StorageWorks Release Notes RAID Array 230/Plus Subsystem Software V1.1 for Alpha and Intel-Based Systems

This document provides Release Notes for the StorageWorks RAID Array 230/Plus Subsystem Software V1.1, applicable to both Alpha and Intel-based systems. It outlines known restrictions, utility information, and product specifications, superseding prior versions of release notes.

Key Information:

• Controllers: The software supports KZPAC (a performance-enhanced follow-on to KZPSC) controllers, and is backward compatible with KZPSC and KZESC controllers. Up to four controllers are supported per system.
• Software Kits: For mixed RAID Array 200 family controller environments, the RAID Array 230/Plus software kit must be used.

• System Operation:

  • Power Sequencing: External storage enclosures must be powered on before the system containing the controller, and powered off in reverse order.
  • SCSI Termination: Controllers must be at the end of the SCSI bus. Fault Management requires terminators that support it.
  • Write Back Cache: Recommended to use KZPSC-UB battery backup to prevent data loss with Write Back cache.
  • UltraSCSI Support: KZPAC controllers support UltraSCSI devices (20 MHz) via the 'MAX' setting in the RAID Configuration Utility (RCU). Specific UltraSCSI components (blue BA356 enclosures, VHDCI cables) and homogeneous cable configurations are required.

• New Drives Supported: Includes 2.1GB, 4.3GB, and 9.1GB Narrow, SBB SCSI Disk Drives. The largest logical drive configurable with 9.1GB drives is 32GB.

• RAID Configuration Utility (RCU) Notes:

  • The RCU from this kit must be used for KZPAC controllers.
  • Fixes slow initialization on AlphaBIOS; recommends using write-back cache initially.
  • 'Controller Read Ahead' parameter is removed for KZPAC/KZPSC controllers.
  • Discourages configuring redundant and non-redundant logical drives within the same physical drive group.
  • Provides guidelines for filename conventions during backup/restore and correct firmware download syntax.
  • Explains how to handle 'UNF' (unformatted) drive status.

• RAID Management Utilities (SWXCRMGR/SWXCR):

  • Do not run multiple copies of SWXCRMGR.
  • Rapidly switching controllers during rebuilds via GUI may cause crashes, but rebuilds will continue.
  • The GUI does not report automatically initiated rebuilds (drives marked as WOL).
  • Provides methods to cancel parity checks or rebuilds.

• Operating System Specific Notes:

  • Digital UNIX: Provides installation and usage notes for SWXCR monitor utility and SWXCRRATE.
  • OpenVMS: Details modifications for VMScluster support (DRUNITBASE parameter) and changes in monitor process naming. Notes that parity checks are local to the node.
  • Windows NT (Alpha & Intel): Addresses limitations for boot partition installations (max 2024 MB, issues with multiple logical drives). Lists supported CD-ROM and tape devices for passthru. Advises on updated NT drivers to fix system hangs and SCSI time-out errors, available on the Digital website. Provides installation notes for the RAID Monitor Utility and a workaround for event logging issues. Windows NT V4.0 is the only version supported on Intel.
  • Compliance: Includes a Class A product warning regarding potential radio interference.