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Apricot Servers (FT//e & FT//s SuperServer)

System Specifications

System Overview
Technical Highlights
Technical Specifications
Model Summary

Apricot reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

The information contained in these specifications was correct at the time of compilation.


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System Overview

With the fault-tolerant Apricot FT//e and the FT//s SuperServer, Apricot is one of the first manufacturers to realise the full potential of industry standard processing for large-scale host and network server applications.

Apricot fault-tolerant servers couple the power of the Intel 486 and Pentium™ processor families with dedicated host architecture - including high performance disk arrays, fault-tolerant features, security and large-scale expansion capability - providing a hardware platform with the ability to replace many mini and mainframe computers.


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Technical Highlights

Departmental Applications

Both the FT//e and FT//s are built around the same motherboard and core functionality. The FT//e provides a highly cost-effective workgroup solution for small-medium LANs of ten users upwards, whilst the massive expansion of the FT//s SuperServer provides the extra capacity needed for major enterprise-wide applications.

Apricot server development has been carried out in close co-operation with the main operating system developers. Apricot is one of the few manufacturers in the world to have a Novell engineer dedicated to its products at Novell's headquarters, as part of our Strategic Engineering Support (SES) agreement.

Apricot also has a very close working relationship with Microsoft, encompassing a strategic TAM (Technical Account Management) agreement, which guarantees full support for Apricot products. In addition, Apricot is also a major OEM for SCO.

These relationships mean that every system is optimised for performance with the main network and multi-user systems, including Novell NetWare, UNIX, LAN Manager and Windows NT.

Individually Configured

Every Apricot server is individually configured and assembled to meet the customer's exact specification.

Options include up to 192MB of on-board RAM (256MB on Pentium™ systems), and powerful drive arrays giving up to 20GB of storage capacity on the FT//s SuperServer.

All Apricot server drive systems have been developed for exceptional throughput, using Apricot's ultra high-performance Multiple Drive Array (MDA) controller.

SuperServers

Unlike conventional PC servers, Apricot servers provide a significant level of fault-tolerant protection as standard.

Every system unit includes an uninterruptible power supply and built-in temperature sensors. And with options for drive mirroring, drive duplexing, RAID and full server mirroring, Apricot server technology provides the highest possible level of protection to ensure continued system availability.

In addition, the Apricot LOC Technology security system provides the physical protection that is essential to guard unattended servers against tampering and unauthorised access.

Processing & Memory

Upgradable processor modules

A clear route forward to more processing power in the future, at minimum cost. Existing 486 CPU modules designed for simple field upgrade to faster 486 or Pentium™ based processing.

486DX2 at 66MHz

One of the highest levels of processor performance currently available.

Pentium™ 60Mhz

Purpose designed for Intel's next generation of high performance desktop processors.

Second level cache

Up to 128KB ultra-high speed cache memory (512KB on Pentium™ versions) handles most frequently accessed RAM and ROM data - drives processor at maximum speed for extended periods.

Up to 192MB on-board RAM (256MB on Pentium™ versions)

Meets the most user demanding requirements for a multi-user host specification - with no need for slower bus memory.

High performance memory controller, with 64-bit data path

The memory controller is purpose designed for 64-bit architecture and allows the processor to operate at very low wait states, by interleaving 32-bit memory read operations.

Flash ROM BIOS

Software programmable ROM - for fast, easy system upgrading.

Micral SLIK-3 chipset

Core architecture is designed to keep pace with the most advanced industry-standard technology: supports both Pentium™ and 486 processors, 40MB/sec expansion bus data transfers and up to 256MB RAM (on Pentium™ models)

Apricot Multiple Drive Array

Apricot MDA controller

High bandwidth, multi-threaded SCSI II controller ensures fastest possible throughput of data between disk array and CPU. Due to its low command overhead, integral processor and optimised drivers, data can be routed through the controller in just 300 microseconds (up to 3 times faster than most controllers).

Quad controller option (dual on FT//e)

Provides increased performance and first class fault tolerance.

Supports Fast SCSI II

With data transfer rate of 10MB/sec, provides double the throughput of conventional SCSI - matching the outstanding performance of Apricot drives with high-speed throughput.

