12Gb SAS Interface Tested at SCSI Trade Association Plugfest

Validating the versatility, reliability and scalability that SAS has as a storage interface for enterprise storage, the SCSI Trade Association (STA) announced the completion of its 17th SAS Plugfest, the fifth for 12Gb SAS.

The event was held May 23-26, 2016, at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). Thirteen companies, including both STA members and non-members, participated.

“At this plugfest, drive support for new SAS features generated excitement and enabled unique testing during large build configurations,” said Michael Koffman, host interface support, Western Digital Corporation and co-chairperson, SAS plugfest technical committee. “We anticipate the next plugfest for the SAS community will be the first for 24Gb SAS, demonstrating that the technology continues to evolve and improve performance.“

SAS Plugfests have consistently provided a verification method to preserve existing storage investments, deliver a favorable end-user experience, demonstrate interoperability and support both forward and backward compatibility.

17th SAS Plugfest was highlighted by following activities:

Tests focused on 12Gb SAS features including wide port (MultiLink SAS), persistent connections, Pin3 power-down, host interface power management (partial and slumber) and power capability (request/grant)
Persistent connections tested with several targets over several ‘Large Build’ configurations demonstrated guaranteed bandwidth even when SAS fabric was saturated with traffic
Interoperability testing of a SAS topology implementing zoning with multiple initiators, switches, and targets
Extensive compatibility testing of hosts with SSDs and HDDs
Verification of the interoperability of a system of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders
Interoperability testing of a small SAS system using various interconnects, such as active or passive cables, and backplanes
Physical level testing of 12Gb SAS technology

“12Gb SAS transfer rates, bandwidth aggregation, SAS fabrics, active connections, and multi-function connectors allow data center architects to create sustainable storage solutions that scale well into next-generation 24Gb SAS designs and beyond,” said Rick Kutcipal, president, SCSI Trade Association and part of product planning and architecture, Broadcom Limited. “As demonstrated in the result of this Plugfest, the flexibility of SAS is unparalleled and continues to evolve through innovation.”

Following companies attended May, 2016 Plugfest: