CHAPTER 6 COMMUNICATION INTERFACE AND COMMAND PROTOCOL

STATUS BYTES

After the tape drive executes a command, it issues a status byte to the initiator that indicates whether it performed the command successfully. Table 6-7describes the four status bytes supported by the tape drive.

Table 6-7Status byte descriptions

Status byte

Hex

Description

value

 

 

 

Good

00h

Indicates that the tape drive successfully completed the operation.

 

 

 

Check Condition

02h

Indicates that an error, exception, or abnormal condition has caused sense

 

 

information to be set. The initiator can issue a REQUEST SENSE command

 

 

to access this information.

 

 

 

Busy

08h

Indicates that the tape drive is busy. This status is sent whenever the tape

 

 

drive is unable to accept a command from an initiator.

 

 

 

Reservation Conflict

18h

Indicates that the tape drive is reserved for the exclusive use of another

 

 

initiator.

 

 

 

SENSE KEYS

When the tape drive returns Check Condition status to the initiator, the initiator can issue a REQUEST SENSE (03h) command to receive information about the error, exception, or abnormal condition. This information includes a sense key, which describes the general error or change of state. Table 6-8describes the sense keys supported by the tape drive. Refer to the VXA-320 (VXA-3) Tape Drive SCSI Reference for a detailed explanation of the information returned by the REQUEST SENSE (03h) command.

Table 6-8Supported sense keys

Sense key

Hex

Description

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Sense

0h

Indicates that there is no specific sense key information to be reported.

 

 

 

Recovered

1h

Indicates that the last command completed successfully with some recovery

Error

 

action performed by the tape drive. Details may be available by examining the

 

 

additional sense bytes and the information field.

 

 

 

Not Ready

2h

Indicates that the tape drive does not contain a data cartridge or that the data

 

 

cartridge is not loaded. Operator intervention may be required to correct this

 

 

condition.

 

 

 

Medium

3h

Indicates that the command terminated with a non-recoverable error condition

Error

 

that may have been caused by a flaw in the tape or an error in the recorded data.

 

 

The tape drive may also return this sense key if it is unable to distinguish between

 

 

a flaw in the tape and a specific hardware failure (sense key 4h).

 

 

 

Hardware

4h

Indicates that the tape drive detected a non-recoverable hardware failure (for

Error

 

example a device failure or parity error) while performing the command or during

 

 

a self-test.

 

 

 

46

 

PRODUCT MANUAL

433689-01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tandberg Data VXA-320 (VXA-3) manual Status Bytes, Status byte Hex Description, Sense Keys, Sense key Hex Description
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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.
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