Freecom SDX-250V, SDX-250V/RP Specification

Notice

This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without prior written consent of
Sony. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

SONY MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT. Sony shall not be liable
for errors contained herein, or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this document.

© Copyright 2004 Sony Corporation

For further information , please contact the appropriate Sony location listed below;

Sony Corporation
Electronic Devices Marketing Group
Tape Streamer Marketing Section

Gate City Osaki West Tower
Osaki East Tec.
1-11-1 Osaki Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0032 Japan
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Korea Corporation.

34F, ASEM Tower, World Trade Center, 159-1
Samsung-Dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul, 135-798 Korea
TEL: [phone]

Sony Electronics Inc.

3300 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134,
U.S.A.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
TLX: 171331 SJESONY

Sony Taiwan Limited, ODS Dept. DS Sect.

5F, 145 Changchun Road, Taipei 104, Taiwan
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Europe Semiconductor &
Electronic Solutions

The Heights, Blookland, Weybridge, Surrey KT13
OXW
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Corp. of Hong Kong Ltd. Beijing Rep. Office
Electronic Device Marketing Hong Kong, Computer
Peripheral Division

Tower A, 11/F Full Link Plaza, No.18
Chaoyangmenwai Ave., Beijing, 100020 P.R.C.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony of Canada Ltd.
Communications & Information Systems Group
Storage Marketing

115 Gordon Baker Road
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3R6
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Recording Media & Energy Latin America
Storage Drive Group

5201 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 390
Miami, FL 33126, U.S.A.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
Electronic Devices Marketing (Singapore)
Computer Peripherals Division Enterprise
Storage Solutions Department

2 International Business Park #01-10
Tower One The Strategy Singapore 609930
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Sony Brasil Ltda.
Informatica Division

Rua Inocencio Tobias, 125-Bloco A 01144-000
Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Changing List

Page Clause Title Modify Add Delete Remarks

SDX-250V Series Ver. 1.0 NOVEMBER, 2004 (RELEASE)

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SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. About this Product Specification Manual 1- 1

1.2. Introducing the SONY AIT Technology 1- 1

1.3. Features of the Drive 1- 1

1.4. Reference 1- 2

1.4.1. How to get ECMA-222 Standard Document 1- 2

2. Specifications

2.1. Specifications 2- 1

2.1.1. Dimensions 2- 1

2.1.1.1. Mounting Holes 2- 2

2.1.2. Weight 2- 4

2.1.3. Connectors 2- 4

2.1.3.1. SCSI Cables and Terminators 2- 4

2.2. Environmental Specifications 2- 4

2.2.1. Temperature and Humidity Range 2- 4

2.2.2. Altitude 2- 5

2.2.3. Suspected Particulate 2- 5

2.2.4. Vibration 2- 5

2.2.5. Shock 2- 5

2.2.6. Acoustic Noise 2- 5

2.2.7. EMC 2- 5

2.2.8. Orientation 2- 5

2.3. Performance Specification 2- 6

2.3.1. Data Capacity 2- 6

2.3.2. Data Transfer Rate 2- 7

2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate to and from the Tape 2- 7

2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate to and from the SCSI Bus 2- 7

