IBM 3570-B12 Magstar MP Tape Subsystem
© IBM Corporation 2002
IBM U.S. Product Life Cycle Dates
Type Model / Announced / Available / Marketing Withdrawn / Service Discontinued / Replaced By3570-B12 / 1996/09/03 / 1997/03/28 / 1999/12/31 / - / 3570-C12
Abstract
The IBM Magstar MP (Multi-Purpose) 3570 Tape Library provides a compact, integrated tape storage solution delivering high performance, extraordinary reliability, and optimized read-and write-intensive operations. The Magstar MP 3570 Tape Library significantly expands the functional utility of tape storage with its revolutionary fast data recall performance that supports both current and emerging tape applications. In addition, the Magstar MP 3570 Tape Library addresses the growing storage needs of customers by offering a more durable technology designed to meet the tougher demands of automation. Magstar MP 3570 Tape Library Models B0x, B1x, C0x, and C1x attach to IBM AS/400(R), IBM RS/6000(R), HP-UX**, Sun Solaris**, Microsoft Windows, and other SCSI-attach systems. Magstar MP 3570 Tape Library Models B2x and C2x are supported on selected IBM Netfinity and IBM PC Server systems. The Magstar MP offers: fast access capability to support high input/output (I/O) operations where multiuser access is required; support for time sensitive applications where fast access to data is important (for example, storage management, network serving); and both automated backup/restore and archive storage and retrieval.
Model Abstract 3570-B12
(For IBM US, No Longer Available as of December 31, 1999)
The IBM 3570 Model B12 is a library subsystem with 2 tape drives, 20 cartridges, a tape drive data rate of 2.2 MB/sec, and is a rack-mount unit.
Highlights
The Magstar MP 3570 Tape Library provides tape and automation reliability at open systems prices. Other features include:
· Utilizes IBM-developed technology, including magneto-resistive heads, especially designed for automation
· 7 MB/second native sustained drive data rates using C-format cartridges in Model Cxx drives
· 2.2 MB/second native sustained drive data rates using B-format cartridges in Model Bxx drives
· Barcode reader included on Cxx models
· Expanded 5 MB cache memory on Cxx models for faster read/write performance
· Newly designed digital data flow circuit on Cxx models for increased read/write performance
· Self-enclosed data cartridges with pre-imbedded servo tracks
· Mid-point load for fast time to data
· Up to 300 GB of near online data with cartridge capacities of 15 GB (using 3:1 compression) in B1x and C1x Models
Description
The Magstar MP offers:
· New fast access capability to support high input/output (I/O) operations where multiuser access is required
· Support for time sensitive applications where fast access to data is important (for example, storage management, network serving)
· Both automated backup/restore AND archive storage and retrieval
IBM Magstar MP Tape Subsystem is a revolutionary new multipurpose (MP) SCSI attach tape technology designed for automation. Traditionally, tape has been used to perform write-intensive operations like backup and data interchange. The Magstar MP is a compact, integrated storage device that functionally expands the capability of tape to optimize both write AND read intensive operations. It provides the characteristics of High Performance, High Reliability, a New Cartridge, and a New Library Subsystem.
High Performance:
The IBM Magstar MP has been designed to provide fast access to data. The drive and cartridge has been uniquely designed to allow fast cartridge insertion, almost instantaneous head/tape contact at load time, and mid-point load; where the tape is already positioned to achieve fast data access by quickly fast forwarding to data in either direction. The drive time to read/write data is about 8 seconds from the time of cartridge insertion. The drive can read/write data at a sustained data rate of 2.2 MB/sec (uncompacted) with a 20 MB/sec burst data rate. The sustained data rate with maximum compression is 14 MB/sec. Automatic caching of data enables balancing system read/write speed and the drive is designed to provide high performance in both streaming and start/stop operations. These characteristics are exciting new technical breakthroughs in an industry that has only historically seen innovation in the form of increased cartridge capacity and data rate.
High Reliability:
The IBM Magstar MP provides outstanding reliability. In the area of reading and writing, IBM provides leading-edge technology. Data write is provided by an exclusive thin-film write module that is designed for extremely accurate recording. Data read is provided by IBM's leading magneto-resistive (MR) head based on IBM Magstar technology. The head is a highly-tuned 4-track MR head that is designed for high read reliability, long life, and future growth. In addition, the 4-track head provides data redundancy and servo tracking to ensure superior data integrity in the mid-range tape marketplace. It offers technology that was previously only affordable in the large systems environment.
