Qualstar RLS-8350 Owner's manual

RLS-8350
Tape Library
Product Specification
511002 Rev 07-01-19

Copyright Notice
Copyright©2016 by Qualstar Corporation — All Rights Reserved
Information contained in this document is copyrighted by Qualstar Corporation. It is
intended for use by Qualstar's customers and prospective customers to evaluate,
integrate, operate and maintain Qualstar products. Customers and prospective
customers may reproduce this document as needed for these uses. Reproduction in
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current and accurate as of the date of publication or revision. However, no guarantee
is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to
any specification.
Qualstar reserves the right to modify the design or specification without notice. This
specification may not be construed as a contractual obligation except as specifically
agreed to by Qualstar in writing at the time of order.
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Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Notices
Qualstar products may be covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents:
6,163,139 and 6,560,061. Other patents pending.
Qualstar equipment is manufactured from new parts, or new and used parts. In some
cases, Qualstar equipment may not be new and may have been previously installed.
Regardless, Qualstar’s warranty terms apply unless the equipment is specifically
identified by Qualstar as “used” or “refurbished”.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense. Shielded cables are required for this device to comply with FCC Rules.
Use shielded cables when connecting this device to others.
511002 Rev 07-01-19 i

For information about this product specification, please visit our website or call
Qualstar at:
QUALSTAR CORPORATION
1267 Flynn Road
Camarillo,CA 93012
FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
www.qualstar.com
ii 511002 Rev 07-01-19

Table of Contents
1. Introduction .....................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Scope.............................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Supplemental Documentation ..................................................................................... 1-1
2. Product Description .........................................................................................................2-1
2.1 General Description...................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Standard Features Found in the RLS-8350 Library.................................................. 2-1
2.3 Optional Features Available ........................................................................................ 2-2
2.4 RLS-8350 Library Features and Options.................................................................... 2-3
2.5 Major Features.............................................................................................................. 2-4
2.5.1 Cabinet ................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.5.2 Front Panel Components ...................................................................................... 2-4
2.5.3 Rear Panel Components........................................................................................ 2-6
2.5.4 Medium Changer Components............................................................................. 2-9
2.6 RLS Operation ............................................................................................................ 2-11
2.6.1 Medium Changer Control System...................................................................... 2-11
2.6.2 Inventory Database ............................................................................................. 2-11
2.6.3 Library and Multi-Sequential (Multiple Stacker) Operation........................... 2-12
2.6.4 Manual Operation ............................................................................................... 2-12
2.6.5 Library Partitions................................................................................................ 2-13
2.6.6 Encryption Key Management............................................................................. 2-13
3. Physical Specifications.....................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Dimensions.................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Color .............................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.3 Weights.......................................................................................................................... 3-2
4. Electrical Specifications...................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Standard AC Power Requirements and Consumption............................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Power Source Disturbances .................................................................................. 4-2
4.1.2 Power Entry ........................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.3 Power Cord............................................................................................................. 4-2
5. Agency Compliance..........................................................................................................5-1
5.1 EEC Directive Compliance (European Economic Community) ................................. 5-1
5.2 Emissions/Immunity Standards Compliance ............................................................. 5-1
5.3 Safety Standards Compliance...................................................................................... 5-1
5.4 European Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) ......... 5-1
5.4.1 End of Life Instructions ........................................................................................ 5-2
5.5 Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) .............................................................. 5-2
6. Performance Specifications..............................................................................................6-1
511002 Rev 07-01-19 iii

6.1 Data Cartridge Handling Times.................................................................................. 6-1
6.2 Scan All Barcodes ......................................................................................................... 6-1
7. Environmental Specifications..........................................................................................7-1
7.1 Temperature, Humidity and Altitude ......................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Acoustical Noise............................................................................................................ 7-1
8. Maintainability ................................................................................................................8-1
8.1 Mean Time to Repair.................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Preventive Maintenance .............................................................................................. 8-1
8.3 Automated Tape Drive Cleaning ................................................................................. 8-1
8.4 Adjustments .................................................................................................................. 8-1
iv 511002 Rev 07-01-19

