cartridge memory (magnetic tape) (CM)

Various tape drive cartridges contain a cartridge memory (CM), which is a memory chip on which manufacturer-, application- and user-specific data is stored.

The cartridge memory has a storage capacity of several kilobytes( KB). The data is read contactless with an external reader without having to insert the cartridge into the LTO drive. The cartridge memory (CM) significantly increases functionality by providing fast access. Functionally comparable is the memory chip Memory in Cassette( MIC), which is used for example in AIT drives.

The content storage technique can significantly reduce the search time on the cartridges.