SUPER
SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASHPRI_EXPWWN

A

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

C A

OVERHEATFAIL1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKET

C

R659

A

BUZZER1C

FANFAIL1BUZZER_ENB1

REV: 1.00

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

M H7
SEC_EXP

SAS936EL2®

PRI_M ODE41

SEC_I2C

SEC_M ODE4PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_J1

SEC_J0

SEC_IPM I
2

SEC_J2

1

WWN

J16

BAR CODE

BC46

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASHPRI_EXPWWN

R2
12V_LEDC A
C A

OVERHEATFAIL1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKET

C

R659

A

C

FANFAIL1BUZZER_ENB1

REV: 1.00

A
R658

1

FAN3

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

M H7

SAS936EL1

F3

FAN2

PW R0

1

SEC_I2C

SEC_M ODE4PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_IPM I
2
1

WWN

J16

BAR CODE

BC46

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

FAN2

PW R0

F3

SAS-936EL BACKPLANE
SAS-936EL1

SAS-936EL2

USER'S GUIDE
Rev. 1.0c

FAN3

PRI_M ODE4BUZZER1

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide
The information in this User’s Manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate.
The vendor assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document,
makes no commitment to update or to keep current the information in this manual, or to notify any
person or organization of the updates. Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of thismanual, please see our web site at www.supermicro.com.
Super Micro Computer, Inc. ("Supermicro") reserves the right to make changes to the productdescribed in this manual at any time and without notice. This product, including software anddocumentation, is the property of Supermicro and/or its licensors, and is supplied only under alicense. Any use or reproduction of this product is not allowed, except as expressly permitted by
the terms of said license.
IN NO EVENT WILL SUPERMICRO BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
SPECULATIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO
USE THIS PRODUCT OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. IN PARTICULAR, SUPERMICRO SHALL NOT HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA STORED OR USED WITH THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE
COSTS OF REPAIRING, REPLACING, INTEGRATING, INSTALLING OR RECOVERING SUCH
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA.															Any disputes arising between manufacturer and customer shall be governed by the laws of Santa
Clara County in the State of California, USA. The State of California, County of Santa Clara shallbe the exclusive venue for the resolution of any such disputes. Super Micro's total liability for all
claims will not exceed the price paid for the hardware product.
													California Best Management Practices Regulations for Perchlorate Materials: This Perchlorate
warning applies only to products containing CR (Manganese Dioxide) Lithium coin cells. “Perchlorate
Material-special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”

WARNING: Handling of lead solder materials used in thisproduct may expose you to lead, a chemical known to
the State of California to cause birth defects and otherreproductive harm.

Manual Revision 1.0a							Release Date: December 8, 2010
Unless you request and receive written permission from Super Micro Computer, Inc., you may notcopy any part of this document.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies
referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or markholders.
Copyright © 2010 by Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of AmericaiiSafety Information and Technical Specifications

Table of Contents
Contacting Supermicro...................................................................................................iv
Returning Merchandise for Service.................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Safety Guidelines
1-1

ESD Safety Guidelines.................................................................................... 1-1

1-2

General Safety Guidelines............................................................................... 1-1

1-3

An Important Note to Users............................................................................. 1-2

1-4

Introduction to the SAS-936EL Backplane...................................................... 1-2

Chapter 2 Connectors, Jumper Settings and Pin Definitions
2-1

Front Connectors and Jumpers....................................................................... 2-1

2-2

Front Connector and Pin Definitions................................................................ 2-2

2-3

Front Jumper Locations and Pin Definitions.................................................... 2-5

2-4

Rear Connectors and LED Indicators.............................................................. 2-7

Chapter 3 Dual Port and Cascading Configurations
3-1

Single and Dual Port Expanders..................................................................... 3-1
Single Ports...................................................................................................... 3-1
Dual Ports........................................................................................................ 3-1
SAS-936EL2 Dual-Port Backplane.................................................................. 3-1

