Sony SDX-700C Installation instructions

SDX-700C
SDX-700C/R 5.25”Model
Product Specification Manual
Version 2.1
Dec. 2001
Copyright © 2001, Sony Corporation.
All right reserved.
NOTE:
This Product Specification Manual is applicable for AIT-3 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 1998,1999, Sony Corporation
For further information , please contact the appropriate Sony location listed below;
Sony Corporation
Tape Streamer Marketing Section
Data Storage Sales & Marketing Dept
Computer Peripherals Marketing Division
Electronic Devices Marketing Group
15F Gotenyama Hill, 4-7-35 Kitashinagawa
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0001 Japan
TEL: [phone]
FAX :81- (0)3-5448-7902
Sony International (Europa)GmbH
CPCE PMS
Europa Formum Dornach
Humboldtstrasse 8 D-85609
Aschheim Bei München Germany
TEL:[phone]
FAX:[phone]
Sony Electronics Inc.,
Component & Computer Products Group
3300 Zanker Road, San Jose,
California 95134 U.S.A.
TEL:[phone]
Sony Australia Limited
Information Technology Products Division
33-39 Talavera Road, North Ryde, N.S.W.2113,
Australia
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
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- 3
1.5. How to get ECMA-222 Standard Document 1- 3
1.6. How to get ECMA-246 Standard Document 1- 3
1.7. How to get MAM Document 1- 3
2. Specifications
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. SCSI Cables and Terminators 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. Suspected 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. EMC 2- 5
2.2.8. Orientation 2- 5
2.3. Performance Specification 2- 6
2.3.1. Data Capacity 2- 6
2.3.2. Data Transfer Rate 2- 7
2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate to and from the tape 2- 7
2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate to and from the SCSI Bus 2- 7
2.3.3. Initialize Time 2- 7
2.3.4. Load Time 2- 7
2.3.5. Unload Time 2- 7
2.3.6. Search Time 2- 7
2.3.7. Rewind Time 2- 7
2.3.8. Error Rate 2- 7
2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites 2- 8
2.3.10. Definition of Failure 2- 8
2.3.11. Mean Time Between Failure 2- 8
2.3.12. Mean Time to Repair 2- 8
2.3.13. Component Life 2- 8
2.3.14. Durability 2- 8
2.4. Safety 2- 8
2.4.1. Conditions of Acceptability 2- 9
2.5. Installation Requirements 2- 9
2.5.1. Power Requirements 2- 9

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
2.6. Data Compression 2- 9
3. Installation
3.1. Installation Guide 3- 1
3.1.1. SCSI ID Number Jumper 3- 2
3.1.2. Termination Power Switch 3- 2
3.1.3. Parity Disable Jumper 3- 2
3.1.4. Data Compression ON Switch 3- 2
3.1.5. Power Connector 3- 3
3.1.6. SCSI 68 pin Connector 3- 3
4. Operation
4.1. Summary of LED indications 4- 1
4.2. Operator Action 4- 2
4.2.1. Powering up the SDX-700C 4- 2
4.2.2. Inserting Cassettes 4- 2
4.2.3. Removing Cassettes 4- 2
4.2.4. Hand Reset Hole 4- 2
4.2.5. Write-Protecting Cassettes 4- 3
4.3. Internal Function 4- 3
4.3.1. The Load Sequence
(Effective only for SDX-T3N,non MIC cassette ,only )
Refer to 12.2.1. Fast Media Load/Unload (Effective for
SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C and SDX2-50C, MIC cassette)
4- 3
4.3.2. The Unload Sequence
(Effective for SDX-T3N,non MIC cassette ,only )
Refer to 12.2.1. Fast Media Load/Unload (Effective for
SDX1-25C, SDX1-35C and SDX2-50C, MIC cassette)
4- 3
4.3.3. Power-Fail or SCSI Reset Handling 4- 4
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- 5
4.4. TapeAlert 4- 5
4.5. Tape Format 4- 5
4.5.1. Tape Partitions 4- 6
4.5.1.1. Formatting partitions 4- 6
4.6. Maintenance , Troubleshooting and Service 4- 6
4.6.1. Head Cleaning 4- 6
4.6.1.1. Message when cleaning cassette is necessary 4- 6
4.6.1.2. Usage of cleaning cassette 4- 6
4.6.2. Troubleshooting Guide 4- 7
4.6.2.1. Operational Problems 4- 7
4.6.2.2. Replace Tape 4- 10
4.6.2.3. Media Warning 4- 10
4.6.3. Clearance for Service 4- 10
4.6.4. Packaging for Return to Sony 4- 10

