Seagate Computer Hardware STT8000A User Guide

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STT8000A  
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ATAPI Minicartridge Drive  
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Product Manual  
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FCC Notice  
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used properly—that is, in strict  
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions—may cause interference to radio communications or radio and  
television reception. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in  
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur  
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment on and off, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or  
more of the following measures:  
Reorient the receiving antenna.  
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.  
Move the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch  
circuits.  
If necessary, you should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.  
You may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to Identify  
and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems  
This booklet (Stock No. 004-000-00345-4) is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC  
20402.  
Caution. Changes or modifications made to this equipment which have not been expressly approved  
by Seagate Technology may cause radio and television interference problems that could void  
the user's authority to operate the equipment.  
Further, this equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital apparatus in accordance with Canadian Radio  
Interference Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme au Règlement sur brouillage radioélectrique, C. R. C., ch.  
1374.  
Additional warnings:  
To prevent fire or electrical shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.  
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.  
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Important Information About This Manual  
All information contained in or disclosed by this document is considered proprietary by Seagate Technology. By  
accepting this material, the recipient agrees that this material and the information contained therein are held in  
confidence and in trust and will not be used, reproduced in whole or in part, nor its contents revealed to others,  
except to meet the purpose for which it was delivered. It is understood that no right is conveyed to reproduce or  
translate any item herein disclosed without express written permission from Seagate Technology.  
Seagate Technology provides this manual "as is," without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,  
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Seagate  
Technology reserves the right to change, without notification, the specifications contained in this manual.  
Seagate Technology assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or usefulness of this  
manual, nor for any problem that might arise from the use of the information in this manual.  
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Table of Contents  
Table of Contents  
Introduction  
1
Drive overview ........................................................................................................ 1  
Features................................................................................................................. 3  
Typical system configurations ................................................................................. 4  
Minicartridge technology overview........................................................................... 4  
Flash EEPROM ...................................................................................................... 5  
Software................................................................................................................. 5  
References............................................................................................................. 5  
About this manual................................................................................................... 6  
Specifications  
7
Overview ................................................................................................................ 7  
Physical specifications............................................................................................ 7  
Power specifications ............................................................................................... 9  
Performance specifications ................................................................................... 10  
Environmental requirements ................................................................................. 11  
Reliability .............................................................................................................. 12  
Mean-Time-Between Failures......................................................................... 12  
Mean-Time-To-Repair .................................................................................... 12  
Recommended tapes............................................................................................ 13  
Tape capacities and formats................................................................................. 13  
Regulatory compliance.......................................................................................... 14  
Installation  
15  
Introduction........................................................................................................... 15  
Before you begin................................................................................................... 15  
Handling guidelines......................................................................................... 15  
Setting jumpers..................................................................................................... 16  
Installing the drive................................................................................................. 17  
Mounting dimensions ............................................................................................ 18  
ATA-2 Interface pin assignments .......................................................................... 20  
Drive operation and maintenance  
23  
Introduction........................................................................................................... 23  
Front panel LED.................................................................................................... 23  
Using Travan cartridges........................................................................................ 24  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Table of Contents  
Loading and unloading cartridges ................................................................... 24  
Setting the write–protect switch ...................................................................... 25  
Loading revised firmware via Seagate firmware cartridge...................................... 26  
Care and maintenance of the drive and cartridges................................................. 27  
Caring for tape cartridges ............................................................................... 27  
Caring for the drive......................................................................................... 27  
Cleaning the drive read/write head............................................................ 28  
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................... 29  
ATAPI interface  
31  
Introduction........................................................................................................... 31  
ATA-2 Interface .................................................................................................... 31  
ATA-2 Signals ................................................................................................ 31  
DASP-...................................................................................................... 31  
PDIAG- .................................................................................................... 31  
ATA registers ................................................................................................. 32  
Status Register......................................................................................... 32  
Error Register........................................................................................... 33  
Feature Register ...................................................................................... 33  
Supported ATA Commands............................................................................ 34  
Execute Drive Diags (90h)........................................................................ 34  
Idle Immediate (E1h)................................................................................ 34  
Standby Immediate (E0h)......................................................................... 34  
Check Power Mode (E5h)......................................................................... 34  
Sleep (E6h).............................................................................................. 34  
Set Features (EFh)................................................................................... 35  
ATAPI Identify Device (A1h)..................................................................... 36  
ATAPI Packet Command (A0h)................................................................ 37  
ATAPI Soft Reset (08h)............................................................................ 37  
ATAPI interface .................................................................................................... 38  
Erase command.................................................................................................... 39  
Inquiry command .................................................................................................. 40  
Load/Unload command......................................................................................... 41  
Locate command .................................................................................................. 42  
Log Select command ............................................................................................ 43  
Log Sense command............................................................................................ 44  
Error Counter Page (Read)............................................................................. 45  
Tape Capacity Page Code.............................................................................. 46  
Mode Select command ......................................................................................... 47  
Mode Sense command ......................................................................................... 48  
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Table of Contents  
Mode Parameter Header ................................................................................ 49  
Mode Block Descriptor.................................................................................... 49  
Mode Medium Partition Page.......................................................................... 50  
Mode Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page.............................................. 50  
Mode Tape Parameters Page......................................................................... 51  
Read command .................................................................................................... 52  
Read Position command....................................................................................... 53  
Request Sense command..................................................................................... 55  
Rewind command................................................................................................. 57  
Space command................................................................................................... 58  
Test Unit Ready command.................................................................................... 59  
Write command .................................................................................................... 60  
Write Filemark command...................................................................................... 61  
Write Buffer (download microcode) command....................................................... 62  
Tape format  
63  
Introduction........................................................................................................... 63  
Tape partitioning................................................................................................... 63  
Track positions ..................................................................................................... 63  
Track numbering................................................................................................... 64  
Track format ......................................................................................................... 64  
Frames........................................................................................................... 64  
Blocks ............................................................................................................ 66  
Tape reference servo pattern................................................................................ 66  
Write equalization ................................................................................................. 67  
Randomization...................................................................................................... 67  
Theory of operations  
69  
Overview .............................................................................................................. 69  
Block diagram....................................................................................................... 69  
Mechanics ............................................................................................................ 70  
Cartridge load mechanism.............................................................................. 70  
Capstan drive motor assembly........................................................................ 70  
Chassis .......................................................................................................... 70  
Control circuits...................................................................................................... 71  
Head design ......................................................................................................... 71  
Flash EEPROM .................................................................................................... 71  
Sensors and switches........................................................................................... 71  
Media—Travan minicartridges............................................................................... 72  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Table of Contents  
Glossary  
73  
77  
Acronyms and measurements  
Acronyms and abbreviations................................................................................. 77  
Units of measurement........................................................................................... 79  
Page viii  
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Introduction  
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
1
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  
Page 1  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
The STT8000A conforms to the QIC-3095 development standard adopted by  
Quarter-Inch Cartridge Drive Standards Inc. (QIC). The drive records in a serpentine  
fashion utilizing a 1,7 RLL (Run Length Limited) data encoding method, and  
provides for 72 data tracks and one (1) directory track on Travan TR-4 media.  
The drive offers electronically erasable, programmable, read-only memory (flash  
EEPROM), which enables qualified Seagate OEMs to download revised firmware to  
the drive.  
With the availability of greater capacity disk drives and the growth of small networks,  
the need for cost-effective, high-capacity storage has grown. The STT8000A is ideal  
for high-end standalone computers, workstations, and small networks.  
Built using long-wearing materials and custom Large Scale Integration (LSI)  
components, the ATAPI drive was engineered for heavy-duty computer applications.  
Providing carefully controlled tape handling and rapid, smooth operation, the design  
promotes long life for key components such as the motors, drive heads, and the  
media itself. One major benefit of this new, computer grade engineering is low  
power consumption.  
Figure 1-1 illustrates the STT8000A ATAPI minicartridge internal drive. Figure 1-2  
illustrates the internal drive equipped with mounting brackets.  
Figure 1-1  
STT8000A internal drive without mounting brackets  
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Introduction  
Chapter 1  
Figure 1-2  
Internal STT8000A with mounting brackets  
Features  
The STT8000A embodies Seagate's commitment to engineer reliable and durable  
tape drive products. Key features of the drive are as follows:  
Two Internal form factors for installation in 5.25-inch half-high or 3.5-inch by  
one-inch drive bays  
Capability to write and read Travan TR-4 (QIC-3095) media, as well as  
minicartridge or QIC-Wide media conforming to the QIC-3080 standard  
QIC-3095-MC tape format compliance for compatibility and information exchange  
Typical uncompressed capacities of 4 Gbytes on 740-foot TR-4 media; 2  
Gbytes on 400-foot QIC-Wide media; and 1.6 Gbytes on 400-foot quarter-inch  
minicartridge media  
Typical compressed capacities of 8 Gbytes on 740 foot TR-4 media; 4 Gbytes on  
400-foot QIC-Wide media; 3.2 Gbytes on 400-foot quarter-inch minicartridge media  
Transfer rate optimized with FastSense—automatic selection of fastest  
supportable data transfer rate (600, 450, or 300 Kbytes/sec)  
ATAPI interface that supports DMA and PIO modes 0, 1, or 2 with 512 Kbytes on-  
drive data buffer to facilitate the most efficient use of the host computer and tape  
drive.  
Uncorrectable error rate of less than 1 in 1015 bits  
Flash EEPROM to enable electrically upgradeable drive firmware  
Custom Seagate -designed LSI circuitry to reduce component count and boost  
drive reliability  
Low power consumption—less than 15.0 Watts (typical) for internal drives  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Typical system configurations  
The Enhanced IDE standard supports up to four ATAPI peripherals: two devices on  
the primary port and two devices on the secondary port. Of the two devices, one  
must be slave to the other, which is the master. Figure 1-3 shows sample  
configurations for two ATAPI systems.  
Figure 1-3  
Sample ATAPI configurations  
Hard  
Primary  
disc  
IDE bus  
Secondary  
IDE bus  
Computer  
system  
Enhanced  
IDE  
controller  
CD-ROM  
(master)  
STT20000A  
(slave)  
Hard  
disc  
Primary  
Enhanced  
IDE  
controller  
Computer  
system  
IDE bus  
Acculogic  
IDE  
controller  
Secondary  
IDE bus  
STT20000A  
Minicartridge technology overview  
Having evolved from the original mass-storage medium—reel-to-reel, 1/2-inch tape  
storage—the minicartridge technology of today offers fast, efficient, high-capacity  
storage in a compact, easy-removable hard-shell package. In little more than a  
decade, storage capacities have increased from some 60 Mbytes on 9 tracks (QIC-  
24, 1982) to the to the 8-Gbyte capacity achievable with the STT8000 minicartridge  
drive on a single Travan TR-4 cartridge.  
The streaming-tape intelligence in the STT8000A provides a continuous tape motion  
with an uninterrupted, precisely coordinated flow of data to and from the  
minicartridge. This "streaming" motion combined with the "serpentine" recording  
method is one element that contributes to the increased storage capacities,  
efficiency, and speed of today's minicartridge technology.  
Use of the "serpentine" recording method exploits the bi-directional capabilities of  
the cartridge. With this method, the tape is not rewound at the end of a track.  
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Introduction  
Chapter 1  
Instead, the write-read heads are logically or mechanically switched to a different  
position on the tape and another track is written or read in the reverse direction.  
That is, the drive first records track 1 in one direction and when the end of the tape  
is reached, the head is moved and the direction of tape motion is reversed to record  
track 2. This serpentine process continues until the entire tape is recorded. The  
individual tracks are sequential to minimize the amount of head motion as the heads  
change position for each track.  
