METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FAST CONTEXT SWITCHING OF SERIAL ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ATTACHMENT IN ENHANCED SERIAL ATTACHED SCSI EXPANDERS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for enabling Fast Context Switching (FCS) operation of an enhanced Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander and initiator for switching between one or more concurrently established connections including at least one Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) target device connection. Features and aspects hereof provide for enhanced logic within a SAS expander and/or initiator to detect the completion of an exchange over a first connection between an initiator device and a SATA target device and to allow switching to another (a second) connection without closing the first connection.