Digital Controller for RAID 0 (Fast), RAID 1 (Safe) and JBOD

The silicon-proven SteelVine® RAID controller IP core is a low-cost solution for applications including external storage enclosures, system boards, backup storage, PC motherboards, flash storage, surveillance DVR, media services and high-end set-top-boxes (STBs). The IP core features a SATA digital host interface and two digital eSATA capable device ports. By leveraging proven performance RAID functionality, users can easily speed up (RAID0) or add redundancy (RAID1) with virtually no software development.

The SteelVine technology IP core supports JBOD and the following RAID modes: FAST (RAID0) and SAFE (RAID1) configurations. RAID mode configuration can be accomplished through a System Management Bus (SMBus)-based GUI or dedicated signaling for true software-free implementation.

Advanced features include enhanced sector recovery and automatic data repair to provide higher levels of protection for critical data. In RAID0 and RAID1 modes, cascading the IP block enables support of up to four drives. In this configuration, a RAID10 set may also be created.  Management parameters can be customized using the Manufacturing Utility or through customer applications built using the optional Software Development Kit. The SteelVine IP core supports aggressive power-down modes when drive(s) are idle or not present.

The IP core is available with optional SATA Transport and Link logic blocks to support easy integration into customer’s SoC, providing a modified SAPIS interface for connection to a SATA PHY.

Applications: PC Motherboards , Set-top Boxes , Storage Systems , Surveillance

Other Features & Benefits Serial ATA Host Interface Features

• SATA 2.6 spec. and UTD 1.3 test compliant
• Serial ATA Gen2m compliance
• 3 Gbps (auto-negotiates to 1.5 Gbps)
• Compatible with PM aware and non-PM aware hosts
• Allows multiple drives to be accessed by non-PM aware hosts (when virtualized as RAID0 or RAID1)
• Pass-through mode for vendor specific and SMART commands (in JBOD mode)

• SATA 2.6 spec. and UTD 1.3 test compliant
• Serial ATA Gen2m compliance
• 3 Gbps (auto-negotiates to 1.5 Gbps)
• Independent 8 KB FIFO / Port
• Supports ultra-low power management capabilities
• Supports hot plug
• Supports ATAPI in JBOD mode & asynchronous notification

• No driver, BIOS or software required
• User API interface through SMBus, and H/W error log
• No drive reformatting on RAID change from JBOD to SAFE
• Optional SteelVine Manager GUI
• Mandatory SMART commands supported to relay RAID state
• 100% host offload engine
• SAFE later (RAID 1 one drive, and hot upgrade)
• Cascading the IP block enables support of up to four drives (RAID0, RAID1 & RAID10 modes)

• Verilog RTL
• Synthesis and Timing scripts
• Simulation environment
• Test vectors (where applicable)
• Clocking requirements
• Complete Model (SATA & RAID Block)
• Raid Evaluation Board (option)

• Detailed Datasheet
• Architectural Document
• Programmers Reference Guide (GUI & Registers)
• Application Notes
• Iteration Guidelines