Flash EEPROM  
The STT8000A incorporates leading-edge technology in the flash EEPROM, which  
is useful should the drive's firmware need to be upgraded at some point. With the  
permanently installed, electrically upgradeable, flash EEPROM memory, revised  
firmware for the drive can be loaded via any one of two methods:  
Seagate OEM firmware cartridge (See chapter 4)  
Host IDE bus  
This feature enables qualified OEMs needing to revise the drive firmware to do so  
rapidly and at a reduced cost. Flash EEPROM should also prolong the life cycle of a  
drive because many new techniques—such as increasing the capacity of the drive  
through support for longer tapes—may require only a firmware upgrade.  
Software  
The STT8000A is a cost-effective means of backing up fixed disks. The drive is  
compatible with DOSTM version 5.0 or later, Microsoft WindowsTM 3.1 or later,  
Microsoft Windows 95, or Windows NT and will operate with many of the popular  
backup software applications such as Seagate 's Backup for DOS and Windows,  
Windows 95, NetWare, or Windows NT.  
References  
The following standards documents describe some of the technology incorporated in  
the drives referenced in this manual.  
QIC-170—Preformatted magnetic minicartridge  
QIC-157—ATAPI command set for streaming tape  
QIC-3095-MC—Serial recorded magnetic tape minicartridge  
QIC-3080-MC—Serial recorded magnetic tape minicartridge  
For more information about a particular QIC standard, contact Quarter-Inch  
Cartridge Standards, Inc., c/o Freeman Associates, 311 East Carrillo Street, Santa  
Barbara, California 93101.  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
About this manual  
The remaining chapters and the appendices in this manual are briefly described in  
the following table. A glossary of terms is also included.  
Chapter  
2
Title  
Description  
Specifications  
Contains physical, performance, environmental,  
reliability, power, and minicartridge specification  
tables.  
3
4
Installation  
Provides cautions, unpacking tips, inspection  
information, installation/connection instructions,  
mounting dimensions, and connector pinouts.  
Drive operation and  
maintenance  
Explains the operation of the drive, and provides  
maintenance and troubleshooting instructions  
5
6
ATAPI Interface  
Tape format  
Lists general information about the interface.  
Provides an overview of the QIC-3095 tape  
format.  
7
Theory of operation  
Details the functional operation of various  
assemblies of the ATAPI drive.  
Appendix A Glossary  
Defines key terms.  
Appendix B Acronyms and  
Lists the acronyms and measurements used in the  
manual.  
measurements  
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Specifications  
Chapter 2  
Specifications  
2
Overview  
The STT8000A provides exceptional reliability in storing large amounts of computer  
data. This chapter includes the following specifications and requirements:  
Physical specifications  
Power requirements  
Drive performance specifications  
Environmental requirements  
Reliability  
Recommended tapes  
Tape capacities and formats  
Regulatory compliance  
Physical specifications  
The physical specifications of the STT8000A are listed in the following table.  
Drive for 3.5-Inch  
Mount  
Drive for 5.25-  
Inch Mount  
Specification  
Height  
Width  
1.0 in/ 25 mm  
4.0 in/102 mm  
6.2 in/157.5 mm  
1.0 lbs/0.5 kg  
1.7 in/ 43 mm  
5.87 in/149.1 mm  
6.36 in/161.5 mm  
1.5 lbs/0.7 kg  
Length  
Weight  
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the general dimensions of the STT8000A in 3.5-inch  
configuration (without mounting brackets) and in the 5.25-inch configuration (with  
mounting brackets).  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Specifications  
Figure 2-1  
STT8000A (3.5-Inch mount) general dimensions  
4.00 in (101.6 mm)  
6.19 in (157.2 mm)  
0.157 in  
(4 mm)  
4.00 in (101.6 mm)  
1.00 in  
(25.4 mm)  
Figure 2-2  
STT8000A (5.25-Inch mount) general dimensions  
0.86" (21.8mm)  
5.49" (139.4mm)  
5.76" (146.4mm)  
0.20" (5.0mm)  
5.87"  
(149.0mm)  
1.685"  
(42.8mm)  
DRIVE ACTIVE  
(GREEN)  
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Specifications  
Chapter 2  
Power specifications  
The following table lists the power specifications for the STT8000A. (Power  
specifications are measured at the tape drive power connector and are nominal  
values.)  
Specification  
Measurement  
DC Voltage  
+12 VDC  
± 10%  
+5 VDC  
± 5%  
Voltage Tolerance  
Operational Current  
Standby Current  
Peak  
2.0 amps  
0.2 amp  
2.2 amps max.  
None  
1.0 amp  
0.6 amp  
Power Sequence  
Ripple (peak to peak)  
None  
100 mV  
100 mV  
Power use  
(nominal)  
< 15 Watts  
(excluding surge)  
< 15 Watts  
(excluding surge)  
The following table lists pin assignments for the power connector for the drive.  
Pin  
Assignment  
1
2
3
4
+12 VDC  
+12 return  
+5 return  
+5 VDC  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Specifications  
Performance specifications  
The following table lists the performance specifications for the STT8000A.  
Feature  
Specification  
Capacity  
4.0 gigabytes—900Oe 740' Travan cartridge (uncompressed)  
8.0 gigabytes—900Oe 740’ Travan cartridge (compressed)  
Effective backup rate  
Data transfer rate  
30 Mbytes/min typical native; 45 Mbytes/min typ. compressed  
300 / 450 / 600 Kbytes per second FastSense  
Tape speed  
Read/Write  
33, 51, 77 ips  
Search/Rewind  
90 ips maximum  
Recording method  
Recording format  
Recording code  
Error recovery  
Serpentine  
QIC-3095-MC  
1,7 RLL  
Reed Solomon ECC  
Less than 1 in 1015 data bits  
Recording unrecoverable  
errors  
Head configuration  
Recording media  
Cartridge size  
Data density  
Wide write/narrow read  
900-Oe 740' Travan TR-5  
3.2 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.4 in. (81 mm x 61 mm)  
67,733 bits per inch  
Tracks  
72 data tracks, one (1) directory track  
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Specifications  
Chapter 2  
Environmental requirements  
The following table lists the environmental specifications for the STT8000A. The  
drive may be mounted either vertically or horizontally.  
Specification  
Temperature  
Operational  
Non-operational  
+41° to +113° F1  
(+ 5° to + 45° C)  
–40° to +149oF2  
(–40° to + 65oC)  
Thermal gradient  
Relative humidity  
1° C per minute  
(no condensation)  
20° C per hour  
20% to 80%  
non-condensing1  
5% to 95%  
non-condensing2  
Maximum wet bulb temperature 78.8° F (26° C)  
No condensation  
Altitude  
–1000 to +15,000 feet  
–1000 to +50,000 feet  
Vibration  
Peak to Peak  
Displacement  
0.005 in. max.  
(5 to 44.3 Hz)  
0.1 in. max.  
(5 to 17 Hz)  
Peak Acceleration  
0.50 g max.  
1.5 g max.  
(44.3 to 500 Hz)  
(17 to 500 Hz)  
Acoustic level operational  
(A-wt sum)  
55 dBA maximum  
(measured in suitable  
enclosure at 3-ft distance  
and operator height)  
Shock (1/2 sine wave)  
2.5 g’s peak, 11 msec  
100 g's peak, 11 msec  
1Specification applies to drive mechanism and media  
2Specification applies to drive mechanism only  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Specifications  
Reliability  
The STT8000A is designed for maximum reliability and data integrity. The following  
table summarizes the reliability specifications.  
Feature  
Specification  
Non-recoverable error rate  
Error recovery and control  
< 1 in 1015 bits  
Reed-Solomon Error Correction Code techniques  
Error monitoring and reporting (Error Log)  
Media pre-written  
Retry on read  
Data randomization  
Mean-Time-Between-Failures  
(MTBF)  
More than 200,000 hours  
Mean-Time-To-Repair (MTTR)  
Less than 0.33 hour  
Mean-Time-Between Failures  
The Mean-Time-Between Failures (MTBF) is greater than 200,000 hours. This  
specification includes all power-on and operational time but excludes maintenance  
periods. Operational time is assumed to be 20% of the power-on time. Operational  
time is the time the tape is loaded.  
Note: Seagate does not warrant the stated MTBF as representative of any  
particular unit installed for customer use. The failure rate quoted here is  
derived from a large database of test samples. Actual rates may vary from  
unit to unit.  
Mean-Time-To-Repair  
The Mean-Time-To-Repair (MTTR) is the average time required by as qualified  
service technician to diagnose a defective drive and install a replacement drive. The  
MTTR for the drive is less than 0.33 hour (20 minutes).  
The STT8000A is a field replaceable unit. If a problem occurs with a subassembly or  
component in the drive, the entire unit should be replaced. The faulty drive should  
be returned to the factory in its original packaging. Contact your distributor, dealer,  
your computer system company, or your Seagate sales representative to arrange  
the return.  
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Specifications  
Chapter 2  
Recommended tapes  
The STT8000A uses pre-formatted minicartridges. The following cartridges are  
recommended:  
Description  
Seagate  
Sony  
3M/Imation  
Travan (740 ft)  
(QIC-3095)  
8000TT  
TR-4  
4.0 GB capacity  
8.0 GB capacity with  
data compression  
miniMAGNUSTM  
3080  
Standard 900 Oe (400 ft)  
(QIC-3080)  
1.6 GB capacity  
3.2 GB capacity with  
data compression  
QIC Wide 900 Oe(400 ft)  
(QIC-3080)  
4000QT  
QW 3080XLF  
2 GB capacity  
4 GB capacity with  
data compression  
Tape capacities and formats  
The following table gives the uncompressed capacities for the drive.  
Media Type  
QIC-3095-MC  
QIC-3080-MC  
Travan TR-4  
4.0 GB  
400 ft QIC-Wide  
400 ft minicartridge  
2.0 GB  
1.6 GB  
The STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive reads and writes the QIC-3095-MC and  
QIC-3080-MC formats. When used with the appropriate software, the drive reads  
the QIC 80, QIC-3010, and QIC-3020 formats.  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 2  
Specifications  
Regulatory compliance  
The STT8000A complies with the regulations listed in the following table.  
Agency Regulation  
CSA  
C22.2, No. 950-M89  
EN 60 950/IEC 950  
1950  
TUV & IEC-RHEINLAND  
UL  
Canadian Dept. of Communications  
Class B  
EN55022 (CISPR-22)  
Class B  
with additional CE-Mark test requirements  
FCC  
Class B, Part 15  
Use the STT8000A only in equipment where the combination has been determined  
to be suitable by an appropriate certification organization (for example, Underwriters  
Laboratories Inc. or the Canadian Standards Association in North America). You  
should also consider the following safety points.  
Install the drive in an enclosure that limits the user's access to live parts, gives  
adequate system stability, and provides the necessary grounding for the drive.  
Provide the correct voltages (+5 VDC and +12 VDC) based on the regulation  
applied—Extra Low Voltage (SEC) for UL and CSA and Safety Extra Low  
Voltage for BSI and VDE (if applicable).  
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Installation  
Chapter 3  
Installation  
3
Introduction  
This chapter explains how to install the STT8000A. The following paragraphs briefly  
outline the organization of this chapter.  
The following section, Before you begin contains general information that you  
should read before you begin the installation.  
Setting jumpers shows the master/slave jumpers and describes their uses.  
Installing the drive explains how to mount the internal drive unit.  
Before you begin  
Handling guidelines  
Because the drive unit can be damaged by electrostatic discharge, an electrostatic  
grounding strap is recommended. This strap prevents an electrostatic discharge  
from damaging the electronic components on or in the drive unit  
If you do not have an electrostatic grounding strap, perform the installation at a  
static-safe workstation. If one is not available, follow these guidelines as you install  
the drive unit:  
Work in an uncarpeted area.  
To protect the drive from static electricity, DO NOT remove the drive from its  
anti-static bag until you are ready to install it.  
Before you remove the drive from the anti-static bag, touch a metal or grounded  
surface to discharge any static electricity buildup from your body.  
Caution: If you touch static-sensitive parts of the drive (such as the printed circuit  
board) electronic components may be damaged.  
Hold the drive by the edges only. Avoid direct contact with any printed circuit  
board.  