3-2

Failover............................................................................................................. 3-2
Single Host Bus Adapter.................................................................................. 3-2
Single Host Bus Adapter Failover.................................................................... 3-2

3-3

Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs................................................. 3-3
Dual Host Bus Adapter ................................................................................... 3-3
Dual Host Bus Adapter Failover...................................................................... 3-3

3-4

Cables and Chassis Power Card..................................................................... 3-4
Connecting an Internal Host Bus Adapter to the Backplane . ........................ 3-5
Supported Internal HBA to Backplane Cables................................................. 3-6
Connecting an External Host Bus Adapter to the Backplane . ....................... 3-8
Supported External HBA to Backplane Cable................................................. 3-9
Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Single Channel Environment.............. 3-10
Single HBA Configuration Cables...................................................................3-11
Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Dual Channel Environment................ 3-12
Dual HBA Conguration Cables...................................................................... 3-13

3-5

Supported Cascading Configurations............................................................ 3-14
Server System with Single SAS HBA............................................................ 3-15
Server System with Dual SAS HBA............................................................... 3-17
Dual Cable Routing........................................................................................ 3-18

iii

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

Contacting Supermicro
Headquarters
Address:

Super Micro Computer, Inc.
980 Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131 U.S.A.

Tel:+1 (408) 503-8000

Fax:+1 (408) 503-8008

Email:

marketing@supermicro.com (General Information)
support@supermicro.com (Technical Support)

Web Site:www.supermicro.com

EuropeAddress:

Super Micro Computer B.V.
Het Sterrenbeeld 28, 5215 ML's-Hertogenbosch, The NetherlandsTel:+31 (0) 73-6400390

Fax:+31 (0) 73-6416525

Email:

sales@supermicro.nl (General Information)
support@supermicro.nl (Technical Support)
rma@supermicro.nl (Customer Support)

Asia-Pacific
Address:

Super Micro Computer, Inc.
4F, No. 232-1, Liancheng Rd.
Chung-Ho 235, Taipei County
Taiwan, R.O.C.

Tel:+886-(2) 8226-3990

Fax:+886-(2) 8226-3991

Web Site:www.supermicro.com.tw

Technical Support:
Email:

support@supermicro.com.tw

Tel:886-2-8226-1900
iv

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Returning Merchandise for Service
A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required before any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling yourvendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. When returning
to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on theoutside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried. Shipping andhandling charges will be applied for all orders that must be mailed when service
is complete.
For faster service, RMA authorizations may be requested online (http://www.
supermicro.com/support/rma/).
Whenever possible, repack the backplane in the original Supermicro box, using theoriginal packaging materials. If these are no longer available, be sure to pack the
backplane in an anti-static bag and inside the box. Make sure that there is enoughpackaging material surrounding the backplane so that it does not become damaged
during shipping.
This warranty only covers normal consumer use and does not cover damages incurred in shipping or from failure due to the alteration, misuse, abuse or improper
maintenance of products.
During the warranty period, contact your distributor first for any product problems.

v

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Chapter 1
Safety Guidelines		
To avoid personal injury and property damage, carefully follow all of the safety steps
listed below when handling the backplane or components.

1-1

ESD Safety Guidelines

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage electronic com­ponents. To prevent damage to your system, it is important to handle it very carefully. The following measures
are generally sufficient to protect your equipment from ESD.

• Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge.
• Touch a grounded metal object before removing a component from the antistaticbag.

• Handle the backplane by its edges only; do not touch its components, peripheral
chips, memory modules or gold contacts.

• When handling chips or modules, avoid touching their pins.
• Put the card and peripherals back into their antistatic bags when not in use.
1-2

General Safety Guidelines• Always disconnect power cables before installing or removing any components
from the computer, including the backplane.

• Disconnect the power cable before installing or removing any cables from the
backplane.

• Make sure that the backplane is securely and properly installed on the motherboard to prevent damage to the system due to power shortage.

