Patent ID: 6505272
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A serial storage architecture (SSA) storage subsystem comprising:a backplane, wherein said backplane is configured as an SSA target by virtue of said backplane comprising an SSA target controller; an SSA initiator; first and second SSA targets coupled to said backplane, wherein said SSA target controller is configured to allow said SSA initiator to communicate with said first and second SSA targets; a controller coupled to said first and second SSA targets and to said SSA target controller, wherein said SSA initiator is configured to exchange information about said first and second SSA targets with said controller, wherein a first control register sends control information to said first and second SSA targets in response to commands issued by said SSA initiator; and a first status register coupled to said first and second SSA targets, wherein said first status register is configured to indicate status of a first operating parameter for each of said first and second SSA targets.