IBM Redbooks ServeRAID-MR10M User manual

®
IBM P/N: 81Y1995
ServeRAID-MR10M
USER’S
GUIDE
June 2010

ii
Fourth Edition (June 2010)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2007-2010. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure
restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

ServeRAID-MR10M User’s Guide iii
Preface
This book is the primary reference and user’s guide for the ServeRAID-
MR10M 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-MR10M controller.
For details on how to configure the storage adapter, 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 the reader is familiar with RAID controllers
and related support devices. The people who benefit from this book are:
•Engineers who are designing a system that will include the
ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
•Anyone installing the ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller in a
RAID system
•End users who need to install the iBBU product on the ServeRAID-
MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
•Engineers and managers who are evaluating BBU products for
possible use with ServeRAID-MR controllers
Organization
This document has the following chapters and appendices:

iv Preface
•Chapter 1, Overview, provides a general overview of the
ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller.
•Chapter 2, ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
Hardware Installation, describes the procedures for installing the
ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller.
•Chapter 3, ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
Characteristics, provides the characteristics and technical
specifications for the ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller.
•Chapter 4, Introduction to the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit,
describes the iBBU model and explains how it operates.
•Chapter 5, Installing the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit, 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-MR10 device
driver for your operating system. The information in this document is
independent of the back-end bus and applies to the ServeRAID-MR10M
controller.
ServeRAID-MR Software User’s Guide
IBM Document Number: 46M1381

Preface v
This document explains how to use the MegaRAID Storage Manager,
WebBIOS, and Command Line Interface (CLI) utilities to configure,
monitor, and maintain the ServeRAID-MR10M controller 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/
Note: Record your controller serial number in a safe location in
case you need to contact IBM.
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-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
with UL-listed Information Technology Equipment (ITE)
products only.
IBM Document
Number Edition/Date Remarks
81Y1995 Fourth Edition
June 2010
Updated the minimum and maximum number of drives sup-
ported by the different RAID levels.
46M1380 Third Edition
January 2009
Updated the procedures for monitoring and maintaining the
intelligent Battery Backup Unit.
43W7851 Second Edition
November 2007
Second edition of document.
43W7842 First Edition
November 2007
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-MR10M User’s Guide ix
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
1.1 Overview 1-1
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Description 1-3
1.2.1 Controller Limitations 1-3
1.3 General Description 1-3
1.4 Configuration Scenarios 1-5
1.4.1 Number of Physical Disks 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-MR10M 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 1-12
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-MR10M 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-MR10M Controller to a Drive
Enclosure 2-6
2.5 After Installing the Controller 2-7
2.6 Replacing a Failed Controller Containing Data in the iBBU 2-8
Chapter 3
ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Characteristics
3.1 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller 3-1
3.1.1 Board Layout and Connector Information 3-1
3.2 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Characteristics 3-3
3.3 Technical Specifications 3-3
3.3.1 Controller Specifications 3-4
3.3.2 Array Performance Features 3-5
3.3.3 Fault Tolerance 3-6
3.3.4 Power Supply Requirements for the ServeRAID-MR10M
Controller 3-6
3.3.5 Operating and Non-operating Conditions 3-7
3.3.6 Safety Characteristics 3-7
Chapter 4
Introduction to the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit
Chapter 5
Installing the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit
5.1 Installing the iBBU on the ServeRAID-MR10M Controller 5-2
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 6-6
Display BBU Status Information 6-6
Display BBU Capacity 6-7

Contents xi
Display BBU Design Parameters 6-8
Display Current BBU Properties 6-8
Start BBU Learning Cycle 6-9
Place Battery in Low-Power Storage Mode 6-9
Set BBU Properties 6-9
6.1.3 Monitoring the iBBU with the MegaRAID Storage
Manager 6-10
Battery Learn Cycle 6-11
Setting Learn Cycle Properties 6-12
Starting a Learn Cycle Manually 6-12
6.2 Replacing the Battery Backup Unit 6-13
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 Intelligent Battery Backup Unit 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 SAS RAID Controller Configured with an
LSISASx12 Expander 1-6
2.1 ServeRAID-MR10M Controller Installation in a PCI Express Slot
2-4
2.2 Connecting the ServeRAID-MR10M Controller to a Drive
Enclosure 2-7
3.1 Card Layout for the ServeRAID-MR10M RAID Controller 3-2
5.1 Intelligent Battery Backup Unit 5-2
5.2 Installing the iBBU Daughtercard on the ServeRAID-MR10M
Controller 5-4
5.3 Installing the ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller 5-5
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 Devices Required for Each RAID Level 1-7
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Array Limitations 1-11
1.3 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller
Specifications 1-16
3.1 ServeRAID-MR10R SAS/SATA Controller – Connectors 3-2
3.2 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Characteristics 3-3
3.3 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Specifications 3-4
3.4 Array Performance Features 3-5
3.5 Fault Tolerance Features 3-6
3.6 Power Supply for the ServeRAID-MR10M Controller 3-7
6.1 Display BBU Information 6-6
6.2 Display BBU Status Information 6-6
6.3 Display BBU Capacity Information 6-7
6.4 Display BBU Design Parameters 6-8
6.5 Display Current BBU Properties 6-8
6.6 Start BBU Learning Cycle 6-9
6.7 Place Battery in Low-Power Storage Mode 6-9
6.8 Set BBU Properties 6-9
7.1 Intelligent Battery Backup Unit Specifications 7-1
7.2 Reference Data Retention Times 7-2

