Tandberg Data SLR7-140 PROGRAMMER, SLR7, SLR50, SLR60, SLR75 User Manual

...

TANDBERG SLR

Tandberg SLR7, SLR50,

SLR60, SLR75, SLR100, SLR140

SCSI INTERFACE

FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION

TANDBERG DATA ASA

P.O. Box 134 Kjelsås N-0411 OSLO, NORWAY Phone + 47 22 18 90 90 Telefax + 47 22 18 95 50

Part No. 43 07 43 – 13 October 2003

Related publications available from Tandberg Data ASA:

Part No. Title

43 04 44 - 11 Tandberg SLR7, SLR50, SLR60, SLR75, SLR100,

SLR140 Reference Manual

This publication may describe designs for which patents are granted or pending. By publishing this information, Tandberg Data ASA conveys no license under any patent or any other rights.

Every effort has been made to avoid errors in text and diagrams. However, Tandberg Data ASA assumes no responsibility for any errors, which may appear in this publication.

It is the policy of Tandberg Data ASA to improve products as new techniques and components become available. Tandberg Data ASA therefore reserves the right to change specifications at any time.

We would appreciate any comments on this publication.

i Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction .....................................................................1

1.1. General .............................................................................................. 1

1.2. Overview............................................................................................ 2

1.3. Glossary............................................................................................. 3

1.4. Additional Reference Documentation................................................ 5

2. About Tape Streamers ....................................................1

2.1. Physical Elements ............................................................................. 1

2.2. Data Storage Characteristics............................................................. 1

2.3. Partitions Within a Volume ................................................................ 3

2.3.1. Partitioning a Volume................................................................. 4

2.3.2. Selecting a Partition ................................................................... 6

2.3.3. Using Initiator Defined Partitions ............................................... 8

2.3.4. Quick File Access .................................................................... 11

2.4. Logical Elements Within a Partition................................................. 14

2.5. Overwrite ......................................................................................... 15

2.6. Using Fixed and Variable Length Blocks......................................... 17

2.6.1. Variable and Fixed Length Blocks ........................................... 17

2.6.2. Writing...................................................................................... 17

2.6.3. Reading.................................................................................... 18

2.6.4. Illegal Length Conditions when Reading ................................. 18

2.7. Data Buffering.................................................................................. 19

2.7.1. Introduction .............................................................................. 19

2.7.2. Data Formatting ....................................................................... 21

2.7.3. Buffered Mode ......................................................................... 23

2.7.4. Read-Ahead............................................................................. 25

2.7.5. Underrun/Overrun .................................................................... 25

2.7.6. Buffer Thresholds..................................................................... 26

2.7.7. Disconnect/Re-connect............................................................ 27

2.7.8. Data Re-transfer ...................................................................... 28

2.7.9. Buffer Parity Errors .................................................................. 28

2.8. Data Compression........................................................................... 29

2.8.1. Background.............................................................................. 29

2.8.2. Controlling Data Compression................................................. 30

2.9. Optimizing Streaming Operation ..................................................... 33

2.9.1. Forced Streaming .................................................................... 33

2.9.2. AVC (Automatic Velocity Control)............................................ 33

2.9.3. Using both Forced Streaming and AVC................................... 34

2.9.4. Recommended Settings .......................................................... 35

2.10. Recorded Objects............................................................................ 35

2.11. TapeAlert ......................................................................................... 36

3. Logical Characteristics...................................................1

3.1. SCSI-bus Phases .............................................................................. 1

3.1.1. Bus Management Phases.......................................................... 1

3.1.2. Information Transfer Phases ..................................................... 2

3.2. SCSI-bus Phase Sequences ............................................................. 3

3.2.1. Legal Phase Sequences............................................................ 4

3.3. SCSI Pointers .................................................................................... 9

3.4. Unit Attention ................................................................................... 11

3.5. SCSI-bus Conditions ....................................................................... 12

3.5.1. Attention (ATN) ........................................................................ 12

3.5.2. Reset........................................................................................ 13

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4. Commands.......................................................................1

4.1. The Command Descriptor Block........................................................ 1

4.2. Command Control Byte ..................................................................... 2

4.3. Reserved Fields................................................................................. 3

4.4. Command Set Summary ................................................................... 4

4.5. Command Sequencing...................................................................... 6

4.5.1. Normal Modes............................................................................ 6

4.6. Multiple Connections ......................................................................... 9

4.6.1. Background................................................................................ 9

4.6.2. Commands Received Serially, LUN Is 0.................................. 10

4.6.3. Commands Received Serially, LUN Not 0............................... 11

4.6.4. Concurrent Command, Same Initiator, LUN Is 0 ..................... 11

4.6.5. Concurrent Command, Any Initiator, LUN Not 0 ..................... 11

4.6.6. Concurrent Command, Different Initiator, LUN Is 0................. 11

5. Status Bytes.....................................................................1

6. Message System .............................................................1

6.1. Message In ........................................................................................ 2

6.2. Message Out ..................................................................................... 3

6.3. Extended Message............................................................................ 5

6.3.1. Wide Data Transfer Request ..................................................... 6

6.3.2. Synchronous Data Transfer Request Message......................... 8

6.4. Message Reject Message Handling................................................ 11

6.4.1. Message-In Phase ................................................................... 11

6.4.2. Message-Out Phase ................................................................ 11

6.5. Abort Message Handling ................................................................. 12

6.6. Unexpected Bus Free...................................................................... 14

7. General Exception Handling...........................................1

7.1. Error Codes ....................................................................................... 1

7.2. Error Conditions for All Commands................................................... 5

7.3. Deferred Errors.................................................................................. 6

7.4. Error Conditions for Media Access Commands ................................ 7

7.5. Power On Selftest (POST) Error Handling ........................................ 8

7.5.1. Commands Executed After POST Error .................................... 8

7.5.2. Commands Terminated After POST Error................................. 9

7.6. Bus Parity Error Handling .................................................................. 9

7.6.1. Errors Detected by the Drive ................................................... 10

7.6.2. Errors Detected by the Initiator ................................................ 11

7.7. Buffer Parity Error Handling............................................................. 11

7.8. Error Priority..................................................................................... 12

7.9. Suggested Error Recovery Action ................................................... 13

8. Erase ................................................................................1

8.1. Command Description....................................................................... 1

8.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

8.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

8.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

9. Inquiry ..............................................................................1

9.1. Command Description....................................................................... 1

9.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

9.3. Parameter Lists ................................................................................. 3

9.3.1. Standard Inquiry Data................................................................ 3

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9.3.2. Vital Product Data ...................................................................... 6

