IBM System Storage TS3500, Introduction And Planning Manual

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Cartridge memory in 3592 tape cartridges
Each 3592 data cartridge contains a passive, contactless, silicon storage device
called cartridge memory (CM). The CM module holds information about that
specific cartridge, the media in the cartridge, and the data on the media. The
cartridge and media information is stored in a protected, read-only area of the CM.
When the cartridge is loaded into the drive, a CM reader in the drive uses a
contactless, radio-frequency interface to read the information. The media's
performance statistics are stored in an unprotected, read/write area of the CM
module. Prior to when the cartridge is unloaded, these statistics are updated by the
CM reader. They are maintained by a portion of the drive's microcode known as
the Statistical Analysis and Reporting System (SARS). Each cleaning cartridge also
contains a CM module, which tracks the number of cleaning uses and the location
of the used cleaning media.
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IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library with ALMS: Introduction and Planning Guide