1-1

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

1-3

An Important Note to Users

All images and layouts shown in this user's guide are based upon the latest PCB
revision available at the time of publishing. The card you have received may or may
not look exactly the same as the graphics shown in this manual.

1-4

Introduction to the SAS-936EL Backplane

The SAS-936EL backplane has been designed to utilize the most up-to-date technology available, providing your system with reliable, high-quality performance.
This manual reflects SAS-936EL Revision 1.00, the most current release available atthe time of publication. Always refer to the Supermicro Web site at www.supermicro.
com for the latest updates, compatible parts and supported configurations.

1-2

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Chapter 2
Connectors, Jumper Settings and Pin Definitions
2-1

Front Connectors and Jumpers

2

2

3

SEC_FLASH

SEC_EXP1

SEC_M ODE41

1

SEC_I2CR2
12V_LED

C A
R659

A

C A

OVERHEATFAIL1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKETC

BUZZER1C

FANFAIL1

PRI_M ODE41

PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_J1

SEC_J0

SEC_IPM I

2

SEC_J2

1AR658

BUZZER_ENB1

REV: 1.00

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

PRI_EXPWWN

SAS936EL2

53

PRI_FLASH
M H7

WWN

J16

5

BAR CODE

12

11

10

9

8

7

BC46

GND

GND

PW R3

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

PW R2

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

PW R1

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

PW R0

4

R581

+5V

FAN1

FAN2

6

6

F3

FAN3

6

Figure 2-1: Front Connectors and Jumpers

Front Connectors#1. Primary and secondary I2C connectors (optional)#2. Primary and secondary flash
chips#3. Primary and secondary expanderchips#4. Power connectors: PWR3,
PWR2, PWR1, PWR0
#5. EPP connectors, J16 and J15#6. Fan connectors: Fan1, Fan2 andFan3#7. SAS connectors: PRI_J1#8. SAS connectors: PRI_J0#9. SAS connectors: PRI_J2#10. SAS connectors: SEC_J1 (Notavailable in EL1 single port backplane)#11. SAS connectors: SEC_J0 (Notavailable in EL1 single port backplane)#12. SAS connectors: SEC_J2 (Notavailable in EL1 single port backplane)

2-1

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

2-2

Front Connector and Pin Definitions• 1. Primary and Secondary I C Connectors
2

I2C Connector
Pin Definitions

The I C connectors are used to moni2

tor the power supply and to control thefans. See the table on the right for pin
definitions. There are a total of four connectors- two primary and two secondary.

Pin#

Definition

1

Data

2

Ground

3

Clock

4

No Connection

These connectors are optional and should
only be used by qualified technicians.

2. Primary and Secondary Flash Chips
The primary and secondary flash chips enhance the backplane memory.

3. Primary and Secondary Expander Chips
These primary and secondary expander chips
allow the backplane to support dual ports,
cascading, and failover.

4. Backplane Main Power Connectors
The 4-pin connectors, designated PWR0,
PWR1, PWR2, and PWR3, provide power tothe backplane. See the table on the right forpin definitions.

Backplane
Main Power
4-Pin Connector
Pin#

+12V

2 and 3Ground4

5. EPP Ports
The EPP ports are used for manufacturer
diagnostic purposes only.

2-2

Definition

1+5V

Safety Information and Technical Specifications
6. Fan Connectors

Fan Connectors

The 3-pin connectors, designated Fan1, Fan2
and Fan3, provide power to the system fans.
See the table on the right for pin definitions.

7. - 12. SAS Ports
Note that the primary and secondary sets of
SAS ports are not in sequential order. Fromright to left the ports are primary SAS ports
PRI_J1, PRI_J0, PRI_J2 and secondary SAS
ports SEC_J1, SEC_J0 and SEC_J2.

