SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface.

Small Computer System Interface. The hardware interface between the computer and peripheral devices, such as storage systems.

Acronym for small computer system interface. An intelligent interface device that expands a microprocessor (CPU) bus to facilitate connections to multiple peripherals (e.g., CD-ROM drives, hard drives, or scanners) and exchange data with those peripherals via a separate communications bus. Note 1: The original SCSI was capable of supporting up to 7 devices at a data rate of 5 Mb/s over an 8-bit parallel bus. Subsequent SCSI versions feature a parallel communications bus having greater width and speed. Note 2: Since SCSI exchanges data with the peripherals over a separate communications bus rather than the processor bus, the CPU can devote the saved processing time to other tasks. Note 3: Pronounced "scuzzy."