• LS-120 MB Diskette technology is a new diskette technology standard that enables users to store 120 MB of data on a single, 3.5-inch diskette.
• 120 MB represents an increase of more than 80 times the current capacity of the standard 1.44 MB diskette.
• LS-120 technology is read/write backward-compatible to the installed base of more than 5 billion 1.44 MB and 720 KB DOS-formatted diskettes. It is fully supported by Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.
• LS-120 technology delivers up to five times the performance of standard 1.44 diskette technology, and it reads and writes 1.44 MB diskettes.
• LS-120 technology increases user productivity. Users can:
  • Transport large files on a single diskette
  • Store work-in-progress files on a single diskette including graphics, photos and presentations
  • Save color, sound and motion files without compression
  • Store and retrieve fax images, e-mail and phone messages
  • Save hard disk space

• LS-120 technology was developed by Compaq Computer Corporation, Matsushita-Kotoboki Industries, Ltd. (MKE), 3M, and OR Technology (parent company of Optics Research, Inc.).

While the LS-120 diskettes and drives look much the same as standard 1.44 MB diskettes and drives, the technical differences are substantial. A comparison of key specifications follows:

Specifications:	LS-120:	Standard HD:
Formatted Capacity	120 MB	1.44 MB
Transfer Rate (max. sustained)	565KB/sec	62KB/sec
Average Seek Time	70 msec	84 msec
Track Density	2490 tpi	135 tpi
Number of Tracks	1736 x 2 sides	80x2 sides
Disk Rotational Speed	720 rpm	300 rpm
Power Consumption	+5V, 1.5W	+5V, 1.2W

LS-120 Technology -- A Look Inside

LS-120 technology achieves advancements in capacity and performance by employing a unique combination of proven optical and magnetic technologies.

LS-120 technology places laser servo tracks (hence the "LS" designation) on each diskette that are both written and read by a laser system. A precise servo pattern is permanently etched onto the LS-120 diskette media in tracks, sometimes called optical tracks. This laser etching is done at the factory and cannot be accidentally erased by an end user.

When a 3M LS-120 Diskette is inserted into an LS-120 drive, an optical sensor detects a laser beam to locate the optical track and give the read/write head precise positioning information. This method enables advanced data track densities of 2,490 tracks per inch versus 135 tracks per inch for a 1.44 MB diskette.

Data tracks are written and read magnetically. The LS-120 drive features a dual gap head that enables it to read and write both LS-120 diskettes and standard 1.44 MB diskettes. The drive also spins the media at a higher speed than other diskettes, resulting in faster data access times and transfer rates. The 1.44 MB diskettes do not gain additional capacity when used in an LS-120 drive, although the faster rotational speed allows the LS-120 drive to read and write a 1.44 MB.

To support the high data density, the 3M LS-120 Diskette features higher coercivity (metal particle) pigment and advanced dual layer coating technology. The media is coated onto a thin (.0025 inch vs. .003 inch for 1.44 MB diskettes) polyethylene terathalate (PET) substrate for better head-to-media contact. The diskette also uses precision-engineered components such as a new stainless steel shutter and advanced hub for improved reliability. A sturdy, molded ABS shell provides superior protection for the media.

All 3M LS-120 Diskettes are factory formatted to save users' time and provide a consistent format for data exchange.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.