Small computer system interface (SCSI) bus backplane interface

摘要

A SCSI bus backplane interface coupled between a host system and a SCSI bus backplane is used to functionally test the backplane. The interface allows the backplane to be disconnected and exchanged for another backplane while avoiding interruption of the operation of the host system and avoiding powering down a cluster of drives present at the interface. The interface intercepts the SCSI bus termination signal during backplane exchange and re-establishes it to the drives (the SCSI bus) after the exchange is made. Complete isolation between the host system, the backplane, and the drives during power cycling permits the backplane to be exchanged without damage. Host system BIOS reboot recognition of the drives is not required each time the backplane is replaced, or to establish the number of active drives to functionally test each backplane after replacement. Test time is therefore reduced.