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What are the Mini-SAS Cables Used For?

by Martin Peels Content Writer

The Mini-SAS cables are the next generation SAS storage interface that is used to connect expansion ports, addressing a channel bandwidth requirement of 6Gb/s and up to 12 Gb/s meeting this or exceeding the respective specifications of SAS that is 2.1 and 3.0.


There are several variables to consider when choosing Mini-SAS cable or interconnects. When users compare the post density of the existing Mini-SAS 2.0 product it provides 19.01 mm port to port, while the Mini-SAS HD provides 11 mm port to port. To achieve the necessary performance level here we have listed some of the tips on how to specify Mini-SAS cables and connectors:


● The external Mini-SAS board connectors and configurations are fully compliant with SFF-8643 and SFF-8644 industry specifications allowing for use of the 6G and 12G, the same part numbers, when the systems speed increases.


● In industries, the 4i and 8i cable assemblies of Mini-SAS and PCB are the primary interconnect type used and listed on both SAS specifications.


● The SFF-8643 and SFF-8644, external connector types are used a lot for other interfaces like in converged interconnect systems.


● The configurations of an internal and external connector of the Mini-SAS enable 4x and 8x internal and external cable assembly and includes 1X1 (4x), 1X2 (8x), and 1X4 (16x) solutions.


● Moreover, the Mini-SAS design is PCI Express compatible and can be utilized in PCI Express architecture applications easily.


Who Uses Mini-SAS or SAS Is Ideal For?


As SAS cables are reliable these are ideal solutions for enterprise computing or businesses with substantial storage, high speed, backup, high availability, and archiving demands are crucial such as in data centers, banking systems, or E-commerce businesses. The devices that employ the uses of SAS or Mini-SAS are also compatible with SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) devices. In addition, these are also compatible with devices that are used to employ SCSI technologies earlier. SAS involves attaching a storage array to multiple servers. It is considered to be prevalent in enterprise-grade servers where there is a need for direct-attached storage and is used to support hard drive controllers.


These connectors or cables support both internal and external applications. In addition to storage, these are also used in some types of industrial and medical equipment. The external versions of the cable or connector are used to connect storage disks or other devices from shelf to shelf or rack to rack as per the requirements and specifications of the device, while the internal connection is built via linking the server processor with a built-in storage system.


As mentioned above, a Mini-SAS connector or cable has several variables that must be considered, it also includes the number of ports on the connector, the gauge of wire in a cable assembly, the type of cable, and most importantly the length of the cable. There are also specific performance criteria for each variable that you will want to achieve.


Why Does SAS Work Well in Settings Like Workstations and Servers as Compared to SATA?


If the use is for setting up a server in offices that is complex or even for a small business, the server and hard drives that use SAS technology are one of the best options. Or if the computer is used for processing-intensive work, like live streaming, video editing, software development, Mini-SAS or SAS are a good component to have in your PC.


When it comes to speed, SAS is one of the fastest technologies as it helps to quickly transfer data out of storage. When workstations and data servers involve the work of heavy data transfer, it is good to have a cable connector that is reliable and can send and receive information at a fast pace. On the other hand, SATA works at a slower pace when data is being transferred into the storage device.


Moreover, the built-in integrated technology of SAS makes it especially useful for servers and workstations as the drives and cables are built with connectors that are cased in the SCSI enclosure.


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About Martin Peels Innovator   Content Writer

11 connections, 0 recommendations, 60 honor points.
Joined APSense since, September 8th, 2020, From Acton, United States.

Created on Oct 6th 2020 07:23. Viewed 262 times.

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