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
5. SCSI Interface
5.1. Introduction 5- 1
5.1.1. Overview of the SCSI Interface 5- 1
5.1.2. Supported Messages 5- 1
5.1.3. Supported and Unsupported Commands 5- 2
5.2. SCSI BUS Operation 5- 2
5.2.1. Typical SCSI Operation 5- 2
5.2.2. Disconnect 5- 3
5.3. Message Specification 5- 4
5.3.1. COMMAND COMPLETE (00h) 5- 4
5.3.2. EXTENDED MESSAGE (01h) 5- 5
5.3.2.1. PARALLEL PROTOCOL REQUEST (04h) 5- 6
5.3.2.2. SYNCHRONOUS DATA TRANSFER REQUEST (01h) 5- 6
5.3.2.3. WIDE DATA TRANSFER REQUEST 5- 8
5.3.3. SAVE DATA POINTER (02h) 5- 9
5.3.4. RESTORE POINTERS (03h) 5- 9
5.3.5. DISCONNECT (04h) 5- 9
5.3.6. INITIATOR DETECTED ERROR (05h) 5- 9
5.3.7. ABORT (06h) 5- 10
5.3.8. MESSAGE REJECT (07h) 5- 10
5.3.9. NO OPERATION (08h) 5- 10
5.3.10. MESSAGE PARITY ERROR (09h) 5- 10
5.3.11. BUS DEVICE RESET (0ch) 5- 10
5.3.12. IDENTIFY (80h-FFh) 5- 11
5.3.13. IGNORE WIDE RESIDUE (23h) 5- 11
5.4. Status Specification 5- 11
6. Command Specification
6.1. ERASE 19h 6- 2
6.2. INQUIRY 12h 6- 3
6.3. LOAD / UNLOAD 1Bh 6- 8
6.4. LOCATE 2Bh 6- 10
6.5. LOG SELECT 4Ch 6- 11
6.6. LOG SENSE 4Dh 6- 13
6.6.1. The Log Page Descriptor 6- 14
6.6.2. The Log Parameter Descriptor 6- 15
6.6.3. Supported Log Pages 6- 16
6.6.3.1. Summary List of Supported Pages 6- 17
6.6.4. Write and Read Error Counters Pages 6- 17
6.6.5. Last N Error Events List 6- 18
6.6.6. TapeAlert Log Page 6- 19
6.6.7. Tape Log Page(Sony Unique) 6- 19
6.6.8. Tape Capacity Log Page 6- 24
6.6.9. Drive Usage Log Page (Sony Unique) 6- 26
6.6.10. Read and Write Frame Error Counter Page 6- 27
6.6.11. Data Compression Transfer Log Page 6- 28
6.6.12. AIT Log Page (3Ch) 6- 29

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
6.6.13. MIC Fixed Length Information page (3Dh) 6- 30
6.6.14. MIC Variable Length Information Page (3Eh) 6- 33
6.7. MODE SELECT 15h 6- 40
6.7.1. Disconnect-Reconnect Page (02h) 6- 43
6.7.2. Control Mode Page (0Ah) 6- 44
6.7.3. Data Compression Control Page (0Fh) 6- 45
6.7.4. Device Configuration Page (10h) 6- 47
6.7.5. Medium Partitions Parameter Page (11h) 6- 49
6.7.6. Medium Partitions Parameter Page
(for multi-partitioned tapes)(11h)
6- 51
6.7.7. Informational Exceptions Control Page (1Ch) 6- 54
6.7.8. AIT Device Configuration Page (31h) 6- 55
6.7.9. Append Partition (32h) 6- 57
6.7.10. Delete Partition (33h) 6- 60
6.8. MODE SENSE 1Ah 6- 64
6.8.1. Mode Sense 31h ( AIT Device Configuration Page) 6- 66
6.9. PERSISTENT RESERVE IN 5Eh 6- 67
6.10. PERSISTENT RESERVE OUT 5Fh 6- 71
6.11. PREVENT ALLOW MEDIUM REMOVAL 1Eh 6- 74
6.12. READ 08h 6- 75
6.13. READ BLOCK LIMITS 05h 6- 77
6.14. READ BUFFER 3Ch 6- 78
6.15. READ POSITION 34h 6- 80
6.16. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS 1Ch 6- 82
6.17. RELEASE UNIT 17h 6- 84
6.18. REPORT DENSITY SUPPORT 44h 6- 85
6.19. REPORT LUNS A0h 6- 88
6.20. REQUEST BLOCK ADDRESS 02h 6- 89
6.21. REQUEST SENSE 03h 6- 90
6.22. RESERVE UNIT 16h 6- 98
6.23. REWIND 01h 6- 99
6.24. SEEK BLOCK 0Ch 6- 100
6.25. SEND DIAGNOSTIC 1Dh 6- 101
6.26. SPACE 11h 6- 103
6.26.1. CHECK CONDITION 6- 105
6.26.2. Sony SDX-700C unique implementation for SPACE 6- 105
6.26.2.1. Super High Speed Search 6- 105
6.26.2.2. Data Buffer Management 6- 105
6.27. TEST UNIT READY 00h 6- 106
6.28. VERIFY 13h 6- 107
6.29. WRITE 0Ah 6- 109
6.30. WRITE BUFFER 3Bh 6- 111
6.31. WRITE FILEMARKS 10h 6- 113
7. Drive Diagnostics
7.1. Overview 7- 1
7.2. Diagnostic Test 7- 1
7.2.1. Power-on Self Test 7- 1