Streaming Data Protocol

Apricot MDA supports Micro Channel II 40MB/sec data transfer - increasing throughput between SCSI interface and CPU.

Drive mirroring and duplexing under NetWare, Windows NT, LAN Manager and Univel UnixWare

Provides maximum protection for system availability against drive system failure. Mirroring duplicates entire disk system, to provide a continuous backup: duplexing duplicates both disk system and controller, for additional protection.

Supports data striping under NetWare and Windows NT

Data interleaved across an array of drives for increased performance on multiple read/write operations.

Multiple drive arrays

Supports arrays of up to ten drives, giving a potential maximum capacity of 20GB on FT//s (6GB on FT//e) - hence providing the expansion needed for major database applications.

Ultra high performance drives

Fastest drives currently available within the 3.5" form factor - combining very fast rapid access with exceptional reliability.

Input / Output

Micro Channel II

High performance 32-bit bus architecture. Apricot servers support Streaming Data Protocol (SDP) mode, doubling I/O bus throughput from 20 to 40MB/sec.

Eight 32-bit slots

Flexible expansion facilities and video extension capabilities.

High performance busmaster network controllers

Network I/O is streamlined by a co-processor on the bus, with direct access to system memory.

Fault Tolerance

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Protects against power failure plus spikes and surges in the power supply.

Temperature sensors

Automatic alarm provides immediate warning of overheating.

Integration with main operating system

Status of UPS, security and temperature sensors is linked to main operating system, providing remote monitoring and automatic warnings throughout the network.

RAID

Using RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks), Apricot servers are designed to ensure continual system availability.

Server mirroring

The ultimate in fault-tolerant protection - twin Apricot servers connected by a fibre-optic link, providing a constant, live backup of all data and system resources. Available under Novell NetWare SFT level 3.

Apricot LOC Technology

Infra-red access control

Overcome the inherent limitations of password-only security, by using a physical token (an infra-red card) in conjunction with password and user ID.

Independent security subsystem

Security has its own processor, memory and real-time clock - so it can't be circumvented or tampered with via the main operating system.

Security management

Disk drives, I/O ports and Micro Channel slots can be selectively disabled.

Tamper-proof protection

Control panel, system internals and removable media are all securely protected against unauthorised access by a piercing alarm.

Encryption

In a DOS environment, can store all data in a unique, encoded form - prevents unauthorised users from loading programs or removing data.

UKL1 approval

The UK government's Computing and Security Group has tested the LOC Technology security subsystem and confirms that it meets the demanding UKL1 standard.

Quality

Configurable systems

All products built to an exact customer specification and tested as a complete system at Apricot's UK factory - for increased reliability.

BS5750 / ISO 9000 quality systems

All design, manufacturing and testing processes carried out under the control of BS5750 quality systems - an assurance of thorough, documented quality procedures.

Conforms to international RFI standards

Conforms to all international standards for radio frequency emissions - including FCC Class B and VCCI Level 2.

Monitors conform to MPRII standards for radiated field emissions

Meets most demanding EC and international health and safety regulations for screen emissions.

Software and ROM

Pre-installed operating system

Each server can be pre-loaded and tested with the customer's chosen operating system at Apricot's factory - ensuring total compatibility between hardware and software.

Supports all major operating system standards

Developed in partnership with major operating system suppliers, for optimised performance with each of the major network and multi-user systems - including Novell NetWare, LAN Manager, Windows NT, SCO UNIX and Univel UnixWare.

Inclusive Apricot LOC Technology software plus infra-red card (UK only)

All the software needed to enable and configure the on-board LOC Technology security system.

Apricot Technology

Multiple Drive Array (MDA)

Apricot MDA is a high bandwidth, multi-threaded drive array controller that is designed to transfer data to and from the CPU at very high speeds. To achieve this level of throughput, the MDA approach exploits the fastest available technology at every stage of the data transfer path - including high performance drives, fast SCSI II interface and Micro Channel II bus.

