opentext TC2-8-R2 Tableau Forensic Universal Bridge User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- opentext
Table of Contents
opentext TC2-8-R2 Tableau Forensic Universal Bridge
Introduction
This document provides a product summary and integration guidelines for the
Tableau Forensic Universal Bridge, model T356789iu. This integrated write
blocker mounts in a typical forensic workstation and supports the forensic
acquisition of SATA, SAS, PCIe, FireWire, USB, and IDE storage media
.
Note:
In late 2019, a new version of the Universal Bridge was released to resolve a
supply-chain availability issue with the SAS host controller component. A
custom, FPGA-based SAS host controller solution was implemented, which offers
reduced supply chain risk as well as modest performance improvement on the
SATA/SAS port. While the new design is meant to be form, fit, and function
equivalent to the existing version, there are some subtle differences that
system integrators should be aware of, and those are called out in this
Integration Guide using the “R2” suffix designator.
While the formal marketing model name/number of this bridge will not change, we have chosen to adopt the R2 suffix convention for this major design change, which will be noticeable in certain situations. The main reason for the use of this R2 suffix is to allow easy, in-system determination of which version of the bridge is in a given system, through the use of the Tableau Firmware Update (TFU) program. Please contact OpenText Customer Support with any questions about the differences between these two Tableau Universal Bridge models.
Product Summary
The next-generation Tableau Forensic Universal Bridge introduces new capabilities and improved performance.
New features and capabilities
The software and documentation for T356789iu include:
- PCIe, write blocking, compatible with Tableau TDA7 series of PCIe SSD adapters.
- Read/write mode capability for all device ports, controlled via internal DIP switch.
- Improved write block and read/write mode visibility via new lock/unlock LED indicators.
Improved performance
Performance improved for all device ports by at least 10%, with some device ports improving more than 370% compared to the previous generation model, Tableau Forensic Combo Bridge T356789iu. The R2 hardware version of this design (3.0 PCB version or greater, as indicated by the R2 suffix in TFU) has a new, custom-designed SAS host controller, which provides further SAS and SATA performance improvements on the combination SATA/SAS port (Gen 3 SATA and Gen 2 SAS support, both running at 6 Gbps).
Installation
Mechanical and cabling considerations
The Universal Bridge fits in a standard half-height computer drive bay, using
standard mounting screws. Specific dimensions and weight information is shown
in the table below.
Mechanical Information
Dimensions| 5.875 in. (L) x 5.75 in. (W) x 1.625 in. (H)
Weight| 11.2 oz. (320g)
The unit must be powered by two SATA power connectors (denoted 1 and 2 in the image below) from the host computer power supply. Both SATA power connectors can be from the same cable, as long as your power supply provides adequate voltage regulation, but the Universal Bridge should be the only device powered by this cable. If your Universal Bridge does not power suspect devices properly, we recommend using SATA power connectors from two separate power supply cables.
Connect the unit to a dedicated channel of a USB 3.0 controller on the host
computer using a high-quality USB interface cable (connector 3 in the image
below).
- SATA power connector 1
- SATA power connector 2
- USB 3.0 female connector
The Universal Bridge kit includes the following device cables:
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| TC2-8-R2 | Molex to 3M drive power cable: 8″ |
| TC4-8-R2 | Unified SATA/SAS signal and power cable (3M-style): 8″ |
| TC6-8 | IDE cable: 8″ |
| TC-USB3 | USB 3.0 A to B cable: 6′ |
| TC7-9-9 | FireWire 800 9-pin to 9-pin cable: 6′ |
A PCIe device cable is included with optional Tableau PCIe adapters (see the Tableau PCIe Adapters web page at https://security.opentext.com/tableau/hardware?types=Adapters for more information).
OpenText does not provide SATA power or USB 3.0 host computer cables with the Universal Bridge. The SATA power cables are provided by the computer power supply, and the USB 3.0 host cable varies in length and connector type depending on the size of the computer, the location of the bridge, and the USB 3.0 controller. Care should be taken by the integrator to minimize cable length and to route the USB 3.0 cable away from possible sources of interference.
Power requirements
The internal circuitry of the Universal Bridge typically consumes
approximately 10.0W of power during normal operation: 8.2W from the +5V rail
for internal logic and 1.8W from the +12V rail for the internal cooling fan.
Power for external source drive connections is also provided, as shown in the
table below.
Power Connector Details
Connector 1| +5V (+/- 5%) @ 1.65A (typ): Provides power to internal circuitry
+12V (+/- 5%) @ 2.0A (max): Provides power to externally connected PCIe drives (via front-panel PCIe connector)
Connector 2| +5VDC (+/- 5%) @ 3.9A (max): Provides power to externally connected drives (via front-panel Drive Power connector)
+12VDC (+/- 5%) @ 3.1A (max): Provides power to externally connected drives (via front-panel Drive Power connector) and to the internal cooling fan (fan current: 0.15A typ)
Thermal considerations
The maximum ambient operating temperature of the Universal Bridge is 55
degrees Celsius. Note that this is the ambient temperature around the bridge
inside the forensic workstation, not the ambient temperature of the room in
which the workstation is located. For reference, normal room ambient
temperature is approximately 22 C. With an expected temperature rise inside a
typical, active forensic system of 10 – 15 degrees C, that puts the typical
bridge ambient operating temperature in the range of 32 – 37 degrees C, which
is well below the maximum of 55 C.
