Qualstar XLS-832700, XLS-8161100, XLS-820500 User Manual

XLS-820500,

XLS-832700 and

XLS-8161100

Tape Libraries

Product Specification

501600 Rev. N

Copyright Notice

Copyright© 2008 by Qualstar Corporation — All Rights Reserved

Information contained in this document is copyrighted by Qualstar Corporation. It is
intended for use by Qualstar's customers and prospective customers to evaluate,
integrate, operate and maintain Qualstar products. Customers and prospective
customers may reproduce this document as needed for these uses. Reproduction in
whole or in part for any other use or by any other party is prohibited without prior
written permission from Qualstar Corporation.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to keep the information contained in this document
current and accurate as of the date of publication or revision. However, no guarantee
is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to
any specification.

Qualstar reserves the right to modify the design or specification without notice. This
specification may not be construed as a contractual obligation except as specifically
agreed to by Qualstar in writing at the time of order.

Trademark Notice

Qualstar and the Qualstar logo are registered trademarks and X-Link is a trademark
of Qualstar Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

Notices

Qualstar products are covered by one or more of the following patents:
6,271,982, 6,560,061 and 7,181,313. Other patents pending.

Equipment is manufactured from new parts, or new and used parts.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense Shielded or optical cables are required for this device to comply with
FCC Rules. Use them when connecting this device to others.

XLS Library Product Specification

i

For additional information, contact Qualstar at:

QUALSTAR CORPORATION

3990-B Heritage Oak Court

Simi Valley CA 93063

Fax: [phone]

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.qualstar.com

ii 501600 Rev. N

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Scope.............................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Related Documentation................................................................................................ 1-1

2 Product Description ........................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1 General Description...................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 XLS Standard Features ............................................................................................... 2-3

2.3 X-Link Features............................................................................................................ 2-4

2.4 XLS High Availability Features .................................................................................. 2-4

2.5 Features ........................................................................................................................ 2-5

2.6 Library Resource Module (LRM) ................................................................................. 2-6

2.6.1 Controller/Power Bay............................................................................................ 2-7

2.6.2 System Controller.................................................................................................. 2-8

2.6.3 Power Supplies ...................................................................................................... 2-9

2.6.4 Touch Screen and X-Link Interface .................................................................. 2-10

2.6.5 Robotic Handler and Barcode Reader................................................................ 2-11

2.6.6 Tape Drives.......................................................................................................... 2-12

2.6.7 I/O Ports............................................................................................................... 2-12

2.6.8 Cartridge Slots..................................................................................................... 2-13

2.6.9 Doors, Windows, Locks, and Security Features ................................................ 2-13

2.6.10 Auxiliary Equipment Rack ................................................................................. 2-14

2.7 Media Expansion Modules (MEMs)........................................................................... 2-16

2.8 Example: Cartridge Capacities with a Single 820500 LRM.................................... 2-17

2.9 Example: Cartridge Capacities with a Single 832700 LRM.................................... 2-18

2.10 Example: Cartridge Capacities with Two 832700 LRMs ..................................... 2-19

2.11 Example: Cartridge Capacities with Three 832700 LRMs .................................. 2-20

2.12 Example: Cartridge Capacities with a Single 8161100 LRM .............................. 2-21

2.13 Example: Cartridge Capacities with Two 8161100 LRMs ................................... 2-21

2.14 Example: Cartridge Capacities with Three 8161100 LRMs ................................ 2-21

2.15 Example: Cartridge Capacities with Four 8161100 LRMs .................................. 2-22

3 Physical Specifications................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Dimensions.................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Weights.......................................................................................................................... 3-6

3.3 Exterior Color ............................................................................................................... 3-6

3.4 Logo ............................................................................................................................... 3-6

3.5 Physical Installation..................................................................................................... 3-6

4 Power Requirements....................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 AC Power Requirements and Consumption ............................................................... 4-1

XLS Library Product Specification iii

4.1.1 Power Source Disturbances .................................................................................. 4-2

4.1.2 Power Entry ........................................................................................................... 4-2

4.1.3 Power Cords........................................................................................................... 4-3

4.1.4 Auxiliary Rack-Mounted Equipment Power Limitations ................................... 4-4

5 Performance Specifications .......................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Data Cartridge Handling Times.................................................................................. 5-1

5.2 Scan All Barcodes ......................................................................................................... 5-1

6 Environmental Specifications ...................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude........................................................................ 6-1

