Reduction of tape velocity change backhitch time through use of an intermediate back velocity

Abstract

Modern tape drives can adjust their tape drive velocity between two or more read/write data rates to better match the data rate demands of the host. This velocity changing may provide improvements in drive performance and total backhitch counts. The transition from one tape velocity to another may involve a rate change backhitch which itself could impact performance. It is desirable to optimize these transitions. In one approach, a backhitch involves a backvelocity having a magnitude that is intermediate between the initial tape velocity and the final tape velocity. In another approach, a backhitch involves an intermediate forward velocity to quicken the approach toward the start R/W reposition point.