IBM ServeRAID-MR10is User manual

®
ServeRAID-MR10is
VAULT SAS/SATA
Controller
USER’S
GUIDE
February 2009
IBM P/N: 46M1378

ii
Second Edition (February 2009)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2008-2009. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure
restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

ServeRAID-MR10is VAULT SAS/SATA Controller User’s Guide iii
Preface
This book is the primary reference and user’s guide for the ServeRAID-
MR10is SAS/SATA Controller. It contains installation instructions and
specifications for the adapter. In addition, it explains how to install and
use the intelligent Battery Backup Unit (iBBU) that is used with the
ServeRAID-MR10is controller.
For details on how to configure the controller, refer to the ServeRAID-
MR Software User’s Guide. For information about the operating system
drivers, refer to the ServeRAID-MR Device Driver Installation User’s
Guide.
Audience
This document assumes that you have some familiarity with RAID
controllers and related support devices. The people who benefit from this
book are:
•Engineers who are designing a system that will include a
ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller.
•Anyone installing a ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller in a
RAID system.
•End users who need to install the iBBU products on the ServeRAID-
MR10is SAS/SATA Controller.
•Engineers and managers who are evaluating iBBU products for
possible use with ServeRAID controllers.
Organization
This document has the following chapters and appendices:

iv Preface
•Chapter 1, Overview, provides a general overview of the
ServeRAID-MR10is controller.
•Chapter 2, ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller
Hardware Installation, describes the procedures for installing the
ServeRAID-MR10is controller.
•Chapter 3, ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller
Characteristics, provides the characteristics and technical
specifications for the ServeRAID-MR10is controller.
•Chapter 4, Introduction to the Intelligent Backup Battery Unit,
describes the iBBU model and explains how it operates.
•Chapter 5, Installing the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit
Remotely, explains how to install the iBBU model.
•Chapter 6, Using the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit, explains
how to use and monitor the iBBU model and how to replace it.
•Chapter 7, Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Specifications, has
complete technical information and specifications for the iBBU
model.
•Appendix A, Notices, contains information about the warranty,
patents, license inquiries, and trademarks.
•Appendix B, Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations, lists and
explains the terms and abbreviations used in this manual.
Related Publications
ServeRAID-MR Device Driver Installation User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 46M1382
This document explains how to install the ServeRAID device driver for
your operating system. The information in this document is independent
of the back-end bus and applies to the ServeRAID-MR10is controller.
ServeRAID-MR Software User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 46M1381
This document explains how to use the MegaRAID Storage Manager,
WebBIOS Configuration Utility, and Command Line Interface (CLI)

Preface v
utilities to configure, monitor, and maintain ServeRAID controllers and
the storage-related devices connected to them.
IBM Systems Safety Notices
IBM Document Number: G229-9054-01
This book contains safety notices from IBM Systems documentation. The
safety notices include danger and caution notices.
Notices and Statements in This Document
The caution and danger statements in this document are also in the
multilingual IBM Systems Safety Notices document, which is on the
ServeRAID-MR Support CD. Each statement is followed by a reference
number that you can use to locate the corresponding statement in your
language in the IBM Systems Safety Notices document. The following
notices and statements are used in this document:
Note: These notices provide important tips, guidance, or advice.
Important: These notices provide information or advice that might help
you avoid inconvenient or problem situations.
Attention: These notices indicate potential damage to programs,
devices, or data. An attention notice is placed just before
the instruction or situation in which damage might occur.
CAUTION: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially
hazardous to you. A caution statement is placed just before
the description of a potentially hazardous procedure step or
situation.
DANGER:These statements indicate situations that can be poten-
tially lethal or extremely hazardous to you. A danger
statement is placed just before the description of a
potentially lethal or extremely hazardous procedure
step or situation.

vi Preface
Revision History
IBM Customer Support
Web site:
http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer system
from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
Note: Use the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller
with UL-listed Information Technology Equipment (ITE)
products only.
IBM Document
Number Edition/Date Remarks
46M1378 Second Edition
February 2009
Updated the procedures for monitoring and maintaining the
intelligent Battery Backup Unit.
43W7849 First Edition
July 2008
Initial release of document.