The MDA controller has been designed to reduce the overhead involved in transferring data from disk to processor to an absolute minimum. It has a built-in 16-bit processor to streamline the handling of SCSI commands, and it's supported by a superbly efficient range of software drivers.

The result is an unparalleled level of raw throughput, typically with just 300 microseconds taken to route data from the SCSI bus to the Micro Channel bus.

Conventional RAID 3, 4 and 5 systems use intelligent array controllers to protect against failure with complex redundant data systems. Apricot MDA uses RAID level 1 disk mirroring or duplexing to ensure continuous system availability, using the proven features of operating systems like Novell 3.11. With no need for complex parity checking routines, this approach provides faster performance than conventional RAID 3, 4 and 5 subsystems.

Fault Tolerance

In any major host or server system, protection and control is as important as performance and capacity. Apricot servers are the first industry standard systems to provide effective safeguards against component failure, power supply problems and unauthorised access.

The basic concept behind this strategy is 'the machine room in a box'. As far as possible, Apricot servers recreates the control and protection of the traditional computer room inside the server system unit.

All Apricot servers include an integral UPS (uninterruptible power supply) unit. If there's any break in the mains supply, the UPS takes over automatically. Even outside the machine room, the server is still protected by a level of environmental control, with built-in temperature sensors.

The system also monitors the status of its own UPS, checking that the battery is fully charged and ready for operation.

Apricot's server fault tolerance is integrated with the main network operating systems, providing automatic messaging and remote monitoring facilities throughout the network.

Apricot LOC Technology

The Apricot LOC Technology security system is the second key element of its server protection strategy. With access controlled by both a password and an infra-red transmitter, it provides the physical protection that is needed to guard unattended servers against tampering.

On its own, a password is inherently insecure. It leaves the system at the mercy of careless users and skilled hackers. Using the Apricot approach, access is controlled by special hardware integrated into the motherboard - with a separate security processor, battery power and memory, this means that intruders can't hack into password data from the main operating system.

Without the right combination of password and infra-red signal, it's impossible to boot an Apricot server. In addition, the LOC Technology barrier provides tamper-proof protection while the server is running - protecting removable media and barring access to the inside of the system unit.

64-bit Motherboard

The Apricot fault-tolerant servers are designed with a 64-bit architecture in mind to provide first class performance. With a choice of 486 or Pentium™ processors, the Apricot SuperServer is at the forefront of technology, providing the highest levels of performance at an affordable price.


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Technical Specifications

Processing
Type Cache

Numeric coprocessor

Address / data
bus

Intel 486DX-33 (on FT//e only) N/A

Integral

32 bit

Intel 486DX2-66 128KB direct mapped, write through

Integral

32 bit

Intel Pentium™ 512KB two way set associative, write through

Integral

64 bit

 

iCOMP Benchmark
iCOMP 486DX-33 486DX2-66 Pentium™ 60 Pentium™ 66
Index 166 297 510 567

 

CPU
CPU Socket PGA 238 pin (allows upgrade to Pentium™ based processing)
Pentium™ PGA (273 pin)
Core Logic Micral SLIK-3 chipset (6 chip implementation)
ROM BIOS 128K x 8 PROM
256K x 8 programmable FLASH ROM

 

Memory
Minimum Configuration 16MB x 32 bit motherboard RAM
Max. on-board memory 192MB on 486, 256MB on Pentium™
Speed 70ns
SIMM sockets 6 x 36-bit SIMM sockets, arranged as 3 x 64-bit wide pairs on 486 systems.
8 x 36-bit SIMM sockets, arranged as 2 x 128-bit wide 4s on Pentium™ systems

 

Display Controller
Architecture VGA / SVGA / EVGA
Controller Cirrus Logic GD5426, including 75MHz RAMDAC and frequency synthesiser
Video RAM 1MB
Display Resolutions EVGA 1024 x 768 (16 or 256 colours)
SVGA 800 x 600 (16, 256 or 65,536 colours)
VGA 640 x 480 (16, 256, 65,536 or 16.8m colours)

 

I/O Ports
Serial 1 x 25-pin male D-type
Parallel 1 x 25-pin female D-type

 

