Product Description
IBM 3573-8547 Ultrium 8 Half-High SAS Channel Drive for TS3100 Tape Library
The IBM 3573-8547 is an Ultrium 8 half-high SAS tape drive designed for the TS3100 Tape Library Express Model L2U. It delivers 12 TB native capacity (up to 30 TB compressed with 2.5:1 ratio) and up to 300 MB/sec native transfer rate, with hardware-based AES-256 encryption support when feature #5900 is enabled, making it ideal for secure backup, archival, disaster recovery, and compliance storage in AIX, IBM i, Linux, and VIOS environments.
Product Description
The IBM 3573-8547 Ultrium 8 Half-High SAS Drive is a field-installable drive for the TS3100 L2U library (machine type 3573). It uses a 6 Gb/s SAS interface (dual-ported with two Mini-SAS connectors) and supports LTO Ultrium 8 media at 12 TB native capacity. With 2.5:1 compression, it achieves up to 30 TB per cartridge. The drive writes 32 data tracks simultaneously, includes a 1 GB internal buffer, and features digital speed matching from 112 to 300 MB/sec for optimal performance. It supports library-managed encryption (#5900 prerequisite) using AES-256, along with WORM media for regulatory compliance. The drive is read/write compatible with LTO-7 cartridges (up to 9 TB on Type M media) and adheres to LTO specifications. It fits in the TS3100 L2U library (up to two half-high drives or one full-high drive) and is designed for high-reliability operation with TMR head technology, dual-stage actuators, and advanced error correction. The 3573-8547 is perfect for enterprise backup and long-term archival in Power Systems environments attached via SAS HBAs.
Features
- 12 TB native / up to 30 TB compressed capacity per LTO-8 cartridge
- Up to 300 MB/sec native transfer rate with digital speed matching
- 6 Gb/s dual-ported SAS interface (two Mini-SAS connectors)
- Hardware AES-256 encryption support with Library Managed Encryption (#5900)
- Backward read/write compatibility with LTO-7 (up to 9 TB on Type M media)
- WORM media support for compliance and data retention
- 1 GB internal data buffer and LTO-DC compression (Lempel-Ziv with Scheme-Swapping)
- Advanced reliability features: TMR heads, dual-stage actuators, graceful dynamic braking, SARS failure isolation
- Hot-plug drive sled support in the TS3100 library
- LED indicators for drive status, activity, and error conditions
Technical Specifications
- Feature Code: 8547
- CCIN: Not assigned (drive, no CCIN)
- Part Number: Varies by configuration (typically included with library orders)
- Capacity: 12 TB native / up to 30 TB compressed (2.5:1 ratio)
- Transfer Rate: Up to 300 MB/sec native
- Interface: 6 Gb/s SAS (dual-ported Mini-SAS)
- Form Factor: Half-high (fits in TS3100 L2U library)
- Media Compatibility: LTO Ultrium 8 (RW), LTO-7 (RW, up to 9 TB on Type M), LTO-7 WORM
- Buffer Size: 1 GB
- MTBF: High reliability with TMR heads, dual-stage actuator, and advanced error correction
- Power Consumption: Integrated in library power budget (~0.1 kVA total for library)
- Compatibility: TS3100 L2U library only (up to two half-high drives)
Compatibility
The IBM 3573-8547 Ultrium 8 Half-High SAS Channel Drive is compatible with:
- Tape Library: TS3100 Tape Library Express Model L2U (machine type 3573)
- Power Systems Models: All Power8, Power9, Power10, and legacy Power servers with supported SAS HBAs
- Operating Systems: AIX, IBM i (i5/OS V6R1+), Linux (RHEL/SUSE/Ubuntu), VIOS, Windows, HP-UX, Solaris
- Media: LTO-8 and LTO-7 Ultrium cartridges (including WORM)
- Encryption: Requires feature #5900 (LTO Library Managed Encryption) and IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager V1
- Limitations: Field installation only; maximum two half-high drives per TS3100 L2U; SAS cable length limited to 6 m; older LTO generations have reduced capacity/performance; encryption requires compatible key management software
Verify exact library configuration, SAS HBA compatibility, firmware levels, and OS patch levels via IBM documentation for the TS3100 Tape Library.
Warranty
This product comes with a 60-day warranty covering parts and functionality.
