TU16 Engineering Specification

This document is an Engineering Specification for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) TU16 Tape Transport, an industry-compatible magnetic tape system.

The specification covers:

1. General Description: The TU16 supports 9-track (1600 BPI phase-encoded, 800 BPI NRZI) and 7-track (800, 556, 200 BPI NRZI) operations. It consists of a tape deck with a vacuum system, capstan motors, read/write electronics, control electronics, and a power supply. It features a servo-controlled capstan, buffering in vacuum columns, a DEC H757 power supply, and a 7- or 9-channel dual-gap read/write head.
2. Controls: Details various off-line controls (e.g., power, load/release, on/off-line, tape motion commands), a comprehensive list of status indicators (e.g., LOAD, RDY, FILE PROT), and on-line commands (e.g., Write, Read, Rewind, Erase).
3. Environment: Specifies operating and non-operating temperature ranges (e.g., 60-95°F operating) and humidity ranges (e.g., 20-80% operating, non-condensing).
4. Electrical Requirements: Outlines power specifications, including 115/230 VAC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz, and 1000 W maximum power consumption.
5. Mechanical: Provides physical dimensions and weight for the transport both with and without its H950 cabinet, as well as installation requirements such as space for the vacuum system and cable access.
6. Performance Specification:
   • Requires ANSI-compatible tape (1.5 mil base, 800 f.c.i.) and supports ANSI-compatible reels up to 10.5 inches in diameter.
   • Operates at a tape speed of 45 inches per second (ips), with a maximum rewind time of 3.5 minutes for a 2400-foot reel.
   • Specifies tape motion characteristics like start time (9ms max) and stop time (8ms max), and inter-record gap lengths.
   • Includes interlocks for safety, such as disengaging the drive if vacuum is lost.
   • Defines error rates: max 1 read-recoverable error in 10^8 bits, and max 4 write-recoverable errors in 10^8 bits (after 3 passes).
   • Details static and dynamic tape skew specifications.
7. Interface: Describes the transport bus configuration, supporting up to 8 transports per controller with a maximum cable length of 75 feet. A detailed list of bus signals, including data lines, control pulses, status flags, and density settings, is provided.
8. Referenced Documents: Lists relevant ANSI and DEC specifications for magnetic tape and information interchange.