Pmc-sierra, Inc.

Pmc-sierra Us, Inc.

Microsemi Storage Solutions, Inc.

Calvin Leung

Heng Liao

Kuan Hua Tan

Cheng Yi

SAS expanders are commonly used within a SAS network topology to allow multiple disk drives (targets) to connect to multiple host devices (initiators). A connection between an initiator and a target is setup inside an expander on the pathway between the initiator and the target. A source device sends a connection request message called an open address frame using in-band signaling. The expander processes the open address frame and forwards an modified open address frame to the next expander in the path or to the final destination device.

Method and apparatus for SAS open address frame processing in SAS expanders

A method and apparatus are provided for implementing connection management in SAS expander devices. SAS expanders are commonly used within a SAS network topology to allow multiple disk drives to connect to multiple host devices. The method and apparatus provides arbitration of connection requests to be setup or removed among multiple end devices and expander devices so as to increase system performance and reduce hardware cost in a standard compliant manner.

Growing community of inventors

Burnaby, Canada

Calvin Leung