AEM-9C

Data General Winchester Disk Subsystem Replacement

The AEM-9C is plug-compatible with the original aging Data General Winchester disk systems, while using ARRAID's proprietary solid state 'ARRAID Flash Drive' (AFD) to store data. Internal AEM rotating drives (disk, tape & magneto-optic) can still be supported upon request.

No host system software or controller changes are required to install the AEM-9C.

Manufacturer

The AEM-9C provides a complete bridge between the Data General Winchester disk subsystem controller and the AEM's internal data storage drives. Data General Winchester disk drives were widely used on computer systems since the late '70s and are still in use today on systems with specialized functions and custom software, making it impractical to re-host the complete computer system. Originally built as free standing floor models with removable disk packs, these drives were also produced in several styles of rack mount with removable packs, fixed - sealed media, or a combination of both.

While refurbished Data General Winchester Disk replacements have limited availability, refurbished Data General Winchester disk drives commonly fail within a few months resulting in system down time9C, with MTBF of 200,000+ hours and significantly more when using the solid state AFD.

Additional AEM-9C options include disk to disk backup, disk to tape backup, AFD network (backup & restore) and mirroring. No refurbished SMD replacement can match the reliability, features and customer support provided by choosing the AEM-9C to replace your aging and refurbished Data General Winchester Disk disk drives.

Contact Arraid today to learn more about new drive replacements for aging computer systems.

Features

Features and Benefits

Replaces aging and refurbished Data General Winchester disk drives with new data storage technology.
ARRAID Flash Drive (AFD) option is a Solid State SCSI disk replacing traditional mechanical SCSI drives (DAT, QIC, Tape & Magneto Optical Disk)
Additional features such as network backup, mirroring, restore and removable media can be added.
The CompactFlash (CF) media in the ARRAID Flash Drive (AFD) is treated exactly the same as the floppy disk media. All drive data is stored on the CF media as if were the original diskette media.
AFD network feature option offers LAN network (ethernet-based) back-up and restore capability directly from the AFD using the on board RJ45 Network port. No additional software or register changes are required to the legacy host. Including ARRAIDs FLASH2GUI Software, an optional ethernet support feature for centralised backup and restore capability lessening the reliance to rotate media. Network option only available on AEM with AFD network drive installed.
Easy to install. No hardware or software changes required, other than the drive itself.
Can replace or be added to existing drives.
An LED or Alpha-Numeric Operator Panel provides the same controls as the original drive.
- Minimal Operator training required.
High reliability with near zero maintenance required.
- Greater computer system availability with lower cost of ownership.
AEM data storage can be to removable media, regardless of the original media. Ideal for secure applications.
Reduced power consumption compared to original Data General Winchester disk drives
The AEM is configured using internal software. The same model will emulate a wide range of disk drives.
- System disk capacity may be increased if required.
- Using the same AEM model for several drives limits the spares requirement.

Improved Performance and Features:

Fully Cached, SCSI Interface, Multiple Volumes, Offline Backup and Restore, Self Test, Reduced Power Requirement, Reduce Weight, Plug Compatible with original drive, and 3U 19” Rack Mounting Low Maintenance - Reliable Operation

The AEM-9C uses ARRAID’s proprietary FPGA based solid state SCSI flash drives (AFD) for low maintenance operation. Drives are rated in excess of 300,000 hours MTBF and up to five years of continuous operation. This will be significantly more when using the solid state (AFD)

Drives appear defect-free to the host computer. Backup drive option is available in either fixed or removable ARRAID Flash Drice (AFD) configured as a Hard Drive, Magneto Optical, DAT Tape, or removable PCMCIA Flash

For More Information

Get the AEM-9C Data Sheet

Learn how the AEM-9C replaces Models: 6097 / 6098 / 6099 / 6100 / 6101 / 6102/ 6103 / 6104 / 6105 Data General Winchester disk drive subsystems using Disk Drive Emulation.

Unable to determine if the AEM-9C is right for your application? Contact us here or use Live Chat to spreak with Arraid representatives.

