Sony AIT-SDX460 Installation instructions

SDX-460V/P
SDX-460V/RP 5.25”Model
Product Specification Manual
Version 1.0
Sep. 2004
Copyright © 2004, Sony Corporation.
All right reserved.
NOTE:
This Product Specification Manual is applicable for AIT-1 Turbo ATAPI I/F drive.

Notice
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without prior written consent of
Sony. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
SONY MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT. Sony shall not be liable
for errors contained herein, or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of this document.
© Copyright 2004, by Sony Corporation
For further information , please contact the appropriate Sony location listed below;
Sony Corporation
Electronic Devices Marketing Group
Tape Streamer Marketing Section
Gate City Osaki West Tower
Osaki East Tec.
1-11-1 Osaki Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0032 Japan
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Korea Corporation.
34F, ASEM Tower, World Trade Center, 159-1
Samsung-Dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul, 135-798 Korea
TEL: [phone]
Sony Electronics Inc.
3300 Zanker Road, San Jose, California 95134,
U.S.A.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
TLX: 171331 SJESONY
Sony Taiwan Limited, ODS Dept. DS Sect.
5F, 145 Changchun Road, Taipei 104, Taiwan
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Europe Semiconductor &
Electronic Solutions
The Heights, Blookland, Weybridge, Surrey KT13
OXW
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Corp. of Hong Kong Ltd. Beijing Rep. Office
Electronic Device Marketing Hong Kong, Computer
Peripheral Division
Tower A, 11/F Full Link Plaza, No.18
Chaoyangmenwai Ave., Beijing, 100020 P.R.C.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony of Canada Ltd.
Communications & Information Systems Group
Storage Marketing
115 Gordon Baker Road
Toronto, Ontario M2H 3R6
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Recording Media & Energy Latin America
Storage Drive Group
5201 Blue Lagoon Drive Suite 390
Miami, FL 33126, U.S.A.
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
Electronic Devices Marketing (Singapore)
Computer Peripherals Division Enterprise
Storage Solutions Department
2 International Business Park #01-10
Tower One The Strategy Singapore 609930
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Sony Brasil Ltda.
Informatica Division
Rua Inocencio Tobias, 125-Bloco A 01144-000
Sao Paulo, SP Brazil
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Changing List
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SDX-460V Series Ver. 1.0 SEPTEMBER, 2004 (RELEASE)

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SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introducin 1-1
1.1. About This Product Specification Manual 1-1
1.2. Introducing the Sony AIT Technology 1-1
1.3. Features of the Drive 1-2
1.4. Reference 1-2
1.4.1. How to get ECMA-222, 246, 291 Standard Document 1-2
2. Specifications 2-1
2.1. Specifications 2-1
2.1.1. Dimensions 2-1
2.1.1.1. Mounting Holes 2-2
2.1.2. Weight 2-4
2.1.3. Connectors 2-4
2.1.3.1. IDE Cables 2-4
2.2. Environmental Specifications 2-4
2.2.1. Temperature and Humidity Range 2-4
2.2.2. Altitude 2-5
2.2.3. Suspended Particulate 2-5
2.2.4. Vibration 2-5
2.2.5. Shock 2-5
2.2.6. Acoustic Noise 2-5
2.2.7. ESD 2-5
2.2.8. EMI 2-5
2.2.9. Orientation 2-6
2.3. Performance Specification 2-6
2.3.1. Data Capacity 2-7
2.3.2. Data transfer Rate 2-7
2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate to and from Tape 2-7
2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate to and from the IDE Bus 2-7
2.3.3. Initialize Time 2-7
2.3.4. Load Time 2-7
2.3.5. Unload Time 2-8
2.3.6. Search Time 2-8
2.3.7. Rewind Time 2-8
2.3.8. Error Rate 2-8
2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites 2-8
2.3.10. Definition of Failure 2-8
2.3.11. Mean Time Between Failures 2-8
2.3.12. Mean Time to Repair 2-8
2.3.13. Component Life 2-9
2.3.14. Durability 2-9
2.4. Safety 2-9
2.4.1. Conditions of Acceptability 2-9
2.5. Installation Requirements 2-9
2.5.1. Power Requirements 2-9
2.6. Data Compression 2-10
3. Installation 3-1
3.1. Installation Guide 3-1
3.1.1. Data Compression ON Switch 3-2
3.1.2. Power Connector 3-2
3.1.3. IDE Interface Connector 3-2
3.1.4. Jumper Connector 3-3
3.1.5. Attaching and Removing the Dust Cover 3-4
3.1.5.1. Attaching the Dust Cover 3-4
3.1.5.2. Removing the Dust Cover 3-5

SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
4. Operation 4-1
4.1. Summary of LED Indications 4-1
4.2. Operator Action 4-2
4.2.1. Powering Up the SDX-460V 4-2
4.2.2. Inserting Cassettes 4-2
4.2.3. Removing Cassettes 4-2
4.2.4. Hard Reset Hole 4-2
4.2.5. Write-Protecting Cassettes 4-2
4.3. Internal Function 4-3
4.3.1. The Load Sequence (Effective for SDX-T3N, TAITE-20N and TAIT1-40N) Refer to
14.2.1 Fast Media Load/Unload (Effective for SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C and TAIT1-40C,
MIC cassette) 4-3
4.3.2. The Unload Sequence (Effective for SDX-T3N, TAITE-20N and TAIT1-40N) Refer to
14.2.1 Fast Media Load/Unload (Effective for SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C and TAIT1-40C,
MIC cassette) 4-3
4.3.3. Power-Fail Handling 4-3
4.3.4. Diagnostic and Normal Status Displays 4-4
4.3.4.1. Diagnostic Status Display 4-4
4.3.4.2. Normal Status Display 4-4
4.4. Tape Format 4-5
4.4.1. Tape Partitions 4-5
4.4.1.1. Formatting Partitions 4-5
4.5. Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Service 4-6
4.5.1. Head Cleaning 4-6
4.5.1.1. Message When Cleaning Cassette is Necessary 4-6
4.5.1.2. The Condition of Cleaning Request 4-6
4.5.1.3. Usage of Cleaning Cassette 4-6
4.5.2. Troubleshooting Guide 4-6
4.5.2.1. Operational Problems 4-6
4.5.2.2. Read/Write Problems 4-9
4.5.2.3. Replace Tape 4-9
4.5.2.4. Media Warning 4-9
4.5.3. Clearance for Service 4-9
4.5.4. Packaging for Return to Sony 4-9
5. ATA/ATAPI Interface 5-1
5.1. Introduction 5-1
5.2. Overview of Interface 5-1
5.2.1. Device Registers 5-2
5.2.2. Interrupts 5-4
6. ATA COMMAND Specification 6-1
6.1. Check Power Mode (E5h) 6-2
6.2. Device Reset (08h) 6-4
6.3. Execute Device Diagnostics (90h) 6-5
6.4. Identify Device (ECh) 6-7
6.5. Identify Packet Device (A1h) 6-8
6.6. Idle Immediate (E1h) 6-16
6.7. NOP (00h) 6-18
6.8. Packet (A0h) 6-19
6.9. Read Sectors (20h) 6-23
6.10. Set Features (EFh) 6-24
6.11. Sleep (E6h) 6-26
6.12. Standby Immediate (E0h) 6-28

SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
7. ATAPI Packet Command Specification 7-1
7.1. ERASE 19h 7-2
7.2. INQUIRY 12h 7-3
7.3. LOAD/UNLOAD 1Bh 7-7
7.4. LOCATE 2Bh 7-8
7.5. LOG SELECT 4Ch 7-9
7.6. LOG SENSE 4Dh 7-12
7.6.1. The Log Page Descriptor 7-13
7.6.2. The Log Parameter Descriptor 7-14
7.6.3. Supported Pages 7-16
7.6.4. Write and Read Error Counter Pages Code 02h & 03h 7-17
7.6.5. Last N Error Events List Page Code 07h 7-17
7.6.6. Tape Log Page (Sony Unique) Page Code 30h 7-18
7.6.7. Tape Capacity Log Page 7-19
7.6.8. Drive Usage Log Page (Sony Unique) Code 33h 7-20
7.6.9. Read and Write Frame Error Counter Page Codes 34h, 35h 7-21
7.6.10. Data Compression Transfer Log Page Code 39h 7-22
7.6.11. AIT Log Page Code 3Ch 7-23
7.6.12. MIC Fixed Length Information Log Page Code 3Dh 7-24
7.6.13. MIC Variable Length Information Log Page Code 3Eh 7-28
7.7. MODE SELECT 15h 7-30
7.8. MODE SENSE 1Ah 7-32
7.8.1. Disconnect-Reconnect Page 02h 7-34
7.8.2. Data Compression Control Page 0Fh 7-34
7.8.3. Device Configuration Page 10h 7-36
7.8.4. Medium Partition Page 11h 7-38
7.8.5. Medium Partition Page 11h (for multi-partitioned tapes) 7-40
7.8.6. Informational Exceptions Control Page 1Ch 7-42
7.8.7. AIT Device Configuration Page 31h 7-43
7.8.8. Append Partition Page 32h 7-45
7.8.9. Delete Partition Page 33h 7-46
7.8.10. Capabilities and Mechanical Status Page 2Ah 7-46
7.9. PREVENT/ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL 1Eh 7-48
7.10. READ 08h 7-49
7.11. READ BLOCK LIMITS 05h 7-51
7.12. READ BUFFER 3Ch 7-52
7.13. READ POSITION 34h 7-54
7.14. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS 1Ch 7-56
7.15. RELEASE UNIT 17h 7-58
7.16. REQUEST BLOCK ADDRESS 02h 7-59
7.17. REQUEST SENSE 03h 7-60
7.18. RESERVE UNIT 16h 7-68
7.19. REWIND 01h 7-69
7.20. SEEK BLOCK 0Ch 7-70
7.21. SEND DIAGNOSTIC 1Dh 7-71
7.22. SPACE 11h 7-73
7.23. TEST UNIT READY 00h 7-76
7.24. VERIFY 13h 7-77
7.25. WRITE 0Ah 7-79
7.26. WRITE BUFFER 3Bh 7-80
7.27. WRITE FILEMARK 10h 7-82

SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
8. Drive Diagnostics 8-1
8.1. Overview 8-1
8.2. Diagnostic Test 8-1
8.2.1. Power-on Self Test 8-1
8.2.2. SEND DIAGNOSTIC Command - Self Test 8-2
8.2.3. SEND DIAGNOSTIC Command - Individual Test 8-2
8.2.4. Diagnostic Test Number Summary 8-4
8.2.5. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULT Command 8-5
8.2.6. Diagnostics Results Reference 8-6
8.2.7. Diagnostic Tests Requiring Additional Parameters 8-7
9. APPENDIX A: ASC & ASCQ Alphabetic Order 9-1
10. APPENDIX B: ASC & ASCQ Numeric Order 10-1
11. APPENDIX C: ATA Commands (Op Code Order) 11-1
12. APPENDIX D: ATAPI Commands (Op Code Order) 12-1
13. APPENDIX E: ASC & ASCQ for AIT (Sony Unique) 13-1
14. APPENDIX F: introduction to AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo contact type MIC 14-1
14.1. MIC Data Structures 14-1
14.1.1. MIC Header 14-1
14.1.2. System Log 14-1
14.1.3. User Volume Note & User Partition Note 14-2
14.1.4. Super High Speed Search Map 14-2
14.1.5. Example of Usage 14-2
14.2. Functional Benefits 14-3
14.2.1. Fast Media Load/Unload 14-3
14.2.2. Super High Speed Search 14-4
14.2.3 Data Integrity/Media Management 14-5
14.2.3.1. Sample Application for MIC 14-5
15. APPENDIX G: Miscellaneous notes to AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo
contact type MIC 15-1
15.1. Partition Numbering in the DDS Emulation Mode 15-1
15.2. AIT Log Sense 15-1
15.3. Write Protection Tab on SDX2 cassette 15-1
15.4. Unique Serial Number in MIC 15-1
15.5. AIT Cassette Manufacturer ID in MIC 15-1
15.6. AIT Cassette Secondary ID in MIC 15-2
15.7. Unreadable MIC 15-2
15.8. Example SCSI Command Sequence for MIC 15-2
15.8.1. How to create User Notes in AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo MIC 15-2
15.8.1.1. Procedure for Writing User Data on MIC using LOG SELECT Command 15-4
15.8.2. User Data Length: 380 byte 15-5
15.8.2.1. Procedure of Reading User Data on MIC using LOG SENSE Command 15-5
15.8.3. How to Update the User Volume Note 15-6
15.8.4. How to Update the User Partiton Note 15-7
15.8.5. How to Expand or Shrink the User Volume Note 15-8
15.8.6. How to Expand or Shrink the User Partiton Note 15-8
15.8.7. User Notes Hints 15-8

SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
16. APPENDIX H: MIC (SCSI Interface Specification for AIT Multiple Partitioning) 16-1
16.1. MIC Features 16-1
16.2. The Default Mode for Drive 16-1
16.3. Cassette has a Mode 16-1
16.4. Re-Using Cassettes 16-1
16.5. LOADING/UNLOADING 16-2
16.6. Application Notes 16-3
16.6.1. Backup Techniques with MIC Cassettes 16-3
16.6.2. How to Change Active Partition 16-3
16.6.3. Retention 16-3

SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 Table of Contents
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1. Introduction
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 1-1
1. Introduction
1.1. About this Product Specification Manual
This Product Specification Manual is applicable for AIT-1 Turbo drive.
This manual provides information about the Sony SDX-460V series Advanced Intelligent Tape Drives which is
necessary to integrate the drives into OEM products. This manual describes the specifications, ATA/ATAPI
Interface, diagnostics, operation and installation of the Sony SDX-460V Drives.
The Sony SDX-460V drive uses data compression to achieve high capacity and high transfer rates. Actual capacity
and transfer rate depends on the source file type. The capacity ratings listed in the next subsection are based on a
186 meter tape AIT-1 Turbo cassette. The Sony SDX-460V drive is a high capacity data storage device using
Advanced intelligent tape (AIT) technology. The Sony SDX-460V drive achieves high data integrity through
read-after-write, an additional level of Error Correction Code, and other features.
The Sony SDX-460V drives provide MIC technology that automatically enhance reliability and performance. The
Sony SDX-460V drives provide read and write capability for MIC user data area.
1.2. Introducing the Sony AIT Technology
While magnetic storage technologies continue to push the envelope of recording density and provide higher
capacities and transfer rates every 18 to 24 months, improvements in time to access this data have become very
limited. Since 1990, tape recording densities have increased up to ten fold, while the time to access this data has
increased less than two fold,creating a largemismatch betweenthe amount of stored data and the ability to access
it.
This large “gap” between data access latency and areal density has created a dilemma in application development
and limited the potential to implement truly cost-effective tertiary storage solutions. Many applications compensated
for this deficiency by incorporating multiple redundant tape drives, at higher cost, to achieve an acceptable level of
service for their users. Sony’s new Advanced Intelligent Tape design has recognized this need and provided an
innovative approach to solving the data latency problem while increasing capacity and data transfer rates.
Traditional, older tape technologies relied mostly on conventional mechanical means, such as faster search speeds
or an on-tape index to improve access to stored data. While improvements in electronics and magnetics have been
the main enablers of increased capacity and transfer rates, rarely have these same technologies been employed to
significantly improve access to data.
Sony’s Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) architecture has deviated from conventional designs and employed
electronic enhancements to significantly improve access to stored data, using a captive, non-volatile memory chip
contained within the magnetic data cartridge. Known as Memory-In-Cassette, or MIC, this memory chip provides a
direct and immediate connection tothe tape drive’s on-board processors to enable quick media load, fast access to
user files and provide a wealth of data about the history and current state of the data cartridge.