1. Introduction
1.1 Scope
This product specification describes the Qualstar RLS-8350 tape library, subsequently
referred to in this specification as the RLS or library. It also provides detailed
specifications of the product and is intended for use by individuals evaluating,
purchasing and/or integrating the RLS library products.
1.2 Supplemental Documentation
For information about the data interface, or other information outside the scope of
this manual, please refer to the appropriate documents listed below. The following
Qualstar and ANSI documents supplement this specification:
Subject Document
Qualstar
Document
Number
Installation & Operation RLS-8350/85XXX Series
Installation and Operation Manual
511000
Service RLS-8350/85XXX Series
Technical Service Manual
511010
Approved Data Cartridges Product Information Note PIN-038
Barcode Label Specifications Product Information Note PIN-040
SCSI Command Information RLS SCSI-2 Interface Manual 501551
SCSI-1 ANSI X3.131-1986 N/A
SCSI-2 ANSI X3.131-1994 N/A
SCSI Parallel Interface-2 Specification (SPI-2) ANSI X3.302-1998 N/A
SCSI Architecture Model-2 (SAM-2) ANSI INCITS 366-2003 N/A
SCSI-3 Primary Commands (SPC) ANSI X3.301-1997 N/A
SCSI-3 Primary Commands - 2 (SPC-2) ANSI INCITS 351-2001 N/A
SCSI-3 Primary Commands - 3 (SPC-3) ANSI INCITS 408-2005 N/A
SCSI-3 Media Changer Commands (SMC) ANSI INCITS 314-1998 [R2003] N/A
Automation/Drive Interface - Transport Protocol (ADI) ANSI INCITS 406-2005 N/A
Automation/Drive Interface - Commands (ADI) ANSI INCITS 403-2005 N/A
Serial Attached SCSI - 1.1 (SAS-1.1) ANSI INCITS 417-2006 N/A
Table 1-1 Applicable Documents
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Introduction 1-1

2. Product Description
2.1 General Description
The RLS-8350 is a high density, automated rack mounted tape library. The library is
6 rack-units tall (6U = 10.50 inches). The RLS-8350 tape library utilizes LTO tape
technology.
The library supports up to 50 cartridges and four tape drives. The entire system
(drives and library) is under host control via the host interface. Fibre channel and
SAS tape drive interfaces are supported, and the library uses the ADI facility of the
tape drives for its interface.
The RLS-8350 library can be easily expanded by adding one to three RLS-8560 or
RLS-85120 libraries, housing up to 410 tape cartridges and up to 19 tape drives in
just 36U of rack space.
The library contains a robotics system for handling data cartridges, uptofour
LTO-6,LTO-7 or LTO-8 SAS orfibre channel tape drives and storage slots for data
cartridges. The unit operates on internationally available ACpower with active
power factor correction.
The RLS is designed for maximum reliability. Only the highest quality components
are used in a design that is inherently robust and simple. Brushless motors are used
exclusively for smooth and reliable operations. All digital, closed-loop servo systems
use magnetic and optical position sensors to assure fast, smooth, trouble-free
cartridge handling. The servos automatically calibrate themselves, eliminating all
electrical adjustments. Preventive maintenance consists of replacing the air filter and
cleaning the gripper pads, when prompted by the control panel.
2.2 Standard Features Found in the RLS-8350 Library
•Library interface to the application is established via ADI, (Automation/Drive Interface)
through the tape drive's interface
•Barcode scanning of data cartridge labels
•Q-Link web-based library manager can remotely control the RLS and automatically
email alarm messages to a contact list
•Supports Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
•Supports library managed encryption, which allows tape drives to encrypt the data
written on tape cartridges
•Rack mount kit
•Simultaneous random and multi-sequential operating modes with two or more tape
drives
•Library resources may be partitioned
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•Multiple initiators may simultaneously connect to a single partition
•The front panel has a window for visibility into the interior
•Interior illumination
•Color touch screen control panel
•Easy-to-use menu system for configuration, operation and maintenance
•Tape drives are in quick-change hot swappable carriers
•Programmable, automated tape drive cleaning
•Operating firmware may be updated via Q-Link Ethernet interface
•Maintenance-friendly by design: no adjustments, hot-swap drives, hot-swap power
supply modules. All service can be performed without removing from the rack.
•Filtered, forced-air cooling of library and tape drives provided by front replaceable air
filters
•Universal input power rating (100- to 240-VAC, 50/60 Hz)
•Power Factor Corrected (PFC) power system is efficient and fully CE compliant
2.3 Optional Features Available
•N+1, hot-swappable power supply modules (automatic e-mail alarm message sent via Q-
Link when any power supply or fan fails)
•FastPass™ elevator expansion option, which allows one to four RLS-8560 or RLS-85120
libraries to be connected to form a single library.
2-2 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

