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The design addresses the need of storage system and server vendors to deploy highperformance, enterprise class systems utilizing new technologies in a timely andcost-effective manner. It is specifically optimized for storage systems that requirecustom FC/SATA/SAS controllers and protocol converters implementing functions likeencryption/decryption, access control, vendor specific commands, streamreplications, data filtering, hardware RAID, virtualization and more. As a result,emphasis was given to providing the highest possible level of programmability andembedded intelligence.
This design is based on our proprietary Advanced Serial Controller Architecture(ASCA) which allows unified treatment of various serial communication protocols.This architecture, combined with our dedicated Serial Controller Development System,provides a significant reduction in the development effort and supports the creationof high performance, cost-effective connectivity for internal and external storageand storage area networks.
The HalStor FC to SATA/SAS design features:  Maximum Performance. Direct access to RX and TX buffers assures minimum latencyand maximum bandwidth (impossible with current multi-chip solutions). In-line,hardware supported, data and headers conversions remove unnecessary buffers andextra stages. Multi-buffer architecture is optimized for very high performance. Intelligence. Dedicated dual embedded port processors (one per port) performcomplex control and error recovery functions. They cover much larger state sets thanhardware only and remove load from the host processors. Dedicated inter-processorcommunication facilities allow efficient exchange of messages between the processorsunattainable in other external multi-chip solutions.  Efficient silicon utilization. Sharing the same processor, buffers and most ofthe dedicated hardware on the shared SATA/SAS port results in 90% reduction in thesilicon resources in comparison to separate cores implementation and as such providea dramatic decrease in the associated cost. Dedicated port processors replace largeand complex state machines, registers and counters, further reducing the size of thesilicon required. Flexibility. Additional functions can be implemented in a relativelystraightforward fashion. The current design can be integrated with securityprotocols by allowing direct in-line implementation of encryption/decryptionhardware and integrated security related functions in microcode. Functions can bemoved between microcode and hardware, resulting in various performance/silicon sizeimplementations. Testability. The current design implementation on our Serial ControllerDevelopment System allows direct connectivity to complementary devices (drives,controllers) from various vendors. Changes  both hardware and microcode - can beimplemented very quickly and tested immediately. Specialized test functions andtraps can be added in hardware and microcode resulting in a dramatic decrease indevelopment time. Dual ports. The current design has one FC port and one shared SATA/SAS port.The FC port is configured as a SCSI Target, while the SATA/SAS port is configured asan Initiator. Other topologies are possible. Full FC/SAS/SATA PHY and link layer logic Customization for ASICs is possible
The IP of this design is available for licensing, giving the customers the uniqueopportunity to expedite the design process and tailor it to their needs. HalStor isalso offering the consulting and support services, including silicon integration andfunction customization, allowing customers to utilize our design and protocolexperience in their projects.
HalStor Controller Development PlatformHalStor's Triple FC to SATA/SAS Gateway/Controller design is implemented onHalStorÂ's SIMBA Development Platform featuring extended programmability and a set oftools required to develop any fast serial interface or controller. This platformalone provides an unprecedented tool, both extremely powerful and versatile,allowing efficient controller development, debugging, and dramatically reducing thecost and time of development.
For more details please visit our website at http://halstor.com
