User manual QUANTUM A-SERIES TAPE DRIVES 07-2008

[. . . ] A-Series Tape Drives A-Series Tape Drives 81-81487-04 A01 Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User's Guide, 81-81487-04 A01, July 2008. Quantum Corporation provides this publication "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Quantum Corporation may revise this publication from time to time without notice. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT Copyright 2008 by Quantum Corporation. [. . . ] Each module is optimized to perform a specific set of functions and designed to interface with the other modules in a well defined and flexible manner. The following subsections provide a brief overview of each module. Figure 10 SDLT 600A Tape Drive Modular Design FPM Data cartridge TCM DCM EIM ICM EIM HIM Note: Despite the deliberate modularity of each module, with the exception of the FPM, individual users should not swap modules. The FPM is the only module that is field replaceable. Customer adjustments to the TCM, DCM, or EIM will void the tape drive's warranty. Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User's Guide 30 Modular Design Data Control Module 1 The Data Control Module (DCM) contains several of the functions and features of LGMR technology, which is at the heart of the SDLT technology. Of the five technologies that constitute the LGMR technology, two are in the DCM. The main functions of the DCM are to provide the path and guides for all tape motion inside the tape drive and to write data to and read data from the tape. In addition to the POS and MRC heads described in Pivoting Optical Servo and Magneto Resistive Cluster Heads, the DCM contains a number of components that interact to perform these functions. These components include: · · · · · Advanced head guide assembly Take-up reel Drive motor Optical servo system Tape heads. In addition to its mechanical components, the DCM also contains printed circuit boards that control the functions of the DCM and the tape heads. Tape Control Module 1 The Tape Control Module (TCM) implements the functions required to buckle and unbuckle the tape and control the tape motion. The TCM consists of a variety of components: · · · · · · TCM Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) Base Plate Data Cartridge Receiver Positive Engagement Tape Leader Buckling Mechanism Tape supply motor assembly Floor plate assembly. TCM PCBA 1 The TCM has its own PCBA that controls the functions of the TCM and interfaces with the main controller board in the EIM. By designing the TCM as a distinct module, it allows manufacturing and testing the TCM Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User's Guide 31 Modular Design as a stand-alone module, simplifying the design, manufacturing, and troubleshooting processes. Base Plate 1 The SDLT 600A tape drive base plate is an aluminum die casting with precisely machined surfaces. The casting acts as the support platform for the other modules and for the tape drive enclosure. The base plate also includes the precision mounting holes used to install SDLT 600A tape drives into a server or tape library. The SDLT 600A tape drive base plate, and therefore the entire SDLT 600A tape drive, conforms to the 5. 25 inch, full-height form factor. Data Cartridge Receiver 1 On tape insertion, the data cartridge receiver assembly guides the tape into its operating position, opens the data cartridge door, unlocks the data cartridge brakes, engages the data cartridge drive motor, and secures the tape for operation. On tape ejection, the data cartridge receiver assembly reverses the process and automatically ejects the tape a fixed distance from the front of the tape drive. Positive Engagement Tape Leader Buckling Mechanism 1 The buckling mechanism is responsible for engaging the tape leader upon data cartridge load and disengaging it on data cartridge unload. See Positive Engagement Tape Leader Buckling Mechanism on page 29 for more information. Front Panel Module 1 The Front Panel Module (FPM) of the system (sometimes referred to as the bezel) performs a number of functions: · · · · · Protecting the front of the TCM from physical damage Channeling airflow through the system Aligning the data cartridge when it is inserted into the system Providing system status and information through LEDs Enabling data cartridge ejection Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User's Guide 32 Modular Design · Delivering the overall cosmetic look of the system. The FPM is a single module with lenses for the system's LEDs and a button to activate the drive eject switch. The SDLT 600A tape drive front panel contains no electronics. Electronic Interface Module 1 The Electronic Interface Module (EIM) is the electronic heart of the tape drive. It provides the main control function for the system and the interface from the system to the host computer, library, or autoloader. The EIM provides the Advanced PRML feature of Quantum's SDLT technology. See Advanced Partial Response Maximum Likelihood on page 29 for a brief description of PRML. [. . . ] This command is used for site-specific commands. A memory chip that requires power to hold its content. The reel inside every tape drive onto which DLTtape or Super DLTtape media is wound. The in-the-tape drive take-up reel enables DLTtape and Super DLTtape systems to operate using a single-reel cartridge and thereby pack more media and data into every cartridge. 87 T Take-up Reel Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User's Guide Glossary Tape Tape cartridge. [. . . ]