE = Communauté Européenne).

8 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Introduction

1.5 Environmental protection

Environmentally-friendly product design and development
This product has been designed in accordance with the Fujitsu standard for
"environmentally friendly product design and development". This means that
key factors such as durability, selection and labeling of materials, emissions,
packaging, ease of dismantling and recycling have been taken into account.
This saves resources and thus reduces the harm done to the environment.
Further information can be found at:
– http://ts.fujitsu.com/products/standard_servers/index.html (for the EMEA market)
– http://primeserver.fujitsu.com/primergy/concept/ (for the Japanese market)

Energy-saving information
Devices that do not need to be constantly switched on should be switched off
until they are needed as well as during long breaks and after completion of work.

Packaging information
This packaging information doesn’t apply to the Japanese market.
Do not throw away the packaging. You may need it later for transporting the
system. If possible, the equipment should only be transported in its original
packaging.

Labels on plastic casing parts

Please avoid sticking your own labels on plastic parts wherever possible, since
this makes it difficult to recycle them.

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 9

Introduction

Returns, recycling and disposal

Please handle returns, recycling and disposal in accordance with local
regulations.

The device must not be disposed of with domestic waste. This

device is labeled in compliance with European directive
2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
This directive sets the framework for returning and recycling used
equipment and is valid across the EU. When returning your used
device, please use the return and collection systems available to
you. Further information can be found at
http://ts.fujitsu.com/recycling.
Details regarding the return and recycling of devices and consumables within
Europe can also be found in the "Returning used devices" manual, via your local
Fujitsu branch or from our recycling center in Paderborn:
Fujitsu Technology Solutions
Recycling Center
D-33106 Paderborn
Tel. +49 5251 525 1410
Fax +49 5251 525 32 1410

1.6 Notational conventions

The following notational conventions are used in this manual:

Text in italics indicates commands or menu items.

"Quotation marks" indicate names of chapters and terms that are being
emphasized.
Ê describes activities that must be performed in the order
shown.
V CAUTION! pay particular attention to texts marked with this symbol.
Failure to observe this warning may endanger your life,
destroy the system or lead to the loss of data.
I indicates additional information, notes and tips.

10 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

2 Overview
The SAS 9280-8e controller is a high-performance intelligent PCI Express-to-
SAS/Serial ATA II adapter with RAID control capability. The SAS 9280-8e
controller provides reliability, high performance, and fault-tolerant drive
subsystem management. It is an ideal RAID solution for the internal storage of
workgroup, departmental, and enterprise systems. The SAS 9280-8e controller
offers a cost-effective way to implement RAID in a server.
SAS technology brings a wealth of options and flexibility with the use of SAS
and Serial ATA (SATA) II devices within the same storage infrastructure.
However, SAS and SATA devices bring individual characteristics that make each
one a more suitable choice depending on your storage needs. MegaRAID gives
you the flexibility to combine these two similar technologies on the same
controller, within the same enclosure, but not in the same virtual drive.

2.1 Summary of SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

Features
This section summarizes the features and benefits of the LSI MegaRAID SAS
9280-8e 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller. It contains information on SAS features,
SATA II features, PCI performance and usability.
The SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller has the following features:
– PCI Express x8 lane width (with support for x16 connections)
– PCI Express performance up to 5Gb/s per lane
– Support for 512-Mbyte DDR2 800 MHz on-board SDRAM intelligent battery-
backed module
– Two external SFF-8088 mini-SAS connectors
– Support for RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 1E, 10, 50, and 60
I Support of RAID levels: RAID 00 and RAID 1E0 are not released by
Fujitsu.