Lay the drive only on top of its anti-static bag or return the drive to its bag when  
you need to lay the drive down.  
Caution: If you substitute an ATAPI adapter card or longer cables, or if you chain the  
tape drive to an existing ATAPI adapter or peripheral, the compatibility  
and/or operation of the tape subsystem may be seriously affected.  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 3  
Installation  
Setting jumpers  
Review the jumper settings to ensure that the jumpers are properly configured for  
your system. Figure 3-1 shows the location of the jumper block. Figure 3-2 shows  
the jumper block.  
Note: Record your jumper settings prior to installation. They are not visible after  
the drive has been installed.  
The default setting is Slave mode with a jumper over pin 3 and pin 4.  
Your system setting may vary, so be sure to check your computer or ATAPI  
controller manual to determine the proper configuration choice for your system.  
Figure 3-1  
Location of jumper block and connectors  
NOTE:  
Bottom of drive shown.  
JUMPER  
BLOCK  
PIN 1  
IDE  
CONNECTOR  
IDE PIN 1  
POWER  
CONNECTOR  
Figure 3-2  
Jumper block and jumper settings  
(TOP OF TAPE DRIVE)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
JUMPER ON  
NOT USED  
MASTER  
SLAVE  
CABLE SELECT  
JUMPER OFF  
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Installation  
Chapter 3  
Installing the drive  
The internal drive can be installed in a one-half-inch high by 3.5-inch form factor  
drive bay or in an inch-high by 5.25-inch form factor (with mounting brackets). The  
drive can be installed in three different orientations: horizontally (LED to the left) and  
vertically (on either side).  
The following section provides directions for mounting the drive in either a 3.5-inch  
enclosure or in a 5.25-inch enclosure.  
1. Before you install the drive, write down the serial number and model number  
shown on the drive and put this information in a safe place. You need this  
information if you ever call for service.  
2. With the computer cover removed, remove the face plate from the drive bay in  
which you plan to install the drive. Refer to the manual that you received with  
your computer for instructions about removing the face plate if necessary.  
Note: If devices are installed in any drive bays adjacent to the one you are using  
for the internal drive, partially removing those devices might give you more  
working space.  
3. Attach any special mounting hardware to the drive that your system might  
require. Refer to the manual that you received with your computer for  
requirements.  
4. Locate the mounting screw holes in the drive brackets. Each side contains two  
sets of holes. Use the set that aligns the drive properly within the drive bay.  
5. Slide the tape drive into the computer so that the drive bezel and the computer  
face plate are flush. Then, align the mounting holes as shown in Figure 3-3.  
Figure 3-3  
Aligning the drive in the computer  
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Chapter 3  
Installation  
6. Secure the drive using the mounting screws. The threaded mounting brackets  
are designed for M3.0 metric screws. If you are mounting the drive in a 3.5-inch  
bay, use the screw supplied with the drive. Do not substitute other screws.  
Using longer screws may damage the drive. If slide rails are needed, use the  
plastic slide rails (supplied with the drive in some configurations).  
7. Connect an available power cable to the power connector on the drive. Figure  
3-1 shows the location of the power connector. The recommended power  
mating connector requires an AMP 1-48024-0 housing with AMP 60617-1 pins  
or equivalent.  
Note: Turn off all power before inserting connectors.  
8. Connect the interface cable with the connector on the rear of the unit. When  
you make the connection, be sure pin 1 of the connector aligns with pin 1 on  
the cable connector. See Figure 3-1 for the location of the connector and the  
Pin 1 location.  
Note: Pin 1 on the connector on the rear of the drive is to your right as you look at  
the back of the drive (right side up). (See Figure 3-1.) Your cable should  
have Pin 1 highlighted by a color or dark strip. Be sure to mate Pin 1 on the  
cable to Pin 1 on the drive. Failure to do so could make the drive  
inoperative. Also, the cable is keyed to prevent incorrect installation. Make  
sure that the blocked pin in the cable connector coincides with the missing  
pin on the connector on the rear of the drive. (See Figure 3-1.)  
9. Replace the computer cover. Be sure to reconnect any peripherals that you  
disconnected during the installation.  
10. Plug the computer and any peripherals into an AC power outlet.  
11. Start the computer and install your tape backup software.  
Mounting dimensions  
Figures 3-4 and 3-5, respectively, show the location of the mounting holes for the  
internal drive without and with mounting brackets.  
Page 18  
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Installation  
Chapter 3  
Figure 3-4  
Mounting holes on internal drive (without mounting brackets)  
0.2 in (5 mm)  
3.7 in (94 mm)  
0.315 in  
(8 mm)  
2.758 in  
(70 mm)  
3.543 in  
(90 mm)  
6.2 in  
(159 mm)  
2.382 in  
(60 mm)  
1.220 in  
(31 mm)  
0.984 in  
(25 mm)  
1.0 in  
(25.4 mm)  
4.0 in (102.6 mm)  
0.157 in  
(4 mm)  
Figure 3-5  
Mounting holes on internal drive (with mounting brackets)  
0.4 in  
(10.2mm)  
0.62 in  
.075 in (1.9mm)  
2 PLACES  
(15.7mm)  
5.76 in (146.4mm)  
0.86 in  
(21.8mm)  
3.12 in  
(79mm)  
3.12 in  
(79,2mm)  
5.49 in  
(139mm)  
2.36 in  
(60mm)  
2.08 in  
(53mm)  
1.81 in  
(45.9mm)  
0.51 in  
(13.0mm)  
5.87 in (149.0mm)  
1.7 in  
(43mm)  
0.197 in  
(5mm)  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 3  
Installation  
ATA-2 Interface pin assignments  
The STT8000A provides a standard ATA-2 connector. The pin assignments for this  
connector are listed in the following table for your reference.  
Pin  
Assignment  
Description  
Source  
1
2
RESET  
Gnd  
Reset  
Host  
Ground  
N/A  
3
DD7  
DD8  
DD6  
DD9  
DD5  
DD10  
DD4  
DD11  
DD3  
DD12  
DD2  
DD13  
DD1  
DD14  
DD0  
DD15  
GND  
---  
Data Bus bit 7  
Data Bus bit 8  
Data Bus bit 66  
Data Bus bit 9  
Data Bus bit 6  
Data Bus bit 10  
Data Bus bit 4  
Data Bus bit 11  
Data Bus bit 3  
Data Bus bit 12  
Data Bus bit 2  
Data Bus bit 13  
Data Bus bit 1  
Data Bus bit 14  
Data Bus bit 0  
Data Bus bit 15  
Ground  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Host/Device  
Baby sitting  
Baby sitting  
Host/Device  
N/A  
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
Key pin  
N/A  
DMARQ  
GND  
DMA Request  
Ground  
Device  
N/A  
DIOW-  
I/O Write  
Host  
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Installation  
Chapter 3  
Pin  
Assignment  
Description  
Source  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
–REQ  
–I/O  
Ground  
I/O Read  
N/A  
Host  
GND  
Ground  
N/A  
IORDY  
CSEL  
DMACK  
GND  
I/O Ready  
Device  
Device  
Host  
Cable Select  
DMA Acknowledge  
Ground  
N/A  
INTRQ  
10CS16-  
DA1  
Interrupt Request  
16-Bit I/O  
Device  
Device  
Host  
Device Address Bit 1  
Passed Diagnostics  
Device Address Bit 0  
Device Address Bit 2  
Chip Select 0  
Chip Select 1  
PDIAG  
DA0  
Device  
Host  
DA2  
Host  
CS0-  
Host  
CD1-  
Host  
DASP-  
Device Active or Slave  
Present  
Device  
40  
Ground  
Ground  
N/A  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 3  
Installation  
Notes  
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Drive operation and maintenance  
Chapter 4  
Drive operation and maintenance  
4
Introduction  
This chapter describes important operational procedures for the STT8000A. It  
covers the following topics:  
Use of the front panel LED  
Using cartridges  
Loading revised firmware (updating flash EEPROM)  
Drive maintenance and troubleshooting instructions.  
Front panel LED  
The front panel of the Travan drive (see Figure 4-1) contains the cartridge opening  
and one amber light-emitting diode (LED). This LED is lit any time that the tape is  
NOT at the beginning of the tape. Thus, the LED indicates tape movement.  
Figure 4-1  
Front panel—internal drive  
DRIVE ACTIVE  
(AMBER)  
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Chapter 4  
Drive operation and maintenance  
Using Travan cartridges  
The minicartridges recommended for use with the STT8000A are listed in chapter 2.  
This section describes some operations using the cartridges.  
Loading and unloading cartridges  
Your tape drive has a flip-up door that covers the cartridge opening when a tape  
cartridge is not installed in the drive. Once a cartridge is inserted, it is held firmly in  
place by the drive's positive locking mechanism.  
Caution: DO NOT remove a tape cartridge while the drive is active. Complete  
any tape operations and wait until the amber LED is OFF before  
removing the cartridge.  
To load a cartridge, insert it with the metal base plate down and the tape access  
door facing into the drive. Figure 4-2 illustrates the loading of a cartridge.  
To unload a cartridge, wait until the drive activity LED is OFF and then pull the  
cartridge straight out. Figure 4-3 illustrates the unloading of a cartridge.  
Figure 4-2  
Figure 4-3  
Loading a Travan cartridge  
Unloading a Tape cartridge  
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Drive operation and maintenance  
Chapter 4  
Setting the write–protect switch  
Travan minicartridges feature a sliding write protect tab located in the upper left  
corner of the cartridge. You can set the tab to keep data from being written on the  
tape. Use this switch when you want to make sure that important data on the tape  
will not be overwritten.  
Figure 4-4 shows the cartridge with the switch in the non-protected (read/write) or  
unlocked position.  
Figure 4-4  
Travan cartridge write-protect switch—unlocked position  
Figure 4-5 shows the tab in the protected (read only) or locked position.  
Figure 4-5  
Travan cartridge write-protect switch—locked position  
To return a cartridge to the "writeable" state, push the switch toward the end of the  
cartridge or to the unlocked position.  
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Chapter 4  
Drive operation and maintenance  
Loading revised firmware via Seagate firmware cartridge  
The STT8000A uses flash EEPROM. Flash EEPROM enables you to download new  
firmware when revisions to firmware are released. Firmware revisions are released  
on specially encoded cartridges that are automatically recognized by these drives.  
These firmware revisions are available for qualified OEMs only from Seagate  
Technology, Inc.  
To load a firmware upgrade tape, follow these steps.  
1. Power on the host system and the STT8000A drive. Allow the system boot up  
process to reach the point where there is no ATAPI bus activity.  
2. Place the firmware upgrade cartridge record switch to the non-record position.  
Insert the firmware upgrade cartridge in the drive and observe the amber LED  
light on the front of the drive.  
3. After the upgrade cartridge is inserted, tape motion begins. The drive LED  
flashes on and off. Approximately 15 seconds later, tape motion stops, and the  
LED continues to flash.  
4. The LED flashes on and off at a steady rate as the firmware upgrade continues.  
Approximately 45 seconds later, the drive resets internally, and the tape moves  
back and forth, then stops.  
5. The LED light will go off and remain off. Double check that the LED remains off .  
Make sure that there is not further tape motion. Remove the upgrade cartridge.  
6. The firmware is now upgraded to the new revision. The drive is operational and  
the new firmware is active. Turning power off at this time does not affect the  
firmware revision level.  
Note: Once the firmware upgrade cartridge is inserted in the drive, it is important  
that no power interruption occurs while the firmware is loading. DO NOT  
POWER OFF THE DRIVE AT THIS TIME. If a power interruption occurs,  
the firmware may not be loaded correctly, and the drive may not operate  
properly.  
If a problem occurs during the firmware loading process, the LED on the front panel  
goes out. In that case, the firmware upgrade cartridge may be defective, or the drive  
may not be operating correctly.  
If after a repeat loading of the firmware cartridge, the same condition is observed,  
contact your Seagate sales representative.  
