Quantum DLT-S4 User Manual
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DLT-S4 Product Manual, 81-81278-01 A01, July 2006, Made in USA.
Quantum Corporation provides this publication “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or
implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. Quantum Corporation may revise this publication from time to time without notice.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Copyright 2006 by Quantum Corporation. All rights reserved.
Your right to copy this document is limited by copyright law. Making copies or adaptations without prior
written authorization of Quantum Corporation is prohibited by law and constitutes a punishable violation of
the law.
TRADEMARK STATEMENT
Quantum, the Quantum logo, DLT, DLTtape, and the DLTtape logo are registered trademarks of Quantum
Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The DLT logo, GoVault, DLTSage, and SuperLoader are
trademarks of Quantum Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contents
Preface xiii
Chapter 1 Product Overview 1
Storage Capacity and Transfer Rates.............................................................................2
Tape Drive Models........................................................................................................... 2
Tape Drive Features.........................................................................................................4
Maximum Data Transfer Rate ........................................................................................ 5
Functional Specifications.................................................................................................6
Tape Drive Technology ...................................................................................................7
Tape Drive Components ................................................................................................. 8
Interface Types................................................................................................................ 11
Host Interface........................................................................................................... 11
Physical Characteristics.......................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2 Before You Begin 13
Warranty Note ................................................................................................................ 14
Safety Precautions ..........................................................................................................14
Tape Drive Handling and Storage Guidelines...........................................................15
Electrostatic Discharge Protection ............................................................................... 16
Pre-Installation Guidelines ........................................................................................... 17
DLT-S4 Product Manual iii
Contents
Chapter 3 Cartridges 19
Choosing Compatible Cartridges ................................................................................ 19
Using Unsupported Cartridges.................................................................................... 21
Backward-read Compatibility Transfer Rate ............................................................. 22
Cartridge Handling and Storage Guidelines..............................................................23
Inspecting a Cartridge ...................................................................................................25
Write-protecting a Cartridge ........................................................................................ 29
Loading a Cartridge.......................................................................................................32
Unloading a Cartridge................................................................................................... 33
DLTSage WORM............................................................................................................34
DLTSage WORM Features.....................................................................................34
Formatting a Cartridge as DLTSage WORM ...................................................... 35
Chapter 4 Specifications 37
Physical Specifications................................................................................................... 38
Dimensions and Weights .............................................................................................. 39
Electromagnetic Field Specifications........................................................................... 40
Electromagnetic Emissions ....................................................................................40
Electromagnetic Interference and Immunity ...................................................... 41
Acoustic Noise Emissions .............................................................................................42
Chapter 5 Common Interface Information 43
SCSI Command Timeout...............................................................................................44
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................46
Power Connector Pin Assignments...................................................................... 46
Loader/Library Interface Connector....................................................................46
Chapter 6 Parallel SCSI Interface 48
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................49
SCSI Cable Connectors .................................................................................................. 49
SCSI Tape Drive Features..............................................................................................50
SCSI Stub and Cable Lengths ....................................................................................... 50
SCSI Connectors and Pin Assignments....................................................................... 51
DLT-S4 Product Manual iv
Contents
Chapter 7 Fibre Channel Interface 55
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................56
Fibre Channel Cable Connector ................................................................................... 56
Fibre Channel Tape Drive Features............................................................................. 57
Practical Considerations................................................................................................ 58
Hot-Swappable Cables ........................................................................................... 58
Power Usage ............................................................................................................58
Power Cycle (Tape Drive On) ............................................................................... 58
Failure to Obtain a Loop Address ........................................................................58
Fibre Channel Speed and Topology ............................................................................ 59
World-wide Names........................................................................................................ 61
Chapter 8 Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Interface 62
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................63
SAS Cable Connector.....................................................................................................64
SAS Tape Drive Features...............................................................................................64
Practical Considerations................................................................................................ 64
SAS Tape Drive Speed...................................................................................................65
World-wide Names........................................................................................................ 65
Chapter 9 Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive 66
