User guide

SC35 User Guide Ver 4.8 August 30, 2002 Page 10 of 25
3.3.4 Format Unit Command – 04h
The FORMAT UNIT command formats the medium into initiator addressable
logical blocks per the initiator-defined options. In addition, the medium may be
certified and control structures may be created for the management of the
medium and defects.
Format Unit CDB
Only the simplest and mandatory forms of the FORMAT UNIT command (with no
format data) are implemented on the SC35. This routine accomplishes medium
formatting with little initiator control over defect management.
The FORMAT UNIT command shall be rejected with RESERVATION
CONFLICT status if the logical unit is reserved, or any extent reservation, from
any initiator, is active in the specified logical unit. During the execution of the
FORMAT UNIT command, the SC35 may perform a medium defect
management algorithm.
A FmtData bit of zero indicates that a DATA OUT phase shall not occur. The
source of defect information is not specified. This is the only form of the
command the SC35 supports.
A complete list (CmpLst) bit of one indicates that the defect list sent by the
initiator is a complete list of defects. The existing defect list is discarded by the
SC35 and a new primary defect list is constructed. A CmpLst bit of zero
indicates that the current defect list should be maintained. As a result a new
primary is constructed that contains the existing list and any new defects the
SC35 may add during the format operation.