Firmware upgrade cartridges are available to qualified Seagate OEM customers.  
Contact your Seagate sales representative for information.  
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Drive operation and maintenance  
Chapter 4  
Care and maintenance of the drive and cartridges  
Minimal maintenance is needed to ensure that your STT8000A minicartridge drive  
operates at peak condition. This section explains how to care for tape cartridges and  
how to clean the drive head.  
Caring for tape cartridges  
Although minicartridge tape cartridges are ruggedly built, they must be handled with  
care to preserve the data that they contain. The following points are guidelines for  
storing and using minicartridges.  
Do not open the tape access door of the cartridge or touch the tape itself. One  
fingerprint can prevent the drive from reading the tape.  
Keep the cartridge away from sources of electromagnetic fields, such as  
telephones, dictation equipment, mechanical or printing calculators, motors, and  
bulk erasers. Do not lay cartridges on the computer monitor or on the base unit  
of the computer.  
Keep the cartridge away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as  
radiators or warm air ducts.  
Keep the cartridge free of moisture. Do not wet or submerge a cartridge in any  
liquid.  
Do not expose the cartridge to temperature extremes. Allow the cartridge to  
assume room temperature slowly.  
Retensioning the tape cartridge is always recommended for optimal  
performance, particularly after exposure of the cartridge to temperature changes  
or shock. Retensioning restores the proper tape tension to the media.  
Caring for the drive  
Follow these guidelines to help ensure that your drive provides long, reliable service:  
Operate the drive in a clean, dust-free environment.  
Never apply a lubricant to the drive.  
Under normal operation, you should clean the drive heads and captstan once a  
month. See the following page for details.  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 4  
Drive operation and maintenance  
Cleaning the drive read/write head  
To maintain the tape drive, you should periodically clean the read/write head. No  
other periodic maintenance is required. For new cartridges, clean the head after two  
hours of tape movement. Thereafter the drive can be cleaned as per normal  
operations.  
Caution. Never clean the read/write head of the drive with anything other than a  
lint-free swab or an approved cleaning cartridge. Do not touch the head  
with anything other than a lint-free swab.  
You can clean the drive head by one of two methods: you can use the Seagate-  
approved 3M DC2000 cleaning cartridge DC051111 (12947), P/N CKDC2000, which  
is available through Seagate Express 1-800-531-0968, or you can manually clean  
the drive head. To manually clean the drive head, follow these steps.  
1. Moisten a clean, lint-free swab in 90% isopropyl alcohol so that it is wet but not  
dripping. (Never use a dry swab.)  
2. Hold the drive access door open and wipe the head gently using a side-to-side  
motion. The upright rectangle with the stripe in Figure 4-6 is the head.  
Figure 4-6  
Cleaning the drive head and capstan  
Capstan  
Tape Head  
3. Use a new swab saturated with 90% isopropyl alcohol to wipe the capstan. The  
capstan is the flat, roller to the left of the head as shown in Figure 4-6. Rotate  
the capstan until its entire surface is clean.  
4. Allow the drive to dry for 3 minutes before using.  
Page 28  
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Drive operation and maintenance  
Chapter 4  
Troubleshooting  
If you experience problems after you install the drive, take the following actions to  
try to solve the problems.  
1. Make sure that all cable connections are secure.  
2. Check the drive to be sure that the jumper settings are correct.  
If a power interruption occurs during a backup or restore operation, start over when  
the power is restored. If the drive appears to fail during a backup or restore  
operation, try the following steps:  
1. Remove and replace the cartridge and try again. Make sure you are using the  
correct type of tape cartridge.  
2. Turn off all power to the computer and drive. Wait for the computer to power  
down and then start over.  
3. Try a different tape—preferably one that has never been used.  
4. Check all cable connections for proper contact.  
5. Clean the tape drive head as previously instructed. Then try the operation  
again.  
If problems persist, contact your tape drive supplier or Seagate technical support at  
US and Canada  
1-800-SEAGATE (1-800-732-4283)  
1-405-936-1234  
Outside US and Canada  
Seagate Web Site  
Seagate BBS  
1-405-936-1630  
Before you call technical support, be sure that you have the documentation for your  
computer and for all installed peripheral devices.  
STT8000A Product Manual  
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Chapter 4  
Drive operation and maintenance  
Notes  
Page 30  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
ATAPI interface  
5
Introduction  
The STT8000A provides an ATA Packet Interface (ATAPI) controller for  
communications between the host computer and the drive. The drive supports the  
QIC-157 standard interface.  
Note: Refer to the QIC-157 Standard for detailed information about the this  
interface.  
This chapter clarifies the use of several ATA-2 signals and ATAPI commands that  
are either vague or optional in the QIC-157 specification.  
ATA-2 Interface  
The information about the ATA-2 interface is presented in the following topics: ATA-  
2 Signals, ATA Registers, and ATA Commands.  
ATA-2 Signals  
Only the DASP and PDIAG- signals are described in the following paragraphs.  
DASP-  
This signal is used during power-up handshake sequences for master/slave  
identification per ATA-2 specifications.  
Because the device has its own front-panel activity LED, this signal is not driven by  
this device (to indicate activity) after power-up is complete.  
PDIAG-  
This signal is used during power-up handshake sequences for master/slave  
identification per ATA-2 specifications.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
ATA registers  
The following table lists the values for the registers during register initialization.  
Register  
POR  
RESET–  
(Hard Reset) (SRST Bit)  
ATA Reset  
ATAPI Soft  
Reset  
Read/Identify  
Device Cmds  
STATUS  
ERROR  
00h  
00h  
01h  
00h  
01h  
10h  
01h  
41h  
(DRDY+ERR)  
01h  
04h  
(No  
(ABRT)  
Error)  
Sector Count  
(ATAPI Intr.  
Reason)  
01h  
01h  
14h  
EBh  
00  
01h  
01h  
14h  
EBh  
00  
01h  
01h  
14h  
EBh  
00  
01h  
01h  
14h  
EBh  
Sector Num.  
(ATAPI  
Reserved)  
Cylinder Low  
(ATAPI Byte  
Count High)  
14h  
EBh  
Cylinder High  
(ATAPI Byte  
Count High)  
Drive/Head  
During an ATA soft reset or aborted ATA command, the host view of the DSC bit (Status  
register) will be cleared, along with the DRDY bit. Any ATAPI command including ATAPI  
Identify) can be used to set DRDY true and to re-enable host view of DSC bit.  
Status Register  
The following layout represents the Status Register. The CORR and IDX bits are not  
used by the drive.  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
BSY  
DRDY  
-
(0)  
DSC  
DRQ  
CORR  
(0)  
IDX  
(0)  
CHECK  
Bit  
Mnemonic Description  
7
6
4
3
0
BSY  
Busy—set when only drive has access to ATA registers.  
Drive Ready—set when DSC is valid.  
DRDY  
DSC  
Drive Seek Complete—set when drive ready for command.  
Data Request—set when data ready to be transferred.  
Check—set when an error has occurred.  
DRQ  
CHECK  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Error Register  
The following layout represents the Error Register.  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Sense Key [3..0]  
MCR  
ABRT  
EOM  
ILI  
Bit(s)  
Mnemonic  
Description  
7-4  
Sense Key  
Set to indicate the reason for the CHECK bit being set in  
the Status Register.  
3
2
MCR  
Media Change Request—Always 0.  
ABRT  
Aborted Command—Set when an ATA or ATAPI  
command is aborted.  
1
0
EOM  
ILI  
End Of Media—The end of the current partition was  
detected. On a WRITE command, unrecoverable data  
might be left in the buffer.  
Illegal Length Indication—This bit is set when an illegal  
length block is read. Sense Status also indicates ILI.  
Feature Register  
The following layout represents the Feature Register.  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
DMA  
Bit  
Mnemonic Description  
0
DMA  
DMA Data Transfer—When this bit is a 1, the data transfer  
is in DMA mode. If the bit is 0, PIO data transfer is used.  
All ATAPI packet commands are transferred in PIO mode.  
The value in this register must be set before every ATAPI command that transfers  
data (including log/mode set/sense) to determine the transfer method. This register  
is overwritten by the drive after every command completion to present Error  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
information. If you do not program this register correctly, the drive "hangs" in the  
BSY state. To correct this problem, reset operations.  
Supported ATA Commands  
The ATA commands are briefly described in the following paragraphs.  
Execute Drive Diags (90h)  
This command is executed regardless of the state of the DRV bit. The command  
causes an actual microprocessor reset (drive loses all logical position information).  
Power-up diagnostics are performed, and the PDIAG/DASP handshake is  
performed per ATA-2 specification. The master device will generate an interrupt.  
Idle Immediate (E1h)  
This command causes the device to set its Power Mode state to Idle and to  
generate an interrupt. Although the drive has no actual power saving features, this  
command is emulated for software compatibility.  
Standby Immediate (E0h)  
This command causes the device to set its Power Mode state to Standby and to  
generate an interrupt. Although the drive has no actual power saving features, this  
command is emulated for software compatibility.  
Check Power Mode (E5h)  
This command causes the device to return its Power Mode state in the Int Reason  
register, and generate an interrupt. If the drive is in Standby mode, this command  
returns 00h in the Int Reason register, otherwise this command returns FFh in the  
Int Reason register (indicating IDLE mode).  
Previous Cmd  
Reset/Power-up  
Standby Immed.  
Idle Immediate  
Any Other Cmd  
Int Reason  
FFh (Idle)  
00h (Standby)  
FFh (Idle)  
FFh (Idle)  
Sleep (E6h)  
This command is treated as an Idle command and does NOT prevent the drive from  
responding to further commands.  
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Chapter 5  
Set Features (EFh)  
If an unsupported feature is selected, the command is aborted. Otherwise, the  
indicated parameter is set. The following list indicates the supported features:  
Feature Number  
Set Feature Commands  
03h  
66h  
CCh  
Set Transfer Mode from Sector Count register  
Disable reverting to power-on defaults (no-op)  
Enable reverting to power-on defaults (no-op)  
Set Transfer Mode Feature  
If the Set Transfer Mode feature (03h) is received, the Sector Count (ATAPI  
Interrupt Reason) register is used to set the transfer mode based on the following  
table. Any transfer modes not listed in the table cause the command to be aborted.  
Sector  
00h  
01h  
08h  
09h  
0Ah  
0Bh  
0Ch  
10h  
11h  
12h  
20h  
21h  
22h  
Transfer Mode  
PIO Transfer Mode 4 (default)  
PIO Transfer Mode 2 (explicit IORDY disable)  
PIO Transfer Mode 0  
PIO Transfer Mode 1  
PIO Transfer Mode 2  
PIO Transfer Mode 3  
PIO Transfer Mode4  
Single Word DMA Mode 0  
Single Word DMA Mode 1  
Single Word DMA Mode 2  
Multi-word DMA Mode 0  
Multi-word DMA Mode 1  
Multi-word DMA Mode 2  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Issuing PIO and DMA transfer modes does not actually select these operations;  
however, issuing these modes selects the rate of either type of transfer, as selected  
by the DMA bit (bit 0) of the ATAPI Features register.  
ATAPI Identify Device (A1h)  
The protocol and timing of this command conforms to a standard ATA type  
command as defined in ATA-2.  
Note: This command is similar to the ATA Identify Device command except it uses  
a different op-code. The ATA Identify Device command is aborted.  
This command is generally intended to be used by a low-level ATAPI driver to  
determine the number and type of ATA/ATAPI devices attached to the interface.  
This driver might be able to program transfer rates and other parameters in the host  
ATA (IDE) interface.  
The following table defines the values returned by the drive.  