Equipment Required...................................................................................................... 67
Installation Steps ............................................................................................................ 67
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................68
Unpacking the Tape Drive............................................................................................69
Setting the SCSI ID ......................................................................................................... 69
Securing the Tape Drive in the System .......................................................................71
Connecting the Cables and Terminating the SCSI Bus.............................................74
Setting TERMPWR......................................................................................................... 77
Confirming the Installation...........................................................................................78
Adding an Additional Device ...................................................................................... 78
Using the Loader/Library Interface Connector......................................................... 79
DLT-S4 Product Manual v
Contents
Chapter 10 Installing an Internal Fibre Channel Tape Drive 80
Equipment Required...................................................................................................... 81
Installation Steps ............................................................................................................ 81
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................82
Unpacking the Tape Drive............................................................................................83
Securing the Tape Drive in the System .......................................................................83
Connecting the Cables................................................................................................... 86
Confirming the Installation........................................................................................... 87
Adding Additional Devices..........................................................................................88
Using the Loader/Library Interface Connector......................................................... 88
Chapter 11 Installing an Internal SAS Tape Drive 89
Equipment Required...................................................................................................... 90
Installation Steps ............................................................................................................ 90
Rear Panel Connectors...................................................................................................91
Unpacking the Tape Drive............................................................................................92
Securing the Tape Drive in the System .......................................................................92
Connecting the Cables................................................................................................... 95
Confirming the Installation........................................................................................... 96
Adding Additional Devices..........................................................................................97
Using the Loader/Library Interface Connector......................................................... 97
Chapter 12 Installing the Tabletop Tape Drive 98
Equipment Required...................................................................................................... 99
Installation Steps ............................................................................................................ 99
Rear Panel Connectors.................................................................................................100
Unpacking the Tabletop Tape Drive ......................................................................... 101
Selecting a Location for the Tabletop Tape Drive.................................................... 101
Setting the SCSI ID ....................................................................................................... 102
Connecting the Tape Drive to the Host Computer and Terminating the SCSI Bus.
103
Connecting the AC Power Cable ............................................................................... 105
Confirming the Installation.........................................................................................107
Adding an Additional Device .................................................................................... 107
Configuring the Tape Drive........................................................................................ 109
Using TERMPWR......................................................................................................... 109
DLT-S4 Product Manual vi
Contents
Chapter 13 Using the Tape Drive 110
Front Panel Controls and LEDs.................................................................................. 111
Left LED.................................................................................................................. 111
Front Panel Controls.............................................................................................112
Power-On Self-Test ...................................................................................................... 113
Performing a Trial Backup.......................................................................................... 115
Firmware Update via the Host Interface ..................................................................116
Updating Firmware Using the Host Interface .................................................. 116
Creating a CUP/FUP Cartridge From Which to Update Firmware.............. 116
Firmware Update via the Library Tape Drive Interface.........................................118
Cleaning the Tape Drive.............................................................................................. 119
When to Clean the Tape Drive............................................................................ 119
Which Cleaning Cartridge to Use....................................................................... 119
Cleaning Cartridge Life Expectancy...................................................................120
Cleaning Cartridge Compatibility...................................................................... 120
Cleaning Instructions............................................................................................120
Cycle Time for Cleaning Cartridge..................................................................... 121
Optimizing Tape Drive Performance........................................................................ 121
Chapter 14 Troubleshooting 1 23
General Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 123
POST and SCSI Troubleshooting ...............................................................................124
Over Temperature Condition..................................................................................... 128
Chapter 15 Preparing the Tape Drive for Shipping 129
Appendix A Diagnostic Tools 131
Accessing the Tools......................................................................................................132
Device Drivers ..............................................................................................................132
TapeAlert.......................................................................................................................133
Medium Auxiliary Memory........................................................................................ 133
DLTSage.........................................................................................................................134