2.3.3. Initialize Time 2- 7

2.3.4. Load Time 2- 7

2.3.5. Unload Time 2- 7

2.3.6. Search Time 2- 7

2.3.7. Rewind Time 2- 7

2.3.8. Error Rate 2- 8

2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites 2- 8

2.3.10. Definition of Failure 2- 8

2.3.11. Mean Time Between Failures 2- 8

2.3.12. Mean Time to Repair 2- 8

2.3.13. Component Life 2- 8

2.3.14. Durability 2- 8

2.4. Safety 2- 9

2.4.1. Conditions of Acceptability 2- 9

2.5. Installation Requirements 2- 9

2.5.1. Power Requirements 2- 9

2.6. Data Compression 2- 10

SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

3. Installation

3.1. Installation Guide 3- 1

3.1.1. SCSI ID Number Jumper 3- 2

3.1.2. Termination Power Switch 3- 2

3.1.3. Parity Disable Jumper 3- 3

3.1.4. Data Compression ON Switch 3- 3

3.1.5. Power Connector 3- 3

3.1.6. SCSI 68 pin Connector 3- 3

3.1.7. Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover 3- 6

3.1.7.1. Attaching the Dust Cover 3- 6

3.1.7.2. Removing the Dust Cover 3- 7

4. Operation

4.1. Summary of LED Indications 4- 1

4.2. Operator Action 4- 2

4.2.1. Powering up the SDX-250V 4- 2

4.2.2. Inserting Cassettes 4- 2

4.2.3. Removing Cassettes 4- 2

4.2.4. Hard Reset Hole 4- 2

4.2.5. Write-Protecting Cassettes 4- 3

4.3. Internal Function 4- 3

4.3.1. The Load Sequence 4- 3

4.3.2. The Unload Sequence 4- 3

4.3.3. Power-Fail or SCSI Reset Handling 4- 4

4.3.4. Diagnostic and Normal Status Displays 4- 4

4.3.4.1. Diagnostic Status Display 4- 4

4.3.4.2. Normal Status Display 4- 5

4.4. Tape Format 4- 5

4.4.1. Tape Partitions 4- 5

4.4.1.1. Formatting partitions 4- 5

4.5. Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Service 4- 6

4.5.1. Head Cleaning 4- 6

4.5.1.1. Message when cleaning cassette is necessary 4- 6

4.5.1.2 The condition of cleaning request 4- 6

4.5.1.3. Usage of cleaning cassette 4- 6

4.5.2. Troubleshooting Guide 4- 6

4.5.2.1. Operational Problems 4- 7

4.5.2.2. Read/Write Problems 4- 9

4.5.2.3 Replace Tape 4- 9

4.5.2.4. Media Warning 4- 9

4.5.3. Clearance for Service 4- 9

4.5.4. Packaging for Return to Sony 4- 9

SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

5. SCSI Interface

5.1. Introduction 5- 1

5.1.1. Overview of the SCSI Interface 5- 1

5.1.2. Supported Messages 5- 1

5.1.3. Supported and Unsupported Commands 5- 1

5.2. SCSI BUS Operation 5- 2

5.2.1. Typical SCSI Operation 5- 2

5.2.2. Disconnect 5- 3

5.3. Message Specification 5- 4

5.3.1. COMMAND COMPLETE (00h) 5- 4

5.3.2. EXTENDED MESSAGE (01h) 5- 5

5.3.2.1. SYNCHRONOUS DATA TRANSFER REQUEST (01h) 5- 5

5.3.2.2. WIDE DATA TRANSFER REQUEST 5- 6

5.3.3. SAVE DATA POINTER (02h) 5- 8

5.3.4. RESTORE POINTERS (03h) 5- 8

5.3.5. DISCONNECT (04h) 5- 8

5.3.6. INITIATOR DETECTED ERROR (05h) 5- 8

5.3.7. ABORT (06h) 5- 9

5.3.8. MESSAGE REJECT (07h) 5- 9

5.3.9. NO OPERATION (08h) 5- 9

5.3.10. MESSAGE PARITY ERROR (09h) 5- 9

5.3.11. BUS DEVICE RESET (0Ch) 5- 9

5.3.12. IDENTIFY (80h-FFh) 5- 10

5.3.13. IGNORE WIDE RESIDUE (23h) 5- 10

5.4. Status Specification 5- 10

6. Command Specification

6.1. ERASE 19h 6- 2

6.2. INQUIRY 12h 6- 3

6.3. LOAD/UNLOAD 1Bh 6- 8

6.4. LOCATE 2Bh 6- 9

6.5. LOG SELECT 4Ch 6- 10

6.6. LOG SENSE 4Dh 6- 12

6.6.1. The Log Page Descriptor 6- 13

6.6.2. The Log Parameter Descriptor 6- 14

6.6.3. Supported Log Pages 6- 15

6.6.3.1. Summary List of Supported Pages 6- 15

6.6.4. Write and Read Error Counters Pages 6- 16

6.6.5. Last N Error Events List 6- 17

6.6.6. Tape Log Page (Sony Unique) 6- 18

6.6.7. Tape Capacity Log Page 6- 19

6.6.8. Drive Usage Log Page (Sony Unique) 6- 20

6.6.9. Read and Write Frame Error Counter Page 6- 21

6.6.10. Data Compression Transfer Log Page 6- 22

6.6.11. AIT Log Page (3Ch) 6- 23

6.7. MODE SELECT 15h 6- 26

SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

6.7.1. Disconnect-Reconnect Page (02h) 6- 29

6.7.2. Data Compression Control Page (0Fh) 6- 30

6.7.3. Device Configuration Page (10h) 6- 32

6.7.4. Medium Partitions Parameter Page (11h) 6- 34

6.7.5. Medium Partitions Parameter Page
(for multi-partitioned tapes)(11h)

6- 36