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
7.2.2. SEND DIAGNOSTIC command – Self Test 7- 2
7.2.3. SEND DIAGNOSTIC command – Individual Test 7- 2
7.2.4. Diagnostic Test Number Summary 7- 3
7.2.5. RECEIVE DIAGNOSTIC RESULT command 7- 4
7.2.6. Diagnostics Results Reference 7- 6
7.2.7. Diagnostic Tests requiring additional parameters 7- 7
7.2.7.1. Error Rate Test (02) Diagnostic Parameters 7- 7
7.2.7.2. Read Data Exerciser (43h) Diagnostic Parameters 7- 8
8. Appendix A: ASC & ASCQ Alphabetic Order 8- 1
9. Appendix B: ASC & ASCQ Numeric Order 9- 1
10. Appendix C: SCSI Commands ( OP Code Order) 10- 1
11. Appendix D: ASC & ASCQ for AIT (Sony Unique) 11- 1
12. Appendix E: Introduction to AIT-3 MIC
12.1. MIC Data Structures 12- 1
12.1.1 MIC Header 12- 1
12.1.2. System Log 12- 1
12.1.3. User Volume Note & User Partition Note 12- 2
12.1.4. Super High Speed Search Map 12- 2
12.1.5. Example of Usage 12- 2
12.2. Functional Benefits 12- 3
12.2.1. Fast Media Load / Unload 12- 3
12.2.2. Data Integrity / Media Management 12- 5
12.2.2.1. Sample Application for MIC 12- 5
13. Appendix F: Miscellaneous Notes to AIT-3 contact type MIC
13.1. Partition Numbering in the DDS Emulation Mode 13- 1
13.2. AIT Log Sense 13- 1
13.3 Write Protection Tab on SDX2 cassette 13- 1
13.4. Unique Serial Number in MIC 13- 1
13.5. AIT Cassette Manufacturer ID in MIC 13- 1
13.6. AIT Cassette Secondary ID in MIC 13- 2
13.7. Unreadable MIC 13- 2
13.8. Example SCSI Command Sequence for MIC 13- 3
13.8.1. How to create User Notes in AIT-3 MIC 13- 3
13.8.1.1. Procedure for writing user data on MIC using LOG SELECT
command
13- 4
13.8.2. User Data Length : 380 byte 13- 6
13.8.2.1. Procedure of reading user data on MIC using LOG SENSE
Command
13- 6
13.8.3. How to update the User Volume Note 13- 8
13.8.4. How to Update the User Partition Note 13- 8
13.8.5. How to Expand or Shrink the User Volume Note 13- 9

SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 Table of Contents
13.8.6. How to Expand or Shrink the User Partition Note 13- 9
13.8.7. User Notes Hints 13- 9
14. Appendix G: MIC
(SCSI Interface Specification for AIT multiple Partitioning)
14.1. MIC Features 14- 1
14.2. The Default Mode for Drive 14- 1
14.3. Cassette has a Mode 14- 1
14.4. Re-Using Cassettes 14- 1
14.5. Mode Select Page 31h (AIT Device Configuration Page) 14- 2
14.6. Mode Sense Page 31h (AIT Device Configuration Page) 14- 4
14.7. Mode Select Page 32h (Append Partition) 14- 5
14.8. Mode Select Page 33h (Delete Partition) 14- 8
14.9. Mode Select / Sense Page 34h (Partition Attribute) 14- 12
14.10. Mode Select Page 11h (for multi-partitioned Tapes) 14- 13
14.11. Log Sense Page 31h (Tape Capacity Page) 14- 17
14.12. Create Multi-Partitioned Tapes 14- 18
14.13. Un-readable MIC 14- 20
14.14. Write Protection TAB 14- 20
14.15. LOADING / UNLOADING 14- 20
14.16. Application Notes 14- 22
14.16.1. Backup Techniques with MIC Cassettes 14- 22
14.16.2. How to change Active Partition 14- 22
14.16.3 Retention 14- 22
15. Appendix H : Glossary 15- 1

1.Introduction
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 1-1
1. Introduction
1.1 About this Product Specification Manual
This Product Specification Manual is applicable for AIT-3 drive.
This manual provides information about the Sony SDX-700 series Advanced Intelligent Tape Drives which is
necessary to integrate the drives into OEM products. This manual describes the specifications, SCSI Interface,
diagnostics, operation and installation of the Sony AIT-3 Tape Drives.
The Sony SDX-700C 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
230 meter tape AIT-3 cassette. The Sony SDX-700C drive is a high capacity data storage device using Advanced
intelligent tape (AIT) technology. The Sony SDX-700C drive achieves high data integrity through read-after-write, an
additional level of Error Correction Code, and other features.
The Sony SDX-700C drives provide MIC technology that automatically enhance reliability and performance. The
Sony SDX-700C 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 large mismatch between the amount of stored data and the ability to access
it.
This large “gap” between data access latency and area 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 to the 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-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
1-2
1.3 Features of the drive
Major features of the Sony SDX-700C include:
• Capacity
25 Gbyte typical when using 170 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX-T3N or SDX1-25C)
-Approximately 50Gbyte to 75 Gbyte with Data Compression
35 Gbyte typical when using 230 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-35C)
-Approximately 70 Gbyte to 105 Gbyte with Data Compression
50 Gbyte typical when using 230 meter tape AIT-2 cassette (SDX2-36C and SDX2-50C)
-Approximately 100 Gbyte to 150 Gbyte with Data Compression
100 Gbyte typical when using 230 meter tape AIT-3 cassette (SDX3-100C)
-Approximately 200 Gbyte to 300 Gbyte with Data Compression
• Sustained transfer rate – 8 Mbyte/sec (Approximately 16 Mbyte/sec to 24 Mbyte/sec with Data Compression)
When using AIT-1 cassette.
• Sustained transfer rate – 12 Mbyte/sec (Approximately 24 Mbyte/sec to 36 Mbyte/sec with Data Compression)
When using AIT-2 cassette and AIT-3 cassette.
• Supported Format : AIT-1, AIT-2, AIT-3
• Not compatible with the DDS and EXABYTE format tapes
• Burst transfer rate
12 Mbyte/sec Asynchronous
160 Mbyte/sec Synchronous
• 18 MB Buffer Memory
• 3.5 inch form factor
• Embedded SCSI interface (Ultra160LVD, Single-ended or Low Voltage differential)
• SCSI bus fairness
• Supports Variable or Fixed record length
• Supports SCSI Disconnection/Reconnect
• 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) of AIT3 mode
• Random read, Append write
• Repeat Write option
• MIC Support (Automatic reliability and performance enhancement.)
• MIC Support (Read and write capability for MIC user data area.)
• Remote-MIC Support
• SCSI bus fairness
• TapeAlert