9.4. Exception Handling.......................................................................... 16

9.5. Phase Sequencing .......................................................................... 16

10. Load/Unload.....................................................................1

10.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

10.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

10.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 3

10.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 3

11. Locate...............................................................................1

11.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

11.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

11.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 3

11.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 3

12. Log Select ........................................................................1

12.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

12.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

12.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 3

12.3.1. General Parameter Description ................................................. 3

12.3.2. Log Page Headers ..................................................................... 3

12.3.3. Log Parameter Headers ............................................................ 3

12.3.4. Modifiable Parameter Values..................................................... 6

12.3.5. The TapeAlert Information Page................................................ 6

12.4. Exception Handling............................................................................ 7

12.5. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 7

13. Log Sense ........................................................................1

13.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

13.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

13.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 3

13.3.1. Supported Log Pages ................................................................ 3

13.3.2. Buffer Overrun/Underrun Counters Page .................................. 4

13.3.3. Write Error Counter Page .......................................................... 7

13.3.4. Read Error Counter Page ........................................................ 14

13.3.5. TapeAlert Page ........................................................................ 22

13.3.6. Data Block Counters Page ...................................................... 25

13.3.7. Remaining Capacity Page ....................................................... 29

13.3.8. Tape Mark Counters Page....................................................... 36

13.3.9. Head Cleaning Page................................................................ 39

13.3.10. Drive Page ............................................................................... 43

13.3.11. Servo Page ............................................................................. 46

13.3.12. Track Number Page................................................................. 53

13.3.13. Cartridge Usage Page ............................................................. 54

13.3.14. Compression Ratio Page ......................................................... 62

13.4. Exception Handling.......................................................................... 70

13.5. Phase Sequencing .......................................................................... 70

14. Mode Select .....................................................................1

14.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

14.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

14.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 2

14.3.1. Header List................................................................................. 3

14.3.2. Block Descriptor List .................................................................. 6

14.3.3. Read-Write Error Recovery Page ............................................ 11

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14.3.4. Disconnect/Reconnect Page ................................................... 13

14.3.5. Control Mode Page .................................................................. 16

14.3.6. Data Compression Page.......................................................... 18

14.3.7. Device Configuration Page ...................................................... 20

14.3.8. Medium Partition Page (1) ....................................................... 23

14.3.9. Informational Exceptions Control Page ................................... 27

14.3.10. Miscellaneous Parameters Page ............................................. 29

14.3.11. User Page 0 ............................................................................. 35

14.3.12. User Page 1 ............................................................................. 36

14.3.13. Cartridge Manufacturer Page .................................................. 37

14.4. Exception Handling.......................................................................... 38

14.5. Phase Sequencing .......................................................................... 38

15. Mode Sense .....................................................................1

15.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

15.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

15.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 3

15.3.1. Header List................................................................................. 3

15.3.2. Block Descriptor List .................................................................. 5

15.3.3. Read-Write Error Recovery Page Descriptor ............................ 6

15.3.4. Disconnect/Reconnect Page Descriptor .................................... 6

15.3.5. Control Mode Page .................................................................... 7

15.3.6. Data Compression Page Descriptor .......................................... 7

15.3.7. Device Configuration Parameters Page Descriptor................... 8

15.3.8. Medium Partition Parameters Page Descriptor ......................... 8

15.3.9. TapeAlert Configuration Page ................................................... 9

15.3.10. Miscellaneous Parameters Page Descriptor ........................... 10

15.3.11. User Page 0 Page Descriptor .................................................. 10

15.3.12. User Page 1 Page Descriptor .................................................. 11

15.3.13. Cartridge Manufacturer Page .................................................. 12

15.4. Exception Handling.......................................................................... 13

15.5. Phase Sequencing .......................................................................... 13

16. Prevent/Allow Medium Removal ....................................1

16.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

16.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

16.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

16.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

17. Read .................................................................................1

17.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

17.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

17.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 3

17.3.1. General ...................................................................................... 3

17.3.2. No Data...................................................................................... 3

17.3.3. Tapemark Detected ................................................................... 3

17.3.4. Illegal Length.............................................................................. 4

17.3.5. End of Data ................................................................................ 6

17.3.6. End of Partition .......................................................................... 7

17.3.7. Non-Recoverable Read Error .................................................... 7

17.3.8. Illegal Termination...................................................................... 8

17.3.9. Read After Write ........................................................................ 8

17.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 9

18. Read Block Limits ...........................................................1

18.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

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18.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

18.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 1

18.4. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

18.5. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

19. Read Buffer ......................................................................1

19.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

19.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

19.3. Read Data Mode (2) .......................................................................... 3

19.3.1. Data Buffer (Buffer ID = 0) ......................................................... 3

19.3.2. Static RAM (Buffer ID = 1) ......................................................... 3

19.3.3. Media Statistics (Buffer ID = 2) .................................................. 3

19.3.4. Microcode Store (Buffer ID = 3)................................................. 3

19.3.5. EEPROM (Buffer ID = 4)............................................................ 3

19.3.6. External RAM Adapter (Buffer ID = 5) ....................................... 3

19.3.7. NVP DATA (Buffer ID = 6) ......................................................... 4

19.3.8. Tape Buffer Control Data (Buffer ID = 7) ................................... 4

19.3.9. Volume Directory (Buffer ID = 8)................................................ 4

19.3.10. Dbase Variables (Buffer ID = 9)................................................ 4

19.3.11. Header File Dates (Buffer ID = 10 )................................................. 4

19.3.12. Trace Buffer Control Blocks (Buffer ID = 11) .................................. 4

19.3.13. Complete Trace Buffer (Buffer ID = 12) .......................................... 4

19.4. Read Descriptor Mode (3) ................................................................. 5

19.5. Exception Handling............................................................................ 6

19.6. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 7

20. Read Position ..................................................................1

20.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

20.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

20.3. Data Format....................................................................................... 3

20.4. Exception Handling............................................................................ 4

20.5. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 5

21. Receive Diagnostic Results............................................1

21.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

21.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

21.3. Results From the SEND DIAGNOSTICS Command......................... 3

21.3.1. The Header Page....................................................................... 3

21.3.2. The Diagnostic Pages................................................................ 4

21.3.3. Supported Page Codes ............................................................. 5

21.4. Results From the Stand Alone Diagnostics Test............................... 6

21.4.1. The Stand Alone Diagnostic Result Page.................................. 6

21.5. Exception Handling............................................................................ 7

21.6. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 7

22. Release.............................................................................1

22.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

22.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

22.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

22.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

23. Request Sense.................................................................1

23.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

23.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

23.3. Parameter List ................................................................................... 2

23.4. Sense Keys........................................................................................ 5

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23.5. Additional Sense Code and Qualifier ................................................ 6

