Comparative analysis and associated failure mechanisms of magnetic media in advanced linear tape drives

Abstract

Flexible magnetic tape is widely used for data storage and archival, as future generation of tapes and drives will continue to increase overall storage capacities and data transfer rates. Tape portability, robust drive operation, longevity of magnetic media, and improved performance of head–tape interface under long-term use are required for magnetic tape to maintain a stronghold in the field of storage devices. Comparative studies were performed to investigate differences in performance of various cartridges in impact, tapes under long-term durability, and contamination of head–tape interface in advanced linear tape drives. A drop test was performed in which various cartridges were dropped from varying heights. Cartridge damage was recorded and indexed. Reinforced cartridge casing promotes good stability at low height impact, while casing significant plastic deformation in increased-height drops. Contamination and durability studies were performed in which debris generation, tape edge damage, tape cupping profiles, and error data was collected and analyzed for studies of head–tape interface. Most significant loose debris generation occurs as a result of wear at the tape edges, while adherent debris is related to tape binder system, and causes increases in drive error rate. Cleaning brushes have been incorporated into the design of drives to reduce the accumulation of all types of debris. A study was performed to determine the effectiveness of brushes on head surface cleaning. The use of brushes in drives was shown to be helpful in removal of both loose and adherent debris types. The effect of relative humidity at the interface was examined, and it was found that high relative humidity acts as a lubricant at the head–tape interface, helping to reduce tape wear. Low relative humidity can have differing effects on the interface performance, as it has shown to either increase or decrease debris accumulation, depending upon tape characteristics.