PARALLEL SCSI Meaning and
Definition
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Parallel SCSI, also known as Parallel Small Computer System Interface, is a technology used to connect peripheral devices, such as hard drives, tape drives, and scanners, to a computer system. It is a high-speed interface that allows for data transfer between the computer and these devices.
In a parallel SCSI interface, multiple data signals are transmitted simultaneously across multiple wires, or channels, within a single cable. These channels can operate independently, allowing for the transfer of data in parallel. This parallel transfer of data results in faster communication between the computer and the peripheral devices.
A parallel SCSI interface typically uses a 50-pin or 68-pin connector to connect to the devices. It employs a bus architecture, where multiple devices can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration, with each device having a unique identifier, or SCSI ID.
Parallel SCSI supports data transfer rates of up to 320 megabytes per second (MB/s) for the latest versions, providing fast data access and transfer capabilities. It also enables the connection of multiple devices to a single SCSI controller, allowing for the expansion of a computer system's storage or input/output capabilities.
However, parallel SCSI has some limitations. The maximum cable length is limited to a few meters, which restricts its use in larger installations. Additionally, the daisy-chain configuration of devices can lead to performance issues if one device in the chain fails or causes a disruption in the communication.
As technology has advanced, parallel SCSI has been largely replaced by newer interfaces such as Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or Fibre Channel, which offer higher data transfer rates, longer cable lengths, and improved scalability.
Etymology of PARALLEL SCSI
The word "parallel SCSI" stands for "Small Computer System Interface". The term "parallel" in "parallel SCSI" refers to the way data is transferred between devices.
The etymology of "parallel" comes from the Latin word "parallelos", which means "parallel" or "side by side". In the context of SCSI technology, "parallel" signifies that data is transferred through multiple wires simultaneously, with each wire carrying a different bit of data.
Overall, "parallel SCSI" describes the method of data transfer used by this interface, where multiple data bits are transmitted simultaneously through parallel pathways.