23.6. Exception Handling............................................................................ 8

23.7. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 8

24. Reserve ............................................................................1

24.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

24.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

24.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

24.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

25. Rewind..............................................................................1

25.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

25.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

25.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 1

25.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

26. Send Diagnostics ............................................................1

26.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

26.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

26.3. Predefined Selftest Sequence 1........................................................ 3

26.4. Predefined Selftest Sequence 2........................................................ 4

26.5. Exception Handling............................................................................ 5

26.6. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 5

27. Space................................................................................1

27.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

27.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

27.3. Using Fast Space .............................................................................. 3

27.4. Exception Handling............................................................................ 3

27.4.1. General ...................................................................................... 3

27.4.2. No Data...................................................................................... 4

27.4.3. Filemark Detected...................................................................... 4

27.4.4. Setmark Detected ...................................................................... 4

27.4.5. End of Data ............................................................................... 5

27.4.6. Beginning of Partition................................................................ 5

27.4.7. End of Partition ......................................................................... 5

27.4.8. Non-Recoverable Read Error During Space Forward ............... 6

27.4.9. Error Condition or Bad Block During Space Reverse................ 6

28.4.10. Space Forward After Write ........................................................ 7

27.5. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 7

28. Test Unit Ready ...............................................................1

28.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

28.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

28.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 1

28.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 2

29. Verify (not for SLR7 and SLR140) ..................................1

29.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

29.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

29.3. Exception Handling............................................................................ 3

29.4. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 3

30. Write .................................................................................1

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30.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

30.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 2

30.3. Data Compression............................................................................. 2

30.4. Write from BOP.................................................................................. 2

30.5. Write from EOD, Append................................................................... 3

30.6. Writing Over Existing Data, Overwrite............................................... 3

30.7. Terminating Write Operations............................................................ 3

30.8. Exception Handling............................................................................ 4

30.8.1. General ...................................................................................... 4

30.8.2. Unsupported Block Length ........................................................ 4

30.8.3. Illegal Media Type...................................................................... 5

30.8.4 Illegal Overwrite ......................................................................... 6

30.8.5. Illegal Append Tape Format ...................................................... 6

30.8.6. Logical Early Warning................................................................ 6

30.8.7. End of Partition .......................................................................... 7

30.8.8. Non-Recoverable Write Error .................................................... 7

30.8.9. Append Error.............................................................................. 8

30.9. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 8

31. Write Buffer......................................................................1

31.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

31.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

31.3. Write Combined Header and Data Mode (0)..................................... 2

31.4. Write Data Mode (2) .......................................................................... 3

31.5. Download Microcode Mode (4).......................................................... 3

31.6. Download Microcode and Save Mode (5) ......................................... 3

31.7. Download Microcode with Offsets and Save Mode (7) ..................... 4

31.8. Microcode Verification and Save ....................................................... 4

31.9. Microcode Data Format ..................................................................... 5

31.10. Exception Handling............................................................................ 6

31.11. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 7

32. Write Filemarks................................................................1

32.1. Command Description ....................................................................... 1

32.2. Command Descriptor Block............................................................... 1

32.3. Terminating Write Operations............................................................ 2

32.4. Write Filemarks from BOM ................................................................ 2

32.5. Exception Handling............................................................................ 2

32.5.1. General ...................................................................................... 2

32.5.2. Illegal Media Type...................................................................... 3

32.5.3. Illegal Append Tape Format ...................................................... 3

32.5.4. Logical Early Warning................................................................ 3

32.5.5. End of Partition .......................................................................... 4

32.5.6. Non-Recoverable Write Error .................................................... 4

32.5.7. Append Error.............................................................................. 5

32.6. Phase Sequencing ............................................................................ 5

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viii Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Table Of Figures

Figure 2-1: Serpentine Recording ................................................................. 2

Figure 2-2: Logical Track Areas .................................................................... 2

Figure 2-3: Multiple Partition Track Layout (SLR32 example) ....................... 9

Figure 2-4: Overwrite After the 1st Logical Data Block ............................... 16

Figure 2-5: Overwrite of Last Filemark ........................................................ 16

Figure 2-6: The SLR50 Buffer System (Write Mode) .................................. 20

Figure 2-7: The SLR140, SLR100, SLR75, SLR60 and SLR7 Buffer System

(Write Mode) ......................................................................................... 21

Figure 2-8: Host Buffer Data flow During Write Operations ........................ 26

Figure 2-9: Host Buffer Data flow During Read Operations........................ 26

Figure 2-10: Packing Data in Compression Block Groups.......................... 29

Figure 3-1: Phase Sequencing...................................................................... 3

Figure 3-2: SCSI Pointers ........................................................................... 10

Figure 4-1: Connections, Some Examples.................................................. 10

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ix Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Table Of Tables

Table 1-1: Capacity and medium types.......................................................... 1

Table 2-1: The Medium Partition Page(1) ..................................................... 4

Table 2-2: Minimum Partition Size ................................................................ 8

Table 2-3: Partitions Within A QFA Volume ................................................ 11

Table 2-4: Directory Track set Allocation .................................................... 11

Table 2-5: Data Compression Page Descriptor ........................................... 30

Table 2-6: Forced Streaming and AVC On Different Medium Types (to be

continued…).......................................................................................... 34

Table 3-1: SCSI-bus Phases......................................................................... 1

Table 4-1: Typical Six-byte Command Descriptor Block............................... 1

Table 4-2: Typical Ten-byte Command Descriptor Block .............................. 1

Table 4-3: The Command Control Byte ......................................................... 2

Table 4-4: SCSI Command Set...................................................................... 4

Table 4-5: Normal Mode Actions (to be continued...)..................................... 7

Table 4-6: Connections, LUN and Initiator ID Combinations ...................... 10

Table 5-1: The Status Set ............................................................................. 1

Table 6-1: The Message-In Set..................................................................... 2

Table 6-2: The Message-Out Set .................................................................. 3

Table 6-3: The IDENTIFY Message .............................................................. 4

Table 6-4: Extended Message Format.......................................................... 5

Table 6-5: Supported Extended Message Codes ......................................... 5

Table 6-6: Wide Data Transfer Request ....................................................... 8

Table 6-7: Synchronous Data Transfer Request........................................... 8

Table 6-8: Response to MESSAGE REJECT ............................................. 11

Table 6-9: ABORT TASK SET Message Handling ...................................... 13

Table 7-1: Error Codes (to be continued…) .................................................. 2

Table 7-2: Error Priority ............................................................................... 12

Table 8-1: ERASE Command Descriptor Block ............................................ 1

Table 9-1: INQUIRY Command Descriptor Block ......................................... 1

Table 9-2: INQUIRY Parameter List (to be continued...)............................... 3

Table 9-3: Summary of Supported VPD Pages ............................................ 6

Table 9-4: Unit Serial Number Page ............................................................. 7

Table 9-5: Implemented Operating Definitions Page .................................... 8

Table 9-6: ASCII Implemented Operating Definition Page ........................... 9

Table 9-7: Hardware Revision Levels Page ................................................ 10

Table 9-8: PROM Microcode Revision Level .............................................. 11

Table 9-9: Drive Manufacturing Date Page................................................. 13

Table 9-10: PROM Microcode Creation Date Page .................................... 14

Table 9-11: Drive Adjustment Date Page.................................................... 15

Table 10-1: LOAD/UNLOAD Command Descriptor Block ............................ 2

Table 10-2: LOAD/UNLOAD Operations....................................................... 2

Table 11-1: LOCATE Command Descriptor Block........................................ 2

Table 12-1: LOG SELECT Command Descriptor Block................................ 1

Table 12-2: Parameter Control Byte............................................................... 3

Table 13-1: LOG SENSE Command Descriptor Block ................................. 1

