Seagate Explore High-Performance Data Storage with STT8000A Tapes

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Introduction

Chapter 1

Instead, the write-read heads are logically or mechanically switched to a different position on the tape and another track is written or read in the reverse direction. That is, the drive first records track 1 in one direction and when the end of the tape is reached, the head is moved and the direction of tape motion is reversed to record track 2. This serpentine process continues until the entire tape is recorded. The individual tracks are sequential to minimize the amount of head motion as the heads change position for each track.

Flash EEPROM

The STT8000A incorporates leading-edge technology in the flash EEPROM, which is useful should the drive's firmware need to be upgraded at some point. With the permanently installed, electrically upgradeable, flash EEPROM memory, revised firmware for the drive can be loaded via any one of two methods:

∙Seagate OEM firmware cartridge (See chapter 4)

∙Host IDE bus

This feature enables qualified OEMs needing to revise the drive firmware to do so rapidly and at a reduced cost. Flash EEPROM should also prolong the life cycle of a drive because many new techniques—such as increasing the capacity of the drive through support for longer tapes—may require only a firmware upgrade.

Software

The STT8000A is a cost-effective means of backing up fixed disks. The drive is compatible with DOSTM version 5.0 or later, Microsoft WindowsTM 3.1 or later, Microsoft Windows 95, or Windows NT and will operate with many of the popular backup software applications such as Seagate 's Backup for DOS and Windows, Windows 95, NetWare, or Windows NT.

References

The following standards documents describe some of the technology incorporated in the drives referenced in this manual.

∙QIC-170—Preformatted magnetic minicartridge

∙QIC-157—ATAPI command set for streaming tape

∙QIC-3095-MC—Serial recorded magnetic tape minicartridge

∙QIC-3080-MC—Serial recorded magnetic tape minicartridge

For more information about a particular QIC standard, contact Quarter-Inch Cartridge Standards, Inc., c/o Freeman Associates, 311 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101.

STT8000A Product Manual

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Contents STT8000A Atapi Minicartridge Drive Product Manual Page FCC Notice Important Information About This Manual Table of Contents Atapi interface Tape format Glossary Acronyms and measurements Drive overview IntroductionSTT8000A internal drive without mounting brackets Features Minicartridge technology overview Typical system configurationsSoftware Flash EepromReferences Chapter Title Description About this manualPhysical specifications SpecificationsOverview STT8000A 3.5-Inch mount general dimensions Specification Measurement Power specificationsFeature Specification Performance specificationsEnvironmental requirements Specification Operational Non-operationalMean-Time-Between Failures ReliabilityMean-Time-To-Repair Tape capacities and formats Recommended tapesTUV & IEC-RHEINLAND Regulatory complianceIntroduction InstallationBefore you begin Handling guidelinesJumper block and jumper settings Setting jumpersAligning the drive in the computer Installing the driveMounting dimensions Mounting holes on internal drive without mounting brackets Pin Assignment Description Source ATA-2 Interface pin assignmentsREQ Chapter Installation Front panel LED Drive operation and maintenanceLoading and unloading cartridges Using Travan cartridgesTravan cartridge write-protect switch-locked position Setting the write-protect switchLoading revised firmware via Seagate firmware cartridge Caring for tape cartridges Care and maintenance of the drive and cartridgesCaring for the drive Capstan Tape Head Troubleshooting Chapter Atapi interface ATA-2 SignalsATA-2 Interface Abrt ATA registersBits Mnemonic Description Previous Cmd Int Reason Supported ATA CommandsFeature Number Set Feature Commands Atapi Identify Device A1h Atapi Packet Command A0h DSC Atapi interfaceErase command Bit Byte Inquiry commandLoad/Unload command Locate command Log Select command Log Sense command Following table presents the Error Counter Page layout Error Counter Page ReadFollowing table presents the Tape Capacity Page layout Tape Capacity Page CodeMode Select command Code Description Mode Sense commandMode Block Descriptor Mode Parameter HeaderMode Capabilities and Mechanical Status Mode Medium PartitionMode Tape Parameters Read command Following table describes the Read Position layout Read Position commandChapter Atapi Interface Request Sense command Following table describes the Request Sense layout Rewind command Space command Test Unit Ready command Write command Write Filemark command Write Buffer download microcode command Tape partitioning Tape formatTrack positions Track format Track numberingFrames General track layout Blocks Tape reference servo patternRandomization Write equalizationChapter Tape format Theory of operations Block diagramMechanics Capstan drive motor assemblyCartridge load mechanism ChassisControl circuits Sensors and switchesHead design Travan minicartridge Media-Travan minicartridgesGlossary Appendix a Glossary Glossary Appendix a Glossary Acronyms and abbreviations Acronyms and measurementsLSI Measure Meaning Units of measurementAppendix B Acronyms and Measurements