6.2 Acoustical Noise............................................................................................................ 6-1

7 Reliability Specifications............................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Mean Exchanges Between Failures ............................................................................ 7-1

8 Agency Compliance ......................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 EEC Directive Compliance (European Economic Community)................................. 8-1

8.1.1 Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)....................................................... 8-1

8.2 Emissions/Immunity Standards Compliance ............................................................. 8-1

8.3 Safety Standards Compliance...................................................................................... 8-1

9 Maintainability ................................................................................................................. 9-1

9.1 Mean Time To Repair................................................................................................... 9-1

9.2 Preventive Maintenance .............................................................................................. 9-1

9.2.1 Controller UPS Battery Replacement.................................................................. 9-1

9.2.2 Maintaining Controller UPS Protection .............................................................. 9-1

9.3 Tape Drive Cleaning..................................................................................................... 9-1

9.4 Adjustments .................................................................................................................. 9-2

iv 501600 Rev. N

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope

This product specification describes the Qualstar XLS Series of intelligent tape
libraries. It provides detailed specifications, configuration options, and installation
requirements. This document is intended for use by individuals evaluating,
purchasing, or integrating the XLS library.

1.2 Related Documentation

For additional information about the XLS, refer to the documents listed in Table 1-1.

Subject Document Qualstar

Document

Installation XLS Installation Manual 501601
Operation and Administration XLS User Guide 501603
Service XLS Technical Service Manual 501610
Medium Changer Interface XLS Interface Manual 501611
Supported Tape Drives Qualstar Supported Tape Drives PIN-014
Approved Data Cartridges Approved Data Cartridges PIN-038
Barcode Label Specification Barcode Label Information and Specifications PIN-040
SCSI-3 Primary Command Set ANSI INCITS 301:1997, SCSI-3 Primary Commands (SPC)
SCSI-3 Medium Changer

Command Set
Parallel SCSI Standard ANSI X3.302-1998 SCSI Parallel Interface-2 (SPI-2)
Fibre Channel Standard ANSI X3.269:1996 Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP)

Table 1-1 Related Documents

NCITS 314:1998, SCSI-3 Medium Changer Commands (SMC)

XLS Library Product Specification 1-1

2 Product Description

This chapter provides an introduction to the Qualstar XLS family of tape libraries and
describes the major features and components.

2.1 General Description

The Qualstar XLS family of enterprise-class tape libraries combines an efficient
design with an intelligent system architecture. XLS libraries are designed to
accommodate customer storage needs now and in the future.

Shown in Figure 2-1, the XLS uses two building blocks: the Library Resource Module
(LRM) and the Media Expansion Module (MEM). The LRM is a fully featured unit
that contains the control electronics, the power system, the robotic handler, the tape
drives, the I/O ports, and a variable number of cartridge slots. The optional MEM is a
rotary tape carousel that derives its power, control, and cartridge handling from an
attached LRM.

The XLS-820500 accommodates up to 20 tape drives, up to 465 cartridges, and up to
four I/O ports. The XLS-832700 accommodates up to 32 tape drives, up to 655
cartridges, and up to four, 10-slot I/O ports. The XLS-8161100 accommodates up to 16
tape drives, up to 1,066 cartridges, and up to four I/O ports. Because tape drive and
cartridge storage areas within the LRM are interchangeable, all models offer a wide
range of cartridge-to-drive ratios.

All models can be expanded by adding one or two MEMs. The XLS-89000 holds an
additional 1,075 cartridges, while the XLS-85000 contains 535 cartridges. A single
MEM can also be shared between two LRMs, and groups of LRMs and MEMs can be
linked together to form even larger systems. The high-density design can provide over
113 tapes per square foot of floor space.

A system controller within the LRM oversees the operation of the robotics, tape
drives, and power supplies of all interconnected units. It also hosts the X-Link™
library management interface, which can be accessed locally using the touch screen or
remotely across a LAN or the Internet. Remote management is also supported over
Ethernet using SNMP.

Resources in the XLS can be subdivided into as many as eight independent logical
library partitions, with each partition controlled across its own host connection. Initial
interface offerings include parallel SCSI and Fibre Channel.

Access to the control functions of the XLS is protected by user names and passwords.