xTalk Management Console ....................................................................................... 135
DLTSage Dashboard and DLTSage Tape Security..................................................136
DLT-S4 Product Manual vii
Contents
Appendix B Environmental Compliance 137
WEEE and RoHS Compliance.................................................................................... 137
Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment .................................................... 138
Appendix C Regulatory Statements 139
Glossary 144
Index 153
DLT-S4 Product Manual viii
Figures
Figure 1 Internal Tape Drive..................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 Tabletop Tape Drive...................................................................................3
Figure 3 Tape Drive Integrated Components ...................................................... 10
Figure 4 Receiver Area ............................................................................................ 16
Figure 5 Compatible Tape Cartridges................................................................... 20
Figure 6 Data Cartridge Care .................................................................................25
Figure 7 Cartridge Bottom View............................................................................ 26
Figure 8 Cartridge Reel Locks ................................................................................27
Figure 9 Opening the Media Access Door............................................................28
Figure 10 Inspecting Inside the Media Access Door.............................................28
Figure 11 Cartridge Write-protect Tab.................................................................... 30
Figure 12 Loading a Cartridge ................................................................................. 33
Figure 13 DLTSage WORM Button .........................................................................36
Figure 14 ADI/Loader Port Interface Schematic...................................................47
Figure 15 SCSI Connectors and Jumpers (Rear View)..........................................49
Figure 16 SCSI Connectors........................................................................................ 50
Figure 17 Fibre Channel Connectors and Jumper Block (Rear View) ................ 56
DLT-S4 Product Manual ix
Figures
Figure 18 Fibre Channel Cable Connector.............................................................. 57
Figure 19 Fibre Channel Speed and Topology Jumper Block.............................. 59
Figure 20 SAS Connectors and Jumper Block (Rear View)..................................63
Figure 21 SAS Cable Connector ............................................................................... 64
Figure 22 SCSI Connectors and Jumpers (Rear View)..........................................68
Figure 23 Detail of the Empty SCSI ID Connector ................................................ 70
Figure 24 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Right Side View................................. 72
Figure 25 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Bottom View ...................................... 73
Figure 26 SCSI Cable with Built-in Terminator .....................................................75
Figure 27 SCSI Interface – Terminator Installation ............................................... 75
Figure 28 SCSI and Power Cable Locations ...........................................................76
Figure 29 Enabling TERMPWR................................................................................ 77
Figure 30 Fibre Channel Connectors and Jumper Block (Rear View) ................ 82
Figure 31 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Right Side View................................. 84
Figure 32 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Bottom View ...................................... 85
Figure 33 Connecting the Fibre Channel and Power Cables ...............................87
Figure 34 SAS Connectors and Jumpers (Rear View)...........................................91
Figure 35 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Right Side View................................. 93
Figure 36 Tape Drive Mounting Holes — Bottom View ..................................... 94
Figure 37 Connecting the SAS and Power Cables ................................................ 96
Figure 38 Tabletop Tape Drive — Rear View ...................................................... 100
Figure 39 Tabletop SCSI ID Selector Switch.........................................................103
Figure 40 SCSI Chain — Single Device .................................................................105
Figure 41 AC Power Cable Connector Types....................................................... 106
Figure 42 SCSI Chain — Multiple Devices .......................................................... 109
Figure 43 Tape Drive Front Panel.......................................................................... 111
DLT-S4 Product Manual x
Tables
Table 1 Maximum Transfer Rate............................................................................ 5
Table 2 Tape Drive Technology.............................................................................. 7
Table 3 Tape Drive Components............................................................................ 8
Table 4 Interface Speed and Options................................................................... 11
Table 5 Tape Drive Interface Physical Characteristics...................................... 12
Table 21 Backward-read Compatibility Transfer Rates ...................................... 22
Table 22 Write-protect Tab Positions.....................................................................31
Table 23 Physical Specifications............................................................................. 38
Table 24 Tape Drive Physical Dimensions............................................................ 39
Table 25 Unpackaged and Shipping Weights ......................................................39
Table 26 EMI Regulations and Certifications ....................................................... 40
Table 27 Electromagnetic Interference and Immunity Test Summary............. 41
Table 28 Acoustic Noise Emissions........................................................................42
Table 29 SCSI Command Timeout Values ............................................................ 44
Table 30 MSE Mode SCSI Connector Pin Assignments......................................51
Table 31 MSE LVD Mode SCSI Connector Pin Assignments ............................53
Table 32 Fibre Channel Speed Configuration ...................................................... 60
DLT-S4 Product Manual xi
Tables
Table 33 Fibre Channel Topology Configuration................................................61
Table 34 SCSI ID Address Selections..................................................................... 70
Table 35 Interpreting Front Panel LEDs.............................................................. 112
Table 36 LED Lighting Pattern During POST .................................................... 114
Table 37 POST and SCSI Troubleshooting Guidelines .....................................125
Table 1 DLTSage Features................................................................................... 134
DLT-S4 Product Manual xii
Preface
This document serves as an easy-to-use information source and product
catalog to familiarize Quantum customers and systems professionals with
the DLT-S4 tape drive system. The DLT-S4 tape drive is an extension of
the Quantum Digital Linear Tape (DLT
Audience The primary audience for this document consists of end users installing
and using the tape drive. The information in this document applies to the
internal tape drive, the library tape drive, and the tabletop tape drive.
