Data Recovery

Digital Linear Tape

Digital Linear Tape (DLT) is an industry standard that uses linear recording. The DLT media is reel-to-reel, meaning the tape reel and take-up reel are separate. Data is recorded on parallel tracks. The tape path of a DLT drive operates differently than the path of a DDS drive. A mushroom-shaped leader is attached to the take-up reel in the tape unit, while a buckle is attached to the tape in the tape reel. When a tape is inserted, the leader meshes with the tape buckle and is wound onto the take-up reel.

Once the tape is wound onto the take-up reel, the drive then calibrates itself to the tape. It calibrates itself by finding the upper and lower track of the tape. The tape is passed in a linear fashion across the surface of the tape head without being wrapped around it. The tape passes multiple times in both directions at a relatively high speed.

Super DLT