ISO/IEC 11557:1992

INTERNATIONAL lSO/IEC
STANDARD
First edition
1992-I 2-l 5
Information technology - 3,81 mm wide
magnetic tape cartridge for information
interchange - Helical scan recording -
DDS=DC format using 60 m and 90 m
length tapes
Technologies de /‘information - Cartouche de bande magnetique de
3,81 mm de large pour &change d’information - Enregistrement
hglicoidal - Format DDS-DC utilisant des bandes de 60 m et 90 m de
long
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ISOlIEC 11557: 1992 (E)
Page
Contents
Section 1 - General
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Conformance
31 . Magnetic tape cartridge
32 . Generating system
Receiving system
33 .
4 Definitions
Absolute Frame Number
41 .
42 . Access Point
algorithm
43 .
44 . Automatic Track Finding
Area ID
45 .
46 . Average Signal Amplitude
47 . azimuth
48 . back surface
49 byte
4’10 cartridge
4’11 Channel Bit
4’12 Codeword
4’13 Data Format ID
Early Warning Point
4’14
4’15 End of Data
4’16 Entity
4’17 Error Correcting Code
flux transition position
4’18
4’19 flux transition spacing
4’20 frame
Housekeeping Frame
4’21
4’22 Logical Beginning of Tape
4’23 magnetic tape
4’24 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape
4’25 . Master Standard Reference Tape
o ISO/IEC 1992
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without per-
mission in writing from the publisher.
lSO/IEC Copyright Office l Case Postale 56 l CH-1211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Printed in Switzerland
ii
4.26 Optimum Recording Field
Partition boundary
4.27
4.28 Physical Beginning of Tape
4.29 Physical End of Tape
physical recording density
4.30
4.31 pre-recording condition
4.32 processing
4.33 processed data
Processed Record
4.34
4.35 Processed Record Sequence
4.36 Record
4.37 Reference Recording Field
reprocessing
4.38
4.39 Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape
4.40 Secondary Standard Reference Tape
4.41 Separator Mark
4.42 Standard Reference Amplitude
4.43 Tape Reference Edge
Test Recording Current
4.44
4.45 track
4.46 Unprocessed Data
4.47 Unprocessed Record
Virtual End of Tape
4.48
5 Environment and safety
51 . Testing environment
52 . Operating environment
53 . Storage environment
54 . Transportation
55 . Safety
56 . Flammability
Section 2 - Requirements for the case
6 Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
61 . General
62 . Overall dimensions (figures 6 and 7)
Loading grip (figure 6)
63 l
64 . Holding areas (figure 6)
65 . Notches of the lid (figures 5 and 8)
66 b Lid dimensions (figures 6 to 8)
67 . Optical detection of the beginning and end of tape (figures 9 and 12)
68 . Bottom side (figures 10 and 11)
6.8.1 Locking mechanism of the slider
6.8.2 Access holes
Recognition, sub-datums, and write-inhibit holes
6.8.3
6.8.4 Datum holes
6.8.5 Access room for tape guides
Holes for accessing the hubs
6.8.6
6.8.7 Internal structure of the lower half (figure 12)
. . .
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
Light path (figure 12)
6.8.8
6b8.9 Support Areas (figure 13)
6.8.10 Datum Areas (figure 13)
6,8.11 Relationship between Support and Datum Areas and Reference Plane 2 (figure 14)
Hubs (figures 15 and 16)
6’10 Leader and trailer attachment
6’11 Interface between the hubs and the drive spindles (figure 17)
6’12 Opening of the lid (figure 18)
Release of the hub locking mechanism (figures 19 and 20)
6’13
6’14 . Label areas (figures 21 and 22)
Section 3 - Requirements for the unrecorded tape
7 Mechanical, physical and dimensional characteristics of the tape
71 Materials
b
72 . Tape length
7.2,1 Length of magnetic tape
7.2.2 Length of leader and trailer tapes
73 Tape width
7:4 Discontinuities
7s Total thickness
76 . Longitudinal curvature
. Cupping
78 b Coating adhesion
79 Layer-to-layer adhesion
7’10 . Tensile strength
7blObl Breaking strength
Yield strength
7.10,2
7.11 Residual elongation
7.12 Electrical resistance of coated surfaces
7.13 Light transmittance of the tape
8 Magnetic recording characteristics
Optimum Recording Field
81 b
82 . Signal Amplitude
Resolution
83 b
84 b Overwrite
Physical recording densities of 750,6 ftpmm and 3 002 ftpmm
8.4J
8,4,2 Physical recording densities of 83,4 ftpmm and 1 001 ftpmm
85 b Ease of erasure
Tape quality
86 .
