PAC STORAGE PS 2000 Series User manual

1
Version 1.1
October, 2016
PAC Storage PS 2000 Series
Hardware Manual

2
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions...............................................................................................................6
Energy Hazards Precaution................................................................................................6
Installation and Operation...................................................................................................6
Service and Maintenance...................................................................................................6
Important Notice.................................................................................................................7
ESD Precautions................................................................................................................7
About This Manual...............................................................................................................8
Revision History..................................................................................................................8
Introduction..........................................................................................................................8
Product Overview...............................................................................................................8
Model Naming Conventions............................................................................................8
Model Variations.............................................................................................................9
Major Components.............................................................................................................9
Controller and Interface ..................................................................................................9
JBOD Controller and Interface......................................................................................10
Power Supply Unit with Built-in Cooling Module............................................................10
The Rear Panel................................................................................................................10
Dual Controller Models .................................................................................................10
Single Controller Models...............................................................................................11
Upgrading Single Controller to Dual Controller System.................................................11
Connection Between Unified Storage System and JBOD .............................................11
Chassis ............................................................................................................................12
Front Panel...................................................................................................................12
Rear Panel....................................................................................................................13
Internal Backplane........................................................................................................13
Front Panel Components..................................................................................................14
LED Panel ....................................................................................................................14
Drive Tray Bezel...........................................................................................................14
Rear Panel Components ..................................................................................................15
Controller Module of Unified Storage System................................................................15
Controller Module of JBOD Enclosures.........................................................................16
Supercapacitor and Flash Backup Module....................................................................17
PSU and Cooling Module..............................................................................................17
System Monitoring Features.............................................................................................18
Expansion Enclosure Support.......................................................................................18
JBOD Enclosure Status Monitoring...............................................................................19
I2C Bus .........................................................................................................................19
Firmware (FW) and PAC Management Software..........................................................19
Audible Alarms..............................................................................................................19
Hot-Swapping...................................................................................................................19

3
Hardware Installation.........................................................................................................20
Installation Prerequisites...................................................................................................20
Installation Procedures Overview .....................................................................................20
Unpacking the System......................................................................................................21
Preinstalled Components..............................................................................................21
Components to be Installed ..........................................................................................21
Installing Hard Drives .......................................................................................................21
Hard Drive Installation Prerequisites.............................................................................21
SAS Interface................................................................................................................22
Hard Drive Designation.................................................................................................22
Installing the Hard Drive into the Drive Tray..................................................................23
Installing the Drive Tray into the Enclosure...................................................................24
Installing Host Boards.......................................................................................................25
Removing the Controller ...............................................................................................26
Installing the Controller.................................................................................................27
System Connection............................................................................................................27
General Considerations on Making Connections..............................................................27
Host-Side Topologies....................................................................................................28
Host-Side Parameters...................................................................................................28
Maximum Concurrent Host LUN Connection (“Nexus” in SCSI)....................................28
Maximum Queued I/O Count ........................................................................................29
Fibre-Host Connections....................................................................................................29
Fibre-Host Topologies...................................................................................................30
Fibre Cabling ................................................................................................................30
Simple End-to-End Connection.....................................................................................31
DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) Connection..................................................................32
Switched Fabric Connection (Dual Controller)...............................................................33
Switched Fabric Connection (Single Controller)............................................................34
SAS-Host Connections.....................................................................................................35
DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) Connection with Redundant Host Path ........................36
DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) Connection to Two Servers..........................................38
Ethernet-Host Connections...............................................................................................38
Network and Host Connection Topologies....................................................................39
High Availability IP SAN with Redundant Controller......................................................40
Single Controller with Fault-Tolerant Path.....................................................................41
High Availability IP SAN (Recommended for Remote Replication)................................42
High Availability IP SAN with Port Trunk (Remote Replication Enabled).......................43
Hybrid-Host Connections..................................................................................................44
Single Hybrid Unit Connected to FC/iSCSI Hosts .........................................................44
Utilizing Hybrid iSCSI Ports for Data Replication...........................................................45
JBOD Connections...........................................................................................................45
JBOD SAS Expansion Configuration ............................................................................45
Configuration Rules ......................................................................................................46

