Hitachi Releases DF400 Disk Array for Open Systems

July 8, 1998

Hitachi Releases DF400 Disk Array for Open Systems

- For cluster system applications, features triple the data I/O speed of previous models -

Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that it will release on July 10 the DF400, a disk array for open systems applications that is the high-end version of the existing DF350 series, for the Japanese market. The DF400 features a number of performance enhancements, such as the use of a high-speed CPU for the disk array controller, that provide an approximately three-fold increase in I/O performance compared to the DF350 and enable the DF400 to handle up to eight servers. The performance of the DF400 make it suitable for data warehousing and other such large-scale processing applications in cluster systems comprised of UNIX or PC servers.

To handle the ever increasing size of databases and the move to computer system operation on a non-stop basis, users are basing system implementations on clusters of UNIX/PC servers. In turn, this is creating a demand for disk arrays for such cluster applications that are larger, faster and more reliable.

Hitachi's has been delivering disk arrays since 1993. In March 1997, Hitachi introduced the DF350 series of disk arrays for open systems. The DF350 quickly won an outstanding reputation for performance and reliability, and by fiscal 1997 had the leading share of the Japanese market (Source: International Market for Disk Arrays for Open Systems (shipped capacity), Nikkei Watcher on IT Business, April 3, 1998).

The high-end version of the DF350, the DF400 features a more powerful controller CPU and faster data transfer system. The overall result is an approximately three- fold improvement in random I/O performance, which is an important performance indicator for disk arrays used in online transactions involving large databases such as seat reservation systems. The DF400 also offers an approximately 2.5- fold improvement in sequential I/O operations, which makes a difference when reading out the large chunks of data involved in data warehousing and datamart applications.

In a rack mounting configuration, one disk array can be equipped with up to 32 hard-disk drives, making it possible to expand the storage capacity up to a maximum of 536 gigabytes (using RAID 0/18GB drives). A special rack is available that can hold four disk arrays, for a maximum storage of 2.1 terabytes.

The rack-mounting configuration can include two spare disk drives, providing a further improvement in terms of subsystem reliability.

The number of host interface ports used to connect servers has been increased. With a rack-mounted dual controller system and a SCSI interface, up to eight servers can be connected to the DF400, and up to four servers in the case of a fibre channel interface. Thus, the use of a SCSI interface makes it easy to connect to multiple hosts, while the use of fibre channels makes it possible to reduce the number of costly hubs.

Pricing and availability

Rack-mounted type (vertical) From 6.04 million yen July 20, 1998

Rack-mounted type (horizontal) From 6.04 million yen July 20, 1998

Cabinet type From 5.5 million yen July 20, 1998

These are reference prices for a configuration with a SCSI interface, RAID 5, 8.3GB storage capacity, 32MB cache memory and no options. In the case of a rack mounting, the price of the rack is not included.

Trademarks

UNIX is a registered trademark exclusively licensed by X/Open Company Ltd. in the United States and other countries.

Other names of companies, organizations and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Reference material
Features of the DF400 Model A-6541 disk array

1.Performance
A high-speed controller CPU, enhanced internal data transfer capabilities and a larger cache (up to 2 gigabytes per controller) provide an approximately 3-fold improvement in random I/O performance and 2.5-fold improvement in sequential I/O performance.

Support has been added for the Ultra-2 SCSI (LVD) interface, enabling a maximum data transfer rate of 80 megabytes a second. Ultra SCSI and fibre channel can continue to be used as before.

2.Flexibility and scalability
With a rack mounting, maximum storage capacity has been increased to 536 gigabytes. Use of the special rack that can hold four disk arrays expands the maximum storage to 2.1 terabytes. (Quoted capacities based on RAID 0/18GB drives.)

Increased number of host interface ports
With a rack-mounted dual controller system and a SCSI interface, up to eight servers can be connected to the DF400, and up to four servers in the case of a fibre channel interface. This enables the use of multiple-node based SMP (Symmetric Multi Processing System), enhances cluster system connectibility and lowers the cost involved. Also, restrictions on system configurability imposed by limits on the length of SCSI cables have been eased. Whereas formerly daisy-chaining had to be used to connect multiple hosts when using a SCSI interface, now the hosts can be connected directly to the DF400. Also, using fibre channels makes it possible to reduce the number of costly hubs.

3.Enhanced fault-tolerance
With the rack-mounting configuration up to two spare disk drives can be added. In conjunction with the dynamic spare function, the result is enhanced subsystem reliability.

Can handle fail over between ports within a subsystem. By using multiple adaptors on the host side and setting the switchover route, controller or host fail over can be averted, ensuring virtually no lost time in job processing. (With some operating systems there may be limitations with respect to the connections of this configuration.)

4.Enhanced maintenance functions
Expanded online maintenance of main replacement components (floppy disk drives, panels/SVP).

A Web type obstruction supervision utility is available. System administrators can use an ordinary browser to carry out remote checks on the status of disk array devices via an Internet or intranet link.

