LTO Tape Drive User’s Guide
3 - Tape Media
10400934-001
©2020 Overland-Tandberg
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Cartridge Generation Colors
The different generations of IBM Ultrium data cartridges are identified by color:
Recording Formats and Capacities
LTO tape drives use a linear, serpentine recording format. The native data capacity and
recording format of Ultrium data cartridges is as follows:
Number
Component
1
LTO cartridge memory
2
Cartridge door
3
Leader Pin
4
Write-protect Switch
5
Label area
6
Insertion guide
Front
1
5
4
6
2
3
Type
Cartridge Color
Generation 8
Burgundy
Generation 7
Purple
Generation 6
Black
Generation 5
Burgundy
Generation 4
Green
Type
Native Data Capacity
Recording Format
Ultrium 8
12000 GB
(30000 GB at 2.5:1 compression)
Reads and writes data on 6656 tracks,
32 tracks at a time.
Ultrium 7
6000 GB
(15000 GB at 2.5:1 compression)
Reads and writes data on 3584 tracks,
32 tracks at a time.