2-3

Pin#

Definition
1

Ground2+12V

3

TachometerSAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASHPRI_EXPWWN

REV: 1.00

A

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

R659

A

C A

OVERHEATFAIL1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKETC

BUZZER1C

FANFAIL1BUZZER_ENB1

SAS936EL2

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

M H7
SEC_EXPPRI_M ODE41

SEC_I2C

SEC_M ODE4PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_J1

SEC_J0

SEC_IPM I
2

SEC_J2

1

WWN

J16

BAR CODE

BC46

GND

+12V

GND

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

SEC_FLASH

A

REV: 1.00

OVERHEATFAIL1

SEC_EXPM H7

BUZZER1C

FANFAIL1

SEC_I2C

SEC_M ODE4

SEC_IPMI

SEC_IPM I

2

1

J16

WWN

PRI_Mode4

SEC_J2

1

PRI_M ODE4

Buzzer Enb1

BAR CODEPRI_J1

PRI_J0Figure 2-2: Front Sockets
BC46

Socket Settings
Socket
+5V

GND

GND

+12V

REMOTE_FAN_FAIL_
PW R3
SOCKET+5V

GND

Socket Setting

GND

+12V

PW R2
Connected

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

R581
F3

2-4

+12V

Note

Front PWpanel
fan fail indicator
R0(optional)

PW R1

FAN2

GND

FAN3

SEC_J0BUZZER_ENB1

SAS936EL2C A

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKET

C

R659

A

SEC_12C

SEC_Mode4

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

FAN3

Remote_Fan_Fail_
SocketR1
5V_LED

J15

2

F3

FAN2

PW R0

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

2-3

Front Jumper Locations and Pin Definitions

Explanation of Jumpers
Connector
Pins

To modify the operation of the backplane,
jumpers can be used to choose between
optional settings. Jumpers create shorts
between two pins to change the functionof the connector. Pin 1 is identified witha square solder pad on the printed circuitboard. Note: On two pin jumpers, "Closed"means the jumper is on and "Open" means

3

2

1

3

2

1

JumperSetting

the jumper is off the pins.
General Jumper Settings
JumperJumper Settings

Note

PRI_MODE4

1-2

Factory setting- do not change

PRI_BLINK

Open

Factory setting- do not change

SEC_MODE4

1-2

Factory setting- do not change

SEC_BLINK

Open

Factory setting- do not change

BUZZER_ENB

Open: Disable
Closed: Enable

Buzzer enable*

FAN_ALERT_ENI

Open: Disable
Closed: Enable

Fan alert enable*The buzzer sound indicates that a condition requiring immediate attention has
occurred.
The buzzer alarm is triggered by the following conditions:
1. Hard drive failure
2. Fan failure
3. System temperature over 45º Celsius.

2-5

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

Front LED Indicators
SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASHPRI_EXPWWN

REV: 1.00

A

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

R659

A

C A

OVERHEATFAIL1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKETC

BUZZER1C

FANFAIL1BUZZER_ENB1

SAS936EL2

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

M H7
SEC_EXPPRI_M ODE41

SEC_I2C

SEC_M ODE4PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_J1

SEC_J0

SEC_IPM I
2

SEC_J2

1

WWN

J16

BAR CODE

BC46

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

F3

FAN2

PW R0

POWER
FAILURE
LED

FAN3

POWER
FAILURE
LED

OVERHEATLED

FAN FAILURE
LED
Figure 2-3: Front LEDs

Front LEDs
LED

State

Specification

OVERHEATFAIL1

On

Overheat or drive failure

FANFAIL1

On

System fan failure.

5V

Off

Backplane power failure. Light is on
during normal operation.

12V

Off

Backplane power failure. Light is on
during normal operation.