Preface vii
DANGER
When working on or around the system, observe the following precautions:
Electrical voltage and current from power, telephone, and communication
cables are hazardous. To avoid a shock hazard:
•Connect power to this unit only with the provided power cord. Do not use
the provided power cord for any other product.
•Do not open or service any power supply assembly.
•Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation,
maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm.
•The product might be equipped with multiple power cords. To remove all
hazardous voltages, disconnect all power cords.
•Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical
outlet. Ensure that the outlet supplies proper voltage and phase rotation
according to the system rating plate.
•Connect any equipment that will be attached to this product to properly
wired outlets.
•When possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal cables.
•Never turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or
structural damage.
•Disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,
networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless
instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.
•Connect and disconnect cables as described in the following procedures
when installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached
devices.
To disconnect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Remove the power cords from the outlets.
3. Remove the signal cables from the connectors.
4. Remove all cables from the devices.
To connect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Attach all cables to the devices.
3. Attach the signal cables to the connectors.
4. Attach the power cords to the outlets.
5. Turn on the devices.
(D005)

viii Preface
CAUTION:
The battery is a lithium ion battery. To avoid possible explosion,
do not burn. Exchange only with the IBM-approved part. Recycle
or discard the battery as instructed by local regulations. In the
United States, IBM has a process for the collection of this battery.
For information, call 1-800-426-4333. Have the IBM part number for
the battery unit available when you call. (C007)
Protecting against Electrostatic Discharge – Static electricity can
harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static
damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any
of your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor.
You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the
metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may
have accumulated. In addition to the preceding precautions, you can also
take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge:
•When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing
material until you are ready to install the component in your
computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure
to discharge static electricity from your body.
•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an
antistatic container or packaging.
•Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use
antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

ServeRAID-MR10is VAULT SAS/SATA Controller User’s Guide ix
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
1.1 Overview 1-1
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Description 1-3
1.2.1 Controller Limitations 1-3
1.3 General Description 1-4
1.4 Configuration Scenarios 1-5
1.4.1 Number of Physical Drives Supported 1-7
1.5 Benefits of the SAS Interface 1-8
1.5.1 PCI Express Architecture 1-8
1.5.2 Operating System Support 1-9
1.6 Summary of the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller
Characteristics 1-9
1.6.1 SAS Features 1-10
1.6.2 SAS Array Limitations 1-11
1.6.3 SATA II Features 1-12
1.6.4 PCI Express Performance 1-12
1.6.5 Usability Features 1-13
1.6.6 Flexibility Features 1-13
1.6.7 Drive Roaming 1-13
1.6.8 Drive Migration 1-14
1.7 Hardware Specifications 1-16
1.8 Technical Support 1-17
Chapter 2
ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Hardware Installation
2.1 Requirements 2-1
2.2 Quick Installation 2-2
2.3 Detailed Installation 2-2

xContents
2.4 SAS Device Cables 2-6
2.4.1 Connecting the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA
Controller to Physical Drives 2-8
2.5 Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the IBBU 2-9
2.6 After Installing the ServeRAID-MR10is Controller 2-10
Chapter 3
ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Characteristics
3.1 ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller 3-1
3.2 ServeRAID-MR10is Controller Characteristics 3-3
3.3 Technical Specifications 3-4
3.3.1 Storage Adapter Specifications 3-4
3.3.2 Array Performance Features 3-5
3.3.3 Fault Tolerance 3-6
3.3.4 Electrical Characteristics 3-6
3.3.5 Operating and Non-operating Conditions 3-7
3.3.6 Safety Characteristics 3-8
3.4 Data Encryption 3-8
3.4.1 Support of Governmental Standards 3-8
3.4.2 Characteristics of Volume Encryption Keys and Security
Keys 3-8
3.4.3 Archiving Keys 3-10
3.4.4 Virtual Disk Migration 3-10
3.4.5 Modifying the Keys 3-10
3.4.6 Fault Handling and Recovery 3-11
Chapter 4
Introduction to the Intelligent Backup Battery Unit
4.1 Functionality 4-1
Chapter 5
Installing the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Remotely
5.1 Installing the iBBU on the ServeRAID-MR10is Controller 5-1
5.2 Connecting the ServeRAID-MR10is iBBU Remotely 5-3