1. Introduction
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0
1-2
1.3. Features of the Drive
Major features of the Sony SDX-460V include:
• Capacity
20 Gbyte typical when using 98 meter tape AIT-E Turbo cassette (TAITE-20N)
-52 Gbyte with 2.6:1 data compression ratio.
25 Gbyte typical when using 170 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-25C)
-65 Gbyte with 2.6:1 data compression ratio.
35 Gbyte typical when using 230 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-35C)
-91Gbyte with 2.6:1 data compression ratio.
40 Gbyte typical when using 186 meter tape AIT-1 Turbo cassette (TAIT1-40N or TAIT1-40C)
-104 Gbyte with 2.6:1 data compression ratio.
• Sustained transfer rate - 6Mbyte/sec when using AIT-E Turbo and AIT-1 Turbo cassette.
• Sustained transfer rate - 4Mbyte/sec when using AIT-1 cassette.
• Supported Format: AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo and AIT-1
• Not compatible with the DDS and EXABYTE format tapes
• Burst transfer rate
100 Mbyte/sec Ultra DMA (mode 5)
• Large 12 MB Buffer Memory
• 3.5” Standard Height, 5.25” Half Height
• ATA/ATAPI-6 Interface
• Supports Variable or Fixed record length
• Read After Write (RAW) On and Off capability
• Read Retry On and Off capability
• Frame rewrite function
• Three levels of Error Correction Code (ECC)
• High Speed search (120 times nominal Read/Write speed)
• Random read, Append write
• MIC Support (Automatic reliability and performance enhancement.)
• MIC Support (Read and write capability for MIC user data area.)
1.4. Reference
Please refer to the following documents for additional information:
• Information Technology -AT Attachment with Packet Interface -6 (ATA/ATAPI-6) ANSI INCITS 361-2002
• ALDC - Adaptive Loss less Data Compression (ALDC) Algorithm;
ECMA-222, available through 1ECMA.
• 8 mm Wide Magnetic Tape Cartridge for Information Interchange - Helical Scan Recording - AIT-1 Format;
ECMA-246, available through ECMA.
• 8 mm Wide Magnetic Tape Cartridge for Information Interchange - Helical Scan Recording - AIT-1 with MIC
Format; ECMA-291, available through ECMA.
1.4.1. How to get ECMA-222, 246, 291 Standard Document
You can get these ECMA Standard Document file from the following URL.
http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/standard.html
1ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association)

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 2-1
2. Specifications
Physical, environmental and performance specifications for the SDX-460V/P and SDX-460V/RP.
2.1. Specifications
2.1.1. Dimensions
The SDX-460V/P
Height 41.2 mm (1.62 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Width 101.6 mm (4.00 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Depth 155.0 mm (6.10 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
The SDX-460V/RP
Height 41.2 mm (1.62 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Width 146.0 mm (5.75 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Depth 155.0 mm (6.10 in) ± 0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Note : The above dimensions do not include the front panel thickness, eject button and IDE connector.
Figure 2-1: Dimensions (SDX-460V)
Height 41.2 0.5mm
[1.62" 0.02"]
Width 101.6 0.5mm
[4.00" 0.02"]
Depth 155.0 0.5mm
[6.10" 0.02"]
7.6
0.5mm
[0.30" 0.02"]
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7.4 0.6mm
[0.29" 0.02"]
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2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0
2-2
2.1.1.1. Mounting Holes
Figure 2-2a gives details of the mounting holes for the Sony SDX-460V/P and figure 2-2b for the Sony
SDX-460V/RP.
155.0 0.5mm [6.10" 0.02"]
90.0 0.3mm [3.54" 0.01"]
60.0 0.3mm
[2.36" 0.01"]
70.0 0.3mm [2.76" 0.01"]
31.0 0.3mm
[1.22" 0.01"]
21.0 0.3mm
[0.83" 0.01"]
41.2 0.5mm [1.62" 0.02"]
4.8 0.5mm [0.19" 0.02"]
6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.)
6-M3 (depth 2.5mm [0.10"] max.)
42.0 0.3mm
[1.65" 0.01"]
94.0 0.5mm [3.70" 0.02"]
101.6 0.5mm [4.00" 0.02"]
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7.4 0.6mm
[0.29" 0.02"]
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9.8 0.6mm [0.39" 0.02"]
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Figure 2-2a: SDX-460V/P Mounting Holes

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 2-3
79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]
79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]
47.5 0.3mm
[1.87" 0.01"]
79.2 0.3mm [3.12" 0.01"]
47.5 0.3mm
[1.87" 0.01"]
94.0 0.5mm [3.70" 0.02"]
21.8 0.5mm [0.86" 0.02"]
41.2 0.5mm [1.62" 0.02"]
9.9 0.5mm [0.39" 0.02"]
139.6 0.5mm [5.50" 0.02"] 146.0 0.5mm [5.75" 0.02"] 149.0 0.5mm [5.87" 0.02"]
155.0 0.5mm [6.10" 0.02"]
7.6mm [0.3"]
70.0 0.3mm [2.76" 0.01"]
31.0 0.3mm
[1.22" 0.01"] 42.0 0.3mm [1.65" 0.01"]
4-M3
6-M3
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7.0 0.5mm
[0.28" 0.02"]
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7.4 0.6mm
[0.29" 0.02"]
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9.8 0.6mm
[0.39" 0.02"]
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Figure 2-2b: SDX-460V/RP Mounting Holes