Purpose This document provides information on the DLT-S4 tape drive including:
®
) product family.
• Product description
• Installation instructions
• Operation instructions
• Regulatory compliance
DLT-S4 Product Manual xiii
Document Organization This document is organized as follows:
Preface
• Chapter 1, Product Overview
, provides an overview of the DLT-S4
tape drive system, including features, tape drive technology,
components, interface types, and functional specifications.
• Chapter 3, Cartridges
, provides information on recognizing,
handling, inspecting, write-protecting, loading, unloading, and
creating secure write-once read-many (WORM) cartridges.
• Chapter 2, Before You Begin
, provides unpacking and safe handling
guidelines you need to know before you begin installing and using
your DLT-S4 tape drive.
• Chapter 4, Specifications
, provides basic physical and emissions
specifications of the DLT-S4 tape drive.
• Chapter 5, Common Interface Information
, provides information
common to all interfaces.
• Chapter 6, Parallel SCSI Interface
, provides information specific to
the SCSI interface.
• Chapter 7, Fibre Channel Interface
, provides information specific to
the Fibre Channel interface.
• Chapter 8, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) Interface
, provides information
specific to the SAS interface.
• Chapter 9, Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive
, provides
instructions for installing the internal SCSI tape drive.
• Chapter 10, Installing an Internal Fibre Channel Tape Drive
, provides
instructions for installing the internal Fibre Channel tape drive.
• Chapter 11, Installing an Internal SAS Tape Drive
, provides
instructions for installing the internal SAS tape drive.
• Chapter 12, Installing the Tabletop Tape Drive
, provides instructions
for installing the tabletop tape drive.
• Chapter 13, Using the Tape Drive
, provides information that you
need to use the tape drive, including front panel controls and LEDs,
POST, performing a trial backup, updating the firmware, cleaning the
tape drive, and information on how to optimize tape drive
performance.
• Chapter 14, Troubleshooting
DLT-S4 Product Manual xiv
, provides troubleshooting information.
• Chapter 15, Preparing the Tape Drive for Shipping, provides
information on how the special soft-load mechanism “parks” and
“unparks” the tape drive for safe shipping and moving.
Preface
• Appendix B, Environmental Compliance
, provides information on
how the DLT-S4 tape drive complies with environmental standards,
and information on how to safely dispose of electric and electronic
equipment.
• Appendix A, Diagnostic Tools
, provides information about the
diagnostic tools to use with DLT-S4 tape drives.
• Appendix C, Regulatory Statements
, lists all the regulatory
statements for the tape drive.
This document concludes with a glossary and a detailed index.
Notational Conventions This document uses the following conventions:
Note: Notes emphasize important information related to the main
topic.
Caution: Cautions indicate potential hazards to equipment and are
included to prevent damage to equipment.
Warning: Warnings indicate potential hazards to personal safety and
are included to prevent injury.
This document uses the following terminology:
• Right side of the tape drive — Refers to the right side as you face the
component being described.
• Left side of the tape drive — Refers to the left side as you face the
component being described.
• Power cycle — Means to turn the tape drive or system off, then on
again.