2-6

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

2-4

Rear Connectors and LED Indicators

#2

CA
C

ACT3

J3

A

#3

CA

FAIL4

C

ACT4

CA

FAIL5

#4

J4
A

ACT5
C
J5
A
A

#5

FAIL6
ACT6
J6
A
CA

ACT7

C

#6

FAIL7

J7
A

ACT8

C

C75

CA

#7

FAIL8

J8

#8

A
CA

FAIL9

C77

C

ACT9

J9
A

#9

CA
C

FAIL10 ACT10

J10

#10

A
CA
C

FAIL11 ACT11

J11

#11

A
CA
C

FAIL12 ACT12

J12

#12

A
CA
C

FAIL13 ACT13

FAIL#13
ACT#13FAIL3

FAIL#12
ACT#12J2
A

FAIL#11
ACT#11C

FAIL#10
ACT#10

ACT2

FAIL#9ACT#9CA

FAIL#8
ACT#8

FAIL2

FAIL#7ACT#7

J1
A

FAIL#6ACT#6C

FAIL#5
ACT#5

J0

ACT1

FAIL#4ACT#4

CA

FAIL#3
ACT#3

FAIL1

FAIL#2ACT#2

A

FAIL#1
ACT#1

J13

#13

A
J14

#14

A
CA
C

FAIL15 ACT15

J14

#14

A
CA
C

FAIL16 ACT16

FAIL#16
ACT#16

FAIL14 ACT14

FAIL#15
ACT#15A

FAIL#14
ACT#14

Figure 2-4: Rear Connectors and LEDs
Rear SAS Connectors
Rear
Connector

SAS Drive
NumberRear
Connector

SAS Drive
NumberSAS #J0

SAS HDD #0

SAS #J9

SAS HDD #9

SAS #J1

SAS HDD #1

SAS #J10

SAS HDD #10

SAS #J2

SAS HDD #2

SAS #J11

SAS HDD #11

SAS #J3

SAS HDD #3

SAS #J12

SAS HDD #12

SAS #J4

SAS HDD #4

SAS #J13

SAS HDD #13

SAS #J5

SAS HDD #5

SAS #J14

SAS HDD #14

SAS #J6

SAS HDD #6

SAS #J17

SAS HDD #15

2-7

SAS-936EL Backplane User's Guide

Rear LED Indicators
Hard Drive Activity

Failure LED

SAS #0

Rear LED

ACT #1

FAIL #1

SAS #1

ACT #2FAIL #2

SAS #2

ACT #3

FAIL #3

SAS #3

ACT #4

FAIL #4

SAS #4

ACT #5

FAIL #5

SAS #5

ACT #6

FAIL #6

SAS #6

ACT #7

FAIL #7

SAS #7

ACT #8FAIL #8

SAS #8

ACT #9FAIL #9SAS #9

ACT #10FAIL #10

SAS #10

ACT #11

FAIL #11

SAS #11

ACT #12FAIL #12

SAS #12

ACT #13

FAIL #13

SAS #13

ACT #14

FAIL #14

SAS #14

ACT #15

FAIL #15

SAS #15

ACT #16

FAIL #16

2-8

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Chapter 3
Dual Port and Cascading Configurations
3-1

Single and Dual Port Expanders
Single Ports

SAS-936EL1 backplanes have a single-port expander that access all sixteen drives
and supports cascading.

Dual Ports
SAS-936EL2 backplanes have dual-port expanders that access all sixteen drives.
These dual-port expanders support cascading, failover, and recovery.

SAS-936EL1 Single-Port Backplane
From HBA or
higher backplane
SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASH
M H7