– Advanced array configuration and management utilities

– Support for global hot spares and dedicated hot spares

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 11

Overview

– Support for user-defined stripe sizes: 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, or
1024 KB
– Advanced array configuration and management utilities offer:
– Online capacity expansion to add space to an existing drive or new drive
– Online RAID level migration
– Drive migration
– Drive roaming
– No reboot necessary after expansion
– Load balancing
– Media scan
– User-specified rebuild rate (specifying the percentage of system resources
to use from 0 percent to 100 percent)
– 32-Kbyte nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) for storing RAID
system configuration information; the MegaRAID SAS firmware is stored in
flash ROM for easy upgrade.

2.1.1 SAS Features

The following list describes the SAS features of the RAID controller:
– Provides eight independent PHYs grouped in to two quad port connectors
– Supports 6 Gb/s and 3 Gb/s SAS data transfers per PHY
– Supports serial management protocol (SMP) to communicate topology
management information
– Supports serial SCSI protocol (SSP) to enable communication with other
SAS devices
– Supports serial ATA tunneling protocol (STP) to enable communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander
– Provides a serial, point-to-point, enterprise-level storage interface
– Simplifies cabling between devices
– Provides a scalable interface that supports up to 240 devices through the
use of expanders

12 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Overview

– Supports wide ports consisting of 2, 3, or 4 PHYs within a single quad port

– Supports narrow ports consisting of a single PHY
– Transfers data using SCSI information units

2.1.2 SATA II Features

The following list describes the SATA II features of the RAID controller:
– Supports SATA II data transfers of 3Gb/s
– Supports serial ATA tunneling protocol STP data transfers of 3Gb/s
– Provides a serial, point-to-point storage interface
– Simplifies cabling between devices
– Eliminates the master-slave construction used in parallel ATA
– Allows addressing of multiple SATA II targets through an expander
– Allows multiple initiators to address a single target (in a failover
configuration) through an expander

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 13

Overview

2.1.3 SAS Array Limitations

This section describes the array limitations of the SAS 9280-8e RAID controller.
These limitations include the number of drives supported per controller, and the
maximum number of virtual drives allowed per controller.
The following table 1 lists the array limitations for the 6Gb/s SAS RAID
controller.

Specification SAS 9280-8e

Maximum virtual drives per controller 64
Maximum drive groups per controller 128
Maximum virtual drives per drive group 16
Maximum drives per drive group 32
Maximum drives per controller 240
Maximum hot spares per controller 240
Maximum spans per virtual drive 8
Maximum enclosures per quad port** 3
Number of quad ports 2

** Assumes one Storage Enclosure Processor (SEP) per enclosure.

Table 1: SAS RAID Controller Array Limitations

14 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Overview

2.1.4 PCI Express Performance

The following list describes the PCI Express performance features of the SAS
9280-8e RAID controller:
– Provides a PCI Express interface:
– Supports a dedicated PCI Express bus
– Supports x8 lane configuration
– Supports transfer rates of up to 5Gb/s per lane
– Complies with the PCI Express Specification, Revision 2.0
– Provides unequaled performance through the Fusion-MPT architecture
– Provides high throughput and low CPU utilization to offload the host
processor

2.1.5 Usability Features

The following list describes the usability features of the RAID controller:
– Simplifies cabling with point-to-point, serial architecture
– Supports smaller, thinner cables that do not restrict airflow

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 15

Overview

16 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

3 Characteristics
The MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e low-profile SAS/SATA II RAID controller
controls eight external SAS/SATA ports through two SFF-8088 x4 external mini
SAS connectors.
This subsection provides the controller specification, the board layout and the
connector information for the SAS 9280-8e RAID controller.

3.1 Controller Specifications and Array

Performance Features
The following table 2 shows the array performance features for the SAS 9280-
8e RAID controller.

