Black Box IC500A User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
DECEMBER 1998
IC500A
IC501A
SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders
FIBER
SELF
TEST
COAX
LINK
TEST
POWER
LINK ACTIVE
BUS ACTIVE
LINK ERROR
SCSI FIBER OPTIC EXTENDER
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 901

1
TRADEMARKS
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Windows NT is a trademark, and Windows is a registered trademark, of Microsoft
Corporation.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated.
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of
the trademark owners.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 1

2
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 2

3
NOM STATEMENT
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 3

4
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 4

5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................................................6
2. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................8
2.1 Description......................................................................................................................8
2.2 Features ..........................................................................................................................8
3. Installation ..............................................................................................................................11
3.1 Unpacking Your Extender ..........................................................................................11
3.2 AC Line Voltage............................................................................................................11
3.3 Placement......................................................................................................................11
3.4 Cable Recommendations ............................................................................................11
3.5 Connecting the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender to the SCSI Bus ............................12
3.6 Ensuring Proper SCSI Bus Termination ....................................................................12
3.7 Connecting a Fiberoptic Cable ..................................................................................12
3.8 Connecting a DB9 Coax Cable....................................................................................13
3.9 Verify Communications ..............................................................................................14
4. Operator Controls and Indicators ........................................................................................15
4.1 AC Switch ......................................................................................................................15
4.2 Indicators ......................................................................................................................15
4.3 Front-Panel Keypad......................................................................................................16
5. Interfacing Requirements ......................................................................................................17
5.1 SCSI Cable Interface Requirements ..........................................................................17
5.2 Internal/External Terminator Options......................................................................18
5.3 Internal Terminator Power and Fuse ........................................................................18
5.4 Selecting Internal Terminator Power ........................................................................19
5.5 RS-232 Interface Pin Assignment ................................................................................19
5.6 Internal RS-232 Jumper Block ....................................................................................20
5.7 Rear-Panel Option Switches ........................................................................................20
5.8 RS-232 Remote Operation Commands ......................................................................21
5.9 ASCII Character Reference for SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Box Selection......23
5.10 Windows Software ........................................................................................................24
5.11 Connecting Multiple SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders ............................................24
5.12 Rack Mount Installation ..............................................................................................25
5.13 Fiberoptic Cable Requirements ..................................................................................26
6. Operation ................................................................................................................................27
6.1 SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Operation ................................................................27
6.2 System Performance ....................................................................................................27
6.3 System Configuration Options ....................................................................................27
7. SCSI Technical Information ..................................................................................................29
7.1 SCSI Basics ....................................................................................................................29
7.2 SCSI Installation Tips ..................................................................................................30
7.3 SCSI Interface Signal Descriptions ............................................................................31
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 5

6
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
1. Specifications
SCSI Interface
Maximum Data Rate..............................................40 MB per second
Wide SCSI Connector ..........................................68-pin
Narrow SCSI Connector........................................50-pin
SCSI to Fiber to SCSI Conversion Delay..............125 ns
Internal Terminator Power ..................................1 amp
Asynchronous and synchronous compatible
Conforms to ANSI X3.131 and X3T9.2 specifications
SCSI 1, 2, and SCSI 3 compatible
Resettable internal TERMPWR fuse
IC500A....................................................................Single-ended SCSI
Maximum Cable Length..............................19.7 feet (6 meters)
Maximum Slew Rate ....................................3 ns
Active Internal Bus Termination
IC501A....................................................................Differential SCSI
Maximum Cable Length..............................82 feet (25 meters)
Maximum Slew Rate ....................................3 ns
Passive Internal Bus Termination
Fiberoptic Link Interface
Maximum fiber cable length (both models):
6500 feet (2 km) with 8/125-µm single-mode fiber
1800 feet (550 meters) with 62.5/125-µm multimode fiber
Fiberoptic Serial Data Rate ..................................1.0625 Gigabits per second
Fiberoptic Connector Type ..................................SC
Optical Wavelength ..............................................850/1300 nm
Typical BER (Bit Error Rate)................................10 to 14
Coax Link Interface
Maximum coax cable length ................................100 feet (30 meters)
Impedance ....................................................150 ohms
Recommended Cable ..................................Gore FCN 1008-L
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 6