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0
2-4
2.1.2. Weight
SDX-460V/P 740 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.
SDX-460V/RP 970 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.
2.1.3. Connectors
The SDX-460V has a IDE connector with a power connector and Jumpers at the positions shown in Figure 2-3. All
other connectors are for use by Sony’s manufacturing and service facilities only.
Figure 2-3: Connector Positions
2.1.3.1. IDE Cables
ATA/ATAPI-6 configuration are supported by SDX-460V.
The hardware specification of this interface can be found in Annex A connectors and cable assemblies of the ANSI
INCITS 361-2002.
2.2. Environmental Specifications
The specifications which apply when media is present may be different than these.
2.2.1. Temperature and Humidity Range
Temperature
Operating 5 °C to 40 °C (∆T < 10 °C/h)
Non-Operating (mech.) -40 °C to 70 °C (∆T < 20 °C/h)
Non-Operating (tape) -40 °C to 45 °C (∆T < 20 °C/h)
Humidity
Operating 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing
Maximum wet bulb temperature: 26 °C
Non-operating (mech.) 5 to 95%RH (∆RH<30%/h)
Maximum wet bulb temperature: 45 °C
Non-operating (tape) 20 to 80%RH (∆RH<30%/h)
Note: Please keep cool the drive's heatsink.

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 2-5
2.2.2. Altitude
Operating 0 to 10,000 feet
2.2.3. Suspended Particulate
Operating Less than 150 microgram/m3
Based Sampling period 24 hours
2.2.4. Vibration
Operating Swept Sine 5 to 500Hz, @0.25G Peak 1 Octave/min.
3 axis, 3 directions
Non-operating Swept Sine 5 to 500Hz, @ 0.5G Peak 1 Octave/min.
3 axis, 3 directions
2.2.5. Shock
Operating No Data Loss
Half Sine
Performance
5 G Peak 3 ms
3 axes, 3 directions
*Interval 10 seconds
Non-operating No Device Damage
Half Sine
90 G Peak 3 ms
(30 G Peak 11 ms)
3 axes, 3 directions
*Interval 10 seconds
2.2.6. Acoustic Noise
The ambient noise level is no greater than 25 dB (A). The sound-meter on (A) scale is located 1m in front of the
center of the drive front panel. (A): A curve weight
Streaming Write/Read 35dB (A)
Insert/Eject 60dB (A)
2.2.7. ESD
Front Panel Only, Integrated
product Discharge Voltage Less than 15kV: No operation failure
Less than 20kV: No drive damage
2.2.8. EMI
Radiated Emissions/
Conducted noise Emissions EN55022/98 class B

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0
2-6
2.2.9. Orientation
TheSDX-460Vcanbeinstalledin three differentmountingpositionsasshowninthefigurebelow.Eachposition has
a maximum tolerance of ± 10 degrees.
Figure 2-4: Mounting Attitude and Tolerance
2.3. Performance Specification
The data capacity, data transfer rate and data reliability specifications this chapter require the media to conform to
the AIT-E Turbo, AIT-1 Turbo and AIT-1 Media Specification and also require the drive and media to remain within
their respective operating and non-operating environmental specifications. The specifications below also assume
that the C3 ECC frame is generated on writing and used as necessary on reading, and further assumes that
read-after-write rewrites are used as necessary on writing.
10 10
10 10
10 10
10
10