Table 13-2: Supported Log Pages Page....................................................... 3

Table 13-3: Buffer Overrun/Underrun Counters Page .................................. 4

Table 13-4: Underrun Log Parameters ......................................................... 4

Table 13-5: Overrun Log Parameters............................................................. 6

Table 13-6: Write Error Counter Page ........................................................... 7

Table 13-7: Rewrite Counter Log Parameters ............................................... 7

Table 13-8: Total Write Errors Log Parameters ............................................. 9

Table 13-9: Total Write Errors Corrected Log Parameters .......................... 10

Table 13-10: Total Times Errors Processed Log Parameters...................... 11

Table 13-11: Total Bytes Written Parameters .............................................. 12

Table 13-12: Total Uncorrected Write Errors Log Parameters .................... 13

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Table 13-13: Read Error Counter Page ....................................................... 14

Table 13-14: Reread Counter Log Parameters........................................... 15

Table 13-15: Total Read Error Parameters................................................. 16

Table 13-16: Total Read Error Corrected Log Parameters......................... 17

Table 13-17: ECC Correction Counter Log Parameters ............................. 18

Table 13-18: Total Bytes Read Counter Log Parameters........................... 19

Table 13-19: Total Uncorrected Read Errors Log Parameters .................... 20

Table 13-20: ECC Error Counter Log Parameters ...................................... 21

Table 13-21: TapeAlert Page ....................................................................... 22

Table 13-22: TapeAlert Information Log Parameters................................... 22

Table 13-23: Supported TapeAlert Flags (to be continued…) ..................... 23

Table 13-24: Data Block Counters Page..................................................... 25

Table 13-25: Logical Block Counter Log Parameters ................................. 26

Table 13-26: Write Media Blocks Counter Parameters............................... 27

Table 13-27: Read Media Block Counter Log Parameters ......................... 28

Table 13-28: Remaining Capacity Page ...................................................... 29

Table 13-29: Remaining Capacity Log Parameter code 01 ......................... 30

Table 13-30: Remaining Capacity Log Parameter code 02 ......................... 32

Table 13-31: Maximum Capacity Log Parameter code 03........................... 34

Table 13-32: Maximum Capacity Log Parameter code 04........................... 35

Table 13-33: Tape Mark Counters Page...................................................... 36

Table 13-34: Filemark Counter Log Parameters......................................... 36

Table 13-35: Setmark Counter Log Parameters ......................................... 38

Table 13-36: Head Cleaning Page ............................................................... 39

Table 13-37: Clean Head Log Parameters ................................................. 39

Table 13-38: Head Cleaning Time Log Parameters.................................... 40

Table 13-39: Cleaning Count Log Parameters............................................ 42

Table 13-40: Drive Page ............................................................................. 43

Table 13-41: Total Power On Time Parameters ......................................... 44

Table 13-42: Cartridge Load Counter Parameters...................................... 45

Table 13-43: Servo Page ............................................................................ 46

Table 13-44: Servo Lock Retry Log Parameters........................................ 47

Table 13-45: Servo Track Seek Log Parameters....................................... 48

Table 13-46: Write Servo Lock Lost Counter Log Parameters .................. 49

Table 13-47: Write Servo Dropout Log Parameters.................................... 50

Table 13-48: Read Servo Lock Lost Counter Log Parameters .................. 51

Table 13-49: Read Servo Dropout Log Parameters.................................... 52

Table 13-50: Track Number Page ............................................................... 53

Table 13-51: Cartridge Usage Page............................................................ 54

Table 13-52: Cartridge Serial Number Parameters..................................... 55

Table 13-53: Cartridge Load Counter Parameters...................................... 56

Table 13-54: Cartridge BOT Pass Counter Log Parameters ....................... 58

Table 13-55: Cartridge EOT Pass Counter Log Parameters ....................... 59

Table 13-56: Cartridge Write Pass Counter Log Parameters ...................... 60

Table 13-57: Cartridge Motion Time Log Parameters.................................. 61

Table 13-58: Compression Ratio Page ....................................................... 62

Table 13-59 Write Compression Ratio Log Parameter ................................ 63

Table 13-60: Read Decompression Log Parameter..................................... 64

Table 13-61: Write Compression Interval 1 Log Parameter......................... 65

Table 13-62: Write Compression Interval 2 Log Parameter......................... 66

Table 13-63: Write Compression Interval 3 Log Parameter......................... 67

Table 13-64: Write Compression Interval 4 Log Parameter......................... 68

Table 13-65: Write Compression Interval 5 Log Parameter......................... 69

Table 14-1: MODE SELECT Command Descriptor Block ............................ 1

Table 14-2: MODE SELECT Header List...................................................... 3

Table 14-3: Available Tape Speeds for SLR140............................................ 3

Table 14-4: Available Tape Speeds for SLR100............................................ 4

Table 14-5: Available Tape Speeds for SLR75.............................................. 4

Table 14-6: Available Tape Speeds for SLR60.............................................. 4

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xi Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Table 14-7: Available Tape Speeds for SLR50............................................. 5

Table 14-8: Available Tape Speeds for SLR7................................................ 5

Table 14-9: MODE SELECT Block Descriptor List ....................................... 6

Table 14-10: Density codes, formats and suitable medium .......................... 6

Table 14-11: Type of Media Related to Tape Format ................................... 8

Table 14-12: Fixed Block Lengths................................................................. 9

Table 14-13: Legal Block Lengths (bytes)................................................... 10

Table 14-14: Read-Write Error Recovery Page Descriptor......................... 11

Table 14-15: Disconnect/Reconnect Page Descriptor ................................ 13

Table 14-16: Control Mode Page Descriptor............................................... 16

Table 14-17: Data Compression Page Descriptor ...................................... 18

Table 14-18: Device Configuration Page Descriptor................................... 20

Table 14-19: Medium Partitions Page......................................................... 23

Table 14-20: Maximum Additional Partitions................................................ 24

Table 14-21: Using the FDP, SDP and IDP bits.......................................... 25

Table 14-22: Informational Exceptions Control Page.................................. 27

Table 14-23: Miscellaneous Page Descriptor ............................................. 29

Table 14-24: BSYI Usage............................................................................. 31

Table 14-25: BSYA Usage ........................................................................... 31

Table 14-26: User Page 0 Page Descriptor ................................................ 35

Table 14-27: User Page 1 Page Descriptor ................................................ 36

Table 14-28: Cartridge Manufacturer Data Parameters.............................. 37

Table 15-1: MODE SENSE Command Descriptor Block .............................. 2

Table 15-2: MODE SENSE Header List........................................................ 3

Table 15-3: MODE SENSE Block Descriptor List ......................................... 5

Table 16-1: PREVENT/ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL Cdb ........................... 1

Table 17-1: READ Command Descriptor Block ............................................ 2

Table 17-2: Illegal Length Summary .............................................................. 6

Table 18-1: READ BLOCK LIMITS Command Descriptor Block .................. 1

Table 18-2: READ BLOCK LIMITS Data....................................................... 1