7
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Serial-Port Interface—SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Control
Data Rate................................................................9600/19200 baud
Mode ......................................................................No parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit
Maximum Cable Length ......................................50 feet (15 meters)
Rear-Panel Connector ..........................................DB9 female
Serial-Port Interface—Extension
Data Rate................................................................1200 bps to 112 kbps
Mode ......................................................................All modes
Maximum Cable Length ......................................50 feet (15 meters)
Rear-Panel Connector ..........................................DB9 female
Physical
Temperature..........................................................32 to 131°F (0 to 55°C)
Humidity ................................................................Up to 90% relative humidity
Power......................................................................90 to 260 VAC, 15 W, 48 to 65 Hz
Size..........................................................................1.7"H x 14.7"W x 8.1"D
(4.3 x 37.3 x 20.6 cm)
Weight ....................................................................3 lb. (1.4 kg)
Maximum Fiber Cable
Code Description Maximum Fiber Cable
IC500A Single-ended/Wide 2 km
IC501A Differential/Wide 2 km
Agency Approvals
UL®, CUL, CE, FCC Class A
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 7

8
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender lets you surpass the distance limitation of the
single-ended and differential SCSI bus. The SCSI bus is one of the most popular
interfaces used to connect additional devices to a computer system. With the SCSI
Fiber Optic Bus Extender, SCSI components such as disk drives, CD-ROM memory
systems, RAID arrays, tape backups, and SCSI laser printers can be located up to
6500 feet (2 km) from the host computer.
Because the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender is completely transparent to your SCSI
system, additional computer software is not needed for installation or operation.
Figure 2-1. Typical SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Configuration.
2.2 Features
• Extends SCSI bus to 6500 feet (2 km)
• 40 MB per second throughput
• Ultra SCSI compatible
• 30-foot (100-meter) coax link standard
• RS-232 serial-port passthrough
• SCSI 1, SCSI 2, SCSI 3 compatible
• Single-ended or differential SCSI interface
30 to 10,000-ft.
Fiberoptic Link
SCSI Fiber Optic
Bus Extender SCSI Fiber Optic
Bus Extender
Wide SCSI Wide SCSI
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 8

9
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Fiber-channel-compatible optical link
• Standard SC connectors
• Internal bus termination
• No additional software required
• Advanced SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Control software for remote control
• Transparent to the SCSI system
• Does not require a SCSI bus ID
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender supports Ultra SCSI, 40-MB-per-second, wide
and narrow devices in asynchronous or synchronous mode. The Extender gives
you the Ultra and Fast SCSI performance available in top-of-the-line computers
and peripheral devices. Its advanced proprietary design enables the Extender to
maintain complete SCSI command functionality while remaining transparent to
you.
The Extender includes 68- and 50-pin high-density SCSI-2 connectors for narrow
and wide devices.
Internal bus terminators are switch-selectable to support flexible installations.
A standard SC duplex fiberoptic connector supports a fiberoptic interface between
local and remote units.
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender also includes two duplex coaxial interfaces to
support shorter SCSI extender distances.
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender can be operated and controlled via the remote
RS-232 interface using the included SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Control
software. Standard modem software can also be used to control the Extender. Up
to 8 units can be connected together and controlled from one serial port using the
internal RS-485 multidrop interface. Simple ASCII commands control SCSI Fiber
Optic Bus Extenders in addition to the supplied Windows software.
The RS-232 serial port can also be configured to pass-through the interface to a
remote SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender, thus letting you operate a remote RS-232
device. This feature is often used in tape-storage systems where control information
is provided on a separate RS-232 interface.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 9

10
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender also contains a universal power-cord
receptacle, and it auto-switches any AC input voltage between 100 and 240 VAC.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 10

11
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 Unpacking Your Extender
Unpack your SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender from its original shipping carton and
check the contents. The package should include:
• (1) SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender
• (1) AC power cord (115 or 230 VAC, depending on what you ordered)
• This user’s manual
• 10-ft. (3-m) 9-pin male to 9-pin female RS-232 cable
• 9-pin male to 25-pin female RS-232 adapter
• SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender Control software
• Rackmount rails
• Desk-mount rubber feet
• Two loopback connectors
3.2 AC Line Voltage
The Extender can be externally connected to any AC input voltage between 100
and 240 volts. Unless otherwise specified, the Extender will be shipped with a 110-
volt power cord. Black Box offers a complete source of replacement power cords
for most countries and appropriate voltages.
3.3 Placement
Place the Extender near the host computer and peripherals. Make sure the
ventilation slots on the sides of the unit obtain adequate airflow. Do not place the
Extender on any devices that generate excessive heat.
3.4 Cable Recommendations
High-quality shielded SCSI cables will provide the greatest noise immunity and
distance from the Extender to your peripherals. But in any case, no cables
connected to the Extender may exceed 19.7 feet (6 meters) for single-ended or 82
feet (25 meters) for differential devices.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 11

