Quantum A-Series User Manual

Modular Design

Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User’s Guide

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1

Improving on Partial Response Maximum Likelihood (PRML) technology 

traditionally used in disk drives and communication systems, advanced 

PRML channel technology, co-developed with Lucent Technologies, 

brings new levels of performance and capacity to high-performance 

linear tape products. This provides high-encoding efficiency recording 

densities for greater capacity and performance that enables SDLT to 

increase transfer rates and capacity substantially.

1

Advanced Metal Powder (AMP) media is a state-of-the-art media using 

durable metal powder technology for recording very high densities of 

data. The back side of the AMP media receives a specially formulated 

coating to accept the optical servo tracks. Because the servo information is 

on the back side of the media, the entire data-bearing side of the media is 

available for recording data and eliminates the need for pre-formatting. 

In addition, AMP media meets the needs of multiple generations of the 

SDLT technology.

1

The positive engagement tape leader buckling mechanism is a highly 

robust mechanism that increases data cartridge life and supports the 

extensive duty-cycle environments found in high-end and automation 

environments.
This mechanism engages the tape leader upon data cartridge load and 

disengages it upon data cartridge unload. It uses a solid metal pin 

attached to the drive leader to link with molded clips permanently 

attached to the tape leader inside the data cartridge. The Positive Leader 

Link design makes the buckling of Super DLTtape media a totally reliable 

mechanical process.

Modular Design

The SDLT 600A tape drive is designed as a total system. The system 

includes a complex interaction of a number of important components 

including such items as the tape path, tape heads, media, data cartridge, 

and host interface.