5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Introduction to the Modular Tape Subsystem
5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002
1-6
Performance
5194 tape drives are quoted for uncompressed (native mode) data although the 5194
tape drive compresses data whenever possible. Table 1-3 summarizes cartridge
storage capacities, assuming compression doubling.
Performance
The operational speeds of the 5190 and 5194 tape drives do not differ significantly. An
operational time difference might occur as a result of either longer searches on
36-track tape or saved rewind time. Because the 5194 36-track tape drive writes
18-track data to the end of the physical tape and then continues writing 18-track data
back to the beginning of tape, minimal rewind time is required if the tape is written or
read from beginning to end.
The modular tape subsystem has the following characteristics:
•
Higher reliability than conventional open-reel tape
•
Compatibility with IBM 3480, 3490, and 3490E recording formats
•
Density of 38,000 bits/inch (bpi)
•
Data compression as a standard feature
•
Optional automatic cartridge loader (ACL) for unattended loading of up to seven
cartridges
•
3.0 to 4.5 megabytes/second device-to-media formatted data-transfer rate
(this rate is doubled when connected through a 6762 S-PIC on a 6760 ServerNet
D/A)
•
10 megabytes/second unformatted burst data-transfer rate
Table 1-3. Cartridge Capacities
Cartridge Type
5190
(Uncompressed)
5190
(Compressed)
5194 (Always
Compressed)
IBM 3480 compatible Up to 200 MB Up to 400 MB Up to 800 MB
IBM 3490E compatible N/A N/A Up to 1.6 GB