WWN

SAS936EL1
REV: 1.00

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

PRI_EXPA

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKET

C

R659

A

C A

BUZZER1C

OVERHEATFAIL1

FANFAIL1BUZZER_ENB1

PRI_J2

PRI_M ODE41

SEC_I2CPRI_J1

SEC_M ODE4PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_IPM I
2
1

WWN

J16

PRI_J0BAR CODE

BC46

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

F3

FAN2

PW R0

FAN3

To Lower Backplane in Cascaded System

SAS-936EL2 Dual-Port Backplane
From HBA or
Higher Backplane

From HBA or
Higher Backplane

SEC_J1

SEC_FLASHPRI_FLASHREV: 1.00

A

R659

A

C A

OVERHEATFAIL1C

PRI_J1

PRI_J0

PRI_J2

SEC_J2WWN

J16

SEC_J1

SEC_IPM I

2

SEC_J0SEC J0

SEC_M ODE4

1

REM OTE_FAN_FAIL_SCOKETC

FANFAIL1

1

SEC_I2C

SEC_J2

R2
12V_LED

C A

R658

1

BUZZER_ENB1

SAS936EL2

PRI_EXPWWN

R1
5V_LED

J15

2

M H7

SEC_EXPBAR CODE

BC46

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V

+5V

GND

GND

+12V
R581

+5V

FAN1
PW R3

PW R2

PW R1

PW R0

To Lower Backplane in Cascaded System

3-1

FAN2

F3

FAN3

PRI_M ODE4BUZZER1

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

3-2

FailoverThe SAS-936EL2 backplane has two expanders which allow effective failover andrecovery.

Single Host Bus Adapter
SAS HBAIn a single host bus configuration, thebackplane connects to one Host Bus
Adapter (HBA).
SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Port B

Port AA2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2Single Host Bus Adapter
Failover

A3

A1

PRI_J2

SAS HBA

If the expander or data path in Port A
fails, the system will automatically failover to Port B.

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Port B

Port AA2
PRI_J2

3-2

A3

A1

PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

3-3

Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs

The SAS-936EL backplane may be configured for failover with multiple HBAs using
either RAID controllers or HBAs to acheive failover protection.
RAID controllers: If RAID controllers are used, then the failover is accomplishedthrough port failover on the same RAID card.
HBAs: If multiple HBAs are used to achieve failover protection and load balancing,Linux MPIO software must be installed and correctly configured to performthe load balancing and failover tasks.

Dual Host Bus Adapter

SAS HBAIn a dual host bus configuration, thebackplane connects to two host bus
adapters.

SAS HBASEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Port B

Port AA2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Dual Host Bus Adapter
Failover

A3

A1

PRI_J2

SAS HBASAS HBA

If the expander or data path in Port A
fails, the system will automatically failover to Port B. This maintains a fullconnection to all drives.

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Port B

Port AA2
PRI_J2!

A3

A1

PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

IMPORTANT: For RAID controllers, redundancy is achieved
through port failover. For multiple HBAs, MPIO software isrequired to achieve failover protection.

3-3

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

3-4

Cables and Chassis Power Card
Chassis Power Card

In a cascaded configuration, the first chassis includes a motherboard and at least
one host bus adapter. Other servers in this enclosed system, include a power card.
This section describes the supported power card for the SAS-936EL backplanesystem.
For more information, see the PCC-JBPWR2 power card manual. This manual canbe found at http://www.supermicro.com.

A
A

A

JBPW R2 REV 1.00

Power Card
Part Number

Part Type

Where Used

CSE-PTJBOD-CB1

Power Card

Allows the chassis to be used asa JBOD (Just a Bunch of Drives)
system.

3-4

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Connecting an Internal Host Bus Adapter to the
Backplane
The following section lists the most common cables used to connect the HBA to
the backplane.

B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA

A3

A1

A2

(Host Bus Adapter)

PRI_J1

PRI_J2Single Internal Host Bus Adapter

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
A2

PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
Dual Internal Host Bus Adapter

IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple
HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

3-5

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Supported Internal HBA to Backplane Cables
Use the following cables to create connections between the internal HBA andbackplane. The cables required depend on the HBA connector.

iPass to 4-Lane Cable (CBL-0117)

Cable Name: iPass to 4-Lane
Part #: CBL-0117

Length: 46 cm (18 inches)

Description: This cable has one SFF-8484 (32-pin) connector on one end andiPass (SFF-8087/Mini-SAS) connector (36-pin) at the other. This cable connects
from the HBA to the SAS-936EL backplane.