Standard Models and Enclosures

AEM-9C Versions

The AEM-9C will emulate Data General Winchester disk drive subsystems, with track lengths up to 32KB and transfer rates <2MB/sec. Capacities range from 40MB

Enclosures

TBA

Mounting for Primary SCSI Storage Device

The legacy disk drive image is stored on the primary SCSI storage device. ARRAID would recommend our proprietary FPGA based ARRAID Flash Drive (AFD). AEM-9C Systems may be configured with either fixed or removable drives as the primary storage device. ARRAID FLASH Drive (AFD) are ordered separately. The AFD also offers backup and restore networking. For **F enclosures, the drive is fixed mounted inside the system enclosure. **RM enclosures include drive bays for removable disk drive modules. The drive bays have a key lock switch for mechanical and electrical interlock. The Customer can have the convenience of removability for security or media distribution, regardless of the construction of the original disk drive.

SCSI Storage Devices

An AEM-9C System always requires a primary SCSI storage device and may require one or more additional devices for split media support or internal copy/backup. Because of the variety of AFD SCSI products available, all AEM SCSI devices must be defined separately from the AEM.

The suggested choice for the primary storage device is the Arraid Flash Drive (AFD). The drive may be in a fixed internal mounting or in a removable drive canister.

The solid state Arraid Flash Drive (AFD) can be configured as a Disk, Tape or Magneto-Optical drive and has proven successful as the primary storage device in many applications, especially when used in a fully cached AEM-9C. Excellent as internal copy/backup devices, these drives and industrial grade CompactFlash (CF) media have the durability to perform well for many years.

Internal Options - Copy/Backup

The AEM-9C supports a number of internal options that provide the capability to copy the legacy disk image from the primary SCSI device to a second SCSI device. The copying takes place internally to the AEM, and is independent of the Customer's operating software or hardware. Usually used for system backup, these options can greatly reduce or eliminate the need for a magnetic tape drive on the system.

NETWORK FEATURE - AFD network feature option offers LAN network (ethernet-based) back-up and restore capability directly from the AFD using the on board RJ45 Network port. No additional software or register changes are required to the legacy host. Includes FLASH2GUI Software which is an optional ethernet support feature for centralised backup and restore capability removing the need to rotate media. Primary data storage is always written to the CF card. Only available on AEM with AFD drive installed.
Disk-to-Disk Off-Line Copy - Allows the User to clone emulated disk images from the primary SCSI device to a second, usually identical, SCSI device for backup purposes.
Disk-to-Cartridge Media Disk Off-line Copy - Allows the User to clone emulated disk images from the primary SCSI device to a second SCSI device, such as an MO cartridge disk, for backup or distribution of media among similar systems.
Disk-to-Tape Off-line Backup - Allows the User to create a backup copy of the emulated disk image on DAT.
Disk-to-Disk On-Line Copy - Similar to mirroring, the AEM automatically maintains two copies of the emulated image on two SCSI hard drives for added reliability and fault tolerance.
Disk-to-Cartridge Media Disk On-line Copy - Allows the User to clone emulated disk images from the primary SCSI device to a second SCSI device, such as an MO cartridge disk, without taking the AEM off-line.
Combinations of Above Options

Other Internal Options

Dual Port SMD Interface - Allows two computers to access the same disk drive. Only required if the original drive was dual ported.
Fixed/Removable Emulation - Emulates those drives where the drive capacity is split between fixed platters and a removable cartridge.
Multi-Volume Support - Allows storage of multiple legacy disk images on one SCSI flash drive device.
Additional Crystals - The crystal controls the drive transfer rate. In cases where a spare drive must be reconfigurable to emulate several different legacy models in use, the Customer may require additional crystals.
Additional Track Buffers - Depending upon the Customer's application, caching a larger portion of the disk emulation in additional track buffers may improve performance.
Interface Connectors - Older SMD drives used large Amphenol block connecters rather than the now standard IDC.

External Options

Interface Cables
Cable Termination
Mounting Shelf
EU Certification

Contact your Arraid Representative for advice and assistance in selecting AEM-9C Devices and Options.

EID-1 AEM-1

AEM-9C

Data General Winchester Disk Subsystem Replacement

Features

Features and Benefits

For More Information

AEM-9C Can Replace

A Brief List of Some of the HP CS/80 Drives the AEM-9C Can Replace (Manufacturer and Drive Models)

Standard Models and Enclosures

AEM-9C Versions

Enclosures

Mounting for Primary SCSI Storage Device

SCSI Storage Devices

SCSI Storage Devices

Internal Options - Copy/Backup

Other Internal Options

External Options

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Support

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