Word  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
General Configuration  
81C0h  
ATAPI Streaming Tape, Removable  
Accelerated DRQ, 12 byte packets  
1-3  
Disk info: cylinders, heads  
Disk info: track, sector sizes  
Reserved  
0000h  
0000h  
0000h  
"N...N"  
4002h  
02D8h  
0000h  
"N.NN"  
Unsupported  
4-6  
Unsupported  
7-9  
10-19  
20  
Serial Number (20 ASCII characters)  
Buffer Type  
Serial Number  
Cap & Mech Sts bytes 6 and 7  
14 frames of 52 data blocks=728  
Unsupported  
21  
Buffer Size  
22  
ECC Bytes Available  
23-26  
Firmware Revision (8 ASCII  
characters)  
Firmware Revision  
27-46  
47,48  
49  
Model Number (40 ASCII characters)  
Disk info: mult-xfer, double word I/O  
Capabilities  
Model Number. "Seagate STT8000A"  
Unsupported  
0000h  
0F00h  
IORDY supported. Logical Blocks  
Addressing and DMA supported  
50  
51  
52  
Reserved  
0000h  
0200h  
0200h  
PIO Data Transfer Cycle Timing  
DMA Data Transfer Cycle Timing  
Mode 2  
Mode 2  
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Chapter 5  
Word  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
53  
Field Validity  
0002h  
Fields 54-58 not valid.  
Fields 64-70 valid  
54-56  
57-58  
59  
Current Cylinder/Heads/Sectors  
Current Capacity  
0000h  
0000h  
0000h  
0000h  
0407h  
Unsupported  
Unsupported  
Reserved  
60-61  
62  
User Addressable Sectors  
Single Word DMA Mode  
Unsupported  
Selected DMA mode 2 (Upper Byte),  
DMA modes 2,1,0 Supported.  
63  
Multi Word DMA Mode  
0407h  
Selected DMA mode 2 (Upper Byte)  
DMA modes 2, 1, 0 supported.  
PIO Mode 3 and 4 Supported  
Mode 2 (120 nanoseconds)  
Mode 2 (120 nanoseconds)  
64  
65  
66  
Enhanced PIO Mode  
0003h  
0078h  
0078h  
Minimum Multi Word DMA Cycle Time  
Recommended Multi Word DMA Cycle  
Time  
67  
Minimum PIO Cycle Time w/o IORDY  
Minimum PIO Cycle Time with IORDY  
Reserved/Vendor Unique  
0078h  
0078h  
0000h  
Mode 4 (120 nanoseconds)  
Mode 4 (120 nanoseconds)  
68  
69-255  
ATAPI Packet Command (A0h)  
Before issuing the ATAPI Packet command, the host writes to the Byte Count  
register (high and low) the maximum/preferred number of bytes to be transferred in  
a single PIO DRQ. For Data Transfer commands (READ and WRITE), this value is  
assumed to be greater than or equal to 512 and is ignored.  
ATAPI Soft Reset (08h)  
The ATAPI Soft Reset command performs a complete microprocessor reset.  
Current physical and logical position is lost, and if a tape is present, a LOAD  
sequence is performed, resulting in a Ready at BOP0 condition (with Unit Attn).  
The DSC is set to 1 before the BSY bit is cleared.  
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ATAPI interface  
The following table lists the ATAPI interface commands for the drive. In this table,  
DSC restrictive means that the host should wait for DSC to be set before issuing the  
command for minimum IDE bus overhead. Note that all ATAPI commands are 12  
bytes in length. The command descriptions show only the first 6 or 10 bytes of these  
commands, even though the commands are actually 12 bytes long.  
Note. Unless otherwise stated, all reserved and unsupported fields are not verified  
when the drive accepts a command. These fields are filled with 00s for  
future compatibility.  
Code  
DSC  
Command  
Comments  
Restrictive  
00h  
Y
TEST UNIT  
READY  
Not DSC restrictive on some other drives.  
01h  
03h  
Y
N
REWIND  
REQUEST  
SENSE  
Null status if DSC not set.  
08h  
0Ah  
10h  
buffer  
buffer  
Y
READ  
Delay occurs if first READ is not READ 0 blocks.  
Write 0 not required to initialize DSC.  
Flush always. WFM 0 to flush.  
WRITE  
WRITE  
FILEMARK  
11h  
Y
SPACE  
Space forward/reverse Filemarks and space to  
EOD only.  
12h  
15h  
N
INQUIRY  
DSC not affected.  
MODE  
Select speed, FDP, page 2B updates only.  
SELECT  
19h  
1Ah  
1Bh  
Y
ERASE  
Constitutes a logical erase; accepted at BOP0/1  
or EOD only.  
Y
MODE  
SENSE  
LOAD/UNL  
OAD  
UNLOAD to make not ready; LOAD to return to  
Ready. LOAD w/Retension any time. (All LOADS  
imply REWIND and select partition 0.)  
2Bh  
34h  
Y
Y
LOCATE  
Locates logically only; can also select partition.  
Also used to wait for previous command done.  
READ  
POSITION  
3Bh  
4Ch  
4Dh  
WRITE  
BUFFER  
Use for download only. Drive must be "unloaded".  
Resets Error Counts.  
LOG  
SELECT  
LOG  
SENSE  
Contains Error Counts (WRITE and READ) and  
tape capacity.  
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Chapter 5  
Erase command  
Bit=>  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (19h)  
Reserved  
1 (Long)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
The Erase command is only accepted when the drive is ready and located at either  
BOP 0/1 or EOD. Erase at BOP causes the drive to write a Control/Filler Frame at  
the beginning of the current partition, followed by an EOD pattern. (The Use Count  
field of the Control Frame is incremented from its previous value). This action results  
in a logical erasure of the current partition. If partition 0 is erased, partition 1  
becomes logically erased because of the use count field. Erase at EOD is accepted,  
but no operation is performed except a write flush if following a WRITE command.  
This result is because all data following EOD is already logically erased.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and is set (1) when the  
command is complete. REQUEST SENSE can then be used to verify successful  
command completion.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Inquiry command  
Bit  
Byte  
0
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Operation code (12h)  
Reserved  
1
2
Reserved  
3
Reserved  
4-7  
8-15  
16-31  
Allocation Length  
Vendor ID (8 ASCII characters) ASCII “Seagate “  
Product ID (16 ASCII characters ASCII “STT8000A  
The INQUIRY command is always accepted, regardless of the state of the DSC bit.  
The command does not modify the status of DSC. The INQUIRY command returns  
the lesser of 36 bytes or the Allocation Length parameter of information. The  
following table defines the returned values.  
Note: Much of the information returned by this command is redundant with the  
ATAPI Identify Device command response.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Peripheral Device Type  
01h  
Streaming Tape Drive (QIC-  
121 Architectural Model)  
1
Removable Media Bit (RMB)  
ISO/ECMA/ANSI Version  
Response Data Format  
80h  
Removable  
ANSI=02  
This Format  
36 total bytes  
2
02h  
3
02h  
4
Additional Length  
32.  
5-7  
8-15  
16-31  
32-35  
Reserved  
00h  
Vendor ID (8 ASCII characters)  
Product ID (16 ASCII characters)  
Product Revision (4 ASCII characters)  
ASCII  
ASCII  
ASCII  
"Seagate "  
"STT8000A  
"N.NN"  
"
The INQUIRY command is not to be used by the low-level driver; rather, it is  
intended to be used by applications, which usually have access to the drive only  
through the ATAPI protocol.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Load/Unload command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (1Bh)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Re-Ten  
Load  
Reserved  
LOAD (with or without Re-tension) is accepted any time a tape is present in the  
drive, (even if status indicates it is already loaded). This command includes implicit  
rewind and select partition 0 operations. The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command  
is accepted and is set (1) when the drive has initialized and is ready. REQUEST  
SENSE can then be used to verify successful command completion.  
The UNLOAD option(s) re-tensions the tape (if selected) and moves the tape to the  
logical BOT or EOT end (as selected), then causes the drive to report not ready to  
any subsequent media access commands. Either a manual load operation or LOAD  
command is required for the drive to return to ready.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Locate command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Operation code (2Bh)  
Reserved  
CP  
Reserved  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
Logical Block Address  
(LSB)  
Reserved  
Partition  
Reserved  
If the Change Partition (CP) bit is set, the drive first changes to the specified  
partition, then attempts to locate before the specified logical block. (All addresses  
are interpreted as logical.) A locate to Block 0 (in any partition) is treated like a  
rewind (to BOP)and does not start a read-ahead. Depending on the exact sequence  
of commands, LOCATE to Block 0 might or might not report a Blank Check error.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and is set (1) when  
completed. REQUEST SENSE can then be used to verify successful command  
completion.  
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Chapter 5  
Log Select command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Operation code (4Ch)  
Reserved  
PCR  
Reserved  
01(PC)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
Parameter List Length  
(LSB)  
Reserved  
The PC (Page Control) field is 01, for current values. The Parameter List Length  
field specifies the number of data bytes to transfer. If the PCR bit is 1 and the  
Parameter List Length is 0, the error counters are all reset (0).  
All of the counters defined in the Log Sense command are reset by the Log Select  
command and are otherwise only cleared by a power-on (hard) or ATAPI reset.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Log Sense command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Operation code (4Dh)  
Reserved  
01(PC)  
Page Code  
Reserved  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
(MSB)  
Parameter Pointer  
(LSB)  
(LSB)  
Allocation Length  
Reserved  
The PC (Page Control) field is 01, for current values. The Page Code field identifies  
which page of data is being requested. The Parameter Pointer field allows  
requested parameter data to begin from a specific parameter code. The Allocation  
Length field specifies the number of data bytes to transfer.  
The following table presents the supported log pages.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
00h  
Supported Log Pages Page  
-
1
Reserved  
00h  
2,3  
4
Page Length  
First Supported Page  
00,04h  
00h  
4 Supported Pages  
Supported Log Pages Page Code  
Error Counter (Read) Page Code  
Tape Capacity Page Code  
Filler  
5
03h  
6
31h  
7
Last Supported Page  
00h  
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Chapter 5  
Error Counter Page (Read)  
The following table presents the Error Counter Page layout.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
03h  
Error Counter (Read) Page  
-
1
Reserved  
00h  
2,3  
4,5  
6
Page Length  
0030h  
0000h  
40h  
48 Bytes Following  
ECC Corrections Code  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
Parameter Code  
Parameter Bits  
Parameter Length  
Number of ECC Corrections  
Parameter Code  
Parameter Bits  
Parameter Length  
Number of Retries  
Parameter Code  
7
04h  
8-11  
12,13  
14  
N,N,N,N  
0001h  
40h  
Counter Value  
Read Retries Code  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
15  
04h  
16-19  
20,21  
N,N,N,N  
8020h  
Counter Value  
Even Tracks ECC Corrections  
Code  
22  
Parameter Bits  
40h  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
23  
Parameter Length  
04h  
24-27  
28,29  
Even Tracks(reverse) ECC Corrections  
Parameter Code  
N,N,N,N  
8021h  
Counter Value  
Odd Tracks ECC Corrections  
Code  
30  
Parameter Bits  
40h  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
31  
Parameter Length  
04h  
32-35  
36,37  
38  
Odd Tracks (forward) ECC Corrections  
Parameter Code  
N,N,N,N  
8022h  
40h  
Counter Value  
Even Tracks Read Retries Code  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
Parameter Bits  
39  
Parameter Length  
04h  
40-43  
44,45  
46  
Even Tracks (reverse) Read Retries  
Parameter Code  
N,N,N,N  
8023h  
40h  
Counter Value  
Odd Tracks Read Retries Code  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
Parameter Bits  
47  
Parameter Length  
04h  
48-51  
Odd Tracks (Forward) Read Retries  
N,N,N,N  
Counter Value  
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ATAPI Interface  
Tape Capacity Page Code  
The following table presents the Tape Capacity Page layout.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
31h  
Tape Capacity Page  
-
1
Reserved  
00h  
2,3  
4,5  
6
Page Length  
00,20h  
0001h  
40h  
32 Bytes Following  
Remaining Capacity, Part 0 Code  
Device Controlled Counter  
4-byte Counter  
Parameter Code  
Parameter Bits  
7
Parameter Length  
Remaining Capacity, Partition 0 Value  
Parameter: Code, Bits, Length  
04h  
8-11  
12-15  
N,N,N,N  
0002h,  
40h,04h  
N,N,N,N  
0003h,  
40h,04h  
N,N,N,N  
0004h,  
40h,04h  
N,N,N,N  
Remaining Capacity, Part 1 Code  
Maximum Capacity, Part 0 Code  
Maximum Capacity, Part 1 Code  
16-19  
20-23  
Remaining Capacity, Partition 1 Value  
Parameter: Code, Bits, Length  
24-27  
28-31  
Maximum Capacity, Partition 0 Value  
Parameter: Code, Bits, Length  
32-35  
Maximum Capacity, Partition 1 Value  
The Remaining Capacity for non-current partitions shall be the same as the  
Maximum Capacity for that partition. Capacities are multiplied by 1024 to determine  
the number of bytes. These values are conservative estimates.  