Contents xi
Chapter 6
Using the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit
6.1 Monitoring the iBBU with the MegaRAID Configuration Utilities
6-2
6.1.1 Monitoring the iBBU with the WebBIOS Configuration
Utility 6-2
6.1.2 Monitoring the iBBU with the MegaCLI Utility 6-5
Display BBU Information 6-5
Display BBU Status Information 6-6
Display BBU Capacity 6-6
Display BBU Design Parameters 6-7
Display Current BBU Properties 6-7
Start BBU Learning Cycle 6-8
Place Battery in Low-Power Storage Mode 6-8
Set BBU Properties 6-8
6.1.3 Monitoring the iBBU with the MegaRAID Storage
Manager 6-9
Battery Learn Cycle 6-10
Setting Learn Cycle Properties 6-11
Starting a Learn Cycle Manually 6-12
6.2 Replacing the Battery Backup Unit 6-12
6.3 Transferring Cached Data from a Failed Controller 6-13
6.4 Resolving a Configuration Mismatch 6-14
Chapter 7
Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Specifications
7.1 iBBU Specifications 7-1
7.2 Battery Life and Data Retention Time 7-2
Appendix A Notices
A.1 Trademarks A-2
A.2 Important Notes A-3
Appendix B
Glossary of Terms
and Abbreviations

xii Contents

Contents xiii
Figures
1.1 Example of a SAS Direct-Connect Application 1-6
1.2 Example of a ServeRAID-MR10is Controller Configured with an
LSISASx12 Expander 1-7
2.1 Installing the ServeRAID-MR10is Controller in a PCI Express Slot
2-4
2.2 Internal SAS Cable for Connection to SAS Physical Drives or
SATA II Physical Drives 2-6
2.3 SATA II Connectors 2-7
2.4 SAS Plugs, SATA II Plugs, and SAS Backplane Receptacle
Connector 2-8
2.5 Connecting the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller with
Internal Connectors to a Physical Drive 2-9
3.1 Card Layout for the ServeRAID-MR10is Controller 3-2
5.1 Intelligent Battery Backup Unit 5-2
5.2 Removing the iBBU from the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA
Controller 5-4
5.3 Connecting the Daughtercard to the ServeRAID-MR10is
SAS/SATA Controller 5-5
5.4 Installing the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller 5-6
5.5 Connecting the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller
Remotely to the iBBU 5-8
6.1 First Controller Properties Screen 6-3
6.2 Second Controller Properties Screen 6-3
6.3 Battery Module Screen 6-4

xiv Contents

Contents xv
Tables
1.1 Physical Drives Required for Each RAID Level 1-7
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10is Controller Array Limitations 1-11
1.3 ServeRAID-MR10is Controller Specifications 1-16
3.1 ServeRAID-MR10is Controller – Connectors 3-2
3.2 ServeRAID-MR10is Characteristics 3-3
3.3 ServeRAID-MR10is Controller Specifications 3-4
3.4 Array Performance Features 3-5
3.5 Fault Tolerance Features 3-6
3.6 Maximum Power Requirements 3-7
6.1 Display BBU Information 6-5
6.2 Display BBU Status Information 6-6
6.3 Display BBU Capacity Information 6-7
6.4 Display BBU Design Parameters 6-7
6.5 Display Current BBU Properties 6-7
6.6 Start BBU Learning Cycle 6-8
6.7 Place Battery in Low-Power Storage Mode 6-8
6.8 Set BBU Properties 6-8
7.1 Specifications 7-1
7.2 Reference Data Retention Times 7-2

xvi Contents

ServeRAID-MR10is VAULT SAS/SATA Controller User’s Guide 1-1
Chapter 1
Overview
This section provides a general overview of the ServeRAID-MR10is
SAS/SATA Controller with RAID control capabilities. It consists of the
following sections:
•Section 1.1, “Overview”
•Section 1.2, “ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Description”
•Section 1.3, “General Description”
•Section 1.4, “Configuration Scenarios”
•Section 1.5, “Benefits of the SAS Interface”
•Section 1.6, “Summary of the ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA
Controller Characteristics”
•Section 1.7, “Hardware Specifications”
•Section 1.8, “Technical Support”
1.1 Overview
The ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller is a high-performance
intelligent Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)/Serial ATA II (SATA II) PCI
Express adapter with RAID control capabilities. The ServeRAID-MR10is
controller has one LSISAS1078DE processor that controls eight internal
SAS/SATA ports through two SAS x8 internal connectors. The controller
is available with eight PHYs.
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller provides reliability, high performance,
and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management. It is an ideal RAID
solution for the internal storage of workgroup, departmental, and
enterprise systems. The controller offers a cost-effective way to
implement RAID in a server.