6.7.6. Informational Exceptions Control Page (1Ch) 6- 38

6.7.7. AIT Device Configuration Page (31h) 6- 39

6.8. MODE SENSE 1Ah 6- 41

6.8.1. Mode Sense 31h (AIT Device Configuration Page) 6- 43

6.9. PERSISTENT RESERVE IN 5Eh 6- 44

6.10. PERSISTENT RESERVE OUT 5Fh 6- 48

6.11. PREVENT ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL 1Eh 6- 50

6.12. READ 08h 6- 51

6.13. READ BLOCK LIMITS 05h 6- 53

6.14. READ BUFFER 3Ch 6- 54

6.15. READ POSITION 34h 6- 56

6.16. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS 1Ch 6- 58

6.17. RELEASE UNIT 17h 6- 60

6.18. REPORT DENSITY SUPPORT 44h 6- 61

6.19. REPORT LUNS A0h 6- 63

6.20. REQUEST BLOCK ADDRESS 02h 6- 64

6.21. REQUEST SENSE 03h 6- 65

6.22. RESERVE UNIT 16h 6- 73

6.23. REWIND 01h 6- 74

6.24. SEEK BLOCK 0Ch 6- 75

6.25. SEND DIAGNOSTIC 1Dh 6- 76

6.26. SPACE 11h 6- 78

6.26.1. CHECK CONDITION 6- 80

6.26.2. Sony SDX-250V Unique Implementation for SPACE 6- 80

6.26.2.1. Super High Speed Search 6- 80

6.26.2.2. Data Buffer Management 6- 80

6.27. TEST UNIT READY 00h 6- 81

6.28. VERIFY 13h 6- 82

6.29. WRITE 0Ah 6- 84

6.30. WRITE BUFFER 3Bh 6- 86

6.31. WRITE FILEMARKS 10h 6- 88

7. Drive Diagnostics

7.1. Overview 7- 1

7.2. Diagnostic Test 7- 1

7.2.1. Power-on Self Test 7- 1

7.2.2. SEND DIAGNOSTIC command – Self Test 7- 2

7.2.3. SEND DIAGNOSTIC command – Individual Test 7- 2

7.2.4. Diagnostic Test Number Summary 7- 3

7.2.5. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULT command 7- 4

SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

7.2.6. Diagnostics Results Reference 7- 6

7.2.7. Diagnostic Tests Requiring Additional Parameters 7- 7

7.2.7.1. Error Rate Test (02) Diagnostic Parameters 7- 7

7.2.7.2. Read Data Exerciser (43h) Diagnostic Parameters 7- 9

8. Appendix A: ASC & ASCQ Alphabetic Order

8- 1

9. Appendix B: ASC & ASCQ Numeric Order

9- 1

10. Appendix C: SCSI Commands (OP Code Order)

10- 1

11. Appendix D: ASC & ASCQ for AIT (Sony Unique)

11- 1

12. Appendix E: Disaster Recover

12.1. Overview 12- 1

12.2. Creating Disaster Recovery Tape 12- 1

12.3. Configuring the Drive for Disaster Recovery Operation 12- 1

12.4. Exiting DR Mode 12- 1

12.5. Supported CDROM DR Command Set 12- 1

12.5.1. Inquiry (12h) 12- 1

12.5.2. Read 10 (28h) 12- 1

12.5.3. Read Capacity (0x25) 12- 1

12.5.4. Read TOC (0x43) 12- 2

12.5.5. Mode Sense/Select Page Code 0x3C 12- 2

12.6. Reset Handling 12- 2

13. Appendix F: Glossary

13- 1

SDX-250V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents

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1.Introduction

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

1-1

1. Introduction

1.1. About this Product Specification Manual

This Product Specification Manual is applicable for AIT-E Turbo drive.
This manual provides information about the Sony SDX-250V series Advanced Intelligent Tape Drives which is

necessary to integrate the drives into OEM products. This manual describes the specifications, SCSI Interface,
diagnostics, operation and installation of the Sony AIT-E Turbo Tape Drives.

The Sony SDX-250V drive uses data compression to achieve high capacity and high transfer rates. Actual capacity
and transfer rate depends on the source file type. The capacity ratings listed in the next subsection are based on a 98
meter tape AIT-E Turbo cassette. The Sony SDX-250V drive is a high capacity data storage device using Advanced
intelligent tape (AIT) technology. The Sony SDX-250V drive achieves high data integrity through read-after-write, an
additional level of Error Correction Code, and other features.

1.2. Introducing the Sony AIT Technology

While magnetic storage technologies continue to push the envelope of recording density and provide higher
capacities and transfer rates every 18 to 24 months, improvements in time to access this data have become very
limited. Since 1990, tape recording densities have increased up to ten fold, while the time to access this data has
increased less than two fold, creating a large mismatch between the amount of stored data and the ability to access
it.