DLT-S4 Product Manual xv
Related Documents The following documents are related to the DLT-S4 tape drive:
Document No. Document Title Document Description
Preface
81-81281-xx DLT-S4 Interface
Reference Guide
81-81279-xx DLT-S4 Product
Specification
81-81283-xx DLT-S4 Quick Start
Guide
81-81639-xx DLTSage Dashboard
and DLTSage Tape
Security Quick Start
Guide
6464162-xx DLT Tape Drive Library
Interface Specification
81-81235-xx 2U Rackmount Quick
Start Guide
Provides command and
reference information on the
tape drive
Provides hardware,
performance, environment,
shock and vibration, and
regulatory specifications for
the tape drive
Provides instructions on how
to install and run the tape
drive
Provides instructions on how
to install and use DLTSage
Dashboard and DLTSage Tape
Security
Describes the interface
implemented for two-way
communication between a
tape drive and a library
Provides instructions on
installing tape drives into the
2U Rackmount unit
81-81610-01 xTalk Management
Console for Windows
User’s Guide
81-81612-01 xTalk Management
Console User’s Guide Command Line
Interface
Current SCSI standards documents available from www.t10.org
DLT-S4 Product Manual xvi
Provides instructions for using
xTalk Management Console
via a Windows interface
Provides instructions for using
xTalk Management Console
via a Linux or Solaris interface
Preface
Document No. Document Title Document Description
• SCSI Architecture Model (SAM-3)
• SCSI Primary Commands (SPC-3)
• SCSI Parallel Interface (SPI-5)
• SCSI Stream Commands (SSC-3)
• Serial Attached SCSI (SAS-1.1)
• Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP-2)
• Fibre Channel Framing and Signaling (FC-FS-2)
• Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL-2)
• Fibre Channel General Services (FC-GS-5)
SCSI Standards 0
Copies of the approved version of the SCSI standards may be obtained
from:
Global Engineering Documents
15 Inverness Way, East
Englewood, CO 80112
(800) 854-7179 or (303) 397-2740
Contacts Quantum company contacts are listed below.
Quantum Corporate Headquarters
To order documentation on this or other Quantum products, contact:
Quantum Corporation
141 Innovation Drive
Irvine, CA 92617
(949) 856-7800
(800) 284-5101
0
DLT-S4 Product Manual xvii
Preface
Technical Publications 0
To comment on existing documentation send e-mail to:
doc-comments@quantum.com
Quantum Home Page 0
Visit the Quantum home page at:
http://www.quantum.com
Customer Support 0
The Quantum Customer Support Department provides a 24-hour help
desk that can be reached at:
North/South America: (949) 725-2100 or (800) 284-5101
Asia/Pacific Rim:
APAC Headquarters: (International Code) + 65 6334 0660
Specific countries: www.quantum.com/ServiceandSupport/
ContactServiceandSupport/DLTSupportAPAC//
Index.aspx
Europe/Middle East/Africa: (International Code) + 44 1256 848 766
Send faxes for the Customer Support Department to:
North/South America: (949) 725-2176
Asia/Pacific Rim: (International Code) + 65 6432 2830
Europe/Middle East/Africa: (International Code) + 44 1256 848 777
Send e-mail for the Customer Support Department to:
North/South America: http://www.quantum.com/am/service_support/
Index.aspx
Asia/Pacific Rim: apachelp@quantum.com
Europe/Middle East/Africa: eurohelp@quantum.com
DLT-S4 Product Manual xviii
Chapter 1
1Product Overview
This chapter describes the features of the DLT-S4 tape drive system and
covers the following topics:
• Storage Capacity and Transfer Rates
• Tape Drive Models
• Tape Drive Features
• Maximum Data Transfer Rate
• Functional Specifications
• Tape Drive Technology
• Tape Drive Components
• Interface Types
DLT-S4 Product Manual 1
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Storage Capacity and Transfer Rates
Storage Capacity and Transfer Rates 1
The DLT-S4 tape drive system provides:
Mode Storage Capacity Transfer Rate
Native 800 Gigabytes (GB) 60 Megabytes per second
(MB/second)
Compressed
a. 2:1 compression ratio.
a
1.6 Terabytes (TB) 120 MB/second
Tape Drive Models 1
The tape drive system is available in three models: an internal unit for
server installation (see figure 1
and a library model for installing in tape automation systems. The library
model (not shown) is similar to the internal model, but has a different
front bezel.
), a tabletop (or external) unit (see figure 2),
DLT-S4 Product Manual 2
Figure 1 Internal Tape Drive
Figure 2 Tabletop Tape Drive
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Models
DLT-S4 Product Manual 3
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Features
Tape Drive Features 1
The DLT-S4 tape drive system provides the following product features:
Feature Description
Media A streaming tape drive that uses half-inch wide
DLTtape S4 media
Form Factor A standard 5.25-inch full-height form factor to
simplify integration into system and tape library
solutions
Format
Tape Drive Cartridge
Compatibility
DLT-S4 DLTtape S4
(write/read)
SDLT 600 Super DLTtape II
(read only)
SDLT 320 Super DLTtape I
(read only)
Interface
Options
Capacity
Ultra320 SCSI
4 Gigabit (Gb) Fibre Channel
3 Gb SAS-1.1
a
a
Mode Value
Native capacity 800 GB
Compressed capacity 1.6 TB
b
(2:1 compression ratio)
a. Fibre Channel and SAS interfaces are not available with the
tabletop model.
b. In accordance with industry practice, a typical compression
ratio is quoted. Actual compression ratios depend on the
redundancy and kind of data files you write.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 4
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Maximum Data Transfer Rate
Maximum Data Transfer Rate 1
Table 1 shows the maximum and burst data transfer rates for the DLT-S4
tape drive.