12
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
3.5 Connecting the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender to the SCSI Bus
NOTE
The IC501A supports a differential SCSI interface only. Do not attach
this unit to a single-ended SCSI system or it may damage your system.
Switch off power to all computers and peripherals attached to the SCSI
bus, before connecting the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender.
You may install the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender at any point on the SCSI bus.
The IC501A can be operated with another IC501A or an IC500A.
3.6 Ensuring Proper SCSI Bus Termination
SCSI buses require proper termination to ensure reliable operation. Since the
SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender is used in the middle of a SCSI chain, additional
termination is needed at each Extender, in addition to the standard terminators at
each end of the link.
That’s a total of four terminators, two on each side of the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus
Extender. Note too that your system will fail if more than two terminators are installed on
any one side of the Extender.
You have the option of disabling the internal SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender
termination to meet system configurations and requirements.
NOTE
Sections 5.1 and 5.2 provide detailed information on SCSI Fiber Optic
Bus Extender termination option settings.
3.7 Connecting a Fiberoptic Cable
A duplex fiberoptic cable with standard SC plugs interconnects two SCSI Fiber
Optic Bus Extenders.
L OCAL SCSI F IBER O PTIC B US E XTENDER
Insert one plug into each fiberoptic socket on the rear of the local Extender.
Measure that the “key” on each plug is facing the top of the Extender before
insertion.
NOTE
Make sure that the plug is properly aligned with the connector before
inserting. Do not force the plug into the connector or you may damage
it.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 12

13
CHAPTER 3: Installation
Figure 3-1. Installing SC Fiberoptic Plugs.
R EMOTE
SCSI F IBER O PTIC
B US E XTENDER
For proper operation, the fiberoptic transmitter (XMT) on the local unit must be
connected to the remote fiberoptic receiver (RCV), and the local fiberoptic
receiver (RCV) must be connected to the remote fiberoptic transmitter (XMT).
Figure 3-2. Connecting Two SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders.
3.8 Connecting a DB9 Coax Cable
A fiber-channel-compatible DB9 coax interface supports a maximum distance of
100 feet (30 meters).
A high-quality duplex coax cable with standard fiber-channel compatible DB9
connectors can be used to connect two SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders up to 98.4
feet (30 meters) apart. Impedance for this cable is 150 ohms. We recommend
using cables similar to W. L. Gore & Associates Model FCN-1008.
Connect each plug into the connector on the rear of the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus
Extender labeled Coax Interface. Select Coax from the Extender’s front-panel
keypad on both SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders. The Link Active indicator on the
front panel will signify a complete link.
XMT XMT
RCVRCV
Key
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 13

14
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
NOTE
Make sure that the connector is installed in the Coax Interface and not
the Serial Interface. Damage to the internal circuitry may result from an
improper connection.
3.9 Verify Communications
Turn on AC power to both SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders and verify that the Link
Active indicators are lit. This indicates that the local and remote Extenders are
communicating. Other computer equipment can now be powered up.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 14

15
CHAPTER 4: Operator Controls and Indicators
4. Operator Controls and
Indicators
4.1 AC Switch
The Extender’s power switch is located on the rear panel.
NOTE
Always turn on the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender before turning on
SCSI devices and computers. This will ensure that devices are found
when the computers boot up.
4.2 Indicators
Four front-panel indicators provide status information for the Extender.
Power—Indicates that power is applied to the unit.
Link Active—Shows that SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extenders are communicating over
the fiberoptic link.
NOTE
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender will electronically disconnect itself
from the SCSI bus when the link is not active.
Bus Active—A visual indication of the busy signal on the SCSI bus interface. This
indicator provides a general indication of devices communicating on the SCSI bus.
Link Error—Notifies the user that the integrity of the fiberoptic link is below
specification and data-transfer errors will occur if not corrected. The Extender will
disconnect from the SCSI bus when a Link Error is detected.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 15