Floppy Drives
Floppy disk controller Intel 82077SL with twin 34-pin drive connectors
Floppy drive A 1.44MB 3.5" floppy (94ms average access time)
Floppy drive B 1.44MB 3.5" floppy or 1.2MB 5.25" floppy

 

SCSI Devices
Type Cartridge type

Data Buffer

Data transfer rates
DC600 tape DC6150/150MB (620ft)
DC6250/250MB (1020ft)

64KB

1.25MB/sec (burst)
112.5KB/sec (average)
DC600 tape DC6320/320MB (620ft)
DC6525/525MB (1020ft)

256KB

2MB/sec (burst)
180/240KB/sec (average)
DDS 2 hour DAT/1.3GB (197ft)
3 hour DAT/2GB (295ft)

512KB

5MB/sec (burst)
183KB/sec (average)
CD-ROM 300KB/sec transfer rate (CDU561) Sony CD-ROM

 

Apricot MDA Controller
Micro Channel interface 32-bit bus master DMA: up to 40MB/sec data transfer in streaming mode
SCSI interface Fast SCSI II: up to 10MB/sec synchronous and 7MB/sec asynchronous data transfers.
Compatible with SCSI II command set
Processors Intel 80186 MPU
BusLogic 80C20 ASIC busmaster interface chip
SCSI interface controller ASIC
SCSI connectors 50-pin double row internal
50-pin shielded SCSI II external
Inclusive drivers MS-DOS
SCO UNIX 3.2
Novell NetWare 3.x
IBM OS/2 2

 

Hard Disk Storage
FT//s Drive bays Five full-height 5.25" bays
Maximum ten 3.5" devices
FT//e Drive bays Two half-height 5.25" bays at front, two half-height 3.5" or three 1" high 3.5" devices at rear

 

Hard Disk Drives
Type

Formatted capacity (MB)

Average access (ms)

Max. data rate - buffer to SCSI bus (MB/sec)

Single track seek (ms)

Cache (KB)

MTBF (000 power-on hours)

Quantum ProDrive LPS240S

245

16

3.75

<4

256

250

Maxtor Magician MXT540SL

546

8.5

5

<1.5 (read)

256

300

Maxtor Magic MXT1240S

1240

8.5

5

<1.5 (read)

256

300

Seagate Elite ST42400N

2030

11

5

1.7

256

150

IBM Alleycat 0664M1H

2014

9.2

5

0.6 (read)

512

650

 

CD-ROM Drive

Transfer rate

Data capacity

Random access time (ms)

Buffer memory (KB)

SCSI CD-ROM CDU561

300KB/sec

656MB (mode 1)
748MB (mode 2)

295

256

 

Expansion Bus
Bus architecture Micro Channel II
Maximum data transfer rate 40MB/sec, using Streaming Data Protocol
Slots Eight 32-bit slots with matched memory extensions
(including one slot with base video extension and one slot with auxiliary video extension)
Network interface options 3Com 3C527B busmaster Ethernet adapter
IBM Token Ring adapter

 

Power
Power supply unit 465w on FT//s
282w on FT//e
Batteries for UPS 2 x 12V 12Ah, average duration 30 minutes (on FT//s)
2 x 12V 5.4Ah, average duration 25 minutes (on FT//e)
Advanced System Controller (ASC) Monitors status of UPS, mains and battery supplies
Monitors system thermal sensors (FT//s only)
Controls access to interiors
Displays diagnosis information on front panel LCD (FT//s only)

 

LOC Technology
LOC Technology subsystem Single chip custom microprocessor with ROM, RAM, real time clock and NiCd battery backup
Access control Password, user ID and infra-red security card
Physical protection Lockable side panels protect access to removable media.
Front and side panels linked to alarmed access control system.
Unique system identification number (SIN)
(required to reboot system if security is damaged or disconnected).
Maximum users 25 per workstation
Security configuration Timed access control
Enable or disable selected devices -

Hard disk drives
Floppy disk read and/or write access
Serial port
Parallel port
Micro Channel slots
Mouse/keyboard port
Main CPU
Front panel
Flash BIOS programming

