Source : WordNet®

small computer system interface
     n : interface consisting of a standard port between a computer
         and its peripherals that is used in some computers [syn:
         {SCSI}]

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Small Computer System Interface
     
         (SCSI) /skuh'zee/, /sek'si/ The most
        popular 	processor-independent standard, via a parallel bus,
        for system-level interfacing between a computer and intelligent
        devices including {hard disks}, {floppy disks}, {CD-ROM},
        {printers}, {scanners}, and many more.
     
        SCSI can connect multiple devices to a single {SCSI adaptor}
        (or "host adaptor") on the computer's bus. SCSI transfers bits
        in parallel and can operate in either {asynchronous} or
        {synchronous} modes.  The synchronous transfer rate is up
        to 5MB/s.  There must be at least one {target} and one {initiator}
        on the SCSI {bus}.
     
        SCSI connections normally use "{single ended}" drivers as
        opposed to {differential drivers}.  Single ended SCSI can
        suport up to six metres of cable.  Differential ended SCSI
        can support up to 25 metres of cable.
     
        SCSI was developed by {Shugart Associates}, which later became
        {Seagate}.  SCSI was originally called SASI for "Shugart
        Associates System Interface" before it became a standard.
     
        Due to SCSI's inherent protocol flexibility, large support
        infrastructure, continued speed increases and the acceptance
        of SCSI Expanders in applications it is expected to hold its market.
     
        The original standard is now called "SCSI-1" to distinguish it
        from {SCSI-2} and {SCSI-3} which include specifications of
        {Wide SCSI} (a 16-bit bus) and {Fast SCSI} (10 MB/s transfer).
     
        SCSI-1 has been standardised as {ANSI} X3.131-1986 and
        {ISO}/{IEC} 9316.
     
        A problem with SCSI is the large number of different
        connectors allowed.  Nowadays the trend is toward a 68-pin
        {miniature D-type} or "high density" connector (HD68) for
        {Wide SCSI} and a 50-pin version of the same connector (HD50)
        for 8-bit SCSI (Type 1-4, pin pitch 1.27 mm x 2.45 mm).
        50-pin {ribbon cable} connectors are also popular for internal
        wiring (Type 5, pin pitch 2.54 mm x 2.54 mm).  {Apple
        Computer} used a 25-pin connector on the {Macintosh} computer
        but this connector causes problems with high-speed equipment.
        Original SCSI implementations were highly incompatible with
        each other.
     
        {ASPI} is a standard {Microsoft Windows} interface to SCSI
        devices.
     
        {Usenet} newsgroup: {news:comp.periphs.scsi}.
     
        {(news:comp.periphs.scsi)}.
        SCSI Trade Association & FAQ {(http://www.scsita.org/)}.
     
        ["System" or "Systems"?]
     
        (1999-03-30)