Seagate STT8000A manual Introduction, Drive overview

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IntroductionChapter 1

Introduction	1
Introduction

Drive overview

The Seagate STT8000A ATAPI minicartridge drive extends the Seagate family of one-inch high, DC2000 drives that feature high performance, high reliability, and quiet operation. The drive transfers data at up to 36 megabytes per minute (Mbytes/min) without compression. With optimal system resources and compressible data structures, nominal transfer rates of up to 60 Mbytes/min can be observed using software data compression (assumes 2:1 compression ratio).

Data compression is available within the Seagate Backup software package for DOS and Windows and typically provides for up to a 2:1 compression ratio. The compression ratio is dependent on the specific system and the nature of the files being compressed.

This drive optimizes throughput through the Seagate feature FastSenseTM. This feature enables the drive to automatically sense the fastest supportable data transfer rate of the host system and choose a transfer speed of either 600, 450, or 300 kilobytes/second (Kbyte/sec). This process maximizes system throughput by eliminating tape repositioning, which is typically required when the tape drive operates faster than the host computer.

This drive is available as an internal device in either a 3.5-inch or half-high 5.25-inch configuration. The drive form factors are tailored for easy installation in today's computers.

The drive supports the QIC-3095 format standard and will provide 4 gigabytes uncompressed storage capacity, 8 gigabytes compressed, with a Travan TR-4 cartridge.

The drive will also write and read tapes conforming to the QIC-3080 standard, providing 1.6 and 2.0 gigabytes respectively on 400 foot minicartridges or 400 foot QIC-Wide cartridges.

A precision burst intelligent positioning system is used to achieve high track densities.

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 configurationsFlash Eeprom SoftwareReferences Chapter Title Description About this manualSpecifications Physical specificationsOverview STT8000A 3.5-Inch mount general dimensions Specification Measurement Power specificationsFeature Specification Performance specificationsEnvironmental requirements Specification Operational Non-operationalReliability Mean-Time-Between FailuresMean-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 Care and maintenance of the drive and cartridges Caring for tape cartridgesCaring for the drive Capstan Tape Head Troubleshooting Chapter ATA-2 Signals Atapi interfaceATA-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 format Tape partitioningTrack positions Track numbering Track formatFrames General track layout Blocks Tape reference servo patternRandomization Write equalizationChapter Tape format Theory of operations Block diagramMechanics Capstan drive motor assemblyCartridge load mechanism ChassisSensors and switches Control circuitsHead 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