
A-2
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Cable Skew
Delay
Cable skew delay is the minimum difference in propagation time allowed
between any two SCSI bus signals measured between any two SCSI
devices.
C_D/
Control/Data
Driven by a target, indicates Control or Data Information is on the SCSI
Bus. This signal is received by the initiator.
Connect
The function that occurs when an initiator selects a target to start an
operation, or a target reselects an initiator to continue an operation.
Control Signals
The set of nine lines used to put the SCSI bus into its different phases.
The combinations of asserted and negated control signals define the
phases.
Controller
A computer module that interprets signals between a host and a
peripheral device. Often, the controller is a part of the peripheral device,
such as circuitry on a disk drive.
DB0/-DB7/
SCSI Data Bits and Parity Bit
These eight Data Bits (DB0/–DB7/), plus a Parity Bit (DBP/), form the
SCSI bus. DB7/ is the most significant bit and has the highest priority ID
during the Arbitration Phase. Data parity is odd. Parity is always
generated and optionally checked. Parity is not valid during arbitration.
Deasserted
The act of driving a signal to the false state or allowing the cable
terminators to bias the signal to the false state (by placing the driver in
the HIGH impedance condition). A signal is deasserted or negated when
it is in the state opposite to that which is indicated by the name of the
signal. Opposite of asserted.
Device
A single unit on the SCSI bus, identifiable by an SCSI address. It can be
a processor unit, a storage unit (such as a disk or tape controller or
drive), an output unit (such as a controller or printer), or a
communications unit.
Differential
A signaling alternative that employs differential drivers and receivers to
improve signal-to-noise ratios and increase maximum cable lengths.
Disconnect
The function that occurs when a target releases control of the SCSI bus,
allowing the bus to go to the bus free phase.
Driver
When used in the context of electrical configuration, “driver” is the
circuitry that creates a signal on a line.