Specification SAS 9280-8e RAID controller

Operating voltage +3.3 V, +12 V
Card Size SAS 9280-8e RAID controller: Low-profile PCI
Express adapter card size (167.64 mm x 68.91 mm)
PCI Express bus data – Up to 5 Gb/s per lane
transfer rate – x8 lane with
SAS bus speed 6 Gb/s
SAS ports SAS connectors with four SAS ports each
Cache configuration The RAID controller supports the following battery-
packed cache configuration:
– 512 MB - 72 bit arrangement 64 Mx16, Double
Data rate II (DDR2) @ 800 MHz battery-packed
module
Size of flash ROM for 8 MB
firmware
Nonvolatile random 32 KB for storing RAID configurations
access memory
(NVRAM)
Table 2: RAID Controller Specifications

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 17

Characteristics

The following table 3 lists the specifications for the SAS 9280-8e RAID
controller.

Specification SAS 9280-8e RAID controller

PCI Express host data 5 Gb/s per lane
transfer rate
Drive data transfer rate 6 Gb/s per lane
Maximum 60 elements
scatter/gather I/O
Maximum 6.4 MB in 64-KB stripes
scatter/gather I/O
Maximum queue tags As many as the drive can accept
per drive
Stripe sizes 8 KB, 16 KB, 32 KB, 64 KB, 128 KB, 256 KB,
512 KB, or 1 MB
Maximum number of 255
concurrent commands
Table 3: Array Performance Features

18 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Characteristics

3.2 Board Layout, Jumper and Connector

Information
The following figure 2 shows the jumpers and the connectors on the SAS 9280-
8e RAID controller.

Figure 2: Board Layout for the MegaRAID SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

The following table 4 describes the jumpers and the connectors on the SAS
9280-8e RAID controller.

Connector Description Comments

J1A1 Universal 4-pin connector
Asynchronous
Reserved for debugging purpose
Receiver/Transmitter
(UART) debugging
J1A2 Test header 2-pin connector
Reserved for debugging purpose
J1A3 Set Factory Defaults 2-pin connector
connector
Reserved for debugging purpose
J1A4 x4 SAS Ports 4–7 SFF-8088 x4 external mini SAS
connector
Connects the cables from the controller
to SAS drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
Table 4: SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller – Connectors

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 19

Characteristics

Connector Description Comments

J1B1 x4 SAS Ports 0–3 SFF-8088 x4 external mini SAS
connector
Connects the cables from the controller
to SAS drives or SATA II drives, or a SAS
expander.
J6A1 Global Drive Fault 2-pin connector
LED header
Connects to an LED that indicates
whether a drive is in a fault condition.
J6A2 SAS Activity LED 2-pin connector
header
Connects to an LED that indicates drive
activity.
J6A3 Write-pending 2-pin connector
Indicator (dirty cache)
Connects to an LED that indicates when
LED connector
the data in the cache has yet to be
written to the storage devices. Used
when the write-back feature is enabled.
J6B1 Remote Battery 20-pin connector
Backup Unit
Connects the intelligent Battery Backup
connector
Unit, LSIiBBU07, to the RAID controller
remotely
J6B2 Battery Backup Unit 20-pin connector
connector
Table 4: SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller – Connectors

20 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Characteristics

3.3 Electrical and Environmental

Specifications
The design and implementation of the SAS 9280-8e RAID controller minimizes
electromagnetic emissions, susceptibility to radio frequency energy, and the
effects of electrostatic discharge. The board shows the following marks and
certifications:
– CE mark
– C-Tick mark
– FCC Self-Certification logo
– Canadian Compliance Statement
– Korean MIC
– Taiwan BSMI
– Japan VCCI
– CISPR Class B
It complies with CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, UL 60950-1 First Edition-listed
accessory, UL file number E257743.

3.3.1 Electrical Characteristics

This subsection provides the power supply requirements for the SAS 9280-8e
controller.
All power is supplied to the SAS 9280-e RAID controller through the PCI
Express 3.3 V rails and the 12 V rail. Onboard switching regulator circuitry
operating from the 3.3 V rails and the 12 V rail provide the necessary voltages.
The following states determine the typical current consumption of the controller:
– State 1: During a hard reset
– State 2: During a drive stress test
– State 3: While sitting idle at the DOS prompt
The supply voltages are 12 V ± 8 percent (from PCI edge connector only) and
3.3 V ± 9 percent (from PCI edge connector only).

