Tandberg Data SDLT220, Product Manual

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CHAPTER 2: SDLT 220/320 Product Information
2.4.4 Electronic Interface Module
The Electronic Interface Module (EIM) is the electronic heart of the SDLT system.
It provides the main control function for the system and the interface from the
system to the host computer. The EIM provides the Advanced PRML feature of
Quantum’s SDLT technology; advanced PRML is described in
“Advanced Partial
Response Maximum Likelihood” on page 2-5 .
The EIM consists of two major boards: the Integrated Controller Module (ICM),
and a separate Host Interface Module (HIM). The ICM contains the main
controller and servo micro-processor, the custom-designed SDLT ASICs and the
cache memory while the HIM implements the interface between the host system
and the drive. This allows easy configuration of the drive to match different host
interfaces by simply substituting the appropriate HIM card.
As with the other major modules of the SDLT technology, the EIM has been
designed to be manufactured and tested as a distinct module.
2.4.5 SDLT Cartridge Tape Module
As with all tape technologies, the SDLT cartridge is a key part of the overall
system. The main function of the Cartridge Tape Module (CTM) is to provide the
magnetic recording media used by the system to store customer information. The
CTM also provides the protective cartridge that allows the media to be removed
and stored safely.
From the outside, the SDLT cartridge looks very similar to the DLT IV cartridges.
The basic geometry, write protection switch, and label space are unchanged from
the DLT IV cartridge. This simplifies the integration of SDLT into existing
operating environments and into automated tape libraries. The SDLT cartridge is
easy to recognize; it has a different color than the DLT IV cartridge and contains a
distinctive pattern molded into the shell.
The SDLT cartridge has a new, more rugged design that includes a thicker internal
circular wall surrounding the media and more structural ribbing to increase overall
cartridge resilience and reduce potential damage to the cartridge if it should be
dropped. New, wear-resistant materials reduce the potential for debris generation
and increase the life of the cartridge.