2.4 RLS-8350 Library Features and Options
FEATURE RLS-8350
Tape Technology LTO
Maximum Number of Drives 4
Number of Slots 50
I/O Ports 1
Cartridges per I/O Port 4
Barcode Reader Standard
Q-Link Remote Library Manager Standard
Hot-swap Tape Drive Carriers Standard
N+1, Hot-Swappable Power Supply
Modules Optional
Table 2-1 RLS-8350 Features and Options
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-3

2.5 Major Features
2.5.1 Cabinet
The cabinet provides easy access for upgrades and field service while the library is
installed in a standard 19” equipment rack. Tape drives and power supply modules
(PSMs) plug into the rear of the library, providing all power and data connections.
2.5.2 Front Panel Components
The library’s functions can be controlled through the control panel. The I/O port is
released by the robot and slides out from the front panel, and is electronically locked.
Bulk loading can be accomplished by removing the right or left storage matrix. Figure
2-1 shows the various features of the front panel. The library may be configured to
continue operation while the I/O port is extended
.
Figure 2-1 RLS-8350 Front Panel Details
2-4 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

2.5.2.1 Control Panel
The control panel is a color LCD with touch screen. The operator may use the control
panel menus to configure and operate the RLS and monitor its status. The following
information can be displayed:
•Model number and all firmware revisions
•Extensive menu system for configuration, maintenance and operation
•Operational status (indicates all active cartridge movements)
•History log which stores the most recent commands and status
•Error conditions and diagnostic messages
•Library partition information
•Inventory information
2.5.2.2 I/O Port
The operator gains access to the media by unlocking the I/O port through either the
control panel or Q-Link and then manually extending the I/O port. When closed, the
I/O port is locked electronically. Once extended, four cartridges may be removed or
inserted. The library status may be configured to be "not ready" when the I/O port is
extended. Under this configuration, while the port is open, the RLS can respond to a
host interface command with a busy status, a not ready status or it can accept the
command and wait for port closure to complete the command.
Figure 2-2 The Four Slot I/O Port Extended
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-5

2.5.2.3 Security
The storage matrix must be secured with a key operated lock for the library to
operate.
2.5.2.4 Power Switch and Indicator
The library’s power status is indicated by a blue LED Power Indicator button on the
front of the library that illuminates when the power is applied. Standby/Soft-power is
controlled by a switch located inside the LED Power Indicator button. During standby
mode the center of the button flashes blue at the rate of one blink approximately
every two seconds. During power on mode the button is fully illuminated.
The primary power for the library is controlled by a rocker switch located on the rear
panel.
2.5.3 Rear Panel Components
Figure 2-3 Rear Panel Details
2.5.3.1 N+1 Power Option
The RLS-8350 has a distributed power system. One or two power supply modules
(PSM) can be accommodated. One power supply module is standard, the second power
supply module provides N+1 capability, ensuring system redundancy.
The PSMs operate in parallel, sharing the load. This reduces the stress on the
individual power supplies and extends their service life. When the N+1 option is
Tape Drives
Control
Electronics
Power
Supply
Module
Power Inlet, Line Fuse and Rocker Switch
2-6 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

installed, the library will continue to operate if one module fails. The remaining PSM
will power the RLS-8350 indefinitely. The library and tape drives will continue to
function, uninterrupted by the failure and subsequent replacement of the failed PSM.
A green "power good" LED indicates that a PSM is operating properly. A failed PSM
causes an alarm condition that will result in e-mail notification by the Q-Link remote
library manager.
All PSMs supply regulated 24-volts DC to the RLS-8350. The unit is powered from AC
mains of 100- to 240-volts, 50 or 60 Hertz.
Figure 2-4 The Power Supply Module (PSM)
2.5.3.1 FastPass Elevator Expansion Option
RLS-8350 rack mounted tape libraries easily expand capacity and data delivery
performance to keep pace with rapidly growing data protection and data archiving
requirements. Each library can be equipped to pass tapes vertically from one unit to
the next when installed in an industry standard 19-inch EIA equipment rack.
The FastPass elevator expansion option passes tapes from unit to unit. The
mechanism installs from the rear of the rack and fits entirely within the form factor of
the libraries.
The FastPass option can be installed by an end user, and the system is completely
self-calibrating. The elevator option requires no additional power or cooling, and does
not reduce the number of tape drives housed in each library module. The fast pass
modules use a tape drive slot, reducing the possible number of tape drives by two for
each pair of libraries that are connected.
Each RLS-8350 library can be expanded by adding one to three RLS-8560 or RLS-
85120 libraries below it, enabling the total configuration to support up to 19 tape
drives and up to 410 tape cartridges.
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-7