1-2 Overview
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller is based on the MegaRAID®
first-to-market SAS IC technology and proven technology. As the
second-generation PCI Express storage adapter, the controller
addresses the growing demand for increased data throughput and
scalability requirements across midrange and enterprise-class server
platforms. IBM®offers a family of SAS controllers to address the needs
for both internal and external solutions.
SAS technology brings a wealth of options and flexibility with the use of
SAS devices and SATA II devices within the same storage infrastructure.
However, SAS devices 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 and within the same enclosure.
Note: You cannot mix SAS drives and SATA drives within the
same virtual disk(s).
The innovative intelligent Battery Backup Unit (iBBU) is pre-installed on
the ServeRAID-MR10is controller. The iBBU provides cached data
protection, which allows system builders to protect cached data even
during the most catastrophic system failures.
Note: You must charge the battery before use. For more
information about charging the battery, see Chapter 5,
“Installing the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Remotely”.
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller supports the SAS protocol as
described in the Serial Attached SCSI Standard, version 1.1. The
controller also supports the Serial ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by
the Serial ATA Specification, Version 1.0a, and the Serial ATAII;
Extension to the Serial ATA Specification, Version 1.1. SATA II is an
extension to SATA 1.0a. The ServeRAID-MR10is controller is a versatile
controller that provides the backbone of both server and high-end
workstation environments.
Each port on the ServeRAID-MR10is controller supports SAS devices
and/or SATA II devices using the following:
•SAS Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP), which enables communication with
other SAS devices
•SATA II, which enables communication with other SATA II devices

ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Description 1-3
•Serial Management Protocol (SMP), which communicates topology
management information directly with an attached SAS expander
device
•Serial Tunneling Protocol (STP), which enables communication with
a SATA II device through an attached expander
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller offers data protection using the Data
Encryption (DE) feature. This feature protects data from theft and helps
meet regulatory compliance. The physical drives and the controller have
keys that you can enable or disable to turn the data encryption feature
on or off.
As it applies to data encryption, the DE feature satisfies the Federal
Information Processing Standard (FIPS197) requirements set forth by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (IEEEP1619). These
standards are used by non-military government agencies and
contractors. See Section 3.4, “Data Encryption,” for more information
about DE.
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10is SAS/SATA Controller Description
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller is available with eight PHYs. The
controller has one LSISAS1078DE processor that controls eight internal
SAS/SATA ports through two SAS x8 internal connectors.
1.2.1 Controller Limitations
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller has the following limitations:
•You can connect only one device per SAS PHY unless you use an
expander
•You can use a maximum cable length of six feet (using shorter
cables is preferred)
•Cables have to meet the SAS specification
•You cannot use SAS drives and SATA drives in the same virtual disk
•You cannot mix SAS or SATA Solid State Drives (SSDs) and legacy
mechanical drives (SAS or SATA) in the same virtual disk

1-4 Overview
•You cannot mix Solid State Drives and Solid State SATA Drives in
the same virtual disk
•See Section 3.3.4, “Electrical Characteristics,” for information about
the power requirements, and Section 3.3.5, “Operating and Non-
operating Conditions” for information about the minimum and
maximum temperature ranges
1.3 General Description
The ServeRAID-MR10is controller brings 3.0 Gbit/s Serial Attached SCSI
and 3.0 Gbit/s Serial ATA II performance to host adapter, workstation,
and server designs. The controller supports internal storage devices,
which allows you to use a system that supports enterprise-class SAS
drives and desktop-class SATA II drives. Each ServeRAID-MR10is
controller can connect to drives directly. Simplified cabling between
devices is an additional benefit.
This controller is based on the LSISAS1078DE device. This device is
compliant with the Fusion-MPT architecture and provides a PCI Express
x8 interface.
The controller integrates eight high-performance SAS/SATA II PHYs and
a PCI Express bus master DMA core. Each of the eight PHYs is capable
of 3.0 Gbit/s SAS link rates and 3.0 Gbit/s SATA II link rates.
The LSISAS1078DE device provides an eight-lane, 2.5-Gbit/s PCI
Express host interface, eight 3.0 Gbit/s SAS ports or SATA ports, and a
full-featured, hardware-based RAID implementation. The
LSISAS1078DE device integrates a high-speed DDR/DDR2 SDRAM
interface with a hardware RAID assist engine for parity calculations. The
LSISAS1078DE device provides the maximum benefits of a RAID
system and enables you to configure the system to satisfy your system
requirements.
The LSISAS1078DE device increases system performance and provides
fault-tolerant data storage. The LSISAS1078DE supports data striping
across multiple disks, which reduces disk access time because multiple
disks simultaneously read or write data. The LSISAS1078DE device
backs up data with either data mirroring or a parity block. Either backup
method enables you to recover lost data in the event of a disk failure.