4
Dual Controller Expansion Connection..........................................................................47
Single Controller Expansion Connection.......................................................................48
Management Console Connections..................................................................................48
Connecting the Unified Storage System to External Consoles......................................49
Power Connections ..........................................................................................................49
Checklist.......................................................................................................................49
Power Cords Connections ............................................................................................49
Power-On Procedure....................................................................................................50
Power-On Status Check ...............................................................................................50
Power-Off Procedure....................................................................................................51
System Monitoring.............................................................................................................51
Monitoring Features..........................................................................................................51
LED Panel........................................................................................................................52
Drive Tray LED.................................................................................................................53
Unified Storage System Controller LEDs..........................................................................53
1G Ethernet Management Port LEDs ...............................................................................54
12G SAS Expansion Port LEDs........................................................................................54
10G Ethernet Port LEDs...................................................................................................55
16G Fibre Channel Port LEDs..........................................................................................55
8G Fibre Channel Port LEDs............................................................................................55
Converged Host Board.....................................................................................................56
Controller LED for 12G SAS JBOD Models ......................................................................56
PSU and Built-in Cooling Module LEDs............................................................................57
Alarms and I2C Bus ..........................................................................................................58
Audible Alarms..............................................................................................................58
I2C.................................................................................................................................58
System Maintenance..........................................................................................................58
Restoring Default System Settings ...................................................................................59
Restoring Default Settings ............................................................................................59
Replacing the Unified Storage System Controller Module(s) ............................................60
Replacing the Host Board.................................................................................................61
Replacing Memory Module(s)...........................................................................................62
Replacing the Cache Backup Module (CBM)....................................................................63
Supercapacitor Fault Conditions and Precautions.........................................................63
Replacing the Supercapacitor.......................................................................................63
Replacing Flash Backup Module (coupled with Supercapacitor)...................................65
Replacing the Power Supply / Cooling Module.................................................................65
Detecting a Failed PSU.................................................................................................65
Replacing the Power Supply Unit (PSU).......................................................................66
Replacing a Hard Drive.....................................................................................................67
Slide Rail Kit Installation Guide ........................................................................................69
Slide Rail Kits...................................................................................................................69
Enclosure Installation Prerequisites..................................................................................69

5
Unpacking the System......................................................................................................70
Component Installation Procedure....................................................................................70
Tools Required.................................................................................................................70
Rackmount Slide Rail Kits ................................................................................................70
Rack Ear Mount Kit...........................................................................................................70
Kit Contents..................................................................................................................70
Installation Procedure...................................................................................................71
Slide Rail Kit.....................................................................................................................72
Kit Contents..................................................................................................................72
Installation Procedure...................................................................................................73
Once Mounted..................................................................................................................75
Safety Reminders.............................................................................................................75
Appendix ............................................................................................................................76
Technical Specifications...................................................................................................76
Host Board Interface.....................................................................................................76
RAID Configurations for Unified Storage Systems........................................................77
Fault-Tolerance for Unified Storage Systems................................................................77
Power Supply................................................................................................................78
Dimensions...................................................................................................................78
Environment .................................................................................................................79

6
Safety Precautions
Read these instructions carefully before you install, operate, or transportthe PS 2000 Series
Unified Storage system and JBODs.
Energy Hazards Precaution
This equipment is intended to be used in Restrict Access Location, like computer room.
The access can only be gained by SERVICE PERSONS or by USERS who have been
instructed about the metal chassis of the equipment have energy hazards that service
persons have to pay special attention or take special protection before touching it. Further,
the access is through the use of key or security identity system. Only authorized by well
trained professional person can access the restrict access location.
Installation and Operation
Install the rack cabinet and the associated equipment at a site where the ambient
temperature (special room cooling equipment may be required) stays lower than:
a. 35 C ~ if your system has a BBU
b. 40 C ~ if your system does not have a BBU
Install the power source socket outlet near the enclosure where it is easily
accessible and ground the rack cabinet.
Secure airflow clearance inside and around the rack cabinet.
- Secure an 18 to 20cm clearance on the rear side.
- Do not cover the enclosure openings.
- Route the cables inside the rack cabinet.
- Do not leave drive bays empty as it will affect airflow efficiency.
Secure each enclosure module using its retaining screws.
Place power cords and other cables away from foot traffic. Do not place items
on top of power cords and make sure they do not rest against data cables.
Install all modules to the enclosure before powering-on systems.
Ensure that the correct power range is being used before powering-on.
DO NOT remove covers or replaceable modules if they are not faulty.
If the system is not going to be used for a long period of time, disconnect it from
the power mains to avoid transient over-voltage.
For power source redundancy, please make sure that the two PSUs are plugged
into two different power sources (i.e. Different circuit breakers).
Service and Maintenance
Keep the faulty module in place until you have a replacement unit; an empty
module greatly affects the airflow efficiency within the enclosure.
During service operation, place the enclosure on soft and clean surface to
prevent exterior damage. Do not place tools or other items on top.
When transporting the enclosure, repackage all disk drives separately in the
original package foam blocks. Replaceable modules can stay in the enclosure if
you are using the original package; if not, repackage them separately as well.

