Filter
Top Products
Type Native Data Capacity Recording Format
Ultrium 3 400 GB (800 GB at 2:1
compression)
Reads and writes data on 704
tracks, sixteen tracks at a time
Ultrium 2 200 GB (400 GB at 2:1
compression)
Reads and writes data on 512
tracks, eight tracks at a time
Ultrium 1 100 GB (200 GB at 2:1
compression)
Reads and writes data on 384
tracks, eight tracks at a time
The first set of tracks (sixteen for Ultrium 4 and 3; eight for Ultrium 2 and 1) is
written from near the beginning of the tape to near the end of the tape. The head
then repositions to the next set of tracks for the return pass. This process continues
until all tracks are written and the cartridge is full, or until all data is written.
The cartridge door 2 protects the tape from contamination when the cartridge is
out of the drive. The tape is attached to a leader pin 3, behind the door. When
the cartridge is inserted into the drive, a threading mechanism pulls the pin (and
tape) out of the cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a non-removable take-up
reel. The head can then read or write data from or to the tape.
The write-protect switch 4 prevents data from being written to the tape
cartridge. For more information, see “Write-Protect Switch” on page 6-5.
The label area 5 provides a location to place a label. .
The insertion guide 6 is a large, notched area that prevents the cartridge from
being inserted incorrectly.
Generation 3 and 4 of the LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge have a nominal cartridge
life of 20,000 (20k) load and unload cycles. Generation 2 has a nominal cartridge
life of 10,000 (10k) load and unload cycles. Generation 1 of the LTO Ultrium Data
Cartridge has a nominal cartridge life of 5000 (5k) load and unload cycles.
Cartridge Compatibility
Table 6-1. Ultrium data and cleaning cartridge compatibility with Ultrium tape drive
Tape Drive
LTO Ultrium Data Cartridges
800 GB
(Ultrium 4)
400 GB
(Ultrium 3)
200GB
(Ultrium 2)
100GB (Ultrium
1)
Ultrium 4 Read/Write Read/Write Read only
Ultrium 3 Read/Write Read/Write Read only
Ultrium 2 Read/Write Read/Write
Ultrium 1 Read/Write
WORM (Write Once, Read Many)
Certain records retention and data security applications require a Write Once, Read
Many (WORM) method for storing data on tape. The LTO Ultrium generation 4
drive enables WORM support when a WORM tape cartridge is loaded into the
drive.
6-2 Dell PowerVault TL2000 Tape Library and TL4000 Tape Library User's Guide