Sony 4mm DDS DAT FAQ's
What is DDS data tape?
Digital Data Storage (DDS) is a format for storing and backing up computer data on tape that evolved from the Digital Audio Tape (DAT) technology. In 1989, Sony and Hewlett Packard defined the DDS format for data storage using DAT tape cartridges.
Tapes conforming to the DDS format can be played by either DAT or DDS tape drives. However, DDS tape drives cannot play DAT tapes since they can't pick up the audio on the DAT tape.
DDS uses a 4-mm tape. A DDS tape drive uses helical scanning for recording, the same process used by a video recorder (VCR).
There are two read heads and two write heads. The read heads verify the data that has been written (recorded). If errors are present, the write heads rewrite the data. When restoring a backed-up file, the restoring software reads the directory of files located at the beginning of the tape, winds the tape to the location of the file, verifies the file, and writes the file onto the hard drive.
DDS cannot update a backed-up file in the same place it was originally recorded. In general, DDS requires special software for managing the storage and retrieval of data from DDS tape drives.
How many type of DDS Drive are there in the market?
There are five types of DDS drives:
- 4mm Tape DDS1 (DDS-1): Stores 2gb native (4gb compressed) of data on a 90m cartridge.
- 4mm Tape DDS2 (DDS-2): Stores 4gb native (8gb compressed) of data on a 120m cartridge.
- 4mm Tape DDS3 (DDS-3): Stores 12gb native (24gb compressed) of data on a 125m cartridge. Uses PRML (Partial Response Maximum Likelihood). which eliminates electronic noise for a cleaner data recording. Native transfer speed: 1-1.2mb/sec; 2mb cache.
- 4mm Tape DDS4 (DDS-4): Stores 20gb native (40gb compressed) of data on a 150m cartridge. 4mm Tape DDS4 native transfer speed: 2.4-3mb/sec; 8-10mb cache.
- 4mm Tape DDS5/72 (DDS-5): Stores 36gb native (72gb compressed) of data on a 170m cartridge. 4mm Tape DDS5 native transfer speed: 3-3.5mb/sec; 8-16mb cache.
What is the archive life for a DDS data tape?
A 4mm Tape DDS cartridge needs to be retired after 2,000 passes or 100 full backups. You should clean your 4mm Tape DDS tape drive every 24 hours with a cleaning cartridge and discard the cleaning cartridge after 30 cleanings. 4mm Tape DDS tapes have an expected life of at least 10 years.
Sony DDS Data Cartridges: High Capacity, Compact, and
Versatile for a wide range of applications and platforms
16 Years of Excellence
People have relied on Sony DDS media for 16 years, ever since Sony co-developed and introduced the first DDS data cartridge in 1989. Today, Sony supports those earliest users along with recent
adopters with a full range of DDS data cartridges. From 2.6GB to 80GB compressed, Sony DDS media provides versatility, reliability, and durability for a wide range of applications.
Performance and Reliability – Powered by Sony Technology
Sony’s large base of DDS users expects performance and reliability. These qualities are engineered into every DDS cartridge Sony makes. In the tape design, the HCL (High Cross Linkage) binder allows the
tape to withstand the stresses of repeated use and the RDP
mechanism supports smooth tape winding by sandwiching the tape between textured sheets. In the cartridge design, Sony chose a plastic for the cartridge lid that could protect the tape against accidental drops and Sony designed a unique hub, sheet, and shell to minimize torque and enhance durability. Every aspect of Sony’s DDS cartridges is engineered to provide high performance and
reliability.
Ensured Compatibility
Sony has conducted extensive testing to ensure compatibility with
available drives. Sony’s DDS cartridges have also been tested and certified by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for use in their systems.
| MODEL NAME | DG60P | DG90P | DGD120P |
| GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS | |
Format
Magnetic Material | DDS1
Metal HDA | DDS2
HESA |
| Recording Density (kftpmm) | 3,000(76kftpi/61kbpi) |
| Recording Capacity (Compressed*) | 1.3GB (2.6GB*) | 2.0GB (4.0GB*) | 4.0GB (8.0GB*) |
| MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS (NOMINAL) | |
| Residual Magnetic Flux Density (mT) | 250 | 295 |
| Coercive Force (kA/m) | 121 | 130 |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (NOMINAL) | |
| Tape Width (mm) | 3.81 |
Tape Thickness (ìm)
Tape Length (m) | 13.0
60 | 9.0
91 | 6.8
120 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS | |
| Operation Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | 59~131 (15~55);10~80** |
| Storage Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | 41~89.6 (5~32);20~60** |
| Transportation Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | -40~113 (-40~45);5~80** |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| External Dimensions (mm) | 73.0x54.0x10.5 |
| Weight (g) | 44 (with case) |
| MODEL NAME | DGD125P | DGD150P |
| GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS | |
Format
Magnetic Material | DDS3
MP++ | DDS4
MP+++ |
| Recording Density (kftpmm) | 6,000(152kftpi/122kbpi) |
| Recording Capacity (Compressed*) | 12.0GB (24.0GB*) | 20.0GB (40.0GB*) |
| MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS (NOMINAL) | |
| Residual Magnetic Flux Density (mT) | 390 | 400 |
| Coercive Force (kA/m) | 190 | 195 |
| PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS (NOMINAL) | |
| Tape Width (mm) | 3.81 |
Tape Thickness (ìm)
Tape Length (m) | 6.8
125 | 5.6
150 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS | |
| Operation Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | 59~131 (15~55);10~80** |
| Storage Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | 41~89.6 (5~32);20~60** |
| Transportation Conditions (ºF(ºC);%RH) | -40~113 (-40~45);5~80** |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| External Dimensions (mm) | 73.0x54.0x10.5 |
| Weight (g) | 44 (with case) |
* 2:1 Compression ratio.
** Maximum wet bulb temperature: 79°F(26°C) at no condensation.
Drive/Media Compatibility
| Model | Format | Drive Type |
| DAT160 | DAT72 | DDS-4 | DDS-3 | DDS-2 | DDS-1 |
| DGDAT160 | DAT160 | Write/Read | - | - | - | - | - |
| DGDAT72 | DAT72 | Write/Read | Write/Read | - | - | - | - |
| DGD150P | DDS-4 | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read | - | - | - |
| DGD125P | DDS-3 | - | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read | - | - |
| DGD120P | DDS-2 | - | - | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read | - |
| DG90P | DDS-1 | - | - | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read |
| DG60P | DDS-1 | - | - | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read | Write/Read |
*1 This depends on the drive's specifications. Sony's DDS-4 drive is read and write compatible.
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