This large “gap” between data access latency and area density has created a dilemma in application development
and limited the potential to implement truly cost-effective tertiary storage solutions. Many applications compensated
for this deficiency by incorporating multiple redundant tape drives, at higher cost, to achieve an acceptable level of
service for their users. Sony’s new Advanced Intelligent Tape design has recognized this need and provided an
innovative approach to solving the data latency problem while increasing capacity and data transfer rates.

Traditional, older tape technologies relied mostly on conventional mechanical means, such as faster search speeds
or an on-tape index to improve access to stored data. While improvements in electronics and magnetics have been
the main enablers of increased capacity and transfer rates, rarely have these same technologies been employed to
significantly improve access to data.

1.3. Features of the Drive

Major features of the Sony SDX-250V include:

• Capacity
20 Gbyte typical when using 98 meter tape AIT-E Turbo cassette (TAITE-20N)
52 Gbyte with 2.6:1 Data Compression

• Sustained transfer rate

6 Mbyte/sec

• Supported Format: AIT-E Turbo

• Not compatible with the DDS and EXABYTE format tapes

• Burst transfer rate

15.6 Mbyte/sec Asynchronous

40 Mbyte/sec Synchronous

1.Introduction

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

1-2

• Large 12 MB Buffer Memory

• 3.5” Standard Height, 5.25” Half Height

• Embedded SCSI interface (Ultra/WIDE, Single-ended or Low Voltage differential)

• Supports Variable or Fixed record length

• Supports SCSI Disconnection/Arbitration

• Read After Write (RAW) On and Off capability

• Read Retry On and Off capability

• Frame rewrite function

• Three levels of Error Correction Code (ECC)

• High Speed search (120 times nominal Read/Write speed)

• Random read, Append write

• Repeat Write option

1.4. Reference

Please refer to the following documents for additional information:

• SCSI-2

1

ANSI X3.131.-1996 Small Computer Systems Interface-2 (SCSI-2).

• SCSI Parallel Interface-2 (SPI-2) ANSI X3T10-1142D rev 20b.

ANSI X3T9.2/86-109 (Revision 10H, or above), available through ANSI.

• ALDC - Adaptive Lossless Data Compression (ALDC) Algorithm;

ECMA-222, available through

2

ECMA.

1.4.1. How to get ECMA-222 Standard Document

You can get these ECMA Standard Document file from the following URL.
http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/standard.html

1

ANSI (American National Standard for Industry)

2

ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association)

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-1

2. Specifications

Physical, environmental and performance specifications for the SDX-250V and SDX-250V/RP.

2.1. Specifications

2.1.1. Dimensions

The SDX-250V

Height 41.2 mm (1.62 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)

Width 101.6 mm (4.00 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Depth 155.0 mm (6.10 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)

The SDX-250V/RP

Height 41.2 mm (1.62 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)

Width 146.0 mm (5.75 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Depth 155.0 mm (6.10 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)

Note: The above dimensions do not include the front panel thickness, eject button and SCSI connector.

Height 41.2 0.5mm
[1.62" 0.02"]

Width 101.6 0.5mm
[4.00" 0.02"]

Depth 155.0 0.5mm
[6.10" 0.02"]

7.6

0.5mm

[0.30" 0.02"]

7.4 0.6mm
[0.29" 0.02"]

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Figure 2-1: Dimensions (SDX-250V)

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-2

2.1.1.1. Mounting Holes

Figure 2-2a gives details of the mounting holes for the Sony SDX-250V and figure 2-2b for the Sony SDX-250V/RP.

Figure 2-2a: SDX-250V Mounting Holes

155.0 0.5mm [6.10" 0.02"]

90.0 0.3mm [3.54" 0.01"]

60.0 0.3mm
[2.36" 0.01"]

70.0 0.3mm [2.76" 0.01"]

31.0 0.3mm
[1.22" 0.01"]

21.0 0.3mm
[0.83" 0.01"]

41.2 0.5mm

[1.62" 0.02"]

4.8 0.5mm

[0.19" 0.02"]

6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.)

6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.)