7
Disconnect the power cords before servicing or cleaning the enclosure.
Use a slightly moistened paper sheet or cloth for cleaning. Avoid using liquid or
sprayed detergent.
When replacing components, insert them as gently as possible while assuring
full engagement. Vibration and shock can easily damage hard drives.
Only qualified service personnel should open the enclosure.
Contact service personnel if any of the following situations occurs:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- The enclosure has been exposed to moisture.
- The system has not been working properly.
- The enclosure was dropped against a hard surface.
- The enclosure shows obvious signs of breakage.
To move the enclosure, more than one person might be necessary due to its weight.
Drives should be removed from the enclosure beforehand.
Important Notice
The use of PAC Storage certified components is strongly recommended to ensure
compatibility, quality and normal operation with your PAC Storage products. Please contact
your distributor for a list of PAC Storage certified components (e.g. SFP, SFP+, HBAcard,
iSCSI cable, FC cable, memorymodule, etc.).
ESD Precautions
Handle the modules by their retention screws, ejector levers, or the module’s
metal frame/faceplate only. Avoid touching the PCB boards or connector pins.
Use a grounded wrist strap and an anti-static work pad to discharge static
electricity when installing or operating the enclosure.
Avoid dust, debris, carpets, plastic, vinyl, and Styrofoam in your work area.
Do not remove any module or component from its anti-static bag before
installation takes place.
Drives must not be stacked on top of each other without their protective drive
trays. Even when drives are fixed in the drive trays, contacting the exposed PCB
or rear-side interface may damage the drives.

8
About this Manual
The manual introduces hardware components of the PAC Storage Unified Storage and
JBOD systems. It also describes how to install, monitor, and maintain them.
For non-serviceable components, please contact our support site.
Firmware operation: Consult the Firmware User Manual on the CD-ROM.
PAC Management Software: Consult the PAC Management User Manual on the CD-ROM.
Revision History
Version
Date
Description
1.0
July 2016
Initial release
1.1
October 2016
Updated system connections and monitoring status,
converged host board added
Introduction
Product Overview
This manual introduces PS 2000 systems that support 3Gbps, 6Gbps and 12Gbps SAS
and Near Line SAS, SATA hard drives and SSDs. The enclosure is designed to utilize 2.5”
or 3.5” hard drives. Drive capacity can be expanded by attaching expansion hard drive
enclosures (JBODs).
Model Naming Conventions
The naming rules for Unified Storage and JBOD models are explained in the example
below:
Unified Storage System: PS2024R2 = PS (A) + 20 (B) + 24 (C) + R (D) + 2 (E)
Designation
Description
(A)
PS = PAC Storage PS systems
(B)
20 indicates 2000 model
(C)
12 = 2U system, 12 hard drives capable
16 = 3U system, 16 hard drives capable
24 = 2U system, 24 hard drives capable
(D)
R = RAID
J = JBOD
(E)
2 = 2U system
3 = 3U system
4 = 4U system

9
Model Variations
Comprisedof Unified Storage and JBOD models, Unified Storage systems store hard drives
and control the entire storage array while JBOD systems connect to a master Unified
Storage system and allow storage capacity expansion by adding more hard drives. Hard
drive limitation(s) may vary model to model.
PS
2012
PS 2024
PS 3016
Major Components
NOTE
Upon receiving your system, check the package contents against the included
Unpacking List. If module(s) are missing, please contact your system vendor
immediately.
Controller and Interface
Each controller comes with pre-installed DIMM module(s).
The traditional battery backup is replaced by an innovative Cache Backup Module
methodology (CBM) which consists of a super capacitor and a flash backup module (FBM).
Cached data is quickly distributed to a flash backup module for permanent storage with the
support of the super capacitor in the event of a power outage. The advantage of a super
capacitor is its very fast charging time. The super capacitor is charged within a few minutes
and available to distribute power to the controller. So cached data can be saved
immediately and permanently in flash backup module (FBM).
The embedded firmware features intelligent algorithms, such as power-saving modes,
variable fan speeds, and exiled drive handling, making this model a greener choice.

10
JBOD Controller and Interface
The enclosure is managed by expander controllers that distribute data flow to individual disk
drives and report operating status through a proprietary enclosure service via in-band
protocols. The enclosure, along with other JBODs, connects to a Unified Storage system and
serves as a building block of a scalable configuration.
In terms of supported protocols, the firmware supports communications with enclosure
devices, SAS/SATA disk drives and as Unified Storage system featuring SAS expansion
ports.
In terms of physical connection, the SAS interface provides ease of cabling through Mini-
SAS connectors. With a backplane adapting SAS or SATA drives, the system supports
enterprise-class SAS, Near-line SAS, cost-effective SATA-II or SATA-III hard drives or
SSDs, and is ideal for adding large capacity to a storage pool.
Power supply unit with built-in cooling module
Cooling module is built into the power supply unit (PSU) to protect the system from
overheating. The two hot-swappable PSUs provide constant power to the system. The
modular nature of the system and the easy accessibility to all major components ensure ease
of maintenance.
The Rear Panel
Dual Controller Models
Controller A is located on top and controller B at the bottom for all models. If one controller
fails, the second controller module will take over in a manner that is transparent to
application servers.
2U
models
3U
models
The top controller (Controller A) is the primary controller. The bottom controller (Controller
B) is the secondary (= redundant) controller which is idle during normal operation and takes
over the management role when Controller A cannot function properly due to hardware
error, controller module removal, etc.
If the failed Controller A restarts or a replacement is installed, Controller A will temporarily
assume the role of the secondary controller.
When the Unified Storage system is rebooted, all system configurations will revert back to
the default state and Controller B returns the primary role to ControllerA.
A
B
A
B