A New Cartridge:
IBM has been awarded numerous patents for the innovative new cartridge technology. It features two tape spools with the tape load point positioned at the mid-point of the tape to provide fast access to data, while still providing matched capacity for backup needs. The Magstar MP Fast Access Linear Tape cartridge has an uncompacted capacity of 5GB (15GB with 3:1 Lempel-Ziv compression). It contains major enhancements over conventional data recording cartridges. It has a rugged case designed for repetitive handling by automated pickers and to protect the tape in an enclosed environment. The cartridge contains advanced metal particle tape media developed for high capacity and durability. The tape never leaves the cartridge because it contains the tape path itself. Thus the tape media is protected from being harshly handled by external pickers, rollers, or external guides. The unique tape path eliminates tape thread time, reduces complexity, and enables higher reliability. The internal tape path also allows quick load time, and combined with the mid-point load, provides unparalleled tape performance. Along with the Magstar MP Fast Access Linear Tape Cartridge, IBM is also announcing a Magstar MP Cleaning Cartridge, and a Magstar MP Cartridge Magazine.
A New 100-300GB Library Subsystem:
The IBM Magstar MP Tape Subsystem library models were designed specifically to exploit the fast performance and match the reliability of the Magstar MP drive. They have been extensively tested and tuned to handle the rigorous demands of automated tape handling. They offer both an Automatic (sequential) mode for traditional tape processing applications and a random mode for applications requiring direct access to data. The library is designed to operate with two 10-cartridge magazines providing from 100-300GB of data accessible to the host system. This is equivalent capacity to what is provided by the IBM 3590 High Performance Tape Subsystem. When a cleaner cartridge is available in the library, it can be automatically inserted into the drive for a cleaning operation when prompted by operator feedback. The library also provides a fast average time of 8 seconds to load a cartridge from storage, thus greatly reducing the time to get to data for tape applications. The IBM Magstar MP promises to bring a new dimension of functionality to tape storage because of its revolutionary data recall performance; allowing new applications to be enabled in addition to traditional tape applications.
Product Positioning
The IBM Magstar MP is designed to meet the increasingly demanding needs of the mid-range marketplace. It was designed to be part of an automation offering that offers unsurpassed reliability in its class. It has the ability to provide traditional save/restore function in addition to leading edge applications that are high I/O intensive operations where multiuser (particularly read) access is required.
The following scenarios may help to position the IBM Magstar MP according to current/future system tape usage:
Tape Usage
______
| Access |
| to Large |
System Disk | Tape Data |
Scenario Size Growth |Backup Handling Repositories| Solution
------|------|------
1 <20GB Stable | X |Integrated or
| |Stand-alone tape
| |
2 >20GB High | X Moderate |Consider
| |Automation
Growth | |w/Storage Mgmt
| |
3 >20GB Growth | X Mod/Heavy Emerge |Consider
| |Automation
| |w/Storage Mgmt
| |& random access
| |Tape Technology
| |
4 Any Either | X Mod/Heavy X |Automation w/Stg
| |Mgmt
| |& random access
| |Tape Technology
In Scenario #1, the customer will be best served to buy an integrated or stand-alone tape drive that provides the quality and performance that best meets their needs. Products available from IBM to fill this requirement include a variety of technologies including QIC, mini-QIC, 4mm, 8mm, Magstar MP, and 3490.
In Scenario #2, the customer may want to consider the advantages of automated tape handling, storage management, or other applications that allow greater data accessibility. IBM offers a number of libraries that might fill this need including 4mm, 8mm, Magstar MP, and 1/2" products. If rapid access to data is a consideration, the Magstar MP may be a good fit if the capacity and performance are a good match.
In Scenario #3, the customer will most likely be able to justify the benefits of automated tape handling based on the installed disk size and future disk and emerging application growth considerations (random access tape processing applications and storage management). In this scenario, the Magstar MP offers a unique capability to quickly access data.
In Scenario #4, the customer should be able to justify tape automation. Random access is a primary consideration. In this scenario, the Magstar MP offers the quickest access to data of any IBM or competing products.
