IBM 3570-C12 Magstar MP Tape Drive
© IBM Corporation 2002
IBM U.S. Product Life Cycle Dates
Type Model / Announced / Available / Marketing Withdrawn / Service Discontinued / Replaced By3570-C12 / 1998/04/06 / 1998/04/24 / 2002/12/27 / - / 3583-L18
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-C12
(For IBM US, No Longer Available as of December 27, 2002)
The IBM 3570 Model C12 is a Library Subsystem with 2 tape drives and a cartridge capacity of 20. The tape drive data rate is 7.0 MB/sec and the case is rack-mounted.
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 420 GB of near online data with Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridge capacities of 21 GB (using 3:1 compression and the Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridge) in C01, C02, C11, C12, C21, and C22 Models
Description
The IBM Magstar MP Tape Subsystem is a revolutionary new multi-purpose (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 truly a multi-purpose storage device that functionally expands the capability of tape to optimize both write- and read-intensive operations. It provides the characteristics of high save and recall performance with reliability.
High Performance:
The IBM Magstar MP is designed to provide fast access to data. The drive and cartridge are 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 search time to first byte data is about 8 seconds. Using C-Format cartridges, the Magstar MP Model C drives have sustained data rates of 7 MB/sec native and 15 MB/sec with maximum compression. Using B-Format cartridges, the Magstar MP Model C drives have sustained data rates of 3.5MB/sec native and 10.5MB/sec with 3:1 compression. The drive burst data rate is 20 MB/sec. Automatic caching of data enables balancing system read/write performance. The drive is designed to provide high performance in both streaming and start/stop operations. A new digital data flow circuit and an increase in tape speed by 50% reduces read/write operation times. These characteristics are exciting new technical breakthroughs in an industry that has historically only seen innovation in the form of increased cartridge capacity and data rate.
High Reliability:
The IBM Magstar MP provides outstanding reliability backed by a 3-year warranty. 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 3590 technology. The head is based on IBM advanced magneto- resistive recording technology that is designed for high reliability and performance. In addition, the 8-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 affordable only in the large systems environment.
A New Cartridge:
IBM has been awarded numerous patents for the innovative new cartridge technology. The IBM Magstar MP 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 unmatched capacity for backup needs. The Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridge has an uncompacted capacity of 7 GB (21 GB with 3:1 Lempel-Ziv compression). The previously announced Magstar MP Fast Access Linear Tape Cartridge has an uncompacted capacity of 5 GB (15 GB with 3:1 Lempel-Ziv compression) and contains major enhancements over conventional data recording cartridges. A rugged case, designed for repetitive handling by automated pickers, protects 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 the cartridge contains the tape path itself. The tape medium 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 leading-edge tape performance.
Investment Protection
Customers with existing Model B libraries can use their B-Format cartridges in the new Model C drives and realize a 50% improvement in performance. Existing B-Format data can be read and updated by the new Model C drives. For B-Format cartridges, the Magstar MP drives have sustained data rates of 3.5MB/sec native and 10.5MB/sec with 3:1 compression.
The 3570 Library Subsystem:
The Magstar MP 3570 library models, C01, C02, C11, and C12, are 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 140-420 GB (using Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridges) of data accessible to the host system. When a cleaner cartridge is available in the library, it can be automatically inserted into the drive for a cleaning operation with no operator intervention. The drive also provides a fast load/ready time, 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.
The Magstar MP 3570 library models C02 and C12 also offer users the ability to configure the library as two logical libraries. Each library has its own drive and cartridge magazine. The autochanger is shared among the two libraries. Each library also has its own SCSI bus and can be attached to separate homogeneous or heterogeneous systems.
Year 2000
This product does not have date dependencies and is therefore Year 2000 Ready.
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 and performance 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 multi-user (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, customers are best served by buying 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, IBM Digital Linear Tape, Magstar MP, and 3490.
In Scenario #2, customers 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, IBM Digital Linear Tape, Magstar MP, and 1/2-inch 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, customers 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, customers 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 Cartridge Tape Drive
Model Description Tape Drives Capacity Data Rate Case
------
C12 Library Subsystem 2 20 7.0 MB/sec Rack-mount
Maximum
Not applicable.
Customer Setup (CSU)
Model C12 requires installation by IBM.
Devices Supported
None.
Model Conversions
All Model Conversions are No Longer Available as of December 27, 2002.
- C11 to C12
- C02 to C12
Model conversions are not Customer Setup and require installation by IBM service personnel.
Technical Description
The IBM Magstar MP Tape Subsystem is a multipurpose (MP) tape subsystem designed for automation to attach to AS/400, RS/6000, Sun, Hewlett-Packard, Windows NT, and other open systems.
It is based on the same reliable Magstar technology as the IBM 3590 High Performance Tape Subsystem. It is designed to provide midrange and open 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 eight 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 eight 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. When B-format cartridges are used, reading and writing of data is performed 4 tracks at a time. The capacity is 7 GB per Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridge and 5 GB per Magstar MP Fast Access Linear Tape Cartridge (21 GB and 15 GB, respectively, with 3:1 Lempel-Ziv compression). For previously announced C-format cartridges, the Magstar MP drives have sustained data rates of 7 MB/sec native and 15 MB/sec with maximum compression. For B-format cartridges, the Magstar MP drives have sustained data rates of 3.5 MB/sec native and 10.5 MB/sec with 3:1 compression. The drive burst data rate is 20 MB/sec. The IBM Magstar MP tape drives is designed for faster data access in the automated tape library environment.
