Product Description
IBM TS4300 Tape Library Machine Type 3555 Model E3A Expansion Module
The IBM TS4300 Tape Library Model E3A (expansion module, part of machine type 3555) is a scalable, 3U rack-mount expansion unit that adds 48 cartridge slots and up to three additional LTO tape drives to an existing TS4300 base library. Designed for unattended, high-capacity backup, archive, and long-term data retention, the E3A module connects seamlessly to the base module (L1U) or other expansion modules via internal cabling, supporting a maximum configuration of one base + fifteen expansion modules (up to 784 slots and 48 drives total). It is ideal for growing storage needs in AIX, IBM i, Linux, and VIOS environments attached to IBM Power Systems servers.
Features
- Adds 48 LTO cartridge slots per module (standard LTO Ultrium slots)
- Supports up to three LTO tape drives per expansion module (LTO-8, LTO-9, or LTO-7 Type M)
- Hot-swappable drive sleds for zero-downtime drive replacement
- Modular, stackable design – up to 16 modules total (1 base + 15 expansions)
- Built-in barcode reader and robotic arm for fast cartridge handling
- Web-based remote management via embedded browser interface
- Encryption support (LTO-8 and higher) and write-once-read-many (WORM) media compatibility
- Redundant power supply option (Feature 1900) for high availability
- Quiet operation with variable-speed fans and front-access cartridge magazines
Technical Specifications
- Machine Type / Model: 3555-E3A (expansion module)
- Cartridge Slots: 48 (standard LTO Ultrium slots)
- Maximum Drives per Module: 3 (LTO-8, LTO-9, or LTO-7 Type M)
- Form Factor: 3U rack-mount (19-inch EIA)
- Tape Drive Interface: SAS (6 Gb/s or 12 Gb/s) or Fibre Channel (8 Gb/16 Gb/32 Gb)
- Robotics: Single robotic arm with integrated barcode scanner
- Power: 1 standard PSU; optional redundant PSU (Feature 1900)
- Mounting: Requires Feature 7002 Rack Mount Kit
- Maximum Library Configuration: 1 base + 15 expansion modules = 784 slots, 48 drives
- Warranty: This product comes with a 60-day warranty covering parts and functionality.
Compatibility
Fully compatible with IBM TS4300 Tape Library family (machine type 3555) attached to IBM Power Systems running AIX (7.1+), IBM i (7.1+), Linux, or VIOS:
- TS4300 base module (3555-L3A / 3555L3A)
- Other TS4300 expansion modules (3555-E3A / 6741L3U)
- Supported tape drives: LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9 (SAS or FC)
- Connected Power Systems:
- Power8-era: S814 (8286-41A), S824 (8286-42A), E870/E880 (9119-MHE/MME)
- Power9-era: S914 (9009-41A), S922 (9009-22A), S924 (9009-42A), E950/E980
- Power10-era: S1022/S1024, E1080 (9080-HEX), and later models (Requires proper SAS/FC connectivity via compatible HBAs/adapters, IBM i native multipath or NPIV, and library firmware updates for full drive support. Consult IBM documentation for cabling, zoning, multi-module stacking, and OS levels/PTFs.)
Warranty
This product comes with a 60-day warranty covering parts and functionality.
