Reliability, speed, and various forms of scalability are all paramount requirements; SAS provides precisely the type of connectivity needed. Faster data transfer rates, near-constant scalability, and the inherent reliability offered by SATA interfaces are key benefits. Exponentially growing storage needs will continue to push SAS connectors to remain the preferred choice for what can only be described as mission-critical applications—data integrity and subsequent system uptime being the end goals.
We specialize in manufacturing these SAS connectors to meet enterprise storage-specific demands. Our product range spans internal connectors (backplane and direct-attach type applications) and external ones used for enclosure or expansion unit connections. Supporting SAS 3.0 specifications (12Gbps being the current standard), the connectors are engineered for signal integrity within the system; daisy chaining, a near-perfect feature of SAS, is easily enabled. Precise mechanical designs ensure proper mating and all-around alignment. Contacts withstand thousands of near-infinite insertion cycles while maintaining electrical characteristics.
What distinguishes our SAS connectors is their all-around focus on the lesser-known, yet very real, requirements of storage system manufacturers and integrators. High-density server configurations and/or arrays place direct strain on connector reliability—the system’s availability depends on it. Familiar storage environment challenges (EMI, repeated mating forces, vibration) are all addressed through our design work; improved shielding, robust housing, and, to a point, ‘near perfect’ contact solutions are implemented. Internal SAS connectors support both SAS and, to a large extent, SATA devices; external ones are secure and/or expandable. SFF standards are followed, and OEMs of all sizes can benefit from our engineering and/or custom-made storage solutions. Enterprise storage, to us at least, is a constantly evolving and important field. SAS and all it represents is and will always be a part of that future.
Products By Features
Enterprise-Level Reliability Design
Sas connectors are designed for environments in which downtime is never an option. The terminations feature a robust design with a reinforced housing and a secure latching mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection caused by vibration in the server rack. These connectors are designed for up to millions of insertion cycles and provide long-lasting, reliable connections in data centers with minimal service or maintenance requirements.
Dual-Port Redundancy Function
One of the benefits of SAS technology is the ability to have two independent connection paths to a single drive. This provides redundant paths for a high-availability system: if one controller fails, the other can still access the storage. The connector also adds more contacts to support on-path redundancy, which distinguishes enterprise SAS from consumer SATA.
Full-Duplex Communication
SAS Full Duplex communication and data transmission in both directions is supported. This doubles the adequate bandwidth compared to half-duplex SATA connections and is perfect for performance-hungry device storage scenarios. The plug system provides clean signal separation to help preserve this two-way path without crossover.
Applications in the Storage
Beyond this, enterprise storage arrays support scalable, high-density configurations via expanders. These connectors are used to daisy-chain many drive enclosures, forming large storage configurations with hundreds of drives. The durable connector design protects signal integrity, even at connectors and over longer lengths between boxes, enabling enterprise storage in large blocks.
High-Density Server Configuration
SAS connectors are used with high-density servers where support space to store devices is at a premium. The backplane may include multiple drives in a small space, using all these elements. In these denser environments, additional shielding is required to prevent crosstalk that might otherwise hinder operation when drives are mounted close together in blade servers and storage enclosures.
Internal SAS connectors (such as SFF-8643) are designed for within-chassis connections; external SAS connectors (SFF-8644 being a prime example) have enhanced shielding and more robust construction specifically for cable connections between separate enclosures.
Yes, SAS controllers and, to a large extent, the physical connectors are designed to support both SAS and SATA drives. Flexibility in storage configuration is one of their primary advantages. SATA controllers, however, cannot support SAS drives.
The official SAS specifications support up to 10 meters externally; shorter practical limits are possible, with data rate and/or cable quality being the main factors. If a precise length is required, consult the specific system requirements.
Yes, our SAS connectors are fully designed to support all aspects of SAS 3.0, with higher data rates being a key benefit. Proper cable selection and a system-level design are critical to maintaining (or at least attempting to maintain) signal integrity.
Mini-SAS HD supports the previously mentioned higher data rate —12 Gbps, if I recall correctly —and has a near-complete physical redesign from the original mini-SAS.
Yes, hot-plugging is built into SAS technology. Adding or removing drives should not require a complete system shutdown.
We typically rate SAS connectors at 1000-5000 cycles (higher for some specialized/reliability-focused products).
Custom pinouts are possible for OEM customers. We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ connector, but SAS connectors are a standard for all major server manufacturers.
