User guide

SC3500 User Guide Ver 1.3 March 8, 2005 Page 10 of 28
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 SC3500. 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
SC3500 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 SC3500
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 SC3500 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 SC3500 may add during the format operation.