XLS Library Product Specification

2-1

Figure 2-1 XLS-832700 or XLS-8161100 LRM with two XLS-89000 MEMs

2-2 501600 Rev. N

2 Product Description

2.2 XLS Standard Features

The following features are standard for all models:

• Interchangeable tape drive and cartridge storage areas within the Library Resource
Module (LRM) to provide customizable performance-to-capacity ratios.

• Ability to attach one or two Media Expansion Modules (MEMs) for additional
capacity. The XLS-89000 MEM can store up to 1,075 cartridges, while the
XLS-85000 can contain up to 535 cartridges.

• Linux-based system controller to oversee the operation of the robotics, sensors, and
power supplies and to provide the library’s management and control interfaces.

• Internal CAN protocol for highly reliable inter-processor communications.

• Integrated support for Fibre Channel and SCSI host bus adapter cards (HBAs). Up

to four dual-ported HBAs enable host software to control the library’s
medium-changer interface using the standard SCSI-3 command set.

• Support for up to eight independent, user-configurable library partitions. Each
partition (referred to as a logical library) is a subset of the available tape drives,
cartridge slots, and I/O ports.

• Supports Fibre Channel and SCSI LTO tape drives; future support for other half­inch tape formats and drives.

• Robotic handler with integrated barcode reader to provide automated inventory
tracking and optical calibration of storage and tape drive positions.

• Up to four I/O ports to facilitate the import and export of cartridges. Each I/O port
includes a removable 10-cartridge magazine.

• Fifteen-inch color touch screen for local configuration, monitoring, and control using
X-Link.

• Ethernet port for access to X-Link using standard Internet browsers.

• Highly visible colored LEDs to provide instantaneous status of the library, power

supplies, and tape drives from a distance.

• Comprehensive security system to protect the library from unauthorized access.
Key locks and optional electronic locks secure the doors. The Inventory Sentry
monitors intrusions into the storage areas and minimizes off-line time.

XLS Library Product Specification 2-3

2.3 X-Link Features

With a web-based design that supports standard Internet browsers, the X-Link
library management interface can be accessed locally using the color touch screen or
remotely over a LAN or the Internet. The local and remote functions are identical, and
multiple simultaneous connections are supported.

Features of X-Link include the following:

• Menu-based organization that includes customizable content, intuitive controls, and
comprehensive, context-sensitive help.

• Installation and configuration wizards to streamline the installation process.

• Configurable access to various library functions. Using the familiar user group

paradigm, a library administrator can control what tasks each user can perform.
All X-Link users must have valid user IDs and passwords.

• A View Hardware capability that allows library operators to obtain status
information about the tape drives and other hardware components.

• Comprehensive event manager to track and log recent library events. The library
can be configured to send email and pager alerts to specified users when an event
occurs.

• Support for the SNIA Storage Media Library (SML) SNMP MIB using messages

1

and traps
website.)

• Exportable reports and tables. Inventory reports, event logs, and other tables can
be exported to Microsoft Excel, XML, or comma-separated value (CSV) files.

• “Never lost” manuals. The XLS ships with paper manuals, but electronic versions
are always available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format from X-Link or from Qualstar’s
web site.

. (The MIB can be downloaded from the XLS or from the Qualstar

2.4 XLS High Availability Features

The XLS is designed for 24/7/365 operation and includes the following features for
high availability and “online” serviceability:

• N+1 redundant power system option.

• Redundant AC input power option.

• System health monitor and restart manager.

• Automated event reporting via email and pager alerts.

• Remote configuration and management.

1

Availability of SNMP traps to be announced.

2-4 501600 Rev. N

2 Product Description

• Journaling file system on the system controller for faster recovery from power
losses and system resets.

• Hot-swappable tape drives, power supplies, and controller fans. These components
can be replaced while the library and all other tape drives remain up and running.
For safety reasons, the robot will not move while a drive slot is unoccupied. Safety
covers must be inserted in place of unused tape drives. (Note that if more than one
SCSI tape drive is attached to a bus, replacing the “bussed” drive could disable the
entire SCSI bus.)

• Ability to send email and pager alerts to designated users when an XLS module or
field replaceable unit (FRU) fails.