3-6

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

iPass (Mini-SAS) to iPass (Mini-SAS) (CBL-0110L-2)
Cable Name: iPass (Mini SAS) to iPass (Mini-SAS)Part #: CBL-0108L-02

Length: 39 cm (15 inches)Part #: CBL-0109L-02

Length: 22 cm (9 inches)Part #: CBL-0110L-02

Length: 18 cm (7 inches)

Description: This cable has an iPass (SFF-8087/Mini-SAS) connector (36-pin) at
each end. It connects from the HBA to the SAS-936EL backplane.

3-7

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Connecting an External Host Bus Adapter to the
Backplane
This backplane supports external host bus adapters. In this configuration, the HBA
and the backplane are in different physical chassis. This allows a JBOD (Just a
Bunch Of Drives) configuration from an existing system.

HBA

B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Power Card

(Host Bus Adapter)

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2Single External Host Bus Adapter
CBL-0200L
External HBA Cable

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA(Host Bus Adapter)

HBA

Power Card

(Host Bus Adapter)

A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

Dual External Host Bus Adapter
CBL-0200L
External HBA Cables
IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple
HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

3-8

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Supported External HBA to Backplane Cable
Use the following cable if your external HBA has an InfiniBand connector.

SAS InfiniBand to Mini-SAS (CBL-0200L)

Cable Name: SAS InfiniBand to Mini-SAS X4 1M cable, PBF.
Part #: CBL-0200L

Length: 1 meter

Description: This cable has an InfiniBand connector (SFF-8470) on one end andan SFF-8088-1X (26-pin) at the other end.

3-9

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Single Channel
Environment
This section describes the cables used when cascading from a single HBA. These
connections use CBL-0167L internal cables and CBL-0166L external cables.

Single HBA Configuration

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

CBL-0167L
with Single Port Assembly(internal cable)

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
A2

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0Port B Expander 2

B3
SEC_J1

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port A Expander 1Power Card
A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

3-10

CBL-0166L(external cable)Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Single HBA Configuration Cables
Single Port Cable Assembly

SAS Internal Backplane Cable (CBL-0167L)
Cable Name: SAS EL2/EL1 Backplane Cable (Internal) w/ 2-port Cascading Cable,
68 cm
Part #: CBL-0167L (SFF-8087 to SFF-8088 x1)
Ports: Single placement: Internal cable
Description: Internal cable. Connects the backplane to the host bus adapter orexternal port. Used in single port environments.

SAS Cascading Cable External (CBL-0166L)
Cable Name: SAS EL2/EL1 Cascading Cable (External), 68 cm
Part #: CBL-0166L (SFF-8088 1x to SFF-8088 x1)
Ports: Single or dual
Placement: External cable
Description: External cascading cable. Connects ports between servers. With mostconnectors, use one cable for single port connections and two cables for dual port
connections.

3-11

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Dual Channel
Environment
This section describes the cables used when cascading from a single HBA. These
connections use CBL-0168L internal cables and CBL-0166L external cables.

SEC_J2

B1

B2

B3

SEC_J0

SEC_J1

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)

A3

A1

A2

Cable 0168L
with Single Port Assembly(internal cable)

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0Port B Expander 2

B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port A Expander 1

Cable 0166L(external cable)

Power Card
A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple
HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

3-12

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Dual HBA Conguration Cables
Dual Port Cable
Assembly

SAS Cascading Cable Internal (CBL-0168L)
Cable Name: SAS Dual-port Cable Assembly, 68/76 cm
Part #: CBL-0168L
Ports: Dual

Placement: Internal cable

Description: Internal cascading cable. Connects the backplane to the host bus
adapter or external port. Used in dual port environments.

SAS Cascading Cable External (CBL-0166L)
Cable Name: SAS EL2/EL1 Cascading Cable (External), 68 cm
Part #: CBL-0166L
Placement: External cable
Ports: Single or Dual
Description: External cascading cable. Connects ports between servers. Use one
cable for single port connections and two cables for dual port connections.