42.0 0.3mm
[1.65" 0.01"]

94.0 0.5mm [3.70" 0.02"]

101.6 0.5mm [4.00" 0.02"]

7.4 0.6mm [0.29" 0.02"]

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9.8 0.6mm [0.39" 0.02"]

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2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-3

Figure 2-2b: SDX-250V/RP Mounting Holes

79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]

79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]

47.5 0.3mm
[1.87" 0.01"]

79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]

47.5 0.3mm
[1.87" 0.01"]

94.0 0.5mm [3.70" 0.02"]

21.8 0.5mm

[0.86" 0.02"]

41.2 0.5mm

[1.62" 0.02"]

9.9 0.5mm

[0.39" 0.02"]

139.6 0.5mm [5.50" 0.02"]

146.0 0.5mm [5.75" 0.02"]

149.0 0.5mm [5.87" 0.02"]

155.0 0.5mm [6.10" 0.02"]

70.0 0.3mm [2.76" 0.01"]

31.0 0.3mm
[1.22" 0.01"]

42.0 0.3mm
[1.65" 0.01"]

4-M3

6-M3

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9.8 0.6mm
[0.39" 0.02"]

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7.4 0.6mm
[0.29" 0.02"]

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7.0 0.5mm
[0.28" 0.02"]

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2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-4

2.1.2. Weight

SDX-250V 740 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.
SDX-250V/RP 970 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.

2.1.3. Connectors

The SDX-250V has a SCSI connector with a power connector and Jumpers at the positions shown in Figure 2-3. All
other connectors are for use by Sony’s manufacturing and service facilities only.

Figure 2-3: Connector Positions

2.1.3.1. SCSI Cables and Terminators

The Single-Ended SCSI configuration and Low-Voltage-differential SCSI configuration are supported by SDX-250V
and SDX-250V/RP. The hardware specification of this interface can be found in Clause 3. Physical Characteristics,
of the X3T10/1142D (SCSI Parallel Interface2) standard. Only unshielded connectors are supported. Possible cable
and connector sources are listed below. This does not imply that these are the only sources for SCSI accessories.

Note: When using high speed data transfer with the SDX-250V it is recommended that total length of the SCSI data
cable not exceeded 1.5m for Single Ended SCSI configuration. As for Low-Voltage-differential SCSI configuration ,
less than 12m is recommended.

Cable 30 AWG Ribbon

Hitachi UL 20848 (or equivalent)

Connector AMP 1-786090-7 (or equivalent)

2.2. Environmental Specifications

The specifications which apply when media is present may be different than these.

2.2.1. Temperature and Humidity Range

Temperature

Operating 5 ºC to 40 ºC (∆T < 10 ºC/h)
Non-Operating(mech.) -40 ºC to 70 ºC (∆T < 20 ºC/h)
Non-Operating(tape) -40 ºC to 45 ºC (∆T < 20 ºC/h)

Humidity

Operating 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing

Maximum wet bulb temperature : 26 ºC

Non-operating (mech.) 5 to 95%RH(∆RH<30%/h)

Maximum wet bulb temperature : 45 ºC

Non-operating (tape) 20 to 80%RH(∆RH<30%/h)

Jumpers

SCSI 68 pin Connector

Power Connector

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-5

2.2.2. Altitude

Operating 0 to 10,000 feet

2.2.3. Suspended Particulate

Operating

Less than 150 microgram/m

3

Based Sampling period 24 hours

2.2.4. Vibration

Operating Swept Sine 5 to 500Hz, @0.25G Peak 1 Octave/min.

3 axis, 3 directions

Non-operating Swept Sine 5 to 500Hz, @ 0.5G Peak 1 Octave/min.

3 axis, 3 directions

2.2.5. Shock

Operating No Data Loss

Half Sine
Performance
5 G Peak 3 ms
3 axes, 3 directions
*Interval 10 seconds

Non-operating No Device Damage

Half Sine
90 G Peak 3 ms
(30 G Peak 11 ms)
3 axes, 3 directions
*

Interval 10 seconds

2.2.6. Acoustic Noise

The ambient noise level is no greater than 25 dB (A). The sound-meter on (A) scale is located 1m in front of the
center of the drive front panel. (A): A curve weight

Streaming Write/Read 35dB(A)
Insert/Eject 60dB(A)

2.2.7. EMC

EMI/EMS Radiated

Emissions/Conducted
noise Emissions

EN 55022 (1998) class B
EN 55024 (1998) A1 (2001) +A2 (2003) class B

EMS ESD

(Front Panel Only,
integrated product)

Discharge Voltage
Less than 15kV: No operation failure
Less than 20kV: No drive damage

2.2.8. Orientation

The SDX-250V can be installed in three different mounting positions as shown in the figure below. Each position has
a maximum tolerance of ±10 degrees.

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-6

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

Figure 2-4: Mounting Attitude and Tolerance

2.3. Performance Specification

The data capacity, data transfer rate and data reliability specifications this chapter require the media to conform to
the AIT-E Turbo Media Specification and also require the drive and media to remain within their respective operating
and non-operating environmental specifications. The specifications below also assume that the C3 ECC frame is
generated on writing and used as necessary on reading, and further assumes that read-after-write rewrites are used
as necessary on writing.