The Magstar MP Model C attaches to a host system using a Differential SCSI-2 adapter.
Physical Specifications
Models C11 or C12 (rack-mountable library)
- 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 C11: 24 Kg (53 lb.)
- Weight Model C12: 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:
Models C02/C12: 1.1 amps at 100-127 VAC; 0.55 amps at 200-240VAC
0.13 KVA, 130 watts (nominal)
Calorific Value:
Models C02/C12: 444 Btu/hr
Noise Level: 6.2 bels idle; 6.5 bels operating.
FCC class - A
CISPR 22
Japan VCCI: 2
Limitations
Fast Access Linear Tape C-Format XL Data Cartridges cannot be used in Magstar MP 3570 Model B Tape Subsystems, Magstar MP 3570 Model C Tape Drives without features 2007 or 9007, and Magstar MP 3575 Tape Library Dataservers without features 2007 or 9007 installed.
Hardware Requirements
The Magstar MP C Models feature a Fast/Wide SCSI-2 differential interface and can be attached to the IBM AS/400, IBM RS/6000, IBM RS/6000 SP systems, and non-IBM servers, workstations, and personal computers that support Fast/Wide SCSI-2 differential interface specifications.
SCSI cables and appropriate interposers, as required, should be ordered for attachment to a host system. A power cord feature code, if applicable, should also be specified.
The Magstar MP C Models are manufactured with attractive black covers.
AS/400: The Magstar MP Model C are supported on all models that support the following adapters:
- AS/400 PCI Magnetic Media Controller (#2729)
- AS/400 Magnetic Media Controller (#6501)
- AS/400 Magnetic Media Controller (#6534)
RS/6000 and POWERparallel SP2(R): The 3570 and 3575 are supported on all models that support the following adapters:
- PCI SCSI-2 Differential Fast/Wide Adapter (#2409)
- Enhanced SCSI-2 Differential Fast/Wide Adapter/A (#2412)
- SCSI-2 Differential Fast/Wide Adapter/A (#2416)
- SCSI-2 Differential High-Performance External I/O Controller (#2420)
- PCI Universal Ultra SCSI Adapter (#6204)
- PCI Differential Ultra SCSI Adapter (#6207)
- PCI SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Differential Adapter (#6209)
Appropriate SCSI cables should be ordered. Refer to the Cable section below for ordering information.
Sun Systems
The Magstar MP 3575 Tape Library, Magstar MP 3570 Model B, and Magstar MP 3570 Model C are supported on Sun SPARC and UltraSPARC Architecture workstations and servers, including the Ultra/Enterprise Server family, supporting one of the following host bus adapters:
- Sun SBus Differential Fast/Wide Intelligent SCSI-2 Host Adapter (X1062A)
- Sun SBus Ultra Differential Fast/Wide Intelligent SCSI-2 Host Adapter (X1065A)
- Sun Dual-Channel Differential Ultra SCSI Host Adapter (PCI) (X6541A)
The appropriate length SCSI cables for your installation environment should be selected from those available on the Magstar 3590 Tape Drives. The VHDCI to HD68 Cable/Interposer (#5099) is required to connect an industry standard high-density 68-pin (HD68) cable connector, typically used on Fast/Wide devices, to the Sun PCI Dual-Channel Differential Ultra SCSI Host Adapter, which has a VHDCI connector.
HP Systems
The Magstar MP 3575 Tape Library and Magstar MP 3570 Model C are supported on Hewlett Packard (HP) HP 9000 N-Class and V-Class Enterprise Servers running HP-UX 11.0 with the HP F/W Differential SCSI-2 adapter (A4800A). When attached to V-Class servers, this adapter requires the Inline SCSI Terminator feature (#5098).
The Magstar MP 3575 Tape Library, Magstar MP 3570 Model B, and Magstar MP 3570 Model C are also supported on HP 9000 Series 800 Business Servers and other servers that support HP Precision Bus (HP-PB) slots through the HP-PB Fast/Wide Differential 28696A Adapter. Supported servers include the HP 9000 T, K, and D Class Servers running HP-UX 10.20 and 11.0.
Windows Systems
The Magstar MP 3575 Tape Library, Magstar MP 3570 Model B, and Magstar 3570 Model C are supported on Intel-compatible processors with sufficient resources for running the Microsoft Windows NT or Windows 2000 operating system. Also required is an appropriate adapter card and associated SCSI cable. The Adaptec AHA-2944UW PCI Differential Ultra SCSI adapter is currently supported for attachment.
Cables: A SCSI cable is required for each IBM Magstar MP tape drive to attach to a host system. If no cable is available, one or two should be specified on the initial order for each library. A SCSI differential terminator is included with each cable. An interposer may also be required for attachment to various host system adapters.
Features for specifying SCSI cables available for the Magstar MP Model C, and their respective lengths, are as follows:
- 5212 - 12 meters
- 5218 - 18 meters
- 5225 - 25 meters
- 5245 - 4.5 meters
The following features for interposers are available for the Magstar MP Model C:
- 2891 - HD50/HD68 Fast and Narrow Differential Interposer
- 2892 - CC68/HD68 Fast and Wide Differential Interposer
- 2895 - AS/400 Interposer (for AS/400 FC 6501)
- 5099 - VHDCI Cable/Interposer
Refer to the Special Features section of the Sales Manual for specific cable ordering information.