Tandberg Data VXA-320 (VXA-3) manual Communication Interface Command Protocol

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COMMUNICATION INTERFACE VERSUS COMMAND PROTOCOL

6

COMMUNICATION INTERFACE

AND COMMAND PROTOCOL

This chapter provides an overview of the communication interface and command protocol used by the VXA-320 (VXA-3) tape drive. It includes the following topics:

Communication interface versus command protocol

SCSI communication interface

SCSI interface requirements

SCSI command protocol

COMMUNICATION INTERFACE VERSUS COMMAND PROTOCOL

When a device is connected to a host computer, their interaction is accomplished via a communication interface (for example, a parallel SCSI bus). The communication interface is comprised of the physical interface (for example, cables, connectors, and control circuitry) and the signaling protocol used during communication.

The physical interface determines the number of devices that can be attached to a bus or network loop, the maximum length of the cables, and the physical characteristics of the cable itself (for example, the number of wires, shielding, and so forth). The signaling protocol defines the electrical characteristics and timing of signals carried by the cable, the message system requirements, transmission speeds and maximum data transfer rates, as well as the encoding and decoding of the individual bit patterns representing commands passing between the individual devices.

OCTOBER 2006

VXA-320 TAPE DRIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Contents VXA-320 VXA-3 Tape Drive Product Manual433689-01 III To obtain technical support To order supplies and accessoriesTo return equipment for service RMA Request To obtain general informationSpecifications, standards, and terms HOW to USE this ManualFirst-time installation Operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and serviceConventions Used in this Manual VXA-320 PublicationsStandards Publications Related PublicationsContents Service and Maintenance Glossary Index 433689-01 Figures Xii 1Service Notification error recovery procedures 21Shipping carton weights and dimensions1LED states Xiv Features Tape Drive Models and InterfacesData storage Front Panel Components ComponentsScsi ID Jumper Block Scsi model only Used to set the Scsi ID Back Panel Components Internal Tape Drive5External tape drive back-panel components Back Panel Components External Tape Drive6Top-panel label Scsi tape drive Tape Drive Labels433689-01 Installation Installing the Tape DriveUnpacking the Tape Drive Before You Begin Installing the Internal Scsi Tape DriveTape drive Set the Scsi ID and connect the Scsi cable2SCSI ID settings Pin 433689-01 Side mounting 5Screw mounting configurations internal model6External Scsi tape drive back-panel components Installing the External Scsi Tape DriveInstall the Tape Drive 7Terminating the Scsi bus external model Checking the Installation Application instructs you to do so Integrating the Tape Drive1Internal tape drive front-panel components OperationMonitoring the Leds Service NotificationTape pathf Format recoverye OffBoot Block Modeg Broken tape Flashing Off GreenUnloading a Cartridge Using Vxatape CartridgesSetting the WRITE-PROTECT Switch Loading a CartridgeCleaning the Tape Drive Determining When to Clean the Tape DriveStoring the Cartridges LED 2 flashes green and amber Resetting the Tape DriveUsing a Cleaning Cartridge Other cleaning methods may void the tape drive’s warrantyTroubleshooting Resolving ProblemsTape Drive will not Accept a Cartridge LED 4 is Flashing Orange Tape Drive will not Eject a Cartridge Suggested Recovery Procedure Service Notification LED Code AppearsFailure to communicate with the tape drive Backup Application is Reporting AN ErrorFailure by the tape drive to write or read data Backup Application configuration issuesPerforming a WRITE/READ Test Troubleshooting with VxatoolUpdating Firmware Capturing a Diagnostic LOG Getting Started Important First StepGathering Troubleshooting Information for Technical Support VXA-320 Tape Drive InformationScsi BUS Information Backup Application Information Tape Drive Diagnostic InformationOperating System Information 433689-01 Service and Maintenance Returning the Tape Drive for ServiceSite atvprovides more information Upgrading Firmware Obtaining a Diagnostic ListingCommunication Interface Versus Command Protocol Communication Interface Command ProtocolScsi Communication Interface Scsi BUS PhasesMessage Hex Description Scsi Message SystemScsi Interface Requirements Internal Tape Drive Specification RequirementTerminator power Scsi Cable Requirements+MSG Scsi Connector Requirements+ATN +ACKMaximum length a Meters 39 feet b Connector typeScsi Terminator Requirements External Tape DriveCommand SET Scsi Command ProtocolReceive Sense key Hex Description Status BytesStatus byte Hex Description Sense KeysAborted Drive during Command or Data Out phaseData cartridge. The write operation is not performed Blank tape during a read, space, or locate operation433689-01 Data Capacities SpecificationsPerformance Specifications Read and Write SpecificationsData Transfer Rates Tape Speed and Access Time Reliability SpecificationsSpecification Internal Tape Drive External Tape Drive Size and WeightPower Specifications Power Connector Pin AssignmentsPin Assignment DC Voltages Power ConsumptionPower +5 Volts +12 Volts Power Consumption Power averageAcoustic Noise Power SupplyEnvironmental Specifications Internal Tape Drive Operating Temperature and HumidityEnvironmental Conditions for the Tape Drive Point Temperatures Humidity External Tape Drive Operating Temperature and Humidity Particle Size Number of Particles Shock SpecificationsAir Flow/Cooling Requirements Particulate Contamination LimitsSwept sine applied during non-operationcand operatingd Vibration SpecificationsSpecification Vibration applied during shipping in original packagingMultipack 10 Internal Tape Drives Packaging and Shipping SpecificationsCarton Weight Dimensions Single Pack Shipping CartonsUnderwriters Laboratory Safety and Regulatory ComplianceTUV Product Service Packaging MaterialsCanadian Verification United States FCC Declaration of ConformityTaiwan European CommunityJapan Australia and NEW ZealandGlossary 433689-01 Glossary 433689-01 Glossary 433689-01 FCC Index52 to 56 to Scsi ID 56 to Index Product Manual

VXA-320 (VXA-3) specifications

Tandberg Data VXA-320 (VXA-3) is a sophisticated backup solution designed for businesses seeking reliable data storage and backup capabilities. It is part of the renowned VXA series, heralded for its innovative approach to data archiving and its robust performance in diverse operating environments.

One of the standout features of the VXA-320 is its impressive data transfer rate, which reaches up to 36 GB per hour. This capability significantly enhances backup speed, making it a suitable choice for organizations with extensive data storage needs. The device supports a native capacity of 160 GB per cartridge, which can be expanded to 320 GB when data is compressed. This dual-layer cartridge system ensures that users can efficiently manage large volumes of data without constantly needing to interchange tapes.

The VXA-320 employs the unique VXA tape format, characterized by its advanced error correction and data integrity features. This format minimizes data loss risks and ensures reliable restoration of information. Additionally, the VXA-3 incorporates a one-inch data path, allowing it to handle higher track counts and thereby achieve better storage density. This design improves the efficiency of data retrieval and archiving processes.

Another significant aspect of the VXA-320 is its compatibility with a myriad of operating systems and backup applications, making it a versatile addition to various IT infrastructures. Businesses can integrate the VXA-3 into existing systems without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This flexibility enhances its appeal to organizations looking for a straightforward backup solution.

The device also includes an intelligent tape management system that tracks the status of backup jobs and the usage of tapes. This feature facilitates easier management of the backup process and ensures users remain informed about the condition of their storage media.

Tandberg Data offers extensive support documentation and tools that facilitate straightforward operation of the VXA-320. Combined with reliable performance and innovative storage technologies, the VXA-320 (VXA-3) stands out as a robust solution for data protection needs. Overall, it represents an effective investment for businesses seeking dependable data backup and archiving solutions.