DEC-TU81-PlusMidrangeSystems

The TU81-Plus is Digital's price/performance leader for midrange tape storage systems, ideal for applications like disk backup, data archiving, and high-speed data recording.

Key features and benefits include:

• Enhanced Performance: A 256-Kbyte built-in cache buffer significantly improves streaming performance, allowing the drive to operate at its peak speed (75 ips) more often. It also supports adaptive speed control (75 ips/25 ips streaming and 25 ips start/stop) to match CPU data rates.
• High Data Integrity: Its unique cache design avoids data integrity risks, offering a software-selectable cache (which can be turned off for sensitive applications like data logging). It utilizes GCR density for high capacity (145 Mbytes per reel) and robust error correction (ECC, CRC, read-after-write verification).
• Broad Compatibility: Connects directly to VAXBI, MicroVAX II, UNIBUS VAX, and PDP-11 systems.
• Investment Protection: Existing TU81 drives can be upgraded to TU81-Plus units, and either can be converted to TA81 drives for VAXcluster systems. This is facilitated by its compatibility with Digital Storage Architecture (DSA), which also enhances system throughput by offloading I/O overhead from the CPU.
• Reliability & Low Cost of Ownership: Simplified streaming design eliminates many traditional mechanical components, leading to exceptional reliability and minimal maintenance (only routine head cleaning).
• Ease of Use & Service: Features a simple tape path for fast loading, a user-friendly control panel, and extensive self-diagnostics for quick troubleshooting and easy field-replaceable unit access. It's also quiet and compact, suitable for office environments.