SCSI Attachment

To communicate with a server, the IBM TotalStorage LTO Ultrium 2 Tape Drive uses the Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface.

Physical Characteristics of the SCSI Interface

The Ultrium 2 Tape Drive contains a high-density, 68-pin, D-shell receptacle connector (HD68) for attachment to the server. The HD68 connector includes the connectors for the SCSI signal, the SCSI ID, and the drive’s power. The drive supports LVD SCSI cables with HD68 connectors.

For a list of available cables, see Appendix A, “Tools and Supplies” on page 95.

Speed

The Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface is backward compatible with older SCSI technology and is capable of data transmission at 160 MB/s. Ultra160 SCSI uses the three management features of the Ultra3 SCSI standard that specifically affect data transfer rate:

vDouble transition clocking - a data-transfer technique that enables data rates to double without increasing clock speed

vDomain validation - a procedure that detects and adjusts SCSI configuration issues that might prevent interoperation between SCSI devices

vCyclic redundancy check (CRC) - an error-checking technique

Because the cables, connectors, and terminators are the same for the Ultra160 and Ultra2 SCSI interfaces, devices with those interfaces can be mixed on the same bus and each device can operate at its fully rated speed.

4IBM TotalStorage LTO Ultrium 2 Tape Drive