Date: Feb 5, 1992                            X3T9.2/92-031 Rev 0


 To: X3T9.2 Committee (SCSI)

 From: Scott Smyers (Apple)
       Jay Neer (IBM)
       Tom Newsom (IBM)

 Subject: Alternate P-Cable Connector for SCSI-3


It is proposed that the X3T9.2 (SCSI Working Group) Establish a
SWIG with the Following Objective:

  <>  OBJECTIVE - - Provide Specification of all necessary
                    Mechanical and  Electrical details for an Alternative
                    P-Cable, 68 lead, High density, SCSI-3 Connector
                    Supporting 16 bits parallel data transfer.

  <>  REASON    - - There is a critical need within the SCSI Industry to
                    standardize on an alternative P-Cable Connector.
                    For various reasons (i.e. supply, reliability)
                    large SCSI manufactures are moving away from
                    the current P-Cable connector.  Unless an alternate
                    connector is defined, there is a good chance
                    of inter-mateablity problems which could disrupt
                    development of the market for wide SCSI devices.

  <>  INTENT    - - The SWIG would produce a proposal within as short a
                    period of time as possible (target 6 months).  This
                    proposal could then be voted on for inclusion into
                    the SPI (SCSI-3 Parallel Interface) draft.

  <>   FOCUS    - - The SWIG would consider, at a minimum, the Ribbon
                    Style Connector as an alternative to the existing
                    P-Cable Connector.  For any connector considered,
                    the same issues should be addressed as are being
                    discussed by the Pin and Socket reliability SWIG.
                    It is perfectly acceptable for the SWIG to also
                    consider a ribbon style alternative to the SCSI2
                    50 pin connector for use within SCSI3.


  <>  BENEFIT   - - Distribution of an Alternate P-Cable Proposal will
                    provide a needed direction statement for the SCSI
                    Industry.

  <>  START UP  - - Meetings should be scheduled starting in March.