2.3.1. Data Capacity

The SDX-250V includes a data compression capability. When data compression is enabled the drive capacity can
increase from 2 times to 3 times. The efficiency of the data compression depends on the actual data that is being
compressed and cannot be predicted precisely prior to compression.

Format AIT-E Turbo Standard Format
Native

Capacity

20.0 Gbyte typical When using 98 meter tape AIT-E Turbo cassette (TAITE-20N)

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-7

2.3.2. Data Transfer Rate

2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate to and From the Tape

The sustained transfer rate to and from the tape is 6Mbyte per second with AIT-E Turbo cassette. For this sustained
rate to be achieved, the drive must be streaming. There may be some dependency on the host for this to be
achieved.

2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate to and From the SCSI Bus

The SDX-250V will transmit and receive data bursts to and from the SCSI bus at a maximum burst rate of 12 Mbyte
per second, using WIDE SCSI asynchronous transfers and 40 Mbyte per second, using WIDE SCSI synchronous
transfers.

2.3.3. Initialize Time

Initialize Time means the period from the time the drive is powered on to the time when the drive is ready and waiting
for a SCSI command such as INQUIRY or TEST UNIT READY. Initialize Time is less than 5 seconds.

The drive will respond with BUSY status until the completion of the Initialize Time. The Initialize Time does not
include the time necessary for drive diagnostics to complete and the drive to become ready for tape insertion.

2.3.4. Load Time

Load Time means the period from the time when the operator inserts a cassette into the drive to the time when the
drive is ready. The data in the below table represents the average time for SDX-250V. The time it may take for
retrying is not reflected here.

TAITE-20N (98m)

Load Time 25 sec

2.3.5. Unload Time

Unload Time means the period from the beginning of the unload sequence caused by Unload Command or Eject
button to the time when a cassette is ejected from the slot. Unload Time does not include Rewind time. The data in
the below table represents the average time for SDX-250V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.

TAITE-20N (98m)

Unload Time 30 sec

2.3.6. Search Time

Search Time means the period for the drive to find the position that is required by a command. This time also
depends on the tape length and the position of the head along the tape. The data in the below table represents the
average time for SDX-250V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.

TAITE-20N (98m)

Search Time 70 sec

2.3.7. Rewind Time

Rewind Time means the period from the beginning to the end of rewinding sequence. This value depends on the
tape length and the position of the head along the tape. The data in the below table represents the average time for
SDX-250V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.

TAITE-20N (98m)

Rewind Time 60 sec

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-8

2.3.8. Error Rate

The un-correctable bit error rate is expected to be less than 1 in 10 to the 17th.

2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites

For Read-after-Write error correction, each frame can be rewritten up to a maximum of 63 times giving 64 writes of
the frame. With Repeat Writing, where every group is written a fixed number of times, the upper limit is 5.

2.3.10. Definition of Failure

A failure is defined as any permanent manufacture of the drive that prevents the user from retrieving data from tape.
This includes failure to power up, failure to unload or eject a cassette, or failure to write and read data to and from the
tape, providing that both the drive and tape are being used within specification.

Faults are not considered failures when they are related to operator error mishandling and abuse, system-related
faults (cabling problems unsupported systems, operating software and so on) no trouble found, and transportation
damage.

2.3.11. Mean Time Between Failures

The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for the SDX-250V is 300,000 power-on hours, assuming a duty cycle of
100%, where:

DutyCycle =

TapeMotion Time

PowerOn Time

×100

2.3.12. Mean Time to Repair

The Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) of the SDX-250V is 30 minutes. Since at the field level the entire drive is
considered a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) the time to replace the drive with a new one is less that 30 minutes.

2.3.13. Component Life

The specified life of the SDX-250V is 5 years average.

2.3.14. Durability

The durability of the components in the SDX-250V will exceed the number of operations listed on the following table:

Start/Stop 400,000 times
Reposition 3,000,000 times
Thread/Unthread 100,000 times
Load/Eject 100,000 times

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-9

2.4. Safety

The SDX-250V conforms to the following safety standards:

• UL/cUL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.)

UL 60950-1, 1st Edition/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03
Safety of Information Technology Equipment.

• TUV

EN 60950-1:2001 Safety of Information Technology Equipment including
Electrical Business Equipment.

• CE Mark

2.4.1. Conditions of Acceptability

The SDX-250V is for use only in equipment where the suitability of the combination has been determined by an
appropriate certification organization (for example, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or the Canadian Standards
Association in North America, and the British Standards Institution or Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker in
Europe). Other considerations include the following:

1. An enclosure must be supplied to limit the operator’s access to live parts, to provide system stability, and to

furnish the drive with the necessary grounding integrity.

