DDS or DDS-1 backup tape media cartridge
The first implementation of the DDS1 backup tape format used 60 meter tapes for a 1.3GB capacity. Capacity was upgraded to 2GB by extending the tape length to 90m, with no other changes in the tape formulation or the recording format.
DDS-2 backup tape media cartridge
In order to increase the DAT technology, the capacity was increases from 2GB to 4GB in DDS2 backup tape cartridge. The media length was increased to 120m and a new higher coercivity MP+ formulation was introduced. a thinner tape was required to reach the 120-meter target. DDS 2 backup media tape was reduced to 6.9 um thickness, compared to 9.0 um for DDS-1 backup magnetic tape.
DDS-3 backup tape media cartridge
The transition from DDS-2 to DDS-3 brought the largest capacity jump in the history of DAT technology, a 3x improvement over the previous generation. The DDS3 backup tape cartridge has native capacity of 12GB. The DDS 3 format was derived from two key media improvements: a higher-coercivity (1700 oersted vs. 1530 oe) version of the MP+ formulation used in DDS-2 media. The tape length was increased to 125m. The enhanced magnetic properties of the higher coercivity MP++ media supported a doubling of the linear bit density to 122 kbpi.
In DDS-3 backup tape media cartridge also benefited from a significant non-media technology enhancement: the debut of new highly efficient Partial Response Maximum Likelihood PRML read channel technology has been introduced. This contributed to further increased capacity.
DDS-4 backup tape media cartridge
The DAT technology reached the 20GB per cartridge threshold with DDS4 backup tape media cartridge. In DDS-4 backup tape media cartridge an improved MP media formulation was introduced along with longer length tape. For handling the higher track densities of the DDS-4 format, a higher output MP formulation designated MP+++ was developed.
Fifth generation of DDS DAT 72
DAT72 was built on the technology foundation of previous DDS media format. The native capacity of DAT-72 is 36GB. In DAT72 backup tape media cartridge new MP++++ formulation has been used.
In DAT72 the tape length was increased to 170 meters. The recording density has been increased from 122 to 162 kbpi along with increased track density.
DAT160 the 6th generation of DDS
The sixth generation of DAT 160 products have a native capacity of 80GB and transfer rates in the region of 5MB/s.
DAT 7th Generation
The DAT seventh generation will have native capacity of 150GB and native transfer rate of 8 MB/s.
DAT 8th Generation
The DAT eighth generation will have native capacity of 300GB and native transfer rate of 16 MB/s.
-Shawn Paul
For further details and online order, please visit www.tape4backup.com