Table 19-1: READ BUFFER Command Descriptor Block............................. 1

Table 19-2: Read Buffer Modes ..................................................................... 2

Table 19-3: Read Buffer ID’s.......................................................................... 2

Table 19-4: READ BUFFER Descriptor List.................................................. 5

Table 19-5: Buffer Capacity............................................................................ 6

Table 20-1: READ POSITION Command Descriptor Block.......................... 2

Table 20-2: READ POSITION Data .............................................................. 3

Table 21-1: RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS Command Block................ 1

Table 21-2: The Header Page........................................................................ 3

Table 21-3: The Diagnostic Pages ................................................................. 4

Table 21-4: Supported Page Codes.............................................................. 5

Table 21-5: The Stand Alone Diagnostic Page ............................................. 6

Table 22-1: RELEASE Command Descriptor Block..................................... 1

Table 23-1: REQUEST SENSE Command Descriptor Block ....................... 1

Table 23-2: REQUEST SENSE Parameter List ............................................ 2

Table 23-3: Sense Key Specific Information, Invalid Fields ........................... 3

Table 23-4: Sense Keys ................................................................................. 5

Table 23-5: Additional Sense Code and Qualifier (to be continued…) ......... 6

Table 24-1: RESERVE Command Descriptor Block..................................... 2

Table 25-1: REWIND Command Descriptor Block........................................ 1

Table 26-1: SEND DIAGNOSTIC Command Descriptor Block..................... 1

Table 26-2: SEND DIAGNOSTICS Functions............................................... 2

Table 27-1: SPACE Command Descriptor Block .......................................... 2

Table 28-1: TEST UNIT READY Command Descriptor Block ...................... 1

Table 28-2: TEST UNIT READY Response................................................... 1

Table 29-1: VERIFY Command Descriptor Block ........................................ 2

Table 30-1: WRITE Command Descriptor Block........................................... 2

Table 30-2: Legal Media/Drive Combinations ............................................... 5

Table 31-1: WRITE BUFFER Command Descriptor Block ........................... 1

Tandberg Data Table of Contents

xii Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Table 31-2: Supported Modes....................................................................... 2

Table 31-3: Microcode Data Format.............................................................. 5

Table 32-1: WRITE FILEMARKS Command Descriptor Block ..................... 1

1-1 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Introduction

1.1. General

This manual covers the SCSI Specifications for the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives. Currently there are six available models:

 Tandberg SLR140  Tandberg SLR100  Tandberg SLR75  Tandberg SLR60  Tandberg SLR50  Tandberg SLR7

This manual replaces Part no. 430743–12, titled, “ Tandberg SLR7, SLR50, SLR60, SLR75, SLR100. SCSI

Interface Functional Specification.”

The main differences between the five models are capacity, data transfer rate and the medium types supported. The following table shows the different capacities and read/write compatibility for the various drive models.

Medium Type1Capacity

SLR7 SLR50 SLR60 SLR75 SLR100 SLR140

SLRtape140 70/140 Gbyte N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Read/Write

SLRtape100 50/100 Gbyte N/A N/A N/A N/A Read/Write Read/Write

SLRtape75 38/75 Gbyte N/A N/A Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write

SLRtape60 30/60 Gbyte N/A N/A Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write

SLRtape50 25/50 Gbyte N/A Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write

SLRtape40 20/40 Gbyte N/A N/A Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write

SLRtape7 20/40 Gbyte Read/Write N/A Read Read Read Read

SLR32 16/32 Gbyte N/A Read/Write Read Read Read N/A

SLRtape24 12/24 Gbyte N/A Read/Write Read Read Read N/A

SLR5 4/8 Gbyte Read Read Read Read N/A N/A

DC9250 2.5/5 Gbyte N/A Read Read

Read N/A N/A

Table 1-1: Capacity and medium types

If a certain functional specification is valid for a particular drive, two methods are used to separate the different specifications throughout this manual:

The specific functional specification is marked out with horizontal lines, or

Footnotes are used to indicate for which drive the specification applies.

The specifications described in this publication are subject to change without notice.

All drives supports different variants of these medium types. See table 30-3 for details.

The highest number is with 2:1 data compression. The actual capacity on brand new or old and worn tapes may be lower.

On SLR60 tape drives with MAN. DATE 2802 (July 2002) or higher.

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1-2 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

1.2. Overview

Chapter 2

Describes tape streamers in general and the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives in particular. The chapter also describes volume partitioning, the overwrite function, the usage of fixed and variable length data blocks, the data buffer system and data compression.

Chapter 3

Gives a description of the SCSI logical characteristics as implemented by the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives.

Chapter 4

Specifies the SCSI Command Descriptor Blocks (CDB) in general.

Chapter 5

Lists the Status Bytes implemented by the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives.

Chapter 6

Describes the SCSI Message system as implemented by the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives.

Chapter 7

Specifies the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives exception handling in general.

Chapters 8 - 32

Detailed specifications of the SCSI commands.

Tandberg Data Introduction

1-3 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

1.3. Glossary

BOM Beginning Of Medium. The extreme position along the medium

in the direction from the supply-reel, which can be accessed by the use of a REWIND command.

BOP

Beginning Of Partition. The position at the beginning of the

permissible recording region of a partition. If only one partition is defined, this position is equivalent to BOM (see above).

BOT

Beginning Of Tape. Physical marker on the tape marking the

start of the useful area of the tape (located at BOM, see above).

CDB Command Descriptor Block. The structure used to communicate

commands from an Initiator to a Target.

Compression Block Group

A group of compressed data recorded as one variable length block. The Compression Block Group either contains a number of host-defined logical fixed length blocks, or a complete or partial host-defined variable length logical block. The Compression Block Group also contains a Compression Header as its initial sequence of data.

Compression Header

A sequence of uncompressed data at the beginning of each Compression Block Group. The Compression Header contains specific information related to this Compression Block Group.

Disconnect

The action that occurs when a SCSI device releases control of the SCSI-bus, allowing it to go to the BUS FREE phase.

EOD End Of Data. A tape format specific end-of-data indication

on the current partition. The recording medium may be positioned at EOD by reading until the Drive signals an EOD exception or by issuing a SPACE command with a Space Code of 3 (Space to End-Of-Data).

EOM

End Of Medium. The extreme position along the medium in

the direction from the take-up-reel, which can be accessed by the device. This position may be accessed by the use of a LOAD/UNLOAD command with the EOT-bit set to one.

EOP End Of Partition. The position at the end of the permissible

recording area of a partition. If only one partition is defined, this position is equivalent to EOM (see above).

EOT

End Of Tape. Physical marker on the tape marking the end

of the useful area of the tape (located at EOM, see above).

Early Warning. Physical tape-mark near - but logically

before - EOP (independent of physical direction).

Field

A group of one or more contiguous bits. Fields containing only one bit are usually referred to as the XX bit instead of the XX field.

Initiator

SCSI-bus Device issuing SCSI commands to a SCSI Target.

LED

Light Emitting Diode. An indicator on the front of the

Drive.