xvi Contents

ServeRAID-MR10M User’s Guide 1-1
Chapter 1
Overview
This section provides a general overview of the ServeRAID-MR10M
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)/Serial ATA II (SATA II) controller with RAID
control capabilities. It consists of the following sections:
•Section 1.1, “Overview”
•Section 1.2, “ServeRAID-MR10M 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-MR10M SAS/SATA
Controller Characteristics”
•Section 1.7, “Hardware Specifications”
•Section 1.8, “Technical Support”
1.1 Overview
The ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller is a high-performance
intelligent PCI Express-to-SAS/SATA II adapter with RAID control
capabilities. The ServeRAID-MR10M controller provides reliability, high
performance, and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management. It is an
ideal RAID solution for the external storage of workgroup, departmental,
and enterprise systems. The 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 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

1-2 Overview
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 ServeRAID-MR10M controller is based on the MegaRAID
first-to-market SAS IC technology and proven technology. As the
second-generation PCI Express controller, the ServeRAID-MR10M
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 solutions and external solutions.
The innovative intelligent Battery Backup Unit (iBBU) is pre-installed on
the ServeRAID-MR10M 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. See Chapter 4,
“Introduction to the Intelligent Battery Backup Unit,” for
more information about the intelligent battery backup unit.
The controller supports the SAS protocol as described in the Serial
Attached SCSI Standard, version 1.1. It 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-MR10M
controller is a versatile controller that provides the backbone of both
server and high-end workstation environments.
Each port on the ServeRAID-MR10M 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
•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

ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Description 1-3
1.2 ServeRAID-MR10M SAS/SATA Controller Description
The ServeRAID-MR10M controller is available with eight PHYs. The
controller has one LSISAS1078 ROC (RAID-on-chip) processor that
controls eight external SAS/SATA ports through two x4 SAS external
connectors.
1.2.1 Controller Limitations
The ServeRAID-MR10M 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 mix 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
•You cannot mix Solid State Drives and Solid State SATA Drives in
the same virtual disk
•See Section 3.3.4, “Power Supply Requirements for the ServeRAID-
MR10M Controller,” for information about the power requirements,
and Section 3.3.5, “Operating and Non-operating Conditions” for
information about the minimum temperatures and the maximum
temperatures.
1.3 General Description
The ServeRAID-MR10M 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 external storage
devices, which allows you to use a system that supports enterprise-class
SAS drives, and desktop-class SATA II drives. Each ServeRAID-MR10M
controller can connect to drives directly. Simplified cabling between
devices is an additional benefit.

1-4 Overview
This controller is based on the LSISAS1078 ROC 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 LSISAS1078 ROC device provides an eight-lane, 2.5-Gbit/s PCI
Express host interface, eight 3.0 Gbit/s SAS or SATA ports, and a full-
featured, hardware-based RAID implementation. The LSISAS1078 ROC
device integrates a high-speed DDR/DDR2 SDRAM interface with a
hardware RAID assist engine for parity calculations. The LSISAS1078
ROC device provides the maximum benefits of a RAID system and
enables you to configure the system to satisfy your system requirements.
The LSISAS1078 ROC device increases system performance and
provides fault-tolerant data storage. The LSISAS1078 supports data
striping across multiple disks, which reduces disk access time because
multiple disks simultaneously read or write data. The LSISAS1078 ROC
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. You can select the data backup method that best suits your
needs. A hardware RAID assist exclusive-OR (XOR) engine speeds
parity generation and checking and reduces system-access times.
The controller supports the SAS protocol as described in the Serial
Attached SCSI Standard, version 1.1. In addition, it supports the Serial
ATA II (SATA II) protocol defined by the Serial ATA Specification,
Version 1.0a, and the Serial ATA II; Extension to the Serial ATA
Specification, Version 1.1. SATA II is an extension to SATA 1.0a. The
controller supports the following SATA II features:
•3 Gbit/s SATA II
•Staggered spin-up
•Hot plug
•Native command queuing
•Activity and fault indicators for each PHY
•Port Selector (for dual-port drives)