8b6.1 Missing pulses
Missing pulse zone
8,6,2
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) characteristic
87 b
Section 4 - Requirements for an interchanged tape
Format
iV
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
General
91 b 34
92 b Basic Groups
9e2.1 Entity
9,2,2 Group Information Table 37
Block Access Table (BAT)
9b2.3 39
93 b Sub-Groups 42
9b3J Gl Sub-Group
9,3,2 G2 Sub-Group - randomizing 43
9b3.3 G3 Sub-Group
9.3.4 G4 Sub-Group 46
9.3*5 Main Data Block
94 b Sub-Data Area 51
9.4,1 Pack item Number 1 51
9,4,2 Pack item Number 2 52
9.4*3 Pack item Number 3
9.4.4 Pack item Number 4 54
9.4*5
Pack item Number 5 55
9.4.6 Pack Item Number 6 56
9.4.7 Pack item Number 7 57
9.4.8 Pack item Number 8 58
9.4.9 Sub Data Block
10 Method of recording 62
10.1 Physical recording density 62
lOb2 Long-term average bit cell length 62
10.3 Short-term average bit cell length
10.4 Rate of change 62
10.5 Bit shift 62
10.6 Read Signal Amplitude 62
10.7 Maximum recorded levels 62
11 62
Track geometry
11.1 Track configuration 62
11,2 Average track pitch 63
11.3 Variations of the track pitch 63
11,4 Track width 63
11.5 Track angle 64
11.6 64
Track edge linearity
11.7 Track length 64
11.8 Ideal centreline 64
QPe
11.9 Azim uth a ngles 64
12 Recording of blocks on the tape 64
12.1 64
Recorded Main Data Block
12,2 Recorded Sub Data Block 64
12.3 Margin Blocks, Preamble Blocks and Postamble Blocks
12.4 Spacer Blocks 64
V
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
13 Format of a track
-~~ 13.1 Track capacity
13.2 Positioning accuracy
13.3 Tracking scheme
14 Layout of a Single Data Space tape
14bl Device Area
14,2 Reference Area
14.3 Position tolerance band No. 1
14.4 System Area
14b5 Data Area
14b5.1 Vendor Group
14e5.2 Recorded Data Group
14b5.3 ECC3
14.5.4 Multiple recorded instances
14.5,5 Repeated frames
Appending and overwriting
14b5.6
14.6 EOD Area
14.7 Post-EOD Area
Early Warning Point - EWP
14.8
14.9 Initialization
15 Layout of Partitioned tape
Overall magnetic tape layout
15.1
15blbl Device Area
15.1.2 Partition 1
15blb3 Partition 0
Area ID
15.2
15.3 System Area Pack Items No. 3 and No. 4
Empty partitions
15b4
15.5 Initialization of Partitioned tapes
16 Housekeeping frames
16.11 Amble Frames
16.2 System Log Frames
Tape Management Frames
16,3
Annexes
I
Measurement of the light transmittance of the prisms
A
m
B Recognition holes
m
Means to open lid
C
D- Measurement of light transmittance of tape and leaders
m
E Measurement of Signal to Noise Ratio
m
F Method for determining the Nominal and the Maximum Allowable Recorded Levels
C;: - Representation of 8-Bit bytes by lo-bit patterns
vi
ISOIIEC 11557: 1992 (E)
H - Measurement of bit shift
J - Recommendations for transportation
K - Method of measuring track edge linearity
L - Read-After-Write
M - Example of the content of a Basic Group No. 0
N - Registration of algorithms
vii
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
IS0 or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established
by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. IS0 and IEC technical
committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with IS0 and IEC, also take part in the work.
In the field of information technology, IS0 and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC
JTCl. Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies
for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies
casting a vote.
International Standard ISO/IEC 11557 was prepared by the European Computer Manufacturers Association (as
Standard ECMA-150) and was adopted, under a special “fast-track procedure”, by Joint Technical Committee
ISO/IEC JTCl, Information technology, in parallel with its approval by national bodies of IS0 and IEC.
Annexes A,D to H and K form an integral part of this International Standard. Annexes B, C, J, L to N are for
information only.
