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