LEW Logical Early Warning. Simulated EW marker on the last track

on each partition. LEW is moved some distance in front of the actual EW.

LSB

Least Significant Bit.

LUN

Logical Unit Number.

MLR

Multi Channel Linear Recording.

MSB

Most Significant Bit.

Tandberg Data Introduction

1-4 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Overlength

The incorrect length condition that exists after executing a read group command, when the length of the actual block read exceeds the requested transfer length in the command descriptor block (CDB).

Page

Several commands use regular parameter structures that are referred to as pages. These pages are identified with a value known as a page code.

Parameter

A structure containing one or more fields.

Partition

The entire region of recording and reading paths in a volume or in a portion of a volume.

Reconnect

The act of re-establishing the physical Initiator/Target connection. A Target reconnects to an Initiator by issuing RESELECTION and MESSAGE IN phases after winning arbitration.

Reserved

The term used for bits, fields and code values that are set aside for future standardization.

SCSI

Small Computer Systems Interface. Industry standard computer

peripheral interface. Used to connect several devices via a common data and control bus.

SCSI address

The representation of the unique address (0-7) assigned to a SCSI device. This address would normally be assigned and set in the SCSI device during system initialization.

SCSI ID

The bit-significant representation of the SCSI address referring to one of the SCSI-bus data lines.

Signal assertion

The act of driving a signal to the true state.

Signal de-assertion

The act of driving a signal to the false state.

SLR

Scaleable Linear Recording.

Status

One byte of information sent from a Target to an Initiator upon completion of each command.

Third-party

When used in reference to RESERVE or RELEASE commands, third-party means a reservation made on behalf of another device.

Target

SCSI-bus Device receiving/executing SCSI commands.

TLA Three Letter Acronym. Track Set

A logical collection of N physical tracks which are written or read simultaneously. A track set can be viewed as a logical track that holds N times as much data as a physical track and can transfer data N times as fast as a physical track. A track set may consist of only a single track, i.e. N = 1.

Underlength

The incorrect length condition that exists after executing a read group command when the requested transfer length in the command descriptor block (CDB) exceeds the length of the actual block read.

Volume

A recording medium together with its physical carrier.

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1-5 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

1.4. Additional Reference Documentation

[1] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Tandberg SLR Product Line

Reference Manual” , Revision 6, Publ. No. 90316, December 1999.

[2] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-2,

Enhanced Small Computer System Interface” , ANSI Standard X3.131-1994.

[3] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3,

Primary Commands” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/995D, Revision 11a, 28 March 1997.

[4] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3

Stream Device Command Set” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/997D, Revision 22, 1-Jan-2000.

[5] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3

Interlocked Protocol” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/856D, Revision 10, 31 Mar 1996.

[6] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3

Parallel Interface” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/855D, Revision 15a. American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3 Parallel Interface 2” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/855D, Revision 20b.

[7] QIC, “ Development Standard For 1/4-inch

Cartridge Tape Drive SCSI-2 Interface” , QIC121, Revision P, 14-Dec-1995.

[8] QIC, “ Adaptive Lossless Data Compression” ,

QIC-154, Revision A, 10-Mar-1994.

[9] QIC, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic Tape Cartridge

For Information Interchange” , QIC-2GB-DC, Revision B, 10-Mar-1994.

[10] QIC, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic Tape Cartridge

For Information Interchange” , QIC-4GB-DC, Revision B, 20-Apr-1997.

[11] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic

Tape Cartridge For Information Interchange” , SLR6 Tape Format, Revision A, 1998.

[12] QIC, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic Tape Cartridge

For Information Interchange” , QIC-5010-DC, Revision E, 15-Dec-1994.

[13] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic

Tape Cartridge For Information Interchange” , MLR3 Tape Format, Revision A, 30-Aug-1995.

[14] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Advanced Linear Recording

Format 1” , ALRF-1, Revision B, 22-Apr-1998.

[15] QIC, “ Serial Recorded Magnetic Tape Cartridge

For Information Interchange” , QIC-CRF1, Revision J, 15 Jun 1995.

[16] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Advanced Linear Recording

Format 2” , ALRF-2, Revision 1. 24-Apr-2000.

[17] Tandberg Data ASA, “ Advanced Linear Recording

Format 6” , ALRF-6, Revision 2.00-Oct-2002

[18] American National Standards Institute, “ SCSI-3

Fast-20” , ANSI Working Draft X3T10/1071D, Revision 6.

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1-6 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

2-1 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

About Tape Streamers

2.1. Physical Elements

Tape streamer devices optimize their use in storing or retrieving user data in a sequential manner. Since access is sequential, position changes typically take long time, when compared to direct-access devices like disks.

The recording medium used with the Drive consists of a flexible substrate coated with a magnetic material. The recording medium is wound onto two reels.

Both the supply reel and the take-up reel are encapsulated into a cartridge. Several standards exist, covering the construction of cartridges for interchange.

A complete unit composed of the recording medium and its physical carrier (the cartridge) is called a volume. In tape streamers like the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives, the volumes are removable.

When a volume is inserted it has the attribute of being loaded or unloaded. Loaded is the state when the streamer device is capable of executing commands that cause the medium to be moved (so-called media access commands). A volume is unloaded when the media access commands can not be executed (that is when these commands report CHECK CONDITION status and a NOT READY sense key).

Not Write-Protected

Write-Protected

The write-protected state determines whether an Initiator may or may not write information on a volume. This attribute is controlled by the user of the volume through the SAFE-switch on the cartridges.

The recording medium has two physical attributes called Beginning-Of-Tap

(BOT) and End-Of-Tape (EOT). BOT is at the end of the medium that is attached to the take-up reel. EOT is at the end of the medium that is attached to the supply reel.

2.2. Data Storage Characteristics

Serpentine Recording Method

The position on the medium where a pattern of recorded signal may be written by one write component is called a track or track set which may consist of either one, two or four tracks, depending on the tape format used. On a new volume, recording of a track set begins after mounting the volume and then by moving the tape from BOT toward EOT. When EOT is approached, the direction of recording is reversed and the Drive starts recording a track set from EOT towards BOT. This process repeats the number of times necessary to record all track sets. The total number of track sets depends on the tape format used. This method of recording is called serpentine.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-2 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

BO T EO T

BO P

EO P

Figure 2-1: Serpentine Recording

A track set is read in the same sequence as when writing.

When reading data using a DC9250, SLR5 or SLRtape7 medium, the drive is aided by reference tracks to position the read/write head accurately.

For the DC9250 and SLR5 media the drive

, writing these tapes from BOT, has to provide the tape with the required reference bursts during write. The writing and reading of reference bursts are done automatically by the drive and are completely transparent to the user.

The reference bursts are pre-recorded on SLRtape7 media. The reading of reference bursts are done automatically by the drive and are completely transparent to the user.

On the other hand, SLRtape140, SLRtape100, SLRtape75, SLRtape60, SLRtape50, SLRtape40, SLR32 and SLRtape24 media have pre-recorded servo tracks, and the reading and writing of reference bursts are therefore not required. The servo tracks are used to position the read/write head both during the read and write operations. The reader should be aware of this distinction when meeting the term “ reference bursts” later in this manual. See [9] – [17] for further information on reference bursts and servo tracks.