The Parameter bit, TSD (not shown), is zero implying that the drive can save  
parameters across resets, etc. Parameters are not saved but are re-computed  
correctly from any logical position, regardless of the previous states of the tape  
drive.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Mode Select command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (15h)  
1 (PF)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
Parameter List Length  
(LSB)  
Reserved  
The Mode Select command provides a means to change device parameters. The  
PF (Page Format) bit is 1, since the Mode Pages are in SCSI-2 format. The only  
changeable parameters are Speed Selection (in the Mode Parameter Header), and  
certain fields in Mode Page 2Bh (MFM mode). The Parameter List Length field  
specifies the length in bytes of the Mode Select parameter list that are transferred to  
the device as data. A Parameter List Length of zero indicates that no data is  
transferred.  
Mode Sense should be issued prior to Mode Select to determine the supported  
pages, page lengths, and other parameters.  
The device terminates the Mode Select command with a Check Condition status,  
sets the Sense Key to Illegal Request, and sets the Additional Sense Code to  
Invalid Field in Parameter List for the following conditions:  
If an attempt is made to change an unchangeable value in the Mode Select  
header, block descriptor, or any page.  
If an attempt is made to send a page with a length not equal to the parameter  
length reported for that page by the Mode Sense command.  
If an attempt is made to send a value for a parameter that is outside the range  
supported by the device.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Mode Sense command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (1Ah)  
DBD  
Reserved  
Reserved  
00(PC)  
Page Code  
(MSB)  
Allocation Length  
(LSB)  
Reserved  
The PC (Page Control) field is 00, since only current values are reported. If DBD  
(Disable Block Descriptor) is set (1), then the Mode Block Descriptor is not included  
in the data returned to the host. The Allocation Length field specifies the number of  
data bytes to transfer  
The following pages are supported for Mode Select and Mode Sense commands.  
Page Code  
11h  
Description  
Medium Partition Page  
2Ah  
Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page  
Tape Parameters Page (MFM mode)  
Return All Pages  
2Bh  
3Fh  
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Chapter 5  
Mode Parameter Header  
The following table describes the Mode Parameter header.  
Byte  
0
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
Mode Data Length  
NN  
Select: Reserved  
Sense: Length of Available Following Data  
Tape type  
1
2
Medium Type  
NN  
Device Specific Parameters  
WP,001,Speed  
Bit 7 = Write Protect, Bits 6-4 = 001, Bits 3-  
0 = Speed Selection  
3
Block Descriptor Length  
00/08h  
If 8, Block Descriptor follows  
The only supported Buffered Mode (bits 6-4 of byte 2) is 001, indicating that write  
operations are buffered. Only the Speed Selection field can be changed.  
The following table defines the tape speeds supported with QIC-3095 tapes.  
Speed  
0000b  
0001b  
0010b  
0011b  
Tape Speed  
Automatic  
46 ips  
Transfer Rate  
Automatic  
489 Kbytes/sec  
733 Kbytes/sec  
1,000 Kbytes/sec  
69 ips  
92 ips  
Mode Block Descriptor  
The Block Descriptor is returned to the MODE SENSE command unless the DBD bit  
in the command packet is set to one. If the Block Descriptor is not sent, the Block  
Descriptor Length field (in the Mode Parameter Header) is 0.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
4
Density Code  
Number of Blocks  
Reserved  
NN  
Current Density  
5-7  
8
000000h  
00h  
Zero  
9-11  
Block Length  
000200h  
Always 512 byte blocks  
The Number of Blocks is 0, indicating that all blocks in the media match this  
descriptor, (the blocks are fixed 512 byte blocks).  
None of the Block Descriptor parameters may be changed (Block Length is fixed).  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Mode Medium Partition Page  
The following table describes the Mode Medium Partition Page layout.  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
11h  
Medium Partition Page  
6 Bytes of Information  
Not Supported  
1
Page Length  
06h  
2,3  
Maximum Additional Partitions,  
Additional Partitions Defined  
FDP (bit 7), reserved  
Medium Format Recognition  
Reserved  
00h,00h  
4
80h  
Fixed Data Partitions  
5
03h  
Format and Partition Recognition  
6,7  
00h,00h  
None of the Medium Partition Page (11h) parameters can be changed.  
Mode Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page  
The following table describes the Mode Capabilities and Mechanical Status Pages  
.Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
2Ah  
Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page  
1
Page Length  
12h  
18 Bytes of Information  
2,3  
4
Reserved  
00h,00h  
20h  
SPREV (bit 5), RO (bit 0)  
Space Reverse supported, bit 0 = Write  
Protect status  
5
QFA (bit 5)  
20h  
40h  
03h  
600.  
QFA supported  
6
ECC (bit 6)  
ECC supported  
7
BLK1024 (bit 1), BLK512 (bit 0)  
512 byte blocks (1024 if floppy tape)  
1,000 Kbytes/sec Maximum  
8,9  
Maximum Speed Supported  
(Kbytes per second)  
10,11  
Maximum Stored Defect List  
Entries  
0000h  
12,13  
14,15  
Continuous Transfer Limit (blocks)  
0034h  
NNNN  
52 blocks per Read/Write command  
Current transfer rate  
Current Speed Selected (Kbytes  
per second)  
16,17  
18-19  
Buffer Size (in 512 bytes)  
Reserved  
02D8h  
00h  
14 frames of 52 blocks = 728  
None of the Mode Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page (2Ah) parameters can  
be changed.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Mode Tape Parameters Page  
Byte  
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Page Code  
2Bh  
0Eh  
NN  
Tape Parameters Page  
14 Bytes of Information  
1
Page Length  
Density in Kilo bits per inch  
Reserved  
2
Density can imply tape format  
3
00h  
00h  
20h  
NNNN  
NN  
4
Reserved (Format Fill Byte)  
BSEG  
Not used, MFM mode is read only  
Number of Blocks per Segment (32)  
Number of Segments per Track  
Number of Tracks (per Tape)  
Max MFM Sector Value (128)  
Max MFM Cylinder Value  
Max MFM Head Value  
5
6,7  
8,9  
10  
11  
12  
13,14  
15  
SEGTRK  
TRKS  
MAXSECT  
80h  
NN  
MAXCYL  
MAXHD  
NN  
Reserved  
0000h  
00h  
WDAM,RM,FW (bits 7-5)  
Not Used, MFM mode is read only  
This page is used for MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation), or floppy interface  
tape formats, such as 2080, 2120, TR1, TR2, TR3, etc. The STT8000A supports the  
reading of MFM tapes, but does not support write or format operations on MFM  
tapes.  
The following fields are changeable: SEGTRK, TRKS, MAXCYL, and MAXHD.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Read command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (08h)  
Reserved  
1 (Fixed)  
(MSB)  
Transfer Length  
Reserved  
(LSB)  
The Transfer Length specifies the number of fixed 512 byte blocks to be transferred.  
A transfer length of 0 indicates that no data is to be transferred but will initiate a  
read-ahead.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and is set (1) when at least  
52 blocks in the buffer are available for the next READ command. Issuing a READ  
command when the DSC bit is reset (0) will keep the ATA bus busy (BSY = 1) while  
the drive is reading the required data into the buffer. This delay could be more than  
a minute if exhaustive retries are required to read the data.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Read Position command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Operation code (34h)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
The following table describes the Read Position layout.  
Byte  
0
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
BOP, EOP, BPU  
nn  
80h = Beginning of Partition  
40h = End of Partition  
04h = Block Position Unknown  
Current Partition (bit 0)  
-
1
Partition Number  
Reserved  
00/01h  
2,3  
4-8  
00h  
First Block Location  
(Host Block Location)  
Last Block Location  
NNNNNNNN  
Logical Number of next block to transfer  
between host and buffer  
8-11  
NNNNNNNN*  
Not Supported  
(Medium Block  
Location)  
12  
Reserved  
00h  
13-15  
16-19  
Blocks in Buffer  
Bytes in Buffer  
000000*  
00000000*  
Not Supported  
Not Supported  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
*These fields might appear to report the number of bytes/blocks in the buffer.  
However, this information is not guaranteed to be accurate. You should not rely on  
this information.  
The only position that is guaranteed is the host logical block position. The First and  
Last Block Locations both return the same host location, and Blocks and Bytes in  
Buffer are reported as 0.  
Because Read Position is DSC restrictive on all ATAPI tape drives, it can be used to  
“wait” for any previous command to complete. This can be useful for applications  
with ATAPI only access to determine the actual completion of a command. Note,  
this will keep the ATA bus busy during the “wait”. DSC polling (to wait for DSC set)  
is preferred when possible.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Request Sense command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (03h)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Allocation Length  
Reserved  
An Allocation Length value of 20 will return all Request Sense data.  
The Request Sense command is always accepted, regardless of the state of the  
DSC bit, but the status is valid only when DSC or CHK (error) is set (1). If DSC and  
CHK are both reset (0), a non-error “null” status is returned. Normally, if CHK is set,  
DSC is set. The only time CHK is set and DSC is reset, is during writes at logical  
end of media; DSC remains a buffer indicator, and CHK is set to indicate EOM,  
which is a warning, not an error.  
If a command completes with a check (error) condition, the next command issued, if  
not Request Sense or Inquiry, will be aborted, and a deferred error will be reported.  
If the command is Request Sense, a non-deferred error is reported. The Inquiry  
command does not affect status reporting.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
The following table describes the REQUEST SENSE layout.  
Byte  
0
Description  
Value  
Meaning  
Valid, Error Code  
70h,71h  
80h = Information Field Valid  
+ 70h = Current Errors  
or 71h = Deferred Errors  
1
2
Reserved (Segment Number)  
Filemark, EOM, ILI, Sense Key  
00  
NN  
80h = Filemark  
+ 40h = EOM  
+ 20h = ILI  
+ Sense Key  
3-6  
Information  
NNNNNNNN  
Transfer Residue or  
Unwritten Blocks + Filemarks  
10 bytes following  
Not Supported  
7
Additional Sense Length  
0Ah  
00h  
NN  
NN  
8-11  
12  
13  
Command Specific Information  
Additional Sense Code (ASC)  
Additional Sense Code  
Qualifier (ASCQ)  
14  
Field Replaceable Unit Code  
SKSV + Sense Key Specific  
Sense Key Specific  
Pad  
00h  
Not Supported  
15  
00h  
Not Supported  
16,17  
18,19  
0000h  
0000h  
Not Supported  
Pad to 4-byte boundary  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Rewind command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (01h)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
The Rewind command first ensures that all buffered write data has been transferred  
to the medium, then causes the device to position to BOP of the current partition.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and is set (1) when the  
drive is ready to write at BOP0 (or encountered a hardware error). REQUEST  
SENSE can then be used to verify successful command completion.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Space command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (11h)  
Reserved  
Space Code  
(MSB)  
Count  
(LSB)  
Reserved  
The only Space codes that are supported are 001b (Filemarks) and 011b (End of  
Data on Current Partition). For Space Filemarks, negative count (2s compliment)  
indicates Space Filemarks Reverse.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and is set (1) when the  
command is completed and the drive is ready. REQUEST SENSE can then be used  
to verify successful command completion.  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Test Unit Ready command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (00h)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
This command can be used to determine the readiness of the device to accept a  
media access command. It’s purpose is to indicate the cartridge state: no cartridge  
(or drive fault), cartridge becoming ready, or cartridge/drive ready.  
