Mini-SAS HD connectors and cable assemblies support both internal and external applications. In addition to storage, Mini-SAS HD connectors are used in some industrial and medical equipment. Internal connections can link server processors with built-in storage systems, while external connections can link rack-to-rack or rack-to-rack storage disks or other devices.
To specify a Mini-SAS HD connector or cable assembly, you must consider a number of variables, including the number of ports on the connector, the gauge of the cable assembly and the length of the cable, the type of cable in the cable assembly, the design of the locking latches (on the external cable assembly), and the manufacturing lead time. Also consider the performance criteria you want to achieve.
Number of Ports
Depending on the required data throughput, designers choose Mini-SAS HD connectors with different numbers of ports.There are four channels in a Mini-SAS HD connector system, each capable of transferring 12 Gbps of data, so a single port is capable of 48 Gbps. Customers wanting to transfer more data faster might use connectors with more ports. customers who want to transfer more data faster may use a connector design with more ports. Single, dual, and quad port designs are available. In the storage industry, you'll see 1U-sized storage shelves loaded with ports because they need to move data from servers and switches. In industrial or medical equipment, the connectors are likely to have fewer ports because there usually isn't as much data to move.
Cable lengths and gauges
Another standard includes cable lengths and gauges.SAS specifies not only the connector's form factor, but also its performance.The SAS standard specifies the performance of a cable assembly in terms of insertion loss, crosstalk interference, and other factors that degrade signal quality.Mini-SAS HD cable assemblies typically come in four different gauges: 30, 28, 26, and 24; the smaller the number, the larger the wire diameter. Because larger wire diameters result in less attenuation, cable assemblies with larger wire diameters typically meet industry specifications over longer distances. For example, a 30-wire gauge cable is about three meters long, while a 24-wire gauge cable might be 6-7 meters long and still meet industry codes.
Customer Standards
Customers often have unique connector and cable assembly performance requirements. Depending on the loss budget of the channel, they may need to increase the wire gauge of the cable assembly to achieve better performance margins. The basic performance is defined by industry standards, but the customer will determine the actual performance criteria to be used based on the configuration of the system. Customers will often request a loss budget from the connector manufacturer. For example, a customer may request a loss budget of 10dB over a distance of three meters, and the manufacturer may say that the customer needs to use 26 gauge in the cable assembly to achieve this loss budget.
Cable types
External connectors use round cables, while internal cables tend to use flat twin-axial cables to save space inside the system. However, some designers prefer round cables in internal cable assemblies.
Latch design
Some cable assemblies for external connectors have more robust latching mechanisms than others. If the latch design has a high latch retention force, the plug is less likely to come off when moving a storage system or other device.
Manufacturing Lead Times
Lead times between order placement and delivery should also be taken into account and discussed with the manufacturer, especially for customized orders.Lead times for Mini-SAS HD connectors and cable assemblies will vary depending on the manufacturer and the parts ordered. Be sure to discuss expected lead times as early as possible in the specification requirements.
Mini-SAS HD connectors and cable assemblies are ideal for storage applications. Their small form factor and high performance allow system manufacturers to add many ports in a single device. By considering the above criteria, system designers can find the right Mini-SAS HD connector for any storage application.