System Overview
Technical Highlights
Technical Specifications
Model Summary
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.
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 192 MB of on-board RAM
(256 MB on Pentium™ systems), and powerful drive arrays giving up to 20 GB 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 66 MHz
One of the highest levels of processor
performance currently available.
Pentium™ 60 MHz
Purpose designed for Intel's next generation of
high performance desktop processors.
Second level cache
Up to 128 KB ultra-high speed cache memory (512 KB
on Pentium™ versions) handles most frequently accessed RAM and ROM data - drives
processor at maximum speed for extended periods.
Up to 192 MB on-board RAM (256 MB 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, 40 MB/sec expansion bus data transfers and up to 256 MB 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 10 MB/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 40 MB/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 20 GB on FT//s (6 GB 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
40 MB/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.
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 |
128 KB direct mapped, write
through |
Integral |
32 bit |
| Intel Pentium™ |
512 KB 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 |
16 MB x 32 bit motherboard RAM |
| Max. on-board memory |
192 MB on 486, 256 MB on
Pentium™ |
| Speed |
70 ns |
| 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
75 MHz RAMDAC and frequency synthesiser |
| Video RAM |
1 MB |
| 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 |
1.44 MB 3.5" floppy (94ms
average access time) |
| Floppy drive B |
1.44 MB 3.5" floppy or 1.2 MB
5.25" floppy |
SCSI Devices
| Type |
Cartridge type |
Data Buffer |
Data transfer rates |
| DC600 tape |
DC6150/150 MB
(620ft)
DC6250/250 MB (1020ft) |
64 KB |
1.25 MB/sec (burst)
112.5 KB/sec (average) |
| DC600 tape |
DC6320/320 MB
(620ft)
DC6525/525 MB (1020ft) |
256 KB |
2 MB/sec (burst)
180/240 KB/sec (average) |
| DDS |
2 hour DAT/1.3 GB
(197ft)
3 hour DAT/2 GB (295ft) |
512 KB |
5 MB/sec (burst)
183 KB/sec (average) |
| CD-ROM |
300 KB/sec transfer rate (CDU561)
Sony CD-ROM |
|
|
Apricot MDA Controller
| Micro Channel interface |
32-bit bus master DMA: up to
40 MB/sec data transfer in streaming mode |
| SCSI interface |
Fast SCSI II: up to 10 MB/sec
synchronous and 7 MB/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 |
300 KB/sec |
656 MB
(mode 1)
748 MB (mode 2) |
295 |
256 |
Expansion Bus
| Bus architecture |
Micro Channel II |
| Maximum data transfer rate |
40 MB/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 |
465 W on FT//s
282 W on FT//e |
| Batteries for UPS |
2 x 12 V 12 Ah, average duration 30 minutes (on FT//s)
2 x 12 V 5.4 Ah, 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 |
Model Summary
Apricot FT//e
Intel i486 DX-33, DX2-66 or Pentium™ processors
16 - 192 MB RAM (256 MB on Pentium™)
3.5" floppy drive bay (supports 1.44 MB drives)
SCSI CD-ROM
One half-height 5.25" bays
Two half-height 3.5" drive bays
Hard disk options: 240 MB, 520 MB, 1.2 GB and
2 GB drives (maximum 5 drives per system)
Apricot FT//s SuperServer
16 - 192 MB RAM (256 MB on Pentium™)
3.5" floppy drive bay (supports 1.44 MB drives)
SCSI CD-ROM
Five full-height 5.25" drive bays
Hard disk options: 520 MB, 1 GB, 1.2 GB and 2 GB drives
(maximum 10 drives per system)
Adaptec AHA1640 and Apricot MDA
fast SCSI controller
150 MB or 525 MB QIC SCSI tape drive,
1.3 GB or 2 GB DDS drive (up to 8 GB 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
|