Adaptec AHA-8945 Features Guide - Page 1

R FireCard™ Ultra AHA®-8945 Combined 1394 FireWire®/Ultra Wide SCSI PCI Host Adapter PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS • Connect multiple 1394 FireWire and SCSI devices to a single host adapter • Saves PCI slot • 1394 FireWire data transfer rate up to 200Mbps (25 MB/sec) • Ultra Wide SCSI data transfer rate up to 40MB/sec • Software support for Windows NT™, Windows® 95 and Mac OS™ • Rigorous 1394 FireWire and SCSI compatibility testing Overview The Adaptec® FireCard Ultra host adapter links both high-performance SCSI peripherals and FireWire-enabled consumer electronics products to your computer using only one PCI slot. The FireCard Ultra SCSI interface can chain a maximum 15 SCSI devices at speeds up to 40MB/sec, and its 1394 FireWire interface links a maximum 63 devices at speeds up to 200Mbps (25 MB/sec). Key Benefits Conserve Valuable PCI Slot An increasing number of interface cards contend for limited PCI slots within PCs and Macintosh® computers. By combining 1394 FireWire and SCSI interfaces on a single PCI-based card, a PCI slot is saved for other uses. Connect to Digital Consumer Electronics Devices Consumer electronics devices (cameras, camcorders, TVs, VCRs, etc.) are moving rapidly into the digital realm, facilitating their connection to computers. This widening of the digital domain will lead to startling gains in productivity, output quality and ease of operation in both the workplace and the home. The Adaptec FireCard Ultra host adapter will be the convergence point for this digital revolution, as the bridge which allows SCSI and 1394 FireWire devices to communicate with one another through a PC or Mac. Fast Data Transfer Rates The FireCard Ultra 1394 FireWire interface card can transmit data at speeds up to 200Mbps (25 MB/sec). It's not only raw speed, but intelligent speed, that distinguishes 1394 FireWire transmissions. 1394 FireWire's use of isochronous data transfers to guaran- tee delivery of time-sensitive data frees system resources for other tasks. For SCSI connections, the FireCard Ultra host adapter utilizes an Ultra Wide interface, enabling data transfers at up to 40 MB/sec, four times the speed of standard SCSI controllers. Unsurpassed Compatibility Adaptec has established itself as the market leader in SCSI and 1394 FireWire host adapters due to the unsurpassed compatibility of its products. As a founding member of the 1394 Trade Association, Adaptec has played an active role in defining the 1394 interface standard. As an originator of SCSI, Adaptec saw its products develop into the industry standard, renown for their extensive support of a wide range of peripherals and operating systems. Adaptec is working closely with developers throughout the world to ensure that their products will integrate seamlessly with PCs and Macs equipped with a FireCard Ultra host adapter. Simple, Easy 1394 FireWire Connections The thin, flexible cable used to connect 1394 FireWire devices is ideal for use with a new generation of computer and consumer electronics devices. The cable can stretch up to 4.5 meters between devices, and up to 72 meters between its two most distant connections. The simple 1394 FireWire connector, modeled after those used on Game Boys, makes adding devices a snap. Devices can be plugged into or unplugged from the network at any time; there is no need to turn off the computer or other 1394 FireWire products when adding or removing a device. And 1394 FireWire devices are instantly recognized and ready for use as soon as they are connected to a FireCard Ultra.