Components of the TS4500 tape library
The TS4500 tape library consists of one or more library frames, and other components for powering the library and installed tape drives and for handling and storing tape cartridges.
Refer to Figure 1 to view the location of each component.
- 1 Library frames
- The base frame (Lx5 models) and the expansion frames (Dx5 and Sx5 models) are the building blocks of the library. Each frame contains a rail system, high-density cartridge storage slots, and internal LED lighting. The Lx5 and Dx5 frames also contain slots for up to 16 tape drives.
Note: The LED lighting in the HD frames is specifically designed for use only in the TS4500 tape
library and is not suitable for other applications
- 2 Rail system
- The assembly on which the cartridge accessor moves through the library. The system includes the top and bottom rails.
- 3 Cartridge accessor
- The assembly that moves tape cartridges between storage slots, tape drives, and the I/O stations.
- 4 Accessor controller
- A circuit board that facilitates all accessor motion requests (such as calibrations, moves, and inventory updates).
- 5 Cartridge storage slots
- Single-deep cells that are mounted on the door of the frame each store one tape cartridge. High-density cells inside of the frame each store 4 (3592) or 5 (LTO) tape cartridges. Mixed media (a combination of 3592 and LTO tape cartridges) is not supported within individual frames or within the TS4500 tape library.
- 6 IBM® LTO or 3592 tape drives
- One or more units that are mounted in the frame that read and write the data that is stored on tape cartridges. IBM LTO tape drives and 3592 tape drives cannot be mixed in the same frame. IBM tape drives use LTO tape cartridges; 3592 tape drives use IBM 3592 tape cartridges.
- 7 Front door
- The front door of any frame. The single-deep cartridge storage slots on the inside of the door
are referred to as Tier 0 slots. Two I/O stations are installed on the front door of the base frame.
Two extra I/O stations can optionally be installed on the front door of any Dx5 frame. The library's
front door has a key lock. The key lock is the same for every front door, and the keys are shipped
with the library. Note: The side doors of the base frames (Lx5 ) also have a key lock, which is the same key lock that is used for the front door.
- 8 Door safety switch
- One or more devices in each frame that shuts down the motion power to the cartridge accessor whenever the front door is opened.
- 9 I/O stations
- Two cartridge compartments on the front door of the base frame that enable the insertion or removal of tape cartridges without the library performing a re-inventory of the frame. Two extra I/O stations can optionally be installed on any Dx5 expansion frames.
- TS4500 integrated management console (IMC) (Not shown)
- At either end of the library, the IMC includes an LCD screen and keyboard with touchpad to access the TS4500 management GUI. The IMC is also used by IBM service representatives to perform service functions.
- 10 Power cable hole
- A covered opening for a power cable that must attach to an outlet mounted above the library.
- 11 Fibre Channel cable hole
- A covered opening for Fibre Channel cables that must be routed above the library.
- 12 TS4500 frame control assembly
- An assembly of components that facilitate Ethernet communication between the drives in a frame and the accessor controller. The frame control assembly is standard on all base frames (Lx5) and optional on any Dx5 expansion frames. The assembly includes one library controller card (LCC) and two power supplies, both of which can provide power to the library and all drives in a frame.
- 13 Patch panel
- A panel that houses the cable connections for the tape drives.
