AHA(r)-2840A Family The easy-to-use, high performance VL-to-Fast SCSI host adapter for multi- tasking desktop PCs and network servers --------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS * Compatible with VL-Bus systems, DOS/Windows, Windows NT, OS/2(r), NetWare(r) , UNIX(r) operating systems as well as third-party software and SCSI-2 peripheral devices * Easy to install using the BIOS-resident SCSISelect(TM) configuration utility * Maximizes I/O throughput for multitasking environments through Adaptec's new PhaseEngine(r) RISC processor-now averages 35% faster performance --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OVERVIEW For the first time, you can combine the power of the VESA(r) local bus (VL-Bus) and Adaptec's SCSI technology with the assurance of true compatibility between the PC, host adapter, peripherals and application software. Like the AHA-1540C family, the AHA-2840A family features the BIOS-resident SCSISelect configuration utility. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- KEY BENEFITS Only Adaptec makes powerful SCSI technology this easy The AHA-2840A family of VL-Bus host adapters brings ease of use, compatibility and performance to an available VL-Bus slot in the desktop PC or network server. Once the AHA-2840A is installed, Adaptec's BIOS-resident SCSISelect configuration utility reduces the time and trouble associated with handling hardware by allowing full software configuration of the host adapter. Like all Adaptec products, the AHA-2840A family has been tested in Adaptec's compatibility test lab to ensure full compatibility with VL-Bus systems in a broad array of PC network environments. The new, optimized PhaseEngine processor minimizes SCSI overhead and off-loads the system processor by processing SCSI commands directly on the host adapter. This allows the system processor to perform other tasks and improves overall system efficiency and performance. Simple installation and easy, flexible configuration The AHA-2840A family of host adapters is easily installed and configured. Simply install the board in the VL-Bus slot, and run the windowed SCSISelect configuration utility resident on the host adapter. The SCSISelect configuration utility eliminates the need to handle jumpers, making host adapter installation quick and easy. In addition, the active termination featured in the AHA-2840A family, and con-trolled by the SCSISelect utility, makes installation of external SCSI peripherals simple and fast. Finally, unlike other VL-to-SCSI products, the AHA-2840A family detects the VL-Bus clock rate and automatically configures itself. When upgrading the VL-Bus system with external SCSI peripherals, there is no need to open the PC chassis. Adaptec's SCSISelect utility provides key information on-screen, including the host adapter version and current configuration. Active termination and other host adapter settings may then be re-configured on screen through windowed menus rather than handling jumpers and changing switch settings on the hardware. Proven Adaptec quality and reliability The hardware for the AHA-2840A family of host adapters is based on state-of-the-art VLSI technology, providing maximum performance and reliability. To ensure compatibility with the VL-Bus system, the AHA-2840A family has undergone exhaustive testing in Adaptec's compatibility test lab. In addition, each board is subjected to extensive functional and mechanical inspections and tests to ensure the highest quality and reliability. In support of its commitment to quality, Adaptec's manufacturing facility has earned ISO-9002 certification. This international quality standard as set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensures a high level of product quality, production, testing and service. RISC-based SCSI ... the key to higher performance Adaptec's latest SCSI technology, the core of the AHA-2840A family of host adapters, featuring the Adaptec 10 MIPS, PhaseEngine RISC processor, provides powerful built-in capabilities. In addition to off-loading I/O transactions, the PhaseEngine processor minimizes the time it takes to process SCSI commands by automating SCSI phase changes and advanced SCSI features. New second-generation technology boosts VL host adapter performance an average of 35 percent over previous generations. Adaptec's custom-designed, 10 MIPS, PhaseEngine RISC processor is optimized to control multitasking, multithreaded SCSI operations. The programmable PhaseEngine processor executes self-contained microcode, which is downloaded by the main CPU at system initialization. Further, a 64-byte scratch memory stores configuration information established by the SCSISelect configuration utility. This new technology boosts host adapter performance over traditional solutions. The resulting maximized I/O throughput is essential to meeting the demanding needs of high-performance, multitasking applications. The SCSISelect utility eliminates the need to handle jumpers while installing the board or adding peripherals. Once the host adapter is installed, the PC chassis need never be opened again. The AHA-2840A also gives you the power of Adaptec's PhaseEngine RISC processor when running your sophisticated applications. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Computer Bus: VESA local bus or VL-Bus Interface Protocol: Bus master DMA Device Protocol: SCSI-2 Peripheral Device Support: Up to seven (7) SCSI devices Hard Disk Capacity: Supports up to eight (8) gigabytes/disk (unless limited by operating system) Adaptec BIOS: For standard fixed disk emulation; supports up to seven (7) disks under DOS 5.0 and greater Floppy Drive Support: Two (2) floppy drives (3 1/2" or 5 1/4") (AHA-2840A only) Advanced SCSI Features: Advanced SCSI Programming Interface (ASPI) compliant, multitasking, multithreaded I/O, scatter/gather, tagged queuing, disconnect/reconnect, synchronous and asynchronous data transfer Bus Width: 32-bit Host Bus Data Transfer Rate: Up to 40 Mbytes/sec SCSI Synchronous Data Rate: 10 Mbytes/sec Fast SCSI 5 Mbytes/sec SCSI SCSI Asynchronous Data Rate: 3 Mbytes/sec SCSI Electrical Drivers: Single-ended, active, software-controlled I/O Operating System Support: DOS, Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, NetWare, SCO UNIX and UnixWare --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS Length: 9.8" (25 cm) Height: v3.75" (9.5 cm) Internal Connector: 50-pin, flat cable External Connector: 50-pin, high density Operating Temperature: 0° C to 55° C (32° F to 131° F) Storage Temperature: -40° C to 75° C (-40° F to 167° F) Relative Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing Power Requirements: +5.0 ± 0.25 Volts at 1.0 amps maximum --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adaptec, Inc. 691 South Milpitas Boulevard Milpitas, California 95035 Adaptec Singapore Block 1002 Jalan Merah Central #07-18/20 Singapore 0315 Telephone: (65) 278-5213 FAX: (65) 273-0163 Adaptec Brussels Dreve Richelle 161 Bldg. A, 2nd Floor B1410 Waterloo Belgium Telephone: (32) 2-352-34-11 FAX: (32) 2-352-34-00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Literature: 1-800-934-2766 (USA and Canada) or 510-732-3829 Ordering Software: 1-800-442-7274 (USA and Canada) or 408-957-7274 Interactive FAX: (408) 957-7150 Internet ftp server: ftp.adaptec.com World-Wide Web: http://www.adaptec.com CompuServe: GO ADAPTEC Adaptec USA Bulletin Board: 408-945-7727 (up to 28,800 baud, using 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 1995 Adaptec, Inc. All rights reserved. Adaptec, the Adaptec logo, IOware, AHA, SCSISelect and PhaseEngine are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. OS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards Association. NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. All other trademarks used are owned by their respective owners. Information supplied by Adaptec, Inc. is believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of printing, but Adaptec, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. Adaptec, Inc. reserves the right, without notice, to make changes in product design or specifications. Information is subject to change without notice. Part Number: W980147-031 7/94