The environmental requirements for the Universal Bridge are shown in the table below.
Environmental Requirements
Operating ambient temperature range| 0 to 55 degrees C (no airflow; at bridge
inside forensic workstation)
Storage ambient temperature range| -20 to 60 degrees C
Max relative humidity| Up to 90% (non-condensing)
Note that systems designed for the original T356789iu design should work without issue when used with the new T356789iu-R2 variant. (See the Introduction section at the beginning of this guide for details on the R2 variant.) The main consideration is to ensure that cables and/or other internal system components do not interfere with the air pocket directly above and around the higher power components on the bridge. Those components are the processor/heatsink/fan setup and the SAS host controller.
The image below is a top view of the R2 PCB assembly, which identifies these two components. The component labeled as (1) is the processor/heatsink/fan assembly. This component has not been moved to the new R2 design. The component labeled as (2) is the SAS host controller FPGA. This component is located slightly more toward the front of the bridge and to the left than in the previous version. Please analyze your forensic system with the new R2 design to ensure these components have as much free air space above and around them as possible to help ensure proper bridge operation.
Other Considerations
Storage media supported
The Universal Bridge supports write-blocked acquisitions of up to nine
different types of storage media.
Storage Media
PCIe| One PCIe custom data+power connector (to be used with Tableau PCIe
adapters)
SATA/SAS| One SATA/SAS data connector capable of the following data rates:
· SAS Gen 1 (3Gbps)
· SAS Gen 2 (6Gbps) – R2 Version only
· SATA Gen 2 (3Gbps)
· SATA Gen 3 (6Gbps) – R2 version only
SATA| One SATA Gen 3 (6 Gbs) data connector (also supports SATA Gen 1 and 2)
FireWire| One FireWire 800 9-pin connector (also supports FireWire 400, with
adapter)
USB 3.0| One USB 3.0 Type A 9-pin connector (also supports USB 2.0/1.1)
IDE| One IDE 40-pin data connector
Further product specifications
This section provides details about which versions of other OpenText products are compatible with this release of T356789iu.
Host Computer Interface Compatibility
USB 3.0 Controllers| Most USB 3.0 controllers should be compatible.
Notes:
For the best USB 3.0 performance, ensure the latest host controller driver
and BIOS update are applied.
For best imaging performance, ensure no other devices share the USB 3.0 controller channel in use by the Universal Bridge.
Host Computer Interface Compatibility
| This product does not support UASP; however, enabling USB 3.0 controller
Turbo (or equivalent) mode may still improve performance with certain OS and
controller/driver combinations.
Host OS| Windows 7, 8, 10 macOS versions
Modern Linux distributions
Indicator lights
The device power switch is located to the left of the Write Block indicator.
Data and power ports are clearly labeled.
- Write Block: (green closed lock) write-block mode (read-only).
- Read/Write: (yellow open lock) read/write mode (enabled when DIP switch 1 is on). Power: when lit, the Universal Bridge is on.
- Host: when lit, the host computer is connected.
- Device: when lit, the connected device is powered and visible to the Universal Bridge. Activity: when lit, read or write activity is occurring on the connected device.
DIP switch settings
The Universal Bridge has a four-position DIP switch located on the rear of the
unit. The default position for all four switches is OFF. Power off the host
computer and bridge before changing the DIP switch settings.
DIP Switch Setting
Switch Number| OFF (up position)| ON (down position)
SW1| Read-only/Write-blocked mode| Read/Write mode
SW2| Reports write errors to the host| Suppresses write errors to the host
SW3| Reports devices as read-only to the host| Suppresses read-only status
SW4| NOT USED| NOT USED
Usage Tips
- Only connect one storage device at a time to the Universal Bridge.
- For the most reliable operation, only connect or disconnect storage devices to the Universal Bridge when the unit is powered off.
- Only use high-quality data cables (such as the Tableau cables provided with the bridge) to connect devices to the Universal Bridge.
- To ensure reliable operation and maximum performance, consider replacing the data cables used with the Universal Bridge at regular intervals.
- Ensure connected devices are stable and secure and away from any sources of heat or heat-insulating material.
- Device firmware is easily updated with the Tableau Firmware Update utility (see the Tableau Firmware Update web page at https://security.opentext.com/tableau/download-center).
Warranty
The product comes with a standard one-year warranty. Extended warranties are available for purchase. Please contact your Tableau salesperson for additional information on extended warranties.
Support
This section provides information about past issues that have been fixed in
this release.
About OpenText
OpenText enables the digital world, creating a better way for organizations to
work with information, on-premises or in the cloud. For more information about
OpenText
(NASDAQ/TSX: OTEX), visit opentext.com.
Connect with us:
OpenText CEO Mark Barrenechea’s blog
Twitter | LinkedIn.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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