IBM System Storage TS3500, Introduction And Planning Manual

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All generations of the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge include a Linear
Tape-Open Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM) chip (
1
in Figure 35), that contains
information about the cartridge and the tape (such as the name of the
manufacturer that created the tape), as well as statistical information about the
cartridge's use. The LTO-CM enhances the efficiency of the cartridge. For example,
the LTO-CM stores the end-of-data location, which when you next insert a
cartridge and issue the Write command, enables the drive to quickly locate the
recording area and begin recording. The LTO-CM also aids in determining the
reliability of the cartridge by storing data about its age, how many times it has
been loaded, and how many errors it has accumulated. Whenever you unload a
tape cartridge, the tape drive writes any pertinent information to the cartridge
memory. The storage capacity of the LTO-CM is 4096 bytes.
The cartridge door
2
protects the tape from contamination when the cartridge is
out of the drive. Behind the door, the tape is attached to a leader pin
3
. When
you insert the cartridge into the drive, a threading mechanism pulls the pin (and
tape) out of the cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a non-removable takeup
reel. The head can then read or write data from or to the tape.
The write-protect switch
4
prevents data from being written to the tape
cartridge. The label area
5
provides a location for you to place a label. Affix only
a bar code label. When affixing a label, place it only in the recessed label area. A
label that extends outside of the recessed area can cause loading problems in the
internal drive or in the TS3500 Tape Library. The insertion guide
6
is a large,
notched area that prevents you from inserting the cartridge incorrectly. You can
order tape cartridges with the bar code labels included, or you can order custom
labels.
Generation 3 and later generations of the LTO Ultrium data cartridge have a
nominal cartridge life of 20,000 load and unload cycles; Generations 1 and 2 of the
LTO Ultrium data cartridge have a nominal cartridge life of 10,000 load and
unload cycles.
Figure 35. The IBM System Storage LTO Data Cartridge
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IBM System Storage TS3500 Tape Library with ALMS: Introduction and Planning Guide
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