
Theory of operations
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Theory of operations
Overview
The Scorpion 240 tape drive design integrates DAT technology (helical scan
recording method) into a true computer-grade data-storage peripheral with industry-
standard data-compression capability.
These drive designs are the result of:
•
Combining the economies of scale for key components, such as the cylinder,
heads and signal-processing LSIs, with a computer grade drive (3.5-inch) using
four direct drive motors and electronic tape path control for the demanding
computer storage environment.
•
Implementing a four-head design to provide read-after-write (RAW) error
correction and to maximize the benefits of the helical scan recording method,
namely: (1) high-density recording (all tape space is used by dense, overlapping
tracks at alternating azimuth angles) and (2) high-speed searches.
•
Using second-generation signal-processing and custom LSIs for efficient circuit
layout and increased reliability with low power consumption. These LSIs are
quad-flat-pack (QFP) designs that use complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) technology.
•
Implementing the DDS-4 format.
•
Using flash memory devices for easy firmware upgrades.
•
Storing configuration information in the onboard nonvolatile memory.
•
Enabling the user to access configuration information stored inside the drive
using the SCSI MODE SENSE command and to program the flash memory
using the SCSI MODE SELECT command.
•
Implementing custom ECC 1, 2, and 3 and other error-correction techniques.
•
Embedding a full-LSI SCSI controller with capability for SCSI-2 command sets in
single-ended and low-voltage differential (LVD) SCSI DDS-DC models.
•
Embedded 40 Mhz ARM CPU with cache
•
10-Mbyte SDRAM data buffer.
The rest of this chapter describes the Scorpion 240 DDS-4 drive in more detail and
provides implementation-specific information.
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