From the Initiators point of view the recording medium may be looked upon as having a single large continuous logical track starting with an area called Beginning-Of- Media (BOM) and ending with an area called End-Of-Media (EOM). BOM is always on the same side of the volume as BOT. EOM may be located at the BOT or at the EOT depending on whether the total number of track sets is odd or even.

The logical track is split into several areas separated by markers. At least four parts may be identified:

Beginning-Of-Media End- Of-MediaEarly-Warning AreaRecording Area

BO T L P LEW EW EO T

Figure 2-2: Logical Track Areas

Drives covered by this manual can only read DC9250 and SLR5 media.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-3 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Beginning-Of-Media

This area holds no user data. It is used to record a special reference burst as defined in [9], [10]. This area starts with the BOT (Beginning Of Tape) tape marker and ends at the LP (Load Point) tape marker.

Recording Area

This area holds the user data. This area starts with the LP (Load Point) tape marker and ends at the LEW (Logical Early Warning) marker.

Early-Warning Area

When writing, the Initiator needs an indication that it is approaching the end of the Recording-Area. This position called Logical Early Warning (LEW) is reported to the Initiator at a position early enough for the Drive to write out any buffered data to the medium while still leaving enough room for additional recorded data or tapemarks. The actual amount of data is user configurable, see the LEW Position field in Section

14.3.9. This area ends at the EW (Early Warning) tape marker.

End-Of-Media

This is the short area between the EW (Early Warning) and the EOT (End-Of-Tape) tape markers. It is usually possible to complete the writing of a single last frame between EW and EOT. When this has been done or when EOT is found, all further write operations are discontinued even if the there are more data to be written in the data buffer.

2.3. Partitions Within a Volume

A volume may be split into several mini-volumes called partitions. Each partition has its own set of beginning and ending points. Each partition within a volume has defined its own Beginning-Of-Partition (BOP), RecordingArea, Early-Warning-Area and End-Of-Partition (EOP).

In the first partition (partition zero) on a volume with n partitions, BOP is identical to BOM. In the last partition on a volume (partition n-1), EOP is identical to EOM.

All volumes have a minimum of one partition called partition zero, or the default partition.

When a volume is mounted (that is inserted into the Drive and then loaded), the volume is logically positioned to the beginning of the default partition (partition zero). This is also true when a LOAD command (with the Load bit set to one) is executed. When a REWIND or ERASE command is received in any partition, the Drive positions to the beginning of the current partition.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-4 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

2.3.1. Partitioning a Volume

Setting up a Medium Partition page and then executing a MODE SELECT command transferring this page to the Drive can partition a volume. The table below shows the parts of the Medium Partition Page(1) that relate to this procedure. Fields of no interest are marked with “ XX...XX” .

BYTE BIT 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

XX Page Code = 11h

01 Parameter Length = 4Eh

Maximum Additional Partitions

Additional Partitions Defined

FDP SDP IDP PSUM

XX XX XX

05 XXXX

06 XXXX

Partition Units

07 XXXX

Partition Size Descriptor 0

| . . .

Partition Size Descriptor 35

Table 2-1: The Medium Partition Page(1)

Note that the Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives use the long form of the Medium Partition Page(1). This means that the Partition Size Descriptor fields are always present (both in MODE SELECT and MODE SENSE parameter data).

Note also that the Medium Partition Page(1) is not savable (the MODE SENSE command returns a Medium Partition Page(1) where the PS bit is set to zero).

Partitioning a volume is only allowed when the volume is positioned at BOM (the beginning of partition 0). Note also that a partition operation may lead to a loss of all existing data (the Drive runs an erase pass in each of the existing partitions if the new partitioning is different from the existing partitioning found on the medium).

The Tandberg SLR Product Line Tape Drives allow the Initiator to specify partitioning using two different methods. The first is the most general. The Initiator can specify both the number of partitions and their individual sizes. Using the second method the Initiator may only specify whether one or two partitions are requested. When a single partition is requested it will cover the whole medium. When two partitions are requested the Drive will allocate them fixed sizes (there will be one large and one small partition).

The Initiator Defined Partitions (IDP) bit is used to select between the two methods. When the IDP bit is one, the first method is used (the number and size of partitions may be specified).

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-5 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

When the IDP bit is zero, the second method is used. In this case the FDP bit is used to select one or two fixed size partitions. This method of using partitions is often called “ Quick File Access” (QFA).

Regardless of which method is used, executing a MODE SELECT command where the Medium Partition Page(1) is included in the parameter list, some form of partitioning will take place. This means that such a MODE SELECT command is only accepted at the beginning of partition 0 (BOP0).

The Partition Size Unit of Measure (PSUM) field defines the unit of the Partition Size Descriptors. A value of 2 specifies the unit to be MBytes and a value of 3 specifies the unit to be GBytes. MODE SELECT will ignore this field when the IDP bit is not set. MODE SENSE will return 2 (MBytes) in this field when the currently mounted volume has a capacity (uncompressed) of 65535 MBytes or less. MODE SENSE will return 3 (GBbytes) in this field when the capacity is above 65535 MBytes. This boundary is introduced because 65535 (FFFFh) is the maximum value of the Partition Size Descriptors.

The Partition Units field defines the unit of the Partition Size Descriptors when the PSUM field is set to

3. The Partition Units must be set to 9 when the PSUM field is set to 3 to indicate that GBytes (10

) is the

only supported unit. The Maximum Additional Partitions field is ignored by

the MODE SELECT command. When the Medium Partition Page(1) is returned by the MODE SENSE command this field is used to indicate the maximum number of partitions (in addition to the default partition) that the current medium is able to hold.

The Additional Partitions Defined field is used to specify the requested number of partitions (MODE SELECT) or it shows the actual number of partitions (MODE SENSE). The Partitions Size Descriptors is used to specify the requested size of each partition (MODE SELECT) or to show the current (estimated) size of each partition (MODE SENSE).

Note that setting the IDP or FDP bits to one is only allowed when the medium to be partitioned is a SLRtape140 to SLRtape7 or SLR32, medium. In this case a maximum of 24 partitions is allowed when using a SLRtape140, SLRtape100, SLRtape75, SLRtape60 or SLRtape40 medium. A maximum of 36 partitions is allowed when using a SLRtape50, SLR32 or SLRtape24 medium. A maximum of 3 partitions is allowed when using a SLRtape7 medium. (See also section 2.3.3 Using Initiator Defined Partitions).

When using other medium types, partitioning can not be used and only a single partition is available.

When partition sizes are quoted later on in this section, all sizes are uncompressed sizes.

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2-6 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

2.3.2. Selecting a Partition

Two commands makes it possible to select a partition for read or write operations; the LOCATE command and the MODE SELECT command.

