MSCP Basic Disk Functions

The MSCP Basic Disk Functions Manual details the Mass Storage Control Protocol (MSCP), a communications protocol utilized between host-based class drivers and intelligent storage controllers. The document outlines the architecture, including the host-based class driver and port driver, and the controller-based MSCP server. Key topics covered include:

• Communication Services: Describes sequential message, datagram, and block data communication services, along with flow control implementation rules.
• State Machines: Provides detailed logic for controller states (Offline, Available, Online) and unit states (Offline, Available, Online), including handling of multi-access drives.
• Algorithms and Rules: Covers command categories and execution ordering, host access timeouts, command timeouts, and bad block replacement mechanisms.
• Message Formats: Specifies the structure of MSCP control messages, including generic headers, transfer command formats, and error log message structures.

This manual serves as a reference for implementing host class drivers compliant with the MSCP architecture.