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0 2-7
2.3.1. Data Capacity
The SDX-460V includes a data compression capability. When data compression is enabled the drive capacity can
increase from 2 times to 3 times. The efficiency of the data compression depends on the actual data that is being
compressed and cannot be predicted precisely prior to compression.
Format AIT-E Turbo Standard Format
Native
Capacity 20.0 Gbyte typical When using 98 meter tape AIT-E Turbo cassette (TAITE-20N)
Format AIT-1 Standard Format
25.0 Gbyte typical When using 170 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-25C)
Native
Capacity 35.0 Gbyte typical When using 230 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-35C)
Format AIT-1 Turbo Standard Format
Native
Capacity 40.0 Gbyte typical When using 186 meter tape AIT-1 Turbo cassette (TAIT1-40N and TAIT1-40C)
2.3.2. Data transfer Rate
2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate to and from Tape
The sustained transfer rate toand from the tape is 6 Mbyte per second with AIT-E Turbo and AIT-1 Turbo cassette.
4 Mbyte per second with AIT-1 cassette. For this sustained rate to be achieved, the drive must be streaming. There
may be some dependency on the host and application softwares for this to be achieved.
2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate to and from the IDE Bus
The SDX-460V will transmit and receive data bursts to and from the IDE bus at a maximum burst rate of 100 Mbyte
per second, using Ultra DMA (mode 5) transfer.
2.3.3. Initialize Time
InitializeTimemeanstheperiodfromthe timethedriveis poweredontothe timewhenthedrive isreadyandwaiting
for a ATA/ATAPI command such as INQUIRY or TEST UNIT READY. Initialize Time is less than 5 seconds.
The drive will respond with BUSY status until the completion of the Initialize Time. The Initialize Time does not
include the time necessary for drive diagnostics to complete and the drive to become ready for tape insertion.
2.3.4. Load Time
Load Time means the period from the time when the operator inserts a cassette into the drive to the time when the
drive is ready. The data in the below table represents the average time for SDX-460V. The time it may take for
retrying is not reflected here.
TAITE-20N (98m) SDX1-25C (170m) SDX1-35C (230m) TAIT1-40N (186m) TAIT1-40C (186m)
Load Time 25 sec 14 sec 14 sec 25 sec 14 sec

2. Specification
SONY AIT-1 Turbo drive SDX-460V series Ver.1.0
2-8
2.3.5. Unload Time
Unload Time means the period from the beginning of the unload sequence caused by Unload Command or Eject
button to the time when a cassette is ejected from the slot. Unload Time does not include Rewind time. The data in
the below table represents the average time for SDX-460V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.
TAITE-20N (98m) SDX1-25C (170m) SDX1-35C (230m) TAIT1-40N (186m) TAIT1-40C (186m)
Unload Time 30 sec 20 sec 20 sec 30 sec 20 sec
2.3.6. Search Time
Search Time means the period for the drive to find the position that is required by a command. This time also
depends on the tape lengthand the position of the head along the tape. The data in the below table represents the
average time for SDX-460V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.
TAITE-20N (98m) SDX1-25C (170m) SDX1-35C (230m) TAIT1-40N (186m) TAIT1-40C (186m)
Search Time 70 sec 85 sec 120 sec 120 sec 90 sec
2.3.7. Rewind Time
Rewind Time means the period from the beginning to the end of rewinding sequence. This value depends on the
tape length and the position of the head along the tape. The data in the below table represents the average time for
SDX-460V. The time it may take for retrying is not reflected here.
TAITE-20N (98m) SDX1-25C (170m) SDX1-35C (230m) TAIT1-40N (186m) TAIT1-40C (186m)
Rewind Time 60 sec 80 sec 105 sec 90 sec 90 sec
2.3.8. Error Rate
The un-correctable bit error rate is expected to be less than 1 in 10 to the 17th.
2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites
For Read-after-Write error correction, eachframe can be rewritten up to a maximum of 63 times giving 64 writes of
the frame.
2.3.10. Definition of Failure
Afailureisdefined as any permanent manufactureof thedrive thatprevents theuserfrom retrieving datafromtape.
Thisincludesfailuretopowerup,failuretounloadorejectacassette,orfailuretowriteandread datatoandfrom the
tape, providing that both the drive and tape are being used within specification.
Faults are not considered failures when they are related to operator error mishandling and abuse, system-related
faults (cabling problems unsupported systems, operating software and so on) no trouble found, and transportation
damage.
2.3.11. Mean Time Between Failures
The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for the SDX-460V is 300,000 power-on hours, assuming a duty cycle of
100%, where:
2.3.12. Mean Time to Repair
The Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) of the SDX-460V is 30 minutes. Since at the field level the entire drive is
considered a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) the time to replace the drive with a new one is less that 30 minutes.
D
utyCycle = ×100
Tape Motion Time
P
owerOn Time