Model
Model Summary Matrix
Number of Number of Tape Drive
Model Description Tape Drives Cartridges Data Rate Case
------
B12 Library Subsystem 2 20 2.2 MB/sec Rack-mount
Maximum
Not applicable.
Customer Setup (CSU)
No.
· Customer Setup Model Conversions: None.
· Customer Setup MESs: None.
Devices Supported
None.
Model Conversions
None.
Technical Description
The IBM Magstar MP Tape Subsystem is a revolutionary new multipurpose (MP) tape subsystem designed for automation to attach to AS/400, and RS/6000 systems. It is based on the same reliable Magstar technology as the IBM 3590 High Performance Tape Subsystem. It is designed to provide midrange systems a tape subsystem that has high levels of reliability, with lower price, capacity and performance than the 3590. It also provides a faster data access than other tape technologies with a drive time to read/write data of 8 seconds from cartridge insertion.
The Magstar MP is a compact, integrated storage subsystem that functionally expands the capability of tape to perform both write and read intensive operations. The Magstar MP utilizes a unique new robust heavy usage Fast Access Linear Tape cartridge that is approximately half the size of IBM 3480/3490/3590 cartridge tapes and is designed for high reliability. The tape drive reads and writes data in a 128-track format, reading and writing four tracks at a time. Data is written using an interleaved serpentine longitudinal recording format starting at the center of the tape (mid-tape load point) and continuing to near the end of the tape. The head is indexed to the next set of four tracks and data is written back to the mid-tape load point. This process is continued in the other direction until the tape is full. The capacity is 5GB per cartridge (15GB with 3:1 Lempel-Ziv compression). The drive data transfer rate is 2.2 MB/sec (uncompacted) with a 20 MB/sec burst data rate. The sustained data rate with maximum compression is 14 MB/sec. The IBM Magstar MP brings a new dimension of functionality to tape storage because of its revolutionary data recall performance allowing new applications to be enabled in addition to traditional tape applications.
The Magstar MP Model B12 is a rack-mountable automated library model supporting automatic (sequential) and random access to 20 cartridges from two removable 10-cartridge magazines. It contains a two tape drives, each with an integrated microprocessor control unit and all necessary power and cooling components. It attaches to a host system through a SCSI-2 adapter. The integrated control unit contains the electronics and logic for reading and writing data, controlling the library picker, and managing the operator display panel. The control unit functions include management of the data buffer, error recovery procedures, and the control of all tape drive operations and some channel operations. The library model uses a cartridge loading and transport mechanism to automatically transport tape cartridges to and from the storage magazines and the tape drives. It has a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Operator Panel that is used as the primary method of displaying information for the operator. Control buttons on the Operator Panel allow selection of various menu options and information. The library unit can operate in random access, automatic access, or manual access modes. With two magazines of cartridges, the Magstar MP can provide up to 300GB of on-line data with a data rate of up to 20GB/hr for each drive. Rack mounting hardware and a power cord to attach to a rack power supply is included with this model.
Physical Specifications
Models B11 or B12 (rack-mountable library) without specify feature 9221:
· EIA Units: 5 EIA Units
· Width: 444 mm (17.5 inches)
· Depth: 714 mm (28.1 inches)
· Height: 217 mm ( 8.5 inches)
· Weight Model B11: 24 Kg (53 lb.)
· Weight Model B12: 29 Kg (64 lb.)
Models B11 or B12 (rack-mountable library) with specify feature 9221:
· EIA Units: 6 EIA Units
· Width: 444 mm (17.5 inches)
· Depth: 714 mm (28.1 inches)
· Height: 267 mm ( 10.5 inches)
· Weight Model B11: 24 Kg (53 lb.)
· Weight Model B12: 29 Kg (64 lb.)
Operating Environment
· Temperature: 16 to 32 degrees C (60 to 90 degrees F)
· Relative Humidity: 8 to 80 (percent) non-condensing (limited by media)
· Wet Bulb: 26 degrees C (79 degrees F) maximum
· Voltage: 100-127 VAC or 200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz auto-ranging
· Electrical power:
o Models B02/B12:
§ 1.1 amps at 100-127 VAC; 0.55 amps at 200-240VAC
§ 0.13 KVA, 130 watts (nominal)
o Calorific Value:
§ Models B02/B12: 444 Btu/hr
o Noise Level: 6.2 bels idle; 6.5 bels operating.
o FCC class - A
o CISPR 22