Patents
During the preparation of the ECMA standard, information was gathered on patents upon which application of
the standard might depend. Relevant patents were identified as belonging to Hewlett Packard Limited and the
Sony Corporation. However, neither ECMA, nor ISO/IEC can give authoritative or comprehensive information
about evidence, validity or scope of patent and like rights. The patent holders have stated that licences will be
granted under reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Communications on this subject should be addressed to
Hewlett-Packard Limited
Computer Peripherals Bristol
Fil ton Road
Stoke Gifford
Bristol BS12 642
United Kingdom
Sony Corporation
Licensing and Trademark Division
6-7-35 Kitashinagawa
Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo 141
Japan
. . .
VI11
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
Introduction
This International Standard ISO/IEC 11557 incorporates all the specifications of ISO/IEC 10777, together with
extensions and modifications which specify the additional features of the DDS-DC recorded format. The
specifications of the tape, cartridge, recorded signal, recording method and most of the recorded format are
identical with those in ISO/IEC 10777.
This International Standard specifies two types of
tape cartridge. For type A, the magnetic tape has a nominal
thickness of 13 pm. For type B, the magnetic tape has a nominal thickness of 9 pm.
It is not intended that this International Standard replace ISO/IEC 10777, Cartridges and drives which conform
to ISO/IEC 10777 may, in addition, conform to this International Standard, but only if they support those
features herein which are not in ISO/IEC 10777.
ix
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
Information technology - 341 mm wide magnetic tape cartridge for
information interchange - Helical scan recording - DDSlDC format using
60 m and 90 m length tapes
Section 1 - General
Scope
This International Standard specifies the physical and magnetic characteristics of a 3,81 mm wide magnetic
tape cartridge to enable interchangeability of such cartridges. It also specifies the quality of the recorded
signal, the recording method and the recorded format, thereby allowing data interchange between drives by
means of such magnetic tape cartridges.
of this International
This International Standard specifies two types of cartridge which, for the purpose
Standard, are referred to as Type A and Type B.
For Type A, the magnetic tape is nominally 13 pm thick and has a length of up to 60,5 m.
For Type B, the magnetic tape is nominally 9 pm thick and has a length of up to 92,0 m.
The recorded format, known as Digital Data Storage - Data Compression (DDS-DC), includes all the features
of the DDS recorded format specified in ISO/lEC 10777, with additional features which support the recording
of data which has been processed, by the generating system, after receipt from the host and prior to recording.
Such features are intended for, but are not limited to, the support of one or more data compression Algorithms.
Information interchange between systems by means of this International Standard also requires the use, at a
minimum, of a labelling and file structure, an interchange code and a Processing Algorithm which are agreed
upon by the interchange parties. It is not within the scope of this International Standard to specify the labelling
and file structure, the interchange code or the Processing Algorithm.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this
International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject
to revision, and parties to agreements based on this International Standards are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Members of IEC and IS0
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO/R 527: 1966, Plastics - Determination of tensile properties.
IS0 1302:. 2, , Technical Drawings - Method of indicating surface texture on drawings.
ISO/IEC 10777: 1991, Information technology - 3,81 mm wide magnetic tape cartridge for information
interchange - Helical scan recording - DDS format.
I) Information technology - Procedure for the registration of algorithms for the lossless
ISO/IEC 11576:. ,
compression of data.
IEC 950: 1991, Safety of Information technology equipment, including electrical business equipment.
I) To be published.
2, Currently under revision.
.
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
3 Conformance
31 . Magnetic tape cartridge
A tape cartridge shall be in conformance with this International Standard if it meets all the mandatory
requirements specified herein for either Type A or Type B. The tape requirements shall be satisfied throughout
the extent of the tape.
In particular, in order to be in conformance with this International Standard, a recorded tape shall contain at
least one recorded Entity.
For each recorded Entity the Algorithm used for Processing the data therein shall have been registered, and the
regi stration identification shall be included, when appropriate, in Byte No. 3 of the Entity Header.
A recorded tape shall be either a Single Data Space Tape or a Partitioned Tape.
32 . Generating system
A system generating a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be entitled to claim conformance with this
International Standard if all recordings on the tape meet the mandatory requirements of this International
Standard, and if either or both methods of appending and overwriting are implemented. In particular it shall be
able to record unprocessed data, and processed data within entities.
A claim of conformance shall state which of the following optional features are implemented and which are not
fly necessary repeated frame;;
the performing of a Read-After- Write check and the recording of
t
- the recording of multiple representations of the same
y the generation of EC@3 Frames.