Figure 2-5 Two Libraries Connected with the FastPass Elevator Expansion Option
Figure 2-6 Rear view of two libraries with the FastPass Elevator Expansion Option
Upper elevator
expansion
module
Lower elevator
expansion
module
2-8 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

2.5.4 Medium Changer Components
Figure 2-7 RLS Components
2.5.4.1 Storage Slots
Each RLS-8350 model utilizes a left and right fixed matrix of storage slots (28 slots on
the right side and 22 on the left). The storage matrices may be removed from the unit
for bulk loading or removal of cartridges.
Figure 2-8 Left Storage Matrix Extended
Tape Drives
Robotics
Storage Slots
I/O Port
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-9

2.5.4.2 Tape Drives
The RLS-8350 library accommodates up to four tape drives. The drives are housed in
plug-in drive carriers that may be installed or removed while the other drives within
the unit are operating. A microprocessor in the drive carrier communicates with the
tape drive via its supervisory port to ascertain its model, serial number and
operational status. This information is immediately uploaded to the executive
processor and is available to the host computer whenever a new drive is plugged-in.
The drive’s world-wide name is set to the RLS menu values as soon as power is
applied. Any tape drive may be inserted or removed while the others are running. A
drive can be changed within a minute and no tools are required. Blank filler panels
must be installed at each vacant tape drive location.
Figure 2-9 Tape Drive Assembly
2.5.4.3 Robotics
The RLS-8350 utilizes a four-axis robotic cartridge handling system that moves
cartridges between the storage slots and the tape drives. All axes are driven by vector
drive brushless DC motors. The motors move the linear axes with precision lead
screws. Feedback is provided by hall effect sensors with optical end-of-travel sensing.
Cartridge gripping is accomplished using a solenoid for simplicity and dependability.
The linear axes are riding on linear bearings, and the rotating axis is supported on
ball bearings. This results in high reliability, long life, and nearly zero maintenance
for the robotics. The entire robotic handler is a removable as a single unit through the
front with only 7 screws, without removing the library from the equipment rack.
Figure 2-10 The Robotics
2-10 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

2.5.4.4 Cooling System
The library is cooled by fresh air that is drawn into the cabinet through filters in the
front panel. The air is exhausted out the rear of the library. Each tape drive and
power supply module has a fan.
2.5.4.5 Barcode Reader
A barcode reader is included with all RLS models. The barcode reader can scan all
cartridges in the RLS (except those within tape drives), as well as cartridges
introduced into the I/O port. Barcode Labels
Pre-printed barcode labels, which are both human and machine-readable, are
available from a number of sources, including Qualstar.
Barcode labels must conform to ANSI/AIM BCI-1995, Uniform Symbology
Specification Code 39. Please refer to PIN-040 at www.qualstar.com for more
information.
By default, the RLS expects no modulus 43 check characters at the end of each label,
but can be configured to expect the check character. All of the labels within the RLS
must match the check character configuration. If the RLS is configured to expect a
check character and the labels do not have a check character, then most barcodes will
not read, and if they do read, then they will miss the last character. If the RLS is
configured for no check character, and labels with check characters are used, then all
of the labels will show an extra character.
2.6 RLS Operation
2.6.1 Medium Changer Control System
There are several microprocessors utilized throughout the RLS to form an efficient
distributed control system. All of the microprocessors utilize FLASH memory for
storing their operating firmware. In addition to its own needs, the executive processor
firmware contains the firmware images for all of the other microprocessors in the
RLS. Thus all of the RLS operating firmware gets updated with a single code load to
the executive processor. The code load is accomplished over the Ethernet interface
using an Internet browser.The updates are matched to the revisions of all the circuit
boards to insure compatibility. Power loss during uploading or re-programming will
not cause any harm.
2.6.2 Inventory Database
The medium changer maintains an Inventory Database that contains data associated
with each storage location. The database contains such information as cartridge
presence, barcode label data and cartridge source element address. In addition, the
library collects the Memory-In-Cartridge data from each tape cartridge that is
inserted into a tape drive. This information is available using the Control Panel or the
Q-Link remote management facility. A subset of this is available to the host using the
SCSI command set.
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-11