1.Introduction
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 1-3
1.4 Reference
Please refer to the following documents for additional information:
• SCSI-2 1ANSI X3.131.-1996 Small Computer Systems Interface-2 (SCSI-2).
• SCSI Parallel Interface-2 (SPI-2) ANSI X3T10-1142D rev 20b.
ANSI X3T9.2/86-109 (Revision 10H, or above), available through ANSI.
• SCSI Parallel Interface-3 (SPI-3) ANSI T10/B02D Revision 14
• Medium Auxiliary Memory (MAM) Access Method.
ANSI T10/99-148r7
• ALDC - Adaptive Lossless Data Compression (ALDC) Algorithm;
ECMA-222, available through 2ECMA.
• 8mm Wide Magnetic Tape Cartridge for Information Interchange - Helical Scan Recording AIT-1 Format;
ECMA-246, AIT-1-MIC Format; ECMA-291, AIT-2 Format; ECMA-292 available through ECMA. AIT-3 Format will
be released from ECMA on January 2002.
See http://www.iso.ch/
8mm Wide Magnetic Tape Cartridge for Information Interchange - Helical Scan Recording AIT-1 Format;
3ISO/4IEC 15780, AIT-1-MIC Format; ISO/IEC 18809, AIT-2 Format; ISO/IEC 18810, available through JIS in
language Japanese. AIT-3 Format will be released from ISO on March 2002.
See http://www.iso.ch/
8mm Wide Magnetic Tape Cartridge for Information Interchange - Helical Scan Recording AIT-1 Format; JIS X
6145:2000, AIT-1-MIC Format; JIS X 6146:2001, AIT-2 Format; JIS X 6147:2001 available through JIS in
Japanese language. AIT-3 Format will be released from JIS on June 2002.
See http://www.jsa.or.jp/
1.5 How to get ECMA-222 Standard Document
You can get ECMA-222 Standard Document file from the following URL.
ftp:// ftp.ecma.ch/ecma-st/Ecma-222.pdf
1.6 How to get ECMA-246 Standard Document
You can get ECMA-246 Standard Document file from the following URL.
ftp:// ftp.ecma.ch/ecma-st/Ecma-246.pdf
ftp:// ftp.ecma.ch/ecma-st/Ecma-291.pdf
ftp:// ftp.ecma.ch/ecma-st/Ecma-292.pdf
1.7. How to get MAM Document
ftp:// ftp.t10.org/t10/document.99/99-148r7.pdf
These files are Adobe Portable Document Format. You can browse and print these files by using
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader application program.
1ANSI (American National Standard for Industry)
2ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association)
3ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
4IEC (International Electro technical Commission)

1.Introduction
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
1-4
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2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 2-1
2. Specifications
Physical, environmental and performance specifications for the SDX-700C and SDX-700C/R.
2.1. Specifications
2.1.1. Dimensions
The SDX-700C
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-700C/R
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 SCSI connector.
Figure 2-1: Dimensions (SDX-700C)

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
2-2
2.1.1.1. Mounting Holes
Figure 2-2a gives details of the mounting holes for the Sony SDX-700C, and figure 2-2b for the Sony SDX-700C/R.
Figure 2-2a: SDX-700C Mounting Holes

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 2-3
Figure 2-2b: SDX-700C/R Mounting Holes

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
2-4
2.1.2. Weight
SDX-700C 750 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.
SDX-700C/R 1020 grams, without a cassette and a front bezel.
2.1.3. Connectors
The SDX-700C has a SCSI 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. SCSI Cables and Terminators
The Single-Ended SCSI configuration and Low-Voltage-differential SCSI configuration are supported by SDX-700C
and SDX-700C/R. The hardware specification of this interface can be found in Clause 3. Physical Characteristics,
of the X3T10/1142D (SCSI Parallel Interface2) standard. Only unshielded connectors are supported. Possible cable
and connector sources are listed below. This does not imply that these are the only sources for SCSI accessories.
Note: When using high speed data transfer with the SDX-700C, it is recommended that total length of the SCSI data
cable not exceeded 1.5m for Single Ended SCSI configuration. As for Low-Voltage-differential SCSI configuration ,
less than 12m is recommended.
Cable 30 AWG Ribbon
Hitachi UL 20848 (or equivalent)
Connector AMP 1-786090-7 (or equivalent)
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 ºC to 40 ºC (∆T < 10 ºC/h)
Non-Operating(mech.) -40 ºC to 70 ºC (∆T < 20 ºC/h)
Non-Operating(tape) -40 ºC to 45 ºC (∆T < 20 ºC/h)
Humidity
Operating 20 to 80% RH, non-condensing
Maximum wet bulb temperature = 26 ºC
Non-operating (mech.) 5 to 95%RH(∆RH<30%/h)
Non-operating (tape) 20 to 80%RH(∆RH<30%/h)
Note: Do not cover the FAN. The drive can malfunction if the internal temperature rises too high.

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 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. EMC
EMI/EMS Radiated Emissions /
Conducted noise
Emissions
EN 55022 / 94 + EN 55022 A1 / 95 class B
EMS ESD
(Front Panel Only,
integrated product)
Discharge Voltage
Less than 15kV: No operation failure
Less than 20kV: No drive damage
2.2.8. Orientation
The SDX-700C can be installed in three different mounting positions as shown in the figure below. Each position has
a maximum tolerance of ± 10 degrees.