2.5 Features

Table 2-1 lists the options available for each XLS model:

Feature XLS-820500 XLS-832700 XLS-8161100 Notes

Standard Optional Standard Optional Standard Optional
Fibre Channel or

parallel SCSI
HBAs

I/O ports 1

Drive bays 1 4 more 2 6 more 1 3 more

Door slots 110

N+1 Redundant
AC/DC Power
Supplies

Redundant AC
Power Input

Electronic door
locks

Auxiliary
equipment rack

1 to 4 1 to 4 1 to 4

Add 1 or

3 more

Optional Standard Standard

Optional Optional Optional

Optional Optional Optional

6U or

8U

2

6U or 8U N/A

Add 2

more

110 or

220

1

Add 1 or

3 more

110 or

220

Table 2-1 Options for the XLS-820500, XLS-832700 and XLS-8161100

Each HBA includes two
ports, providing up to 8
independent
connections.

Each port holds 10
cartridges.

Each drive bay holds 4
tape drives.

Will obscure the front
windows.

User may add optional
power supplies

Automatic failover if
primary source is lost.

Allow entry to the library
to be controlled from
X-Link.

Includes 6-outlet power
strip.

XLS Library Product Specification 2-5

2.6 Library Resource Module (LRM)

The LRM, shown in Figures 2-2 and 2-3, contains the following components:

• Controller/power bay including the system controller and power supplies

• Dual-port Fibre Channel and SCSI HBAs

• X-Link interface with touch screen

• Robotic handler and barcode reader

• Tape drives

• I/O ports

• Cartridge slots

• Two motor driven carousels containing cartridge slots in the XLS-8161100

• Doors, windows, and security features

• Optional, internal 19-inch auxiliary equipment rack (XLS-820500 and XLS-832700

models only)

Figure 2-2 XLS-832700 or XLS-8161100 Library Resource Module (LRM)

2-6 501600 Rev. N

2 Product Description

Figure 2-3 XLS-820500 Library Resource Module (LRM)

2.6.1 Controller/Power Bay

The controller/power bay at the rear of the LRM houses the following components:

• System controller. The system controller consists of a Linux-based computer. It
includes two hot-swappable cooling fans.

• Main power disconnect switch. The single disconnect switch for the library is a
20-amp circuit breaker. When this switch is shut off, all XLS functions (except any
rack-mounted equipment) are immediately powered down.

• AC power connector. The power connector is a single-phase, 100 to 240 volt
service connection. A single North American or international power cord is provided
to power both the LRM and any attached MEMs unless the optional redundant
power input module is purchased. Refer to Table 4-4 for more information.

• Power supplies. One to seven removable power supply modules provide power to
all components within the LRM, the tape drives, and any attached MEMs. N+1
power redundancy is standard on the XLS-832700 and XLS-816100 models and
optional on the XLS-820500. N + 2 power redundancy is optional on all models.
Power module status is monitored by X-Link and alerts are issued if necessary.

XLS Library Product Specification 2-7

The controller/power bay and individual power supplies slide in and out of the back of
the LRM for servicing.

2.6.2 System Controller

The system controller is a Linux-based computer. The system controller:

• Controls the operation of the robotics, sensors, power supplies, and any attached
MEMs

• Communicates with each tape drive to monitor tape drive status, receive tape drive
alerts, and so on.

• Manages all communications between the medium changer and the host
applications

• Maintains an up-to-date cartridge inventory

• Hosts X-Link

• Communicates with other system controllers in attached LRMs

2.6.2.1 Ethernet Connectors

On XLS-832700 and XLS-8161100 models the system controller includes Ethernet
connectors on the front and rear while the XLS-820500 has a single connector on the
rear. The Ethernet connectors allow the library to be connected to a network for
remote X-Link management or directly to a laptop or other standalone computer to
facilitate local configuration and service operations.

The XLS also supports remote management over a LAN or the Internet using the
standard SNIA Storage Media Library SNMP MIB protocol.

2.6.2.2 Host Bus Adapter Cards

The system controller includes expansion slots for up to four host bus adapter cards
(HBAs). Each HBA has two ports, allowing the medium changer interface in the XLS
to be concurrently connected to up to eight independent computers. Currently, the
XLS supports SCSI and Fibre Channel HBAs. The SCSI HBAs use VHDCI
connectors.

2.6.2.3 Cooling Fans and Air Filter

Two cooling fans in the system controller draw air in through the grille and air filter
on the front of the LRM and exhaust it out the back. (Individual fans are also included
in each tape drive assembly and power supply module.) Sensors can detect a failed
fan, causing email or pager alerts to be issued to specified users. A calendar-based
reminder can be emailed to designed maintenance personnel when air filter
replacement is due.

Both the system controller fans and the air filters may be changed without
interrupting XLS operations.

2-8 501600 Rev. N