If the drive is busy with a previous command (DSC reset), the drive will wait for the  
previous operation to complete before releasing the ATA bus. On some other ATAPI  
tape drives, Test Unit Ready does not wait for DSC set before completing, and if an  
application needs to “wait” for an command done via the ATAPI interface, Read  
Position should be used instead.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Write command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (0Ah)  
Reserved  
1 (Fixed)  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
Transfer Length  
Reserved  
(LSB)  
The Transfer Length specifies the number of fixed 512 byte blocks to be transferred.  
A transfer length of 0 indicates that no data is to be transferred but is used on some  
drives to put DSC into write buffer mode.  
The DSC bit is reset (0) after this command is accepted and all data has been  
transferred. This bit is set (1) when there are at least 52 empty blocks in the buffer  
available for the next WRITE command. Issuing a WRITE command when the DSC  
bit is reset (0) will keep the ATA bus busy (BSY=1) until buffer  
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ATAPI Interface  
Chapter 5  
Write Filemark command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Operation code (10h)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Count  
Reserved  
After receiving this command, the device sets DSC (0) and returns completion  
status. Any data remaining in the buffer is then written to tape (flush/ synchronize),  
and if the count is 1, a Filemark is written. In any case, an EOD is then written.  
The Immed bit in the command packet is ignored, and the DSC bit is reset (0) after  
this command is accepted. The DSC bit is set (1) after the EOD has been  
successfully written. REQUEST SENSE can then be used to verify successful  
command completion.  
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Chapter 5  
ATAPI Interface  
Write Buffer (download microcode) command  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Byte  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Operation code (3Bh)  
Reserved  
101 (Mode)  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
(MSB)  
Transfer Length  
Reserved  
(LSB)  
The Write Buffer command is intended only to provide a method for downloading  
new drive microcode (firmware) into Flash EPROM, so the only valid MODE is 101  
(download microcode and save). The drive must be Not Ready (unloaded) for this  
command to be accepted, and the transfer length is set to the download file size,  
which is currently 0x026800. All data is transferred in one command.  
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Tape format  
Chapter 6  
Tape format  
6
Introduction  
The STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive conforms to the QIC-3095-MC recording  
format standard. This format is for streaming magnetic tape in a minicartridge that is  
to be used for information interchange among information processing systems,  
communication systems, and associated equipment.  
This chapter provides an overview of the tape format used by the STT8000 ATAPI  
minicartridge drive.  
Tape partitioning  
The drive uses factory pre-written Travan TR-4 media. The tape is always divided  
into two partitions:  
Partition 1 is the directory partition and is recorded on the Directory track only.  
Partition 0 contains the data (tracks 1 through 71) and is recorded on all tracks  
except the Directory track.  
Recording data at 67,733 bits per inch (BPI), the drive can store 4.0 GB on the data  
partition of one 900-foot long, 0.315-inch (8.0 mm) wide Travan TR-4 tape. Using  
software data compression, these capabilities are typically doubled.  
The recording format and partitioning support Quick File Access (QFA).  
Track positions  
The centermost track is called the Directory Track and has larger guard bands on  
both sides of it to allow it to be written without interfering with its adjacent tracks.  
Track zero is the track immediately below the Directory Track. The even numbered  
tracks are positioned sequentially below track 0. Thus, track 2 is below track 0, and  
track 4 is below track 2, and so on down to track 70, which is the closest to the  
reference edge of the tape. (The reference edge is the edge of the tape that is  
nearest to the baseplate of the cartridge.)  
Track 1 is the track immediately below the Directory Track. The odd numbered  
tracks are positioned sequentially up from track 1. Thus, track 3 is above track 1,  
and track 5 is above track 3, and so up to track 71, which is the closest to the upper  
edge of the tape.  
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Chapter 6  
Tape format  
Track numbering  
All even numbered tracks, and the Directory Track, are recorded in the forward  
direction (the direction from the BOT marker to the EOT marker). All odd numbered  
tracks are recorded in the reverse direction (the direction from the EOT marker to  
the BOT marker). All even numbered tracks are located below the Directory Track;  
all odd numbered tracks are above it.  
Track format  
Tracks are recorded sequentially beginning with track 0, then track 1, and so on.  
Before recording, data are grouped into blocks, and blocks are grouped into frames  
with 64 blocks per frame.  
Two numbering methods are used for blocks: physical numbering and logical  
numbering. Both numbers start from 0 at the beginning of each partition.  
Physical numbering is related directly to the recorded block on the tape. Each  
new block is given a unique physical number, regardless of its contents.  
Logical numbering does not relate to the blocks physically recorded on the tape;  
rather, this type of numbering is the block numbering system used by the host  
computer. Often the host system operates with logical blocks that are a  
different size from the 512-byte blocks that are physically recorded on the tape.  
The host blocks can be larger or smaller than 512-bytes and can also be fixed  
or variable. Fixed host blocks contain the same number of data bytes in each  
block. Variable host blocks may contain a different number of data bytes in  
each block.  
The format provides both a physical block number for each block recorded on the  
tape and a logical block number that can span more than one physical block. These  
two numbers are recorded in the control field of every block.  
Frames  
Every track on the tape is recorded in blocks that contain 512 data bytes. The data  
bytes are 8-bit bytes, which are numbered b0 to b7 with b7 being the most  
significant bit.  
A frame is made up of 64 blocks—52 data blocks plus 12 error-correction code  
(ECC) blocks. Figure 6-1 illustrates the general track layout of sequentially recorded  
frames.  
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Tape format  
Chapter 6  
Figure 6-1  
General track layout  
Frame N  
Frame N+1 Frame N+2 Frame N+3 Frame N+4  
Frames are numbered indirectly using the 26 most significant bits of the Physical  
Block Address. Frame operation is controlled by the drive and generally invisible to  
the host. Frames are used primarily as a means to control the error correction  
operations.  
Frames can be overwritten with new data frames or an end-of-data (EOD) frame.  
Append operations can only begin at EOD.  
An underrun is not allowed in the middle of a frame, regardless of the frame type.  
Filler blocks can be used to complete a frame as long as they are not used interior  
to a logical block.  
A frame that cannot be completed on one track is rewritten in its entirety at the  
beginning of the following track. Frames are not split around corner turns.  
The general frame layout—52 data blocks and 12 ECC blocks—is illustrated in  
Figure 6-2.  
Figure 6-2  
General frame layout  
Data  
Block  
0
Data  
Block  
1
Data  
Block  
2
...  
Data  
Block  
51  
ECC  
Block  
0
ECC  
Block  
1
...  
ECC  
Block  
11  
The four types of frames are as follows:  
Data frames contain data and information blocks in addition to ECC blocks.  
The Media Header frame contains only Media Header blocks and ECC blocks.  
This frame is recorded as the first frame on the Directory Track.  
Track ID frames are recorded as part of the pre-formatting process of the  
cartridge. These frames are easily distinguished from other frame types  
because they reside entirely outside of the data region of the tape.  
An EOD frame is an absolute indicator of the end of the recorded data. It is  
recorded after the last frame containing host data upon terminating a Write  
process.  
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Chapter 6  
Tape format  
Blocks  
Information in the Block Control byte determines the type of block being recorded  
except for ECC blocks which are recognized by their block numbers. Also,  
information about the number of user data bytes available in each data block is  
recorded in the Block Control byte of the block.  
The Data Field of the blocks always contain 512 bytes. However, the number of  
valid data bytes in the block may be less than 512.  
The seven different types of blocks are as follows:  
Data blocks contain user data. A full Data block contains 512 bytes; however,  
data block can contain from 1 through 511 valid data bytes depending on the  
selected logical block size of the host.  
Media Header blocks contain specific host., drive, and vendor information as  
well as the Volume Directory. The first frame on the Directory Track is teh Media  
Header Frame. This frame contains 52 Media Header blocks (plus the normal  
12 ECC blocks).  
Information blocks—Filemark blocks, Setmark blocks, and Cancelmark  
blocks—contain specific types of information. Filemark blocks are physical  
blocks written to tape in response to a host WRITE FILEMARKS command.  
Setmark blocks are physical blocks written to tape in response to a host WRITE  
SETMARKS command. Cancelmark blocks are physical blocks written to tape  
under firmware control.  
Filler blocks contain no valid information in the data area. These blocks are  
used to fill incomplete frames.  
EOD blocks are absolute indicators of the end of recorded data.  
ECC blocks contain error correction parity bytes that are used to ensure data  
integrity during read operations.  
Track ID blocks are recorded as part of the pre-formatting process of the  
cartridge.  
Tape reference servo pattern  
To increase track density, a track servo reference pattern is prerecorded on the tape  
at the factory. The pattern is recorded referenced to servo patterns in the region  
between the beginning-of-tape (BOT) hole and the load point market (LP) hole. The  
same pattern is recorded between the end-of-tape (EOT) hole and the early warning  
(EW) hole. The servo pattern is written across the entire width of the tape.  
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Tape format  
Chapter 6  
Write equalization  
The drive uses the technique of write equalization. RLL encoding has a 4:1 ratio in  
the minimum and maximum spacing between flux transitions. Write equalization  
inserts short pulses in the write current to break up the long spacing intervals. These  
pulses are too short to be detected in the read process but result in significant  
improvement in read-back resolution.  
On 900 Oersted media, write equalization provides the benefit of compatibility with  
Magneto-Resistive (MR) heads. MR heads are prone to saturation by low frequency  
flux with high energy content. Equalization redistributes this energy to higher  
frequencies and eliminates the problem.  
Randomization  
To reduce problems resulting from long strings of repetitive data with a bad peak  
shift or amplitude characteristics, a data randomizer algorithm is used on all bytes in  
the data and control area of each block. This randomizing takes place prior to the  
encoding of the data.  
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Chapter 6  
Tape format  
Notes  
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Theory of operations  
Chapter 7  
Theory of operations  
7
Overview  
The STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive is based on proven Seagate designs,  
Seagate firmware, and the latest technology. This drive uses second generation,  
custom LSIs for efficient circuit layout and increased reliability with low power  
consumption. The drive also uses flash EEPROM devices for easy firmware  
upgrades.  
This chapter describes the drive in more detail and explains implementation specific  
information.  
Block diagram  
The electronics of the STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive are laid out on one main printed  
circuit board (PCB). Figure 7-1 shows a simplified block diagram of the drive components.  
Figure 7-1  
Simplified block diagram of drive components  
256KB  
EEPROM  
5 Volt  
V20 uP  
10.0 MHz  
Head  
Read/Write  
PHILIPS  
STTI or  
Read/Rite  
No RWW  
40MHz  
Crystal  
Stepper  
Motor  
RAWHIDE (DelMar + IDE)  
IDE  
Interface  
Digital ASIC  
Buffer Mgr.  
ECC  
Motor Control  
Nat. Semi.  
NDM 3000  
Capstan  
Motor  
RWW  
IDE ONLY  
Sensors  
512KB  
DRAM  
Cartridge Present  
Write Protect  
Tape Hole  
Shading denotes  
differences from  
TR-4 (Bali2)  
Top Stop  
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Chapter 7  
Theory of operations  
The following table shows clock frequencies used by the STT8000 drive  
VCO Frequencies—All Derived from System Clock (42 MHz Crystal Oscillator)  
Fundamental  
Frequency  
28 MHz  
28 MHz  
28 MHz  
24.89 MHz  
3.11 MHz  
Channel  
9.33 MHz  
7.00 MHz  
4.667 MHz  
Frequency  
Mechanics  
The mechanical package for the STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive was designed  
to provide all the advantages of easy cartridge loading and unloading while  
maintaining the positioning accuracy necessary for high-density data recording. The  
orientation of the cartridge is the same as the majority of QIC minicartridge drives in  
the field.  