2.3.2.1. Selecting a Partition Using LOCATE

The LOCATE command can be used to specify the active partition. The Change Partition (CP) must be set to one and the Partition field must be set to the desired partition. The addressed partition must exist on the volume mounted. The Drive will then move to the specified partition before the actual block locate operation starts.

The READ POSITION and MODE SENSE commands may be used to read the current partition number in use.

When the partition has been changed, the Drive will stay in the selected partition for all media access commands until one of the following actions are taken (by the Initiator):

 A new LOCATE with CP set to one is executed.

 A MODE SELECT command is executed that changes the

state of the Active Partition field in the Device Configuration Parameters Page (page code 10h).

 A LOAD command is executed. This command always

brings the tape to the beginning of the default partition (partition 0).

 The cartridge is removed from the Drive. A newly

inserted cartridge must be loaded before it can be accessed. The load operation positions the tape at the beginning of the default partition (partition 0). This will be true whether the load operation happens as a result of an Auto Load or an explicit LOAD command (with the Load bit set to one).

2.3.2.2. Selecting a Partition Using MODE SELECT

The MODE SELECT command can be used to specify the active partition. The Device Configuration Parameters Page (page code 10h) is used for this purpose. The Change Active Partition (CAP) bit must be set to one and the Active Partition field must be set to the desired partition. The addressed partition must exist on the volume mounted. The Drive will then position the tape at the beginning of the specified partition.

The READ POSITION and MODE SENSE commands may be used to read the current partition number in use.

When the partition has been changed, the Drive will stay in the selected partition for all media access commands until one of the following actions are taken (by the Initiator):

 A new MODE SELECT command is executed that changes

the state of the Active Partition field.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-7 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

 A LOCATE with CP set to one is executed.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-8 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

 A LOAD command is executed. This command always

brings the tape to the beginning of the default partition (partition 0).

 The cartridge is removed from the Drive. A newly

2.3.3. Using Initiator Defined Partitions

When using a SLRtape140 to SLRtape7 or SLR32, medium the Initiator may specify both the number and the size of partitions (the IDP bit is set to one).

The following table shows the minimum number of tracks and track sets that can be allocated to a partition for each medium type. It also shows the maximum number of partitions and the minimum partition size.

Medium Type

Min. Track Sets

Min. Tracks

Max. Partitions

Min. Partition Size

SLRtape140 2 8 24 2916 MBytes

SLRtape100

2083 MBytes

SLRtape75 2 8 24 1563 MBytes

SLRtape60 2 8 24 1250 Mbytes

SLRtape50 2 4 36 694 Mbytes

SLRtape40 2 8 24 833 MBytes

SLRtape7 12 24 3 6666 Mbytes

SLR32 2 4 36 444 Mbytes

SLRtape24 2 4 36 333 Mbytes

Table 2-2: Minimum Partition Size

All partitions start at the BOT side of the medium. This

means that the Drive will be able to access any partition with a minimum of tape movements after an auto-load or a LOAD command.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-9 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

Here is a simple example using an SLR32 medium. The volume has been partitioned into 3 partitions (one default partition and 2 additional partitions):

BOT EOT

BOP 0 EOP 0

EOP 2

BOP 2

BOP 1

EOP 1

Tracks in Partition 0 Tracks in Partition 1 Tracks in Partition 2

Figure 2-3: Multiple Partition Track Layout (SLR32 example)

The default partition (partition 0) has been allocated 2

track sets, partition 1 has been allocated 4 track sets while the last partition, which is partition 2 in this case, has been allocated the remainder of the medium (66 track sets).

When the IDP bit in the Medium Partition Page(1) is set to zero, the Drive allocates one or two fixed sized partitions on the volume mounted. See section 2.3.4. Quick File Access (All Formats) for information on how to use this method.

When the IDP bit is set to one, the Additional Partitions Defined field is used to specify the number of partitions requested. Note that this field specifies the number of partitions requested in addition to the default partition. If a total of 10 partitions are requested, the Additional Partitions Defined must be set to 9. The Partition Size Descriptors are used to specify the individual sizes of the requested partitions. Note that the size of the default partition (partition 0) must be included among the Partition Size Descriptors.

Since there is no provision in a Partition Size Descriptor to identify the number of a partition, the number of a partition is the relative position of the Partition Size Descriptor in the Medium Partition Page(1). The size of partition 0 is specified in the first Partition Size Descriptor, that is in bytes 8 and

9. Partition 1 is specified in bytes 10 and 11, etc.

Tandberg Data About Tape Streamers

2-10 Tandberg SLR Product Line SCSI Functional Specifications

When the Medium Partition Page(1) is used to specify the size of any partition, the Partition Size Descriptor fields are used to specify a requested size. As the actual partition size must match an integral number of track set pairs, the Drive will round the value requested up to the nearest number divisible by the minimum partition size given by the loaded medium (see table 2-2). As an example, if a partition is requested to have a value of 450 MBytes, the Drive will round the size up to 666 MBytes (333 * 2) when using an SLRtape24 medium, up to 694 MBytes when using an SLRtape50 medium and up to 2916 MBytes when using an SLRtape140 medium. If a partition is requested to have a size of 200 MBytes, the Drive will round the size up to 333, 444, 694 or 2916 Mbytes and so on. The Partition Size Descriptors returned by the MODE SENSE command may be used to read out the partition sizes after rounding has taken place.

The number of Partition Size Descriptors must always equal the Maximum Addition Partition plus one, specifying the size of the default partition plus all additional partitions. When the Additional Partitions Defined is less than the Maximum Additional Partitions, the last Partition Size Descriptors are set to zero. If the Maximum Additional Partitions field has a value of 35 and the Additional Partitions Defined has a value of n, then there must be n+1 non-zero Partition Size Descriptors. These descriptors must be the first n+1 descriptors (the medium has been partitioned into n+1 partitions numbered 0 through n). The last 35-n Partition Size Descriptors are all set to zero. The size of partition 0 (the default partition) must be greater than zero.

The sum of all sizes requested by the non-zero Partition Size Descriptors may be less than the total size on the medium. In this case some capacity remains inaccessible.

Sometimes it may be desirable to have the last partition cover the remainder of the medium. In this case the last non-zero Partition Size Descriptor can be set to a value of FFFFh.

If insufficient space exists on the medium for the requested partition sizes or if multiple Partition Size Descriptors are set to FFFFh, the Drive will return CHECK CONDITION status.

When medium information has been read by the Drive, the Medium Partition Page(1) returned by a MODE SENSE command indicates the actual partitioning on the currently mounted volume (the number and size of each partition). When medium information has not yet been read by the Drive, the Additional Partitions Defined and the Partition Size Descriptor fields are undefined and set to zeros. The SLR5 and DC9250 media have limited medium information and the Additional Partitions Defined and the Partition Size Descriptor fields are always undefined and set to zeros for these media.

Note however that the partitions sizes returned by a MODE SENSE command are estimated sizes. The sizes are based on the calculated capacity for a given number of pairs of track sets. The actual size achieved may differ from the estimated size due to such factors as tape length variations, the number of re-writes and amount of filler data written by the Drive.

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