3-13

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

3-5

Supported Cascading Configurations

Cascading allows the system to access data at a faster rate by allowing several
backplanes to share resources to reduce latency time.
The first backplane in a cascaded system requires a motherboard and HBA. Other
servers require a power control card, not a motherboard and HBA.

B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1

Single Port Cable
Assembly

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Cable 0167L(internal cable)

B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1Power Card

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

Cable 0166L(external cable)

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1Power Card

A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1Other Considerations:•Cascading supports up to one hundred twenty-two hard drives•
Use the same cables for all single port configurations
3-14

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Server System with Single SAS HBA
The exanders allow horizontal branching. This configuration also applies to dual
ports.

B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

B1

B2

SEC_J2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

PRI_J1

Cable 0167L(internal cable)

B2

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2Single Port Cable Assembly

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

B1

B2

SEC_J2

SEC_J2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Power Card

A3

A1

A2
PRI_J2A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

Port A Expander 1

Port A Expander 1

HBA

B3

SEC_J0A3

A1A2

SEC_J1

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

PRI_J1

Port A Expander 1

Port A Expander 1Power Card

B3

SEC_J0

A3

A1

PRI_J2

A2Power Card

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Cable 0166L(external cable)

SEC_J2

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A2
PRI_J2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

PRI_J1

Port A Expander 1

Port A Expander 1Power Card

B2

A3

A1

PRI_J2

Power Card

A3

A1
PRI_J1

3-15

A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Server System with Dual SAS HBA and Cascading Configuration
IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple
HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

SEC_J2

B1

B2

B3

SEC_J0

SEC_J1

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
Dual Port Cable
Assembly

HBA (Host Bus Adapter)
Cable 0168L(internal cable)

B2

SEC_J2

B1
SEC_J0

B3Port A Expander 1Power Card

B2

A2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2Power Card

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Expander 2

SEC_J2

Cable 0166L(external cables)

A3

A1

A2

SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port A Expander 1

A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

3-16

Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Server System with Dual SAS HBA
IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple
HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

SEC_J2

B1

B2

SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Ex. 2

Port A Ex. 1
B1

B2

SEC_J2B3

SEC_J0

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

HBA

Power
Card

HBA

SEC_J2B2Port A Ex. 1

A3

A1

A2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1

A2

SEC_J1

Port B Ex. 2

A3

A1

A2

PRI_J1

PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Ex. 2

Port A Ex. 1

SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Port B Ex. 2
A2

A3

A1

PRI_J2

Port A Ex. 1

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Power
Card

Power
Card

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Cable 0166L(external cable)
SEC_J2

B2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1

A2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Ex. 2

Port A Ex. 1
SEC_J2

A2
PRI_J2

B1
SEC_J0B3
SEC_J1A2

PRI_J1

Power
Card

Power
Card

3-17

A3

A1
PRI_J1

PRI_J2

Port B Ex. 2

A3

A1

B2

Port A Ex. 1

A2
PRI_J2

A3

A1
PRI_J1

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Dual Cable Routing
External Cables
In the previous diagrams externalcables are represented with two different line patterns. These cables are both
CBL-0166L external cables. Different
lines help the user determine cablerouting.

3-18

CBL-0166L(external cable)Safety Information and Technical Specifications

Notes

3-19

SAS-936EL Series Backplane User's Guide

Disclaimer (cont.)
The products sold by Supermicro are not intended for and will not be used in life support systems, medical equipment, nuclear facilities or systems, aircraft, aircraft devices,
aircraft/emergency communication devices or other critical systems whose failure to perform be reasonably expected to result in significant injury or loss of life or catastrophic
property damage. Accordingly, Supermicro disclaims any and all liability, and shouldbuyer use or sell such products for use in such ultra-hazardous applications, it does soentirely at its own risk. Furthermore, buyer agrees to fully indemnify, defend and holdSupermicro harmless for and against any and all claims, demands, actions, litigation,and proceedings of any kind arising out of or related to such ultra-hazardous use orsale.

3-20