Cartridge load mechanism  
The cartridge is inserted in the drive by sliding it through the aperture in the bezel  
and into a tray mechanism. When fully inserted the back portion of the cartridge  
protrudes about 3/4-inch from the aperture. A switch is actuated at this point that  
causes a microprocessor to complete the loading operation.  
When the tape is in motion, the amber LED on the front panel flashes. The LED is  
not lit when the tape is positioned at BOT.  
Capstan drive motor assembly  
In the STT8000 ATAPI minicartridge drive, the cartridge is driven by the  
capstan/belt motor assembly, which is on a linear slide. The cartridge is loaded  
against the cartridge drive roller which exerts a net radial dynamic force of 18 to 26  
ounces. The motor is a brushless DC drive motor with integral capstan which is  
designed to provide maximum reliability.  
The motor operates from the 12V nominal supply and moves the tape at speeds  
from 35 to 100 inches per second (IPS).  
Chassis  
The drive mechanism is mounted in a molded frame that provides the mounting  
holes for the industry standard 3.5-inch by one inch form factor. A 5.25-inch  
mounting kit is an available option. The bezel is a simple snap-on design that is  
available in several standard and custom colors. The round, front-panel LED is  
amber and indicates tape activity.  
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Theory of operations  
Chapter 7  
Control circuits  
The control logic module shown in Figure 7-1 includes a buffer manager to handle  
data movement between the controller, the buffer, and the tape formatter. This  
module also includes logic to perform ECC and CRC generation and testing,  
WRITE/READ data formatting, head stepper control, and drive motor control.  
The microprocessor directs all functions performed by the control logic. The  
instructions are read from a flash EEPROM, which can be updated with new  
firmware through a specially written tape cartridge.  
The 512-KB DRAM data buffer allows the drive to maintain streaming when the host  
cannot provide data continuously at the tape streaming rate.  
The write driver receives data from the write formatter and generates write current,  
causing data to be written on tape by the tape head.  
The read channel amplifies and conditions the signal from the tape head and passes  
it back to the read formatter.  
The head stepper and drive motor both receive current from the control logic to  
control the stepping of the head from track to track and to move the tape forward  
and back across the tape head.  
Head design  
The recording/playback head is a state-of-the art, thin-film design—a thin-film  
inductive write head paired with an advanced magneto-resistive read head. This  
head design provides the drive with exceptional performance and reliability. The  
material composition of the head also results in exceptional wear characteristics,  
resulting in stable performance throughout the life of the drive.  
Flash EEPROM  
Because the drive uses flash EEPROM (electronically erasable, programmable  
read-only memory), the drive firmware can be easily upgraded when new revisions  
of the firmware are released. The circuitry includes 128 KB of flash EEPROM.  
You can load new firmware by using a specially encoded firmware upgrade  
cartridge.  
Refer to chapter 4 for information about loading new firmware using a Seagate  
firmware upgrade cartridge.  
Sensors and switches  
A number of mechanical and optical sensors and switches are integrated in the drive  
design. The Cartridge In switch detects when a cartridge is fully loaded and  
positioned against the A-plane datum of the cartridge. The Unsafe switch senses  
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Chapter 7  
Theory of operations  
the position of the SAFE indicator on the cartridge and disables writing of write-  
protected (SAFE) cartridges.  
The Head-Position Sensor is an electro-optical assembly (LED and photo-transistor)  
to determine the approximate head position.  
The drive has an electro-optical sensor assembly comprised of a solid-state light  
source (LED) and a photo-sensor (photo-transistor) that sense the beginning-of-tape  
(BOT), end-of-tape (EOT), load point, and early warning holes of the cartridge.  
Media—Travan minicartridges  
The drive is designed to use Travan TR-4 cartridges, QIC-3080 quarter-inch  
minicartridges, and QIC-3080 QIC-Wide minicartridges. These small (approximately  
2 inches x 3 inches x 0.4 inch) cartridges house 900 Oersted Gamma Ferric Oxide  
magnetic tape . Figure 7-2 shows a Travan minicartridge.  
Figure 7-2  
Travan minicartridge  
The cartridge also provides for write protection so that existing data on the cartridge  
is not overwritten. A write-protected cartridge allows the existing data to be read but  
does not allow new data to be written to the tape. The position of the sliding write-  
protect tab on the cartridge determines whether or not data can be written to the  
tape. See chapter 4 for illustrations of the write-protect position.  
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Glossary  
Appendix A  
Glossary  
A
ATA Packet Interface—The interface providing for communications between the host computer and the  
drive (standard QIC-157).  
Azimuth—The angular deviation, in minutes of arc, of the mean flux transition line from the line normal to  
the tape reference edge.  
Backup—Copy of a file or collection of files on fixed disk, diskette, or tape. Ensures against data loss.  
Beginning of Media (BOM)—Equal to the physical beginning of the tape.  
Beginning of Tape (BOT)—Equal to the logical beginning of the tape.  
Bezel—Front panel of a drive.  
Bit—A single digit in the binary numbering system.  
Bit Error Rate—The number of errors divided by the total number of bits written or read.  
Block—A group of 512 consecutive data bytes plus additional control bytes recorded as a unit.  
BOP—Beginning of Partition. The position at the beginning of the permissible recording region of a partition.  
BOT marker—The beginning of tape (BOT) marker is a set of two holes punched side by side in the tape.  
Byte—A group of 8 binary bits operated on as a unit.  
Cancelmark—A "negative" Filemark or Setmark. When a Cancelmark follows as the first block in the next  
frame after a Filemark or Setmark, the drive when reading the tape will logically ignore the Cancelmark and  
the Filemark or Setmark it cancels.  
Cartridge—An enclosure containing magnetic tape wound on two coplanar hubs.  
Control field—A group of 8 bytes recorded before the data area in each block, containing information about  
clock address, track address, and block type.  
Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)—A group of 2 bytes recorded at the end of each block of data for the  
purpose of error detection.  
Data block—A block containing user valid data in its data field  
Data Compression—The process of removing redundant data from a data stream before recording the data  
to tape. Compressed data requires less storage space than uncompressed data.  
Data Density—The number of single-byte characters stored per unit length of track. Usually expressed as  
bits-per-inch (bpi).  
Decompression—The process of restoring compressed data to its original state.  
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Appendix A  
Glossary  
Dew—Collection of moisture in a tape drive.  
Directory track—The track at the centerline of the tape, identified as track 254 by its Track ID frame.  
Disc Drive—A peripheral storage device that rotates the disk, writes data onto it, and reads data from it as  
instructed by a program.  
ECC—(Error Correction Code) Special drive generated information that can be used to correct bad blocks.  
ECC block—A block containing drive-generated ECC data in its data field and part of control field.  
Encoding—A method whereby a group of data bits is translated into a group of recording bits.  
End-of-Data (EOD)—Indicates the point where the host stopped writing data to the tape.  
End-of-Media (EOM)—Equal to the physical end of tape.  
End-of-Partition (EOP)—The position at the end of the permissible recording area of a partition.  
End of Tape (EOT)—Equal to the logical end of the tape.  
Error Correction Codes (ECC)- Information written on tape during the recording operation that can later be  
used to reconstruct errors during the data reading operation.  
Early Warning (EW)—The early warning marker is a single hole punched in the tape to indicate the  
approaching end of the usable recording area in the forward direction.  
File—A logical unit of information.  
Filler block—A block containing no valid information in its data field.  
Fixed Disk—A non-removable hard disk. All data must be transferred to and from the disk via the computer.  
Frame—A group of 128 blocks forming a complete logical group.  
Full-high (or full-height)—Usually refers to a tape drive fitting in a vertical space of 3-1/2 inches.  
Half-high (or half-height)—Refers to the size of tape drive occupying a vertical space of about 1-1/2  
inches.  
Head Clog—Particles from the tape or from outside the drive adhere to the head gap on a read or write  
head and obstruct the reading or writing of data.  
Interleaving—The process of shuffling the order of data blocks before writing them to tape so the  
consecutive bytes are not recorded physically adjacent.  
Magnetic Tape—A tape that accepts and retains magnetic signals intended for input, output, and storage of  
data for information processing.  
Media Header block—A unique block identifying the type of format being recorded.  
Noise—A disturbance of the signal caused by the read channel, write channel, head/tape interaction, or  
conducted or radiated sources.  
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Glossary  
Appendix A  
Randomizing—A re-coding of data symbols before they are written to tape in order to provide a consistently  
uniform RF envelope level.  
RLL (Run Length Limited)—A data encoding method where data bits are encoded so that certain  
constraints are met with regard to the maximum and minimum distances between flux transitions.  
Serpentine—A recording method in which tracks are laid down sequentially, and the tape is not rewound at  
the end of a track. This recording method exploits the bi-directional capabilities of the cartridge.  
Streaming—A method of recording on magnetic tape that maintains continuous tape motion without the  
requirement to start and stop within an inter-block gap.  
Tape Drive—A peripheral storage device that records data onto removable tape cartridges. Used to back up  
a disk drive. (See also Disk Drive.)  
Track—A longitudinal area on the tape along which magnetic signals can be serially recorded.  
Track ID block—A block recorded in the Load Point and Early Warning regions to designate the track  
number.  
Uncorrected Bit Error Rate—The probability of a bit being in error, without using any error correction  
techniques.  
Underrun—A condition developed when the host transmits or receives data at a rate less than required by  
the device for streaming operation.  
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Appendix A  
Glossary  
Notes  
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Acronyms and Measurements  
Appendix B  
Acronyms and measurements  
B
Acronyms and abbreviations  
Acronym  
ANSI  
BIOS  
BOM  
Meaning  
American National Standards Institute  
Basic Input Output System  
Beginning of Media  
BOT  
Beginning Of Tape  
BPI  
Bits Per Inch  
CD  
Compact Disc  
CMOS  
CSA  
Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor  
Canadian Standard Association  
Direct Memory Access  
DMA  
ECC  
Error Correction Code  
ECMA  
EEPROM  
European Computer Manufacturers Association  
Electronically Erasable, Programmable Read-Only  
Memory  
EOD  
EOM  
EOT  
FCC  
FTPI  
IEC  
End of Data  
End of Media  
End Of Tape  
Federal Communications Commission  
Flux Transitions Per Inch  
International Electrotechnical Commission  
Inches Per Second  
IPS  
LED  
Light Emitting Diode  
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Appendix B  
Acronyms and Measurements  
Acronym  
LSI  
Meaning  
Large Scale Integration  
MTBF  
MTTR  
OEM  
PCB  
QIC  
Mean Times Between Failures  
Mean Time To Repair  
Original Equipment Manufacturer  
Printed Circuit Board  
Quarter Inch Cartridge Drive Standards, Incorporated  
Random Access Memory  
RAM  
RLL  
Run Length Limited  
SCSI  
UL  
Small Computer System Interface  
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.  
Volts Direct Current  
VDC  
VDE  
Verband Deutscher Electrotechniker  
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Acronyms and Measurements  
Appendix B  
Units of measurement  
Measure  
Meaning  
A
Amp  
C
Celsius or Centigrade  
cm  
dBa  
F
centimeter  
decibels, A-weighted sound power reference one picowatt  
Fahrenheit  
foot or feet  
ft  
g
2
acceleration of a free-falling body; equal to 32.17 feet per second  
Gbyte  
Hz  
gigabyte  
Hertz  
in.  
inch  
k
kilo  
Kbyte  
kg  
kilobyte  
kilogram  
kilohertz  
pound(s)  
meter  
KHz  
lb(s)  
m
M
mega  
Mbits  
Mbyte  
MHz  
min  
mm  
ms  
megabits  
megabyte  
megaHertz  
minute  
millimeter  
millisecond  
revolutions per minute  
Volt  
RPM  
V
W
Watt  
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Appendix B  
Acronyms and Measurements  
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