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Description / Abstract:
The set of SCSI standards specifies the interfaces, functions,
and operations necessary to ensure interoperability between
conforming SCSI implementations. This standard is a functional
description. Conforming implementations may employ any design
technique that does not violate interoperability.
This standard defines the protocol requirements of the SCSI /
ATA Translation Layer (SATL) to allow conforming SCSI / ATA
translating components to interoperate with ATA devices, SCSI
transports, and SCSI application layers. The SATL covers a range of
implementations that use ATA devices to emulate the behavior of
SCSI devices as viewed by the SCSI application layer. The primary
focus of this standard is to define SCSI / ATA Translation for an
ATA device (see 3.1.9).
Where possible, this standard defines SCSI / ATA Translation in
a manner that is consistent with the SAM-5, SPC-4, and SBC-3
standards. In some instances, the defined function of an ATA device
is different from corresponding functions defined for SCSI target
devices (e.g., many ATA devices provide no means to abort a single
ATA queued command). The translation defined in this standard, in
such cases, may not be consistent with other SCSI standards.
However, in such cases, this standard specifies the expected
behavior, and in what manner it is inconsistent with the behavior
specified in other SCSI standards.
The objective of this standard is to allow an interoperable set
of SCSI functions while minimizing the complexity of the SATL and
preserving compatibility with existing SCSI application
clients.
The objectives of the SATL are:
a) to provide host computers with device independence with
respect to the ATA devices that have user storage capacity, and
with respect to various implementations of the translation layer
used to emulate the behavior of SCSI target devices;
b) to define common features and functions representing a subset
of the capabilities available in SCSI devices that apply to SCSI /
ATA Translation implementations;
c) to define common methods to manage aspects of ATA devices
that do not map to previously defined features and functions of
SCSI, with provision made for the addition of special features and
functions; and
d) to provide consistent means for discovery and control of
optional SCSI features that may or may not be emulated in SCSI /
ATA translator implementations. These means are provided by
specifying how transport specific features and functions are
represented in a mixed-domain topology in a manner consistent with
management of devices in a SCSI domain.