Zero Maintenance Cache Protection
Overview
Enabling the onboard cache on a RAID adapter card significantly enhances performance - especially in RAID 5 and RAID 6 scenarios - by accommodating both read caching and write caching of data. But data stored in the cache for write caching can be lost if the cache is not protected against a power or system failure.
RAID adapters typically employ battery backup units (BBUs) to protect cached data, but BBUs require constant monitoring and expensive maintenance, and can only preserve data for a maximum of 72 hours during a power loss.
Based on the success of the Series 81605ZQ and 81605Z RAID Adapters with built in flash backup circuitry (AFM-700), the 5th Generation of integrated Zero Maintenance Cache Protection (ZMCP), for the SmartRAID 315x RAID Adapter Family, was announced in 2017.
Microsemi Adaptec is now announcing the 6th generation of Zero Maintenance Cache Protection (ZMCP), an on-board adapter super capacitor, available on the Microsemi Adaptec 12 Gbps SmartRAID 3162 RAID Adapters. The SmartRAID 3162-8i /e includes onboard cache backup circuitry and flash memory, integrating the ZMCP power source (capacitor module) in the adapter to enable instant cache protection without the need to find space to mount the supercap elsewhere in the system. The onboard capacitor module form factor fits into a PCIe slot and optimizes the airflow for operation with only 150 LFM. It supports a five-year lifetime and is continuously monitored by the smart firmware to ensure the data can be safely backed up to the flash memory on the SmartRAID adapter.
Zero-Maintenance Cache Protection Brief (ZMCP) »
6th Generation ZMCP Features
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5th Generation ZMCP Features
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| Zero-Maintenance Cache Protection features SLC based NAND flash memory and super capacitor technology that work together to save cached data in the event of system power loss. The super capacitor charges while the system is booting to provide instant cache protection upon startup. When the module detects loss of power, the super capacitor keeps critical parts of the adapter active long enough to allow data to be copied from the onboard adapter cache to the flash memory. | |
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Zero-Maintenance Cache Protection is available for the following Products::
SmartRAID 315x
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Series 8
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