Password control 6 level history, minimum password length, forced password changes
Encryption Floppy drive and / or hard disk partitions
Unattended server protection Screen blanking, keyboard / mouse disable and panel alarms, activated by infra-red card
Approval UK Level 1 (UK Government IT security evaluation and certification scheme as tested on Apricot Qi)

 

Approvals
EMC / RFI FCC part 15 Limit B, VDE 0871 limit B, EN 55022 limit B,
DOC 108 limit B, VCCI Level 2
Safety UL 1950, CSA 22.2.950, EN60950

 

Video Drivers
640 x 480, 256 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE
800 x 600, 16 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE, Word 5.x,
WordPerfect 5.1, OS/2 2
800 x 600, 256 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE, OS/2 2
800 x 600, 65,536 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE
1024 x 768, 16 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE,
WordPerfect 5.1, OS/2 2
1024 x 768, 256 colours Windows 3.1, AutoCAD, AutoSHADE, OS/2 2

 

User Input Drivers
Keyboard 102 key AT keyboard with 12 function keys, programmable repeat (2 - 30 characters per second), 16 character type ahead buffer, 2m coiled cable
Mouse PS/2 compatible two-button mouse

 

14" SVGA Colour Monitor
Standard SVGA
CRT size (diagonal) 14"
CRT type Medium-short persistence phosphor: P22 or equivalent
Anti-glare screen finish
Modes VGA, SVGA non-interlaced
Display area 245 x 183mm (±3mm) Width is user-adjustable
Dot pitch 0.28mm
Phosphor P22
Safety EN 60950, VDE 0871 / 0875 Class B, EN55022 Class B
CRT conforms to Anlage III RoV requirements
EMI / RFI approvals MPRII 1990:8

 

14" and 17" EVGA Trinitron Monitor
Standard EVGA
CRT size (diagonal) 14" or 17"
CRT type Trinitron colour
Modes VGA, SVGA, XGA, non-interlaced 1024 x 768 resolution
Display area 14": 253 x 190mm (±6mm)
17": 300 x 225mm (±6mm)
Dot pitch Effective 0.26mm
Phosphor P22
Safety EN 60950, UL1950, CSA 22.2-950
EMI / RFI approvals FCC part 15 class B, VDE 0871, 10.6 Class B,
EC/EN 55022 (CISPR 22), SWEDAC MPRII 1990:8

 

Physical Dimensions

Height (mm)

Depth (mm)

Width (mm)

Weight (kg)

FT//s system unit

625

625

410

65.0

FT//e system unit

560

510

155

35.0

Keyboard

40

205

488

1.4

14" SVGA Monitor

360

384

351

11.5

14" EVGA Monitor

354

400

351

14.5

17" EVGA Monitor

365

485

401

25.9


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Model Summary

Apricot FT//e
Intel i486 DX-33, DX2-66 or Pentium™ processors
16 - 192MB RAM (256MB on Pentium™)
3.5" floppy drive bay (supports 1.44MB drives)
SCSI CD-ROM
One half-height 5.25" bays
Two half-height 3.5" drive bays
Hard disk options: 240MB, 520MB, 1.2GB and
2GB drives (maximum 5 drives per system)


Apricot FT//s SuperServer
16 - 192MB RAM (256MB on Pentium™)
3.5" floppy drive bay (supports 1.44MB drives)
SCSI CD-ROM
Five full-height 5.25" drive bays
Hard disk options: 520MB, 1GB, 1.2GB and 2GB drives
(maximum 10 drives per system)


Adaptec AHA1640 and Apricot MDA fast SCSI controller


150MB or 525MB QIC SCSI tape drive,
1.3GB or 2GB DDS drive (up to 8GB with compression)


Micro Channel II expansion bus, with 8 x 32-bit slots


3Com 3C527B 32-bit busmaster Ethernet controller
(systems can also be configured with high-performance
Token Ring or serial controller interfaces)


EVGA graphics controller 1024 x 768 x 256 colours


25 way serial and parallel ports; keyboard port
and PS/2 compatible mouse port


Integral UPS


102 key PS/2 keyboard


Apricot LOC Technology security


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Computing for a Connected World