The structure of cabinet models has been modified to allow maintenance access from the front or back, rather than the side. This makes maintenance easier and reduces the space required for such maintenance.

Main Specifications

1. Case type and Model

Cabinet: A-6541-CK

Vertical rack enclosure

Single subsystem: A-6541-RK

Standard rack enclosure: 2 RK subsystems

Horizontal rack enclosure

Single subsystem: A-6541-RKY

Special rack enclosure: 4 RKY subsystems

2. Host interface

Fibre Channel (Max. 100MB/s), Ultra-2/Wide SCSI (Max. 80MB/s), Ultra /Wide SCSI (Max.40MB/s)

3. Host ports/dual controller

A-6541-CK: 4 ports (SCSI / Fibre Channel)

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: 8 ports (SCSI), 4 ports (Fibre Channel)

2 subsystems (Box): 16 ports (SCSI), 8 ports (Fibre Channel)

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: 8 ports (SCSI), 4 ports (Fibre Channel)

4 subsystems (Box): 32 ports (SCSI), 16 ports (Fibre Channel)

4. Disk drive

Capacity: 4.1GB / 8.7GB / 17.8GB

Interface: Ultra / Wide SCSI (Max. 40 MB / s)

5. Array No. per case

A-6541-CK: From one to four

A-6541-RK / A-6541-RKY

(Single subsystem and in racks): From one to six

6. Disks per array

1st array: 2 to 5 drives

2nd array onwards: 1 to 5 drives

7. Storage capacity^*1

RAID 0 RAID1 RAID 0+1 RAID 5^*2

A-6541-CK: 8.3-357.7GB 4.1-143.0GB 8.3-143.0GB 16.6-286.1GB

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: 8.3-536.6GB 4.1-214.6GB 8.3-214.6 GB 16.6-429.2GB

2 subsystems (Box): -1073.2GB -429.2GB -429.2GB -858.4GB

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: 8.3-536.6GB 4.1-214.6GB 8.3-214.6GB 16.6-429.2GB

4 Subsystems (Box): -2146.4GB -858.4GB -858.4GB -1716.8GB

8. Cache

Capacity Backup time^*3

A-6541-CK: 32-1024MB 48 hours - 1024MB

A-6541-RK 48 hours - 2048MB

Single subsystem: 32-2048MB

2 subsystems (Box): Max. 8GB

A-6541-RKY 48 hours - 2048MB

Single subsystem: 32-2048MB

4 subsystems(Box): Max. 16GB

9. Fault tolerance

Spare disks drives

A-6541-CK: one

A-6541-RK / A-6541-RKY: two

Dynamic spare function support (option)

Backup controller(option): Available

Backup power

A-6541-CK: Option

A-6541-RK / A-6541-RKY: Included as standard

Backup fan: Included as standard

10. Dimensions (W x D x H)

A-6541-CK: 375 x 715 x 700

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: 480 x 705 x 700

2 subsystems (Box): -

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: 740 x 705 x 440

4 subsystems(Box): 900 x 800 x 1980

11. Weight (maximum)^*4

A-6541-CK: Approx. 145 kg

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: Approx. 170 kg

2 subsystems (Box): Approx. 340 kg^*6

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: Approx. 170 kg

4 subsystems(Box): Approx. 850 kg

12. Power supply

Voltage: AC100V^*7 /A-6541-CK

AC200V^*8 / A-6541-CK, A-6541-RK, A-6541-RKY

AC200V^*9 / A-6541-RKY (4 subsystems/ Box)

Frequency: 50/60+/-1Hz

13. Power requirement^*5

During normal operation During startup

A-6541-CK: Up to1000VA Up to 1200VA

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: Up to 1200VA Up to 1400VA

2 subsystems (Box): Up to 2400VA Up to 2800VA

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: Up to 1200VA Up to 1400VA

4 subsystems(Box): Up to 4800VA Up to 5600VA

14. Calorific power (during normal operation)

A-6541-CK: Up to 860 kcal / hour

A-6541-RK

Single subsystem: Up to 1032 kcal / hour

2 subsystems (Box): Up to 2064 kcal / hour

A-6541-RKY

Single subsystem: Up to 1032 kcal / hour

4 subsystems(Box): Up to 4128 kcal / hour

15. Noise: 65dB or less

^*1Calculated as 1 kByte = 1,000 bytes.
^*2RAID5 configuration of 5 drives (4 data and 1 parity).
^*3In the case of a fully charged battery.
^*4Weight of maximum configuration.
^*5Power required for maximum configuration.
^*6Weight excluding rack.
^*7Indicated as single phase AC 100 to 120V +6%/-11%.
^*8Indicated as single phase AC 200 to 240V +6%/-11%.
^*9Indicated as three phase AC 200 to 240V +6%/-11%.

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WRITTEN BY Secretary's Office
All Rights Reserved, Copyright (C) 1998, Hitachi, Ltd.