The IBM 3590 family is a series of magnetic tape data storage formats developed by IBM. IBM's name for these tapes and drives is Magstar. The first model, the 3590, was introduced in 1995. The current model is the TS1120, which can store up to 700 GB of data (uncompressed) and has a native data transfer rate of up to 104 MB/s. Magstar tapes and drives are available in 128, 256 and 384-track versions. The 3590 Family superceds the IBM 3480 Family of magnetic tape formats and is distinguished much higher transfer rates and densities.
All of these tape formats have half inch tape spooled onto 4-by-5-by-1 inch data cartridges containing a single reel. A takeup reel is embedded inside the tape drive. Because of their speed, reliability, durability and low media cost, these tape drives are still in high demand. A hallmark of the genre is transferability. Tapes recorded with one tape drive are generally readable on another drive, even if the tape drives were built by different manufacturers.
Drives
- 3590
- 3592
- TS1120
Media
- 3590 series [1]
- B11/B1A "High-Perf" (10 GB), 320 m
- B11/B1A "Extended" (20 GB), 634 m
- E11/E1A "High-Perf" (20 GB), 320 m
- E11/E1A "Extended" (40 GB), 634 m
- H11/H1A "High-Perf" (30 GB), 320 m
- H11/H1A "Extended" (60 GB), 634 m
- 3592 series [2]
- JJ/JR (60 GB, 100 GB), 610 m
- JA/JW (300 GB, 500 GB), 610 m
- JB/JX (---, 700 GB), 825 m