2. The necessary voltage supplies must be provided. These supplies are Extra Low Voltage SEC for UL and

CSA, or Safety Extra Low Voltage for BSI, VDE, and so on, of +5V and +12V DC.

2.5. Installation Requirements

Note: Do not move the drive while it is operating. It may cause malfunction.

2.5.1. Power Requirements

Voltage Max Ripple Current

Typical Maximum

5V ± 5% 100 mV p-p 1.1A 1.4A

12V ± 10% 150 mV p-p 0.4A 1.2A

* exclude SCSI terminator power

4.75V

T

10.8V

0V

0V

5V

12V

-300 ms <

T < 300 ms

Figure 2-5: Power-up Sequence

Note: Voltage has to increase constantly during Power-up until Maximum is reached.

Do not turn off the drive while the tape is in the drive.

2.Specification

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

2-10

2.6. Data Compression

The tape capacity is increased by compressing data prior to writing it to the tape. Data compression is a well
established technology for reducing the number of bits used to represent data in order to improve data transfer rate
as well as reduce the amount of storage space consumed by the data. The compression ratio depends on the source
file type. The SDX-250V uses the ALDC Data Compression algorithm. ALDC is ECMA standard data compression
algorithm. (ECMA-222) The Data Compression control page allows the host computer to enable data compression
and decompression and also configure the way in which the drive responds to compressed/uncompressed data
boundaries on the tape. The AIT-E Turbo Format allows both compressed and uncompressed data to reside on the
same tape.

The Sony SDX-250V has a DIP switch to disable the Data Compression/ Decompression. After power-on reset with
this DIP switch set, both data compression and data decompression are disabled However, a MODE SELECT
command can override the setting of this DIP switch. After power-on reset without this DIP switch set, both data
compression and data decompression are enabled. (See clause 3.1.5)

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-1

3. Installation

3.1. Installation Guide

Dip switch

Figure 3-1: DIP Switch

Figure 3-2: Connector Positions

Jumpers

SCSI 68 pin Connector

Power Connector

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-2

1 Drive Mode-1 (OFF)
2 Drive Mode-2 (OFF)
3 Drive Mode-3 (OFF)
4 Drive Mode-4 (OFF)
5 Terminator Power (ON)
6 Periodic Cleaning Req (ON)
7 DC Control-1 (ON)
8 DC Control-2 (OFF)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ON

OFF

Figure 3-3: DIP Switch Positions

Table 3-1: Drive Mode

DIP SW 1 2 3 4 MODE

OFF OFF OFF OFF Normal
ON OFF OFF OFF DR Mode

Table 3-2: Periodic Cleaning Request

DIP SW 6 Definition

OFF Disable Periodic Cleaning Request

ON Enable Periodic Cleaning Request

3.1.1. SCSI ID Number Jumper

The SCSI ID number of the SDX-250V is selected by the SCSI ID number jumpers. The figure below shows the
jumper configuration for each of the possible SCSI IDs.

SCSI ID3 ID2 ID1 ID0
0 : : : :
1 : : : |
2 : : | :
3 : : | |
4 : | : :
5 : | : |
6 : | | :
7 : | | |
8 | : : :
9 | : : |
10 | : | :
11 | : | |
12 | | : :
13 | | : |
14 | | | :

15 | | | |

: = OPEN Jumper not installed
| = CLOSED Jumper installed

3.1.2. Termination Power Switch

Position 5 of DIP switch is used to set whether SDX-250V provides the termination power to pin 17,18,51,52 on
SCSI bus, or not.

Parity Disable

No Connection
ID3
ID2
ID1
ID0

Figure 3-4: Jumper Positions

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-3

3.1.3. Parity Disable Jumper

Parity check function can be disabled by Jumper. Parity check is disabled while left end jumper is installed. Parity
generate function is always enabled.

Parity Setting

Disable |
Enable :

: = OPEN Jumper not installed
| = CLOSED Jumper installed

3.1.4. Data Compression ON Switch

Data compression can be selected by DIP switch.

Table 3-3: Data Compression Switches

DC Control-1 DC Control-2 Definition

OFF OFF Compression disabled at power-on. The host is allowed to control

compression.

OFF ON Compression disabled at power-on. The host is not allowed to control

compression.

ON OFF Compression enabled at power-on. The host is allowed to control

compression.

ON ON Compression enabled at power-on. The host is not allowed to control

compression.

3.1.5. Power Connector

The power connector is illustrated as Figure 3-5.