2.6.3 Library and Multi-Sequential (Multiple Stacker) Operation
Each tape drive and cartridge storage location in the RLS may be configured through
the menu system for Library or Sequential operation. If a tape drive is configured for
the Library mode, it becomes a resource controlled by the application operating the
library. If a drive is configured for Sequential mode operation, it is referred to as a
sequential drive and is not included in the list of resources reported.
For Sequential or Recycle operation, a set of cartridge locations is assigned to each
sequential drive for its exclusive use. In these modes, each tape cartridge is returned
to its original storage location after it is ejected from the tape drive.
For Dual Bin operation, two separate sets of cartridge locations are assigned to each
sequential drive for its exclusive use. The input set of locations is where the changer
gets cartridges to be placed in the sequential drive. The output set is where those
cartridges are returned after the drive has ejected them.
Cartridge storage locations assigned to sequential operations are not included in the
list of resources reported to host computers. Empty slots in a Sequential, Recycle or
Dual Bin drive’s storage location set will not adversely affect operation.
When a Sequential or Recycle operation is initiated the changer places the first
cartridge, found at (or after) the initial specified storage location into the drive. When
the drive ejects the cartridge, the changer automatically returns the cartridge to its
original location. The changer then places the next cartridge found in sequence within
the drive’s storage set into the drive. This process is repeated until the last specified
cartridge in the sequence is ejected and returned to storage. This sequence may be
initiated at any location within a Sequential drive’s storage set but will always end at
the last storage location in the sequence. In Recycle operations, the handler will
return to the starting position and repeat the cartridge movement cycle indefinitely.
When a Dual Bin operation is interactively started, the changer moves the cartridge
found at (or after) its first input set location into the drive. When the drive ejects the
cartridge, the changer automatically places it in the first empty cartridge location in
the drive’s output set. This process is repeated, until the last specified cartridge in the
input set has been ejected from the drive and placed into the output set.
The computer communicating with the sequential drive only communicates with the
drive and not the changer. This allows the use of applications lacking library-specific,
cartridge-movement, operating software.
Multiple tape drives can be configured for concurrent Sequential, Recycle or Dual Bin
operation. All Library drives, and all cartridge locations not assigned to sequential
drives, are still available for simultaneous random mode operations.
This flexible design allows the user to partition the library’s resources to best meet
overall system needs.
2.6.4 Manual Operation
The menu system provides a means of manually moving cartridges to or from all
available locations (drives, magazine slots and I/O port). The menu system is accessed
2-12 Product Description 511002 Rev 07-01-19

using the touch screen on the front panel, or via the Q-Link interface. If the host makes
a request to the RLS during a manual operation, the RLS indicates it is busy until the
manual operation is completed (usually within a few seconds).
2.6.5 Library Partitions
When shipped from the factory, all RLS units are configured as a single library with all
tape drives and storage slots dedicated to random operation. This is generally the correct
configuration for a single system running a library-aware backup application.
However, when multiple hosts are present and each needs to run a library specific
backup application, then the RLS can be sub-divided into smaller
library partitions .
Each partition requires at least one dedicated tape drive. Note that when tape drives
are dedicated to sequential operation (sequential, recycle or dual bin) only one tape
drive is allowed to be assigned to each library partition.
The RLS can have multiple physical partitions, which allows separate hosts and thus
separate host applications to have fully separate sub-libraries under their exclusive
control. A partition must have one or more drive slots, and one or more cartridge slots
assigned. Thus, the maximum number of partitions is a function of the resources
assigned to the various partitions, up to the total number of drive slots and the
number of cartridge slots in the Library. Note that a drive slot can be assigned but is
not active unless a drive is installed. Drives, drive slots, and cartridge slots cannot be
shared between partitions.
An individual I/O port slot can only be assigned to one partition. A unit with two (2)
I/O ports doubles the number of I/O port slots that can be assigned to partitions. As
with drives, drive slots, and cartridge slots, I/O port slots that are assigned to one
partition may not be shared with a different partition.
Multiple hosts can communicate with the same partition, via the same physical port
and LUN. Should a host need a separate physical connection to the partition, an
additional drive can be configured for each physical host interface needed.
2.6.6 Encryption Key Management
The RLS-8350 Series enables use of the powerful data encryption capability built into
every LTO tape drive. Simple, easy-to-use, library-based key management allows
Administrators to assign a separate key to each partition. The data on all tapes within a
partition are encrypted and decrypted with the user-supplied key.
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Product Description 2-13

3. Physical Specifications
3.1 Dimensions
Figure 3-1 RLS External Dimensions
Note: 12 additional inches (30.5 cm) of depth are required to remove and install tape
drives and power supplies.
3.2 Color
The exterior color is black/aluminum.
511002 Rev 07-01-19 Physical Specifications 3-1