Order Number: EK–SM1TB–UG. E01
1–1
1
Introduction
This chapter provides a product overview of the Model 10/20-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive and identifies de-
sign features (including basic components and performance considerations). The chapter also includes over-
view descriptions of the data tape and cleaning tape cartridges, defining the basic functions of each, and identi-
fies what is supplied with the tape drive.
1.1
Product Overview
The StorageWorks Model 10/20-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive is a streaming tape drive
which connects to a SCSI bus. Assuming a 2:1 compression ratio on a CompacTape III car-
tridge, this device can store up to 20 GB of data with compression, or up to 10.0 GB of data
without compression. The primary uses for this drive are data backup, data archiving, and
loading software onto computer systems. The 10/20-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive comes
either embedded in a system enclosure, in which case it is identified as an SWXTL-BA Stor-
ageWorks Building Block (SBB), or else in an enclosure with a self-contained power supply,
in which case it is identified as an SWXTL-BT Tabletop DLT Tape Drive. This initial
section of this document discusses the generic information that is common to either version;
subsequent sections will provide details that are specific to either product.
1.2
Design Features
Figure 1–1 shows a view of the front panel, which provides status indicators for system op-
eration, along with an access door for inserting and removing the CompacTape III tape car-
tridge.
1.2.1 Basic Components
The 10/20-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive has an integrated SCSI controller module, which
connects to the associated computer system through a SCSI bus attached to that controller
module. The controller module is responsible for processing SCSI commands and for initiat-
ing tape drive operations. In the case of the SWXTL-BA SBB, the connection to the SCSI
bus is made through the StorageWorks Expansion Storage Pedestal, as discussed in Chapter
2. For the SWXTL-BT Tabletop device, however, the connection to the SCSI bus must be
made through an appropriate cable, depending on the type of controller that is used and/or
the desired physical length of cable, as explained in Chapter 3.
1.2.2 Performance Considerations
The performance you can achieve with the 10/20-GB DLT Cartridge Tape Drive can depend
on a number of considerations, including your system processor. When set to compressed
mode, this tape drive theoretically can back up 9 GB of data per hour (tape streaming at
