What is a SCSI cable? (source: STC-Cable)

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is an infrastructure designed to control a broad range of devices, including hard drives, CD-ROMs printers, and scanners. SCSI data cables act as an essential intermediary between computers and peripherals to provide a high-speed bus connection between each one. We’ve compiled a complete guide to SCSI data cable uses to explain more about the infrastructure and accessories.

SCSI cables are used for high-speed bus connections between small computers and intelligent peripherals such as hard disks, printers, and optical disks.  SCSI stands for small computer system interface, a set of standards for physically connecting computers to peripherals and transferring data.

What Is SCSI?

1> SCSI is a high-speed smart bus managed by a microprocessor that enables you to link up to 15 external devices to your computers, like printers and hard drives, using data cables. The process uses a controller to deliver and receive data and power back and forth between the SCSI-enabled peripherals.

2> A high-quality single SCSI board can have two controllers and accommodate up to 30 peripherals on one expansion card. SCSI has the advantage of allowing you to join multiple peripherals to a single host adapter while only occupying one bus slot.

3> SCSI defines optical and electrical connectivity and its instructions. Contemporary SCSI can also handle serial communication at higher data speeds with better fault association, enhanced cable connections, and a greater range.

4> The original SCSI (SCSI-I) version was an 8-bit iteration with a 5 Mbps transmission speed, allowing you to link up to eight devices via a 6-meter connection. This system had developed from an earlier one called Shugart Associates Systems Interface (SASI) beginning in 1979.

5> The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) formally adopted this version in 1986. The most recent version, 16-bit Ultra-640 (Fast-320) SCSI, came out in 2003. It offers a transfer rate of 640 Mbps while connecting up to 16 devices via a 12-meter connection.

6> The correct pronunciation of SCSI is “scuzzy,” believe it or not. Marketing people tried to shift the predominant pronunciation over to sexy, but it didn’t take, to their dismay.

Types of SCSI Cables

The database contains information about these types of SCSI cables.

1> SCSI-1 allows asynchronous data transfer rates of 1.5 Mbps and synchronous transfer rates of up to 5 Mbps. SCSI-1 has an 8-bit port that uses a 50-pin connector and single-ended, open-collector drives.

2> SCSI-2 has faster data transfer rates, better connectors, a wider bus path, parity checking, and better reliability via synchronous negotiation.

3> Ultra2 SCSI or Fast-40 has a bus speed of 40 MHz. Narrow (8-bit) buses have a maximum data transfer rate of 40 Mbps. Wide (16-bit) buses have a maximum data transfer rate of 80 Mbps.

4> SCSI-3 allows for faster data transfer rates and the use of up to 32 devices on a single chain. It incorporates serial connections in addition to the traditional parallel interconnect of SCSI-2. The serial interconnect of SCSI-3 incorporates three technologies: serial storage architecture (SSA), Fibre Channel, and IEEE P1394. The serial transfer mode allows faster data rates, more devices per bus, simple connectors, and longer cables.

5> Ultra3 SCSI (Fast-80, Ultra160) has a bus speed of 80 MHz. Wide (16-bit) buses have a maximum data transfer rate of 160 Mbps.

6> Ultra320 SCSI has a maximum data transfer rate of 320 Mbps for the wide (16-bit) bus.

7>Serial SCSI is a very fast bus standard that supports data transfer rates up to 400 Mbps. It is a subset of IEEE 1394 or FireWire

SCSI, or Small Computer Systems Interface, is a technology designed to connect smaller devices to a computer. SCSI is bus technology, which means that all devices connect to a central bus and are “daisy-chained” together. The SCSI bus is controlled by a host controller which will typically be built into the motherboard, or it can be from a separate expansion card. Either external or internal, the cabling/connector requirements for a SCSI connector depend upon the location of the bus. SCSI uses three different signaling types, Single-Ended (SE), Differential (HVD or high-voltage differential), and LVD (or low-voltage differential). The most important things to remember when selecting your SCSI cable are the type of connector required by your devices, and if the location of the cable is internal or external.

VHD68 to HPDB68 SCSI Cable

MDR 14 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with ABS Shell and latch

MDR 20 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with ABS Shell and latch

MDR 36 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with ABS Shell and latch

MDR 50 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with ABS Shell and latch

MDR 50 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with Metal Shell and latch

MDR 50 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with Metal Shell and screws

MDR 50 pin male to male HPCN SCSI cable with PVC Molding and screws

SCSI 14 pin mini d ribbon MDR14 pin to 3 ports RCA Video Splitter Cable

About Shenzhen STC Electronic Co., Ltd

STC-CABLE is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance cabling and connectivity solutions. Founded in 2008, STC provides end-to-end connectivity solutions serving a variety of markets–including corporate, digital signage, education, healthcare, home theater, and hospitality.

As a professional cable assembly factory, STC brings a complete portfolio of products and solutions including USB 2.0 Cables, USB 3.0 Cables, USB C Cables, Drive Cables, Network Cables & Adapters, Audio & Video Cables, Serial & Parallel Cables, Audio-Video Products, Computer power Cables internal and so on.

Leo Zhang
Sales Manager
leo@stccable.com
Tel: (86) 0755 2321 4701
(86) 134 2285 3610
www.stc-cable.com
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