Table 1 Maximum Transfer
Rate
Compressed
Configuration Native
Burst Max
2:1 >4:1
Ultra320 SCSI 60 MB/sec 120 MB/sec 140 MB/sec 320 MB/sec
Fibre Channel 60 MB/sec 125 MB/sec 180 MB/sec 4 Gb/sec
SAS-1.1 60 MB/sec 125 MB/sec 180 MB/sec 3 Gb/sec
Note: Cable lengths and cable type may limit attainable transfer rates.
a. The interface limits burst rates, not the design of the tape drive or the media.
a
DLT-S4 Product Manual 5
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Functional Specifications
Functional Specifications 1
This section provides performance data for the DLT-S4 tape drive.
Feature Value
Tape drive read/write transfer
a
rate
Native—60 MB per second
Compressed—120 MB per
second
Tracks 80 logical tracks
1280 physical tracks
Track density 2988 tracks per inch (tpi)
Linear bit density 256 Kb per inch (Kbpi)
Read/Write media speed 155 inches per second (ips)
Rewind media speed 200 inches per second
Linear search media speed 200 inches per second
Average rewind time
Maximum rewind time
Average access time
b
b
b
70 seconds
140 seconds
70 seconds
(from BOT)
Maximum access time
b
142 seconds
(from BOT)
Load to BOT
b
25 seconds
70 seconds (unformatted media)
Unload from BOT
b
25 seconds
Nominal media tension Stationary—3.0 ± 0.5 oz.
Operating speed—3.5 ± 0.5 oz.
Rewind—3.5 ± 0.5 oz.
a. Depending on data type, SCSI bus limitations, and the tape
system configuration.
b. Note that data is typical; times may be longer if error recovery
time is necessary.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 6
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Technology
Tape Drive Technology 1
The DLT-S4 tape drive incorporates state-of-the-art technologies that
contribute to the SDLT architecture. Some of these ideas are trademarked,
others are patented. Table 2
comprise the DLT-S4 tape drive system.
Table 2 Tape Drive Technology
Technology Description
lists some of the important technologies that
Laser Guided
Magnetic Recording
Magneto Resistive
Cluster Heads
Advanced Partial
Response Maximum
Likelihood
Advanced Metal
Powder Media
Positive Engagement
Tape Leader
Buckling Mechanism
The DLT-S4 tape drive system is based on Quantum’s Laser Guided Magnetic
Recording (LGMR) technology. LGMR provides a unique combination of the
best optical and magnetic technologies, which results in dramatically higher
capacities by substantially increasing the number of recording tracks on the
data-bearing surface of the media.
Magneto Resistive Cluster (MRC) heads are a densely packed array of small
Magneto Resistive (MR) tape heads precisely positioned using advanced thinfilm processing technology.
Improving on Partial Response Maximum Likelihood (PRML) technology
traditionally used in disk drives and communication systems, Quantum’s
advanced PRML channel technology, co-developed with Lucent Technologies,
brings new levels of performance and capacity to high-performance linear tape
products.
Advanced Metal Powder (AMP) media is a state-of-the-art media using
durable metal powder technology for recording high densities of data. The
back side of AMP media receives a specially formulated coating to accept the
optical servo tracks, which ensures that the entire data-bearing side of the
media is available for recording data and eliminates the need for preformatting.
The positive engagement tape leader buckling mechanism engages the media
leader on cartridge load and disengages it on cartridge unload. It uses a metal
pin attached to the tape drive leader to link with molded clips permanently
attached to the media leader inside the cartridge.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 7
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Components
Tape Drive Components 1
The DLT-S4 tape drive is designed as a total system. The system includes
a complex interaction of a number of important components including
the base mechanical assembly, the front panel assembly (bezel), and the
board assemblies. Table 3
Table 3 Tape Drive Components
Components Description
describes these components.