In addition a claim of conformance shall state
-
whether or not one, or more, registered Algorithm(s) are implemented within the system and are able to
process data received from the host prior to collecting the data into Basic Groups, and
-
the Algorithm registration identification number(s) of the implemented Algorithm(s);
-
whether Type A cartridges or Type B cartridges or both are supported.
33 . Receiving system
A system receiving a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be entitled to claim full conformance with
this International Standard if it is able to handle any recording made on the tape according to this International
Standard. In particular it shall
be able to recognize repeated frames and to make available to the host, data and Separator Marks from
-
only one of these frames;
the same Basic Group, and to make available to the host,
- be able to recognize multiple representations of
data and Separator Marks from only one of these representations;
- be able to recognize an ECC3 frame, and ignore it if the system is not capable of using ECC3 check bytes
in a process of error correction;
- be able to update the System Log(s) if the Write-inhibit Hole state so permits;
- be able to recognize processed data within an entity, identify the Algorithm used, and make the Algorithm
registration number available to the host;
- be able to make processed data available to the host.
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
In addition a claim of conformance shall state
e whether or not the system is capable of using ECC3 check bytes in a process of error correction;
- whether or not one or more Reprocessing Algorithm(s) are implemented within the system, and are able to
be applied to Processed Data prior to making such data available to the host;
- the Algorithm registration number(s) of the Processing Algorithm(s) for which a complementary
Reprocessing Algorithm is implemented, and
- whether Type A cartridges or Type B cartridges or both are supported.
4 Def’initions
For the purpose of this International Standard, the definitions given in ISO/IEC 10777 and the following
definitions apply.
4.1 Absolute Frame Number (AFN): A sequence number, encoded in the frame.
. Access Point: A point, at the start of a Processed Record Sequence, at which the presentation of
Codewords to a Reprocessing Algorithm is required to start, regardless of whether the data of interest
in a retrieval operation starts at that point or at a subsequent point.
43 . algorithm: A set of rules for transforming the logical representation of data.
4, Automatic Track Finding (A F): The method by which tracking is achieved.
45 . Area ID: An identifier defining the area of the tape and specifying the types of frame written.
46 . Average Signal Amplitude: The average peak-to-peak value of the output signal from the read head at
the fundamental frequency of the specified physical recording density over a minimum of 7,8 mm of
track, exclusive of missing pulses.
47 e azimuth: The angular deviation, in degrees, minutes and seconds of arc, made by the mean flux
transition line with the line normal to the centreline of the recorded track.
48 . back surface: The surface of the tape opposite to the magnetic coating which is used to record data.
. byte: An ordered set of bits acted upon as a unit.
4.10 cartridge: A case containing magnetic tape stored on twin hubs.
4.11 Channel Bit:A bit after 8-10 transformation.
4.12 Codeword: A word which is generated by a Processing Algorithm. The number of bits in a Codeword
is variable, and is not defined by this Standard.
4.13 Data Format ID: An identifier specifying which data format is being used on the tape.
4.14 Early Warning Point (EWP): A point along the length of the tape at which warning is given of the
approach, in the forward direction of tape motion, of the partition boundary or of the Physical End of
Tape.
End of Data (EOD): The point on the tape at the end of the group which contains the last user data.
4.15
4.16 Entity: A unit of recorded data, comprising a Processed Record Sequence preceded by housekeeping
information.
ISOlIEC 11557:1992 (E)
4.17 Error Correcting Code (ECC): A mathematical computation yielding check bytes used for the
detection and correction of errors.
4.18 flux transition position: That point which exhibits maximum free-space flux density normal to the
tape surface.
4.19 flux transition spacing: The distance along a track between successive flux transitions.
track with the
4.20 frame: A pair of adjacent tracks with azimuths of opposite polarity, in which the
positive azimuth precedes that with the negative azimuth.
4.21 Housekeeping Frame: A frame which contains no user data and which is identified as such by the
values in the data fields therein.
4.22 Logical Beginning of Tape (LBOT): The point along the length of the tape where a recording of data
for interchange commences.
output and
4.23 magnetic tape: A tape which will accept and retain the magnetic signals intended for input,
storage purposes on computers and associated equipment.
4.24 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape: A prerecorded tape on which the standard signal
amplitudes have been recorded in the tracks of positive azimuth, 23,0 urn wide, at nominal track pitch,
on an a.c.-erased tape.