5V GND GND 12V

4 3 2 1

Figure 3-5: Power Connector

3.1.6. SCSI 68 pin Connector

Figure 3-6 illustrates SCSI 68 pin connector, and table 3-4 shows the assignments for the pins of the connector.

Pin 34 1

Pin 68 35

Figure 3-6: Non-shielded SCSI Device Connector

SDX-250V supports both Low-Voltage-Differential SCSI configuration as shown table 3-4 and Single-Ended SCSI
configuration as shown table 3-5. SDX-250V detects and switches SCSI configuration between
Low-Voltage-Differential and single-ended modes by monitoring DIFSENS signal assigned pin 16 in SCSI bus. (refer
to table 3-4)

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-4

Table 3-4: SCSI Signals (Low-Voltage-Differential Type BUS P Cable Signal Assignment)

Signal Name Cable Conductor Number Signal Name

-DB(12) 35 1 +DB(12)

-DB(13) 36 2 +DB(13)

-DB(14) 37 3 +DB(14)

-DB(15) 38 4 +DB(15)

-DB(P1) 39 5 +DB(P1)

-DB(0) 40 6 +DB(0)

-DB(1) 41 7 +DB(1)

-DB(2) 42 8 +DB(2)

-DB(3) 43 9 +DB(3)

-DB(4) 44 10 +DB(4)

-DB(5) 45 11 +DB(5)

-DB(6) 46 12 +DB(6)

-DB(7) 47 13 +DB(7)

-DB(P) 48 14 +DB(P)
GROUND 49 15 GROUND
GROUND 50 16 DIFFSENS

TERMPWR 51 17 TERMPWR
TERMPWR 52 18 TERMPWR

RESERVED 53 19 RESERVED

GROUND 54 20 GROUND

-ATN 55 21 +ATN

GROUND 56 22 GROUND

-BSY 57 23 +BSY

-ACK 58 24 +ACK

-RST 59 25 +RST

-MSG 60 26 +MSG

-SEL 61 27 +SEL

-C/D 62 28 +C/D

-REQ 63 29 +REQ

-I/O 64 30 +I/O

-DB(8) 65 31 +DB(8)

-DB(9) 66 32 +DB(9)

-DB(10) 67 33 +DB(10)

-DB(11) 68 34 +DB(11)

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-5

Table 3-5: SCSI Signals (Single-Ended Type BUS P Cable Signal Assignment)

Signal Name Cable Conductor Number Signal Name

-DB(12) 35 1 GROUND

-DB(13) 36 2 GROUND

-DB(14) 37 3 GROUND

-DB(15) 38 4 GROUND

-DB(P1) 39 5 GROUND

-DB(0) 40 6 GROUND

-DB(1) 41 7 GROUND

-DB(2) 42 8 GROUND

-DB(3) 43 9 GROUND

-DB(4) 44 10 GROUND

-DB(5) 45 11 GROUND

-DB(6) 46 12 GROUND

-DB(7) 47 13 GROUND

-DB(P) 48 14 GROUND
GROUND 49 15 GROUND
GROUND 50 16 GROUND

TERMPWR 51 17 TERMPWR
TERMPWR 52 18 TERMPWR

RESERVED 53 19 RESERVED

GROUND 54 20 GROUND

-ATN 55 21 GROUND

GROUND 56 22 GROUND

-BSY 57 23 GROUND

-ACK 58 24 GROUND

-RST 59 25 GROUND

-MSG 60 26 GROUND

-SEL 61 27 GROUND

-C/D 62 28 GROUND

-REQ 63 29 GROUND

-I/O 64 30 GROUND

-DB(8) 65 31 GROUND

-DB(9) 66 32 GROUND

-DB(10) 67 33 GROUND

-DB(11) 68 34 GROUND

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-6

3.1.7. Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover

3.1.7.1. Attaching the Dust Cover

(1) Align the dust cover’s hinge clips (one on each side) with the pins of the drive bezel.

• The dust cover should be positioned so that the six magnets on the cover’s back face the drive bezel.

• Holding the dust cover at an angle as shown in the figure below, set the hinge clips on top of the bezel pins,
positioning them so that they bracket the pins.

(2) Press down at an angle on each side in turn until you hear the hinge clips click into place.

Caution:

Do not press the dust cover in horizontally from the side. Doing so could cause the dust cover to break.

(3) Close the dust cover.
This completes attachment of the dust cover.

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

3-7

3.1.7.2. Removing the Dust Cover

(1) Open the dust cover.
(2) Holding the dust cover at both corners, carefully raise the dust cover.

The dust cover hinge clips and drive bezel pins uncouple.

3.Installation

SONY AIT-E Turbo drive SDX-250V series Ver.1.0

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