Base mechanical
assembly
The base mechanical assembly houses the tape control mechanical, actuator,
reel motor, load mechanism, eject button, and front-panel indicators. It
positions the actuator servo head over the correct tape track. It implements the
functions required to buckle and unbuckle the media and control the media
motion. It engages the media leader on cartridge load and disengages it on
cartridge unload.
• Auto load—The tape auto load is a soft-load and seating mechanism that is
tolerant of forced media loading; a media sensor is triggered upon cartridge
insertion, and after the media reaches a hard stop point, the auto load sensor
engages, pulling the cartridges the remaining distance onto the motor. On
media ejection, the assembly reverses the process and automatically ejects
the cartridge a fixed distance from the front of the tape drive.
• Base plate—Acts as the support platform for the other modules and for the
tape drive enclosure. It also includes the mounting holes (shock mounts)
used to install the tape drive into a server or tape library.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 8
Components Description
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Components
Front panel assembly
(bezel)
The front panel assembly (bezel) performs these functions:
• Protects the front of the drive from physical damage
• Channels air flow through the system
• Aligns the cartridge when it is inserted into the system
• Provides label identifiers for the LEDs mounted on the front of the tape
drive
• Enables cartridge ejection
• Reduces internal environmental contamination with a built-in dust door
(internal and tabletop configurations only)
Board assemblies The board assemblies provide the main control function for the system and the
interface from the system to the host computer, library, or autoloader. This
provides the Advanced Partial Response Maximum Likelihood (PRML) feature
of the Quantum DLT-S technology.
There are three board assemblies:
• Pre-amplifier Board (PAB) — The PAB contains the preamplfier for the read
heads, and the write driver for the write heads.
• Motor Driver Board (MDB) — The MDB interfaces with the reel motor
drivers and hall sensors, actuator driver and sensors, sensor and motor
drivers for the soft load, LEDs for front-panel indicators, and eject button
signals.
• Drive Control Board (DCB) — The DCB is the main control card for the
DLT-S4 tape drive. It sends commands to the MDB to control and drive the
tape mechanism. The board interfaces with the PAB to send signals to the
head for reading and writing.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 9
Figure 3 Tape Drive Integrated
Components
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Tape Drive Components
Front panel
assembly (bezel)
Cartridge
Base
mechanical
assembly
PAB
Board
assemblies
MDB
DCB
DLT-S4 Product Manual 10
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Interface Types
Interface Types 1
This section contains the following information for the DLT-S4 tape drive:
• Host Interface
• Physical Characteristics
Host Interface 1 The interface supported by an DLT-S4 tape drive is dependent on the
kind of Drive Control Board (DCB) PWA installed. The DLT-S4 tape
drive comes in these interface types:
• Tabletop model with Ultra320 SCSI interface
• Internal model with either an Ultra320 SCSI interface, 4 Gb Optical
Fibre Channel interface, or SAS Interface
Table 4 Interface Speed and
Options
Interface speeds and protocol options are shown in table 4
Interface
Versions
Ultra320
SCSI
Fibre
Channel
SAS 1.5 Gb/second
a. The SCSI bus itself limits this rate, not the design of the tape
drive or media.
Speed (Maximum
Burst) Protocol Options
320 MB/second
1 Gb/second
2 Gb/second
4 Gb/second
3 Gb/second
a
Low Voltage Differential (LVD)
sense running up to 320 MB per
second burst
Ultra160 2/FAST-20/
Asynchronous
Class3
Connect to N port, NL port,
FL port, and F port
Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP)
.
DLT-S4 Product Manual 11
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Interface Types
Physical Characteristics 1 Table 5 lists the physical characteristics for each interface of the tape
drive. These interfaces are available from the rear panel (per type, per
port).
Table 5 Tape Drive Interface
Physical Characteristics
Interface Versions Physical Characteristics
Parallel SCSI Ultra320
LVD
SCSI ID/TERMPWR connector style: 6-pin
Connector style: 68-pin high density SCSI
Fibre
Channel
Topology-constrained (drive automatically detects
topology)
4 Gb interface (drive automatically detects speed)
LC connector with 850 nanometer SFP transceiver
(supplied)
SAS-1.1 Point-to-point topology
3 Gb interface (drive automatically detects speed)
DLT-S4 Product Manual 12
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