HP StoreEver ESL G3 Tape Libraries - Manual (Page 22)

I/O Management Units
The I/O management unit is an optional component that provides connectivity and data path
management to a SAN fabric and the hosts. The I/O management unit performs all tape drive and
library host communication functions in a library that is attached to a SAN.0.4.
The I/O management unit supports the control management blade (CMB) and the Ethernet Expansion
Blade (EEB).
Control Management Blade (CMB)
The CMB performs unit status monitoring, including power and I/O present conditions. The CMB also
enables you to update drive firmware without using a firmware update (FUP) tape.
Ethernet Expansion Blade (EEB)
The Ethernet Expansion Blade (EEB) provides the option for Ethernet connectivity to each LTO drive
for MCB-to-drive communication purposes only. The EEB is not in the data path. The connection is at
T100. This EEB provides a control path to the drive for commands as well as facilitates taking drive
logs and downloading drive firmware. Each EEB has 6 Ethernet ports to allow attachment to 6 LTO
drives. The EEB provides Ethernet connectivity to the library internal Ethernet and should not be
connected to an external Ethernet source.
Picker (Cartridge Accessor)
The picker moves cartridges between storage cells, tape drives, and I/E stations. A picker is used to
Get or Put cartridges in a storage cell or a tape drive slot. It moves along an X and Y axis and can
pivot 180 degrees. A barcode scanner on the picker assembly identifies cartridges located in storage
slots.
Import/Export Stations
I/E stations enable you to import and export cartridges without interrupting normal library operations.
The I/E station is installed on the front of the control module and, optionally, any of the first seven
expansion modules in larger library configurations. See
Figure 1 and Figure 2 to see the location of
the I/E station.
Each 24-slot I/E station contains four removable magazines for a total of 24 LTO tape cartridges.
Each 72-slot I/E station contains twelve removable magazines for a total of 72 LTO tape cartridges.
NOTE:
The I/E station cannot be configured as a storage location, but it can be part of a logical division of
library resources known as partitions. For information about partitions, see
Working With Partitions .
Library Overview 22