Introduction Chapter 1
Overview
The S-AIT Tape Drive Unit is a tape streamer that makes use of “S-AIT” (Super Advanced Intelligent Tape) technology. The S-AIT drive stores large amounts of image data on a single half-inch tape cartridge, making it the industry's highest capacity tape drive.
S-AIT Technology
Helical Scan Recording TechnologyHelical scan technology, based on a very stable rotating drum/head platform, permits accurate and reliable data recording at very high track densities. This efficient packing density provides the industry’s leading, space-efficient solution.
Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME) TapeS-AIT media is based on AME technology. This technology represents the culmination of over 50 years of Sony innovation and experience in magnetic tape technology. The AME tape formulation, with diamond-like carbon coating, offers an extraordinary durability and reliability, up to 30,000 media passes, and an estimated media archival life of up to 30 years.
Remote Memory in Cassette (R-MIC)The non-volatile R-MIC chip built into the data cartridge provides quick media loads and allows fast searches of data. The R-MIC chip contains the tape’s system log, search map and user-definable information, allowing the drive to advance at high speed directly to any file on the tape.
ReliabilityThe reliability of the S-AIT drive is in part the due to its innovative features, such as its automatic head cleaning system and effective “leader block” tape threading system with simplified tape load path. The drive cooling system is also isolated from the sealed tape mechanism, thereby preventing airborne contaminants from entering the tape path and affecting sensitive components.
