Cartridge memory in 3592 tape cartridges
Each 3592 data cartridge contains a passive, contactless, silicon storage device
called cartridge memory (CM).
The CM module holds information about that specific cartridge, the media in the
cartridge, and the data on the media. The cartridge and media information is
stored in a protected, read-only area of the CM. When the cartridge is loaded into
the drive, a CM reader in the drive uses a contactless, radio-frequency interface to
read the information. The media's performance statistics are stored in an
unprotected, read/write area of the CM module. Prior to when the cartridge is
unloaded, these statistics are updated by the CM reader. They are maintained by a
portion of the drive's microcode known as the Statistical Analysis and Reporting
System (SARS). Each cleaning cartridge also contains a CM module, which tracks
the number of cleaning uses and the location of the used cleaning media.
3592 cleaning cartridge
To help prevent errors caused by debris, it is important to clean the tape path of
the 3592 tape drives and to manually clean the outside of its data cartridges, when
needed.
For each TS4500 tape library, IBM supplies a specially labeled IBM 3592 cleaning
cartridge with the first 3592 tape drive in the library. This cleaning cartridge may
be used in all 3592 tape drive.
If the symbol is... It means
Attention: Insert only clean and undamaged cleaning cartridges into a
tape system. Before you insert a cartridge into a drive or storage slot,
inspect the cartridge for damage or debris. Damaged or dirty cartridges
can reduce system reliability and cause the loss of recorded data. If
debris appears on the cartridge, wipe the outside surfaces with a
lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not allow any liquid to
contact the tape. Ensure that all cartridge surfaces are dry and that the
leader pin is in place (see ▌1▐ in Figure 45 on page 144) before you load
the cartridge.
The cleaning of the tape path in the drive is an automatic procedure initiated by
the drive when changes in drive performance generate a request for cleaning. This
occurs when more than 5000 mounts have occurred, when more than 20 full file
passes of data have been processed, or when the drive detects a degraded head or
channel condition. If you load an expired cleaning cartridge, the drive will eject the
cartridge and post a status message to indicate that cleaning was not performed.
Failure to clean a drive can result in buildup of debris on the read/write head and
drive malfunction. If no cleaning cartridges are installed in the library, or if the
available cleaning cartridges have reached the maximum number of 50 uses,
cleaning cannot be completed.
Note: It is the operator's responsibility to monitor the use of all cleaning cartridges
and to remove and replace expired cartridges as necessary. Use the TS4500
management GUI to monitor cleaning cartridge usage, remove an expired
cartridge, or enable automatic eject of expired cleaning cartridges.
Before you insert a cartridge into a drive or storage cell, inspect the cartridge for
damage or debris. Damaged or dirty cartridges can reduce system reliability and
cause the loss of recorded data. If debris appears on the cartridge, wipe the
Chapter 2. Planning 143
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