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
2-6
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-1, AIT-2, AIT-3 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.
2.3.1. Data Capacity
The SDX-700C 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-1 Standard Format
25.0 Gbyte typical When using 170 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX-T3N and SDX1-25C)
Native
Capacity 35.0 Gbyte typical When using 230 meter tape AIT-1 cassette (SDX1-35C)
Format AIT-2 Standard Format
50.0 Gbyte typical When using 230 meter tape AIT-2 cassette (SDX2-50C)
Native
Capacity 36.0 Gbyte typical When using 170 meter tape AIT-2 cassette (SDX2-36C)
Format AIT-3 Standard Format
Native
Capacity 100.0 Gbyte typical When using 230 meter tape AIT-3 cassette (SDX3-100C)

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1 2-7
2.3.2. Data transfer Rate
2.3.2.1. Sustained Data Transfer Rate To and From Tape
The sustained transfer rate to and from the tape is 12Mbyte per second with AIT-3 and AIT-2 cassette, 8Mbyte 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 for this to be achieved. When data compression is enabled the drive can achieve a transfer
rate from 24 Mbyte per second to 36 Mbyte per second with AIT-3 and AIT-2 cassette, 16Mbyte to 24Mbyte per
second with AIT-1 cassette.
2.3.2.2. Burst Transfer Rate To and From the SCSI Bus
The SDX-700C will transmit and receive data bursts to and from the SCSI bus at a maximum burst rate of 12 Mbyte
per second, using Ultra 160 asynchronous transfers and maximum of 160 Mbyte per second, using Ultra160
synchronous transfers.
2.3.3. Initialize Time
Initialize Time means the period from the time the drive is powered on to the time when the drive is ready and waiting
for a SCSI command such as INQUIRY or TEST UNIT READY. Initialize Time is less than 5 seconds.
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.
Firmware Version SDX1-25C (170m) SDX1-35C ( 230 m ) SDX2-50C ( 230 m ) SDX3-100C ( 230 m )
Version : 0100 and later <14 sec < 14 sec <14 sec <14 sec
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.
Firmware Version SDX1-25C ( 170m ) SDX1-35C ( 230 m ) SDX2-50C ( 230 m ) SDX3-100C ( 230 m )
Version : 0100 and later <21 sec <24 sec <24 sec <24 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 length and the position of the head along the tape.
Firmware Version SDX1-25C ( 170m ) SDX1-35C ( 230 m ) SDX2-50C ( 230 m ) SDX3-100C ( 230 m )
Version : 0100 and later <85 sec <120 sec <120 sec <120 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. Rewind Time is less than 80 seconds, when a 170 meter
tape (SDX1-25C) is loaded. And it is less than 105 seconds, when a 230 meter tape (SDX1-35C, SDX2-50C, or
SDX3-100C) is loaded.
2.3.8. Error Rate
The un-correctable bit error rate is expected to be less than 1 in 10 to the 17th.

2.Specification
SONY AIT-3 drive SDX-700 series Ver.2.1
2-8
2.3.9. Retry Limits on Rewrites
For Read-after-Write error correction, each frame can be rewritten up to a maximum of 63 times giving 64 writes of
the frame. With Repeat Writing, where every group is written a fixed number of times, the upper limit is 5.
2.3.10. Definition of Failure
A failure is defined as any permanent manufacture of the drive that prevents the user from retrieving data from tape.
This includes failure to power up, failure to unload or eject a cassette, or failure to write and read data to and from 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-700C is 400,000 power-on hours, assuming a duty cycle of
100%, where:
DutyCycle =Tape Motion Time
PowerOn Time ×100
2.3.12. Mean Time To Repair
The Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) of the SDX-700C 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.
2.3.13. Component Life
The specified life of the SDX-700C is 5 years average.
2.3.14. Durability
The durability of the components in the SDX-700C will exceed the number of operations listed on the following table:
Start/Stop 400,000 times
Reposition 3,000,000 times
Thread/Unthread 100,000 times
Load/Eject 100,000 times
2.4. Safety
The SDX-700C conforms to the following safety standards for Information Technology Equipment:
• UL/cUL
UL 60950/CSA 60950 Third Edition
• TUV
EN 60950: 2000 Third Edition
• CB
ICE 60950: 1999 Third Edtion
• CE Mark
Note: The Standards may be updated without notice.