The LSI 53C876E is a PCI to Fast/Wide SCSI-2 host adapter chip manufactured by LSI Computer Systems. It is designed to provide a high-performance interface between a PCI bus and SCSI devices, supporting both Fast and Wide SCSI standards. This controller is suitable for applications requiring fast data transfer rates and connectivity to multiple SCSI devices.

Applications

• High-end servers: Connecting multiple SCSI hard drives for large storage capacity.
• Graphics workstations: Supporting high-speed SCSI scanners and storage devices.
• Video editing systems: Interfacing with SCSI-based video capture and playback devices.
• Data warehousing: Connecting SCSI tape drives for data backup and archiving.
• Industrial automation: Controlling SCSI-based robotic systems and data acquisition equipment.

Features

• PCI Bus Interface: Compliant with PCI specifications for easy integration into PCI-based systems.
• Fast/Wide SCSI-2 Support: Supports data transfer rates up to 20 MB/s with Wide SCSI devices.
• DMA (Direct Memory Access): Enables efficient data transfer between SCSI devices and system memory without CPU intervention.
• Supports up to 15 SCSI devices: Allows connecting multiple SCSI devices to a single controller.
• SCSI bus arbitration: Handles SCSI bus arbitration to prevent conflicts between devices.

Benefits

• High-performance SCSI connectivity: Enables fast data transfer rates for demanding applications.
• Supports multiple SCSI devices: Allows connecting a large number of SCSI devices to a single system.
• Reduced CPU overhead: DMA functionality minimizes CPU utilization during data transfers.
• Increased system throughput: Improves overall system performance in data-intensive applications.
• Simplified system integration: Easy to install and configure in PCI-based systems.

Additional Details

The LSI 53C876E typically requires a driver to function correctly within an operating system. Proper SCSI termination is crucial for reliable operation. Consult the LSI Computer Systems datasheet for detailed specifications, including supported SCSI command sets, power requirements, and operating temperature range. This is a legacy component and driver support for modern operating systems may be limited. Proper grounding and shielding are important for signal integrity. It may also require external EEPROM to configure the controller.