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 21

Characteristics

The following table 5 lists the power consumption of the RAID controller for each
of the three states at the different voltages

PCI Edge State 1 State 2 State 3

Connector
3.3 V supply 330 mA 330 mA 330 mA
+12 V supply 1.00 A 1.81 A 1.53 A
3.3 V auxiliary 30 mA 30 mA 30 mA
supply
Table 5: Power Supply for SAS 9280-8e RAID controller

I +12 V is used in the charging circuitry for the battery pack on the optional
iBBU battery-backed daughter card. If the iBBU daughter card is
mounted, the following power consumption figures apply:
During fast charging of the battery pack: 230 mA in +12 V current

22 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Characteristics

3.3.2 Safety Characteristics

The SAS 9280-8e RAID controller meets or exceeds the requirements of UL

flammability rating 94 V0. Each bare board is also marked with the supplier
name or trademark, type, and UL flammability rating. For the boards installed in
a PCI Express bus slot, all voltages are lower than the SELV 42.4 V limit.

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 23

Characteristics

24 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

4 Installation
This chapter provides both quick instructions and detailed instructions on how
to install the SAS 9280-8e RAID controller.

4.1 Quick Installation Instructions

Use the quick installation instructions to install your SAS 9280-8e RAID
controller if you are comfortable with the installation procedure. The section
"Detailed Installation Instructions" provides detailed installation instructions.
The following are the quick installation instructions for the SAS 9280-8e RAID
controller.
● Unpack the RAID controller and inspect it for damage.
● Turn off the system and remove the power cord(s)
● Remove the cover from the system.
● Insert the RAID controller in an available PCIe slot.
● Secure the bracket to the system’s chassis
● Connect external Serial cables to external enclosure. Figure 2 shows the
locations of the connectors on your SAS 9280-8e RAID controller.
● Replace the cover and the power cord(s), then turn on the system.
LSI PCIe to SAS RAID controller hardware installation is complete.

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 25

Installation

4.2 Detailed Installation Instructions

The following are the detailed installation instructions for the SAS 9280-8e RAID
controller.
● Unpack the RAID controller and inspect it for damage.
Unpack the RAID controller in a static-free environment. Remove the RAID
controller from the antistatic bag and carefully inspect the device for
damage. If you notice any damage, or if any component is missing, contact
the Fujitsu Technology Solutions service.
V CAUTION:
Make a backup of your data before changing your system
configuration.
● Prepare the computer.
Turn off the computer and remove the power cords from the back of the
power supply. Remove the cover from the chassis.
W WARNING:
Be certain to disconnect the computer from the power supply and
from any networks before installing the RAID controller.
Locate an empty PCIe slot. Remove the blank bracket panel on the back of
the computer that aligns with the empty PCIe slot. Save the bracket screw,
if applicable.

26 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller

 Installation

Figure 3: Position of the PCI Express slots and the bracket screw

1 Bracket screw 4 64-bit Slot (3.3 V)

2 32-bit Slots (3.3 V) 5 Edge of mainboard
3 PCIe x8 Slot
Table 6: Position of the PCI Express slots and the bracket screw

SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller 27

Installation

– Align the RAID controller to a PCIe slot.

Press down gently but firmly to properly seat the RAID controller in the slot.
– Insert the RAID controller in the PCIe slot.
The following figure shows how to insert the RAID controller in a PCIe slot.

Figure 4: Installing an SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller in a PCI Express Slot

● Secure the bracket to the system’s chassis.

Install the bracket screw, if applicable, or engage the system retention
mechanism to secure the RAID controller to the system’s chassis.
● Install the cover and the power cord(s) and power up the system.
SAS 9280-8e RAID controller hardware installation is complete.

28 SAS 9280-8e RAID Controller