16
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
4.3 Front-Panel Keypad
The front-panel keypad selects the SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender interface and
test modes.
Fiber—Selects the fiberoptic link as the communications interface.
Coax—Selects the coaxial link as the communications interface.
Self-Test—Initiates a SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender self-test. For proper
operation, either the self-test loopback plug or connection to a remote SCSI Fiber
Optic Bus Extender Coax interface must be installed.
Link Test—Initiate a SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender link test. When Fiber is
selected, the test will be performed over the fiberoptic interface. When Coax is
selected, the test will be performed over the coax interface.
NOTE
The Self-Test or Link Test, when pressed, will blink yellow for
approximately 5 seconds. A “green” indicates the test was completed
without error. A “red” indicates that the test failed. A failed test may
indicate a bad connection or excessive fiber or coax cable length.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 16

17
CHAPTER 5: Interfacing Requirements
5. Interfacing Requirements
5.1 SCSI Cable Interface Requirements
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender can be installed at any point on the SCSI bus.
The Extender provides an optically isolated SCSI bus over extended distances.
Terminators must be installed on both the local and extended bus. Make sure that
a maximum of two terminators are installed on each bus.
The Extender has a 50-pin and a 68-pin connector for narrow and wide SCSI
devices, respectively.
5.1.1 S INGLE -E NDED SCSI F IBER O PTIC B US E XTENDER
The IC500A supports a maximum cable length of 19.7 feet (6 meters) at standard
SCSI data rates (5 Mbps, narrow), or 9 feet (2.7 meters) at “Fast” SCSI data rates
(10 Mbps).
5.1.2 D IFFERENTIAL SCSI F IBER O PTIC B US E XTENDER
The IC501A supports a maximum cable length of 82 feet (25 meters) at standard
or “Fast” SCSI data rates.
NOTE
Do not connect devices to both the Wide and Narrow connectors at the
same time. This will cause termination and noise problems in your
system.
Do not intermix single-ended and differential devices on any one side of
the SCSI chain unless a SCSI differential converter is used to convert
from one bus type to the other.
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 17

18
SCSI FIBER OPTIC BUS EXTENDERS
5.2 Internal/External Terminator Options
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender contains internal SCSI bus termination to
improve the cable-matching characteristics between multiple SCSI devices. Each
SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender requires a terminator either internally selected or
externally connected. To enable the internal termination, move the Rear Panel
Options Switch, TERM, to “ON.” (The default is ON.)
Figure 5-1. Terminator Selection.
NOTE
Data errors will result if more than two sets of terminators are installed
on any SCSI bus.
5.3 Internal Terminator Power and Fuse
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender can supply external terminator power via an
internal resettable fuse. This fuse supplies 1 amp at 5 volts to the TERMPWR
signal. The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender contains internal protection and will
not be affected if other SCSI devices provide terminator power.
To enable external terminator power, place a jumper pin in location E2.
NOTE
Default is INSTALLED.
Figure 5-2. Enable External Terminator Power.
NOTE
Replace all fuses with similar type and rating.
OFF
ON
TERM
E2
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 18

19
CHAPTER 5: Interfacing Requirements
5.4 Selecting Internal Terminator Power
Internal SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender termination can be powered by internal 5-
volt power or externally from the SCSI bus TERMPWR line. Depending on system
applications, it may be advantageous to power the internal terminators by the SCSI
peripheral or computer. Note: Default is “INTERNAL 5V.”
Figure 5-3. Terminator Power Jumper Locations.
5.5 RS-232 Interface Pin Assignment
The SCSI Fiber Optic Bus Extender has a DB9 female connector for external
control of the unit. The connector is compatible with standard RS-232 modem
cables.
Table 5-1. RS-232 Connector Pin Assignment
Signal Description DB9 Pin DB25 Pin
DCD Data Carrier Detect 1 8
RXD Receive Data 2 3
TXD Transmit Data 3 2
DTR Data Terminal Ready 4 20
GND Signal Ground 5 7
DSR Data Set Ready 6 6
RTS Request To Send 7 4
CTS Clear To Send 8 5
Not Used 9 22
INTERNAL 5V
EXTERNALTERMPWR
E1
IC500A 7/12/00 12:38 PM Page 19