NOTES
1 The tape includes recordings ma.de at 83,4 ftpmm, 333,6 ftpmm, 500,4 ftpmm, 1 001 ftpmm and 1 501 ftpmm.
2 The Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape has been established by Sony Corporation.
4.25 Master Standard Reference Tape: A tape selected as the standard for Reference Recording Field,
Signal Amplitude, Resolution, Overwrite and Signal-to-Noise Ratio.
NOTE 3 - The Master Standard Reference Tape has been established by Sony Corporation.
4.26 Optimum Recording Field: In the plot of Average Signal Amplitude against the recording field at the
physical recording density of 3 002 ftpmm, the field that causes the maximum Average Signal
Amplitude.
4.27 Partition boundary: The point along the length of a magnetic tape at which Partition 1 ends and
Partition 0 commences.
4.28 Physical Beginning of Tape (PBOT): The point where the leader tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
4.29 Physical End of Tape (PEOT): The point where the trailer tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
4.30 physical recording density: The number of recorded flux transitions per unit length of track, expressed
in flux transitions per millimetre (ftpmm).
4.31 pre-recording condition: The recording levels above which a tape intended for interchange shall not
previously have been recorded.
4.32 processing: The use of an Algorithm to transform host data into Codewords.
4.33 processed data: A sequence of Codewords which results from the application of processing to data.
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
4.34 Processed Record: A sequence of Codewords which results from the application of processing to an
Unprocessed Record.
4.35 Processed Record Sequence: A sequence of one or more Processed Records which starts on an 8-bit
boundary and ends on a subsequent 8-bit boundary.
4.36 Record: Related data treated as a unit of information.
4.37 Reference Recording Field: The Optimum Recording Field of the Master Standard Reference Tape.
4.38 reprocessing: The use of an Algorithm to transform Codewords into data as required by the host.
4.39 Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape: A tape pre-recorded as defined for the Master
Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape; the outputs are known and stated in relation to those of the
Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape.
NOTE 4 - Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tapes can be ordered from Sony Corporation, Audio Device Business
Department, Component Marketing Group, 4-10-18, Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108, Japan, under Part Number TY-7000G
until the year 2000. It is intended that these be used for calibrating tertiary reference tapes for use in routine calibration.
4.40 Secondary Standard Reference Tape: A tape the performance of which is known and stated in
relation to that of the Master Standard Reference Tape.
NOTE 5 - Secondary Standard Reference Tapes can be ordered from Sony Corporation, Major Customer Division, Magnetic
Products Group, 6-7-35, Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141, Japan, under Part Number RSD 1079 until the year 2000. It is
intended that these be used for calibrating tertiary reference tapes for use in routine calibration.
4.41 Separator Mark: A record containing no user data, which is used to separate data.
4.42 Standard Reference Amplitude: The Average Signal Amplitude from the tracks of positive azimuth of
the Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape at a specified physical recording density.
4.43 Tape Reference Edge: The bottom edge of the tape when viewing the recording side of the tape, with
the PEOT to the observer’s right.
4.44 Test Recording Current: The current that produces the Reference Recording Field.
4.45 track: A diagonally positioned area on the tape along which a series of magnetic signals may be
recorded.
4.46 Unprocessed Data: Data which has not been subjected to processing.
4.47 Unprocessed Record: A Record of Unprocessed Data, comprising an integral number of bytes.
4.48 Virtual End of Tape (VEOT): The point along the length of the magnetic tape within Partition l
which defines the end of the part of Partition 1 which is usable for recording data for interchange.
Environment and safety
Unless otherwise stated, the conditions specified below refer to the ambient conditions of the air immediately
surrounding the cartridge.
. Testing environment ’
Unless otherwise stated tests and measurements made on the tape cartridge to check the requirements of this
International Standard shall be carried out under the following conditions:
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
temperature : 23 OC zk 2 OC
relative humidity : 40 % to 60 %
conditioning period
before testing : 24 h
52 Operating environment
.
Cartridges used for data interchange shall be capable of operating under the following conditions:
temperature : 5 OC to 45 OC
relative humidity : 20 % to 80 %
wet bulb temperature : 26 OC max.
There shall be no deposit of moisture on or in the cartridge.
Conditioning before operating:
If a cartridge has been exposed during storage and/or transportation to a condition outside the above values,
before use the cartridge shall be conditioned in the operating environment for a time at least equal to the period
during which it has been out of the operating environment, up to a maximum of 24 h.
NOTE 6 - Rapid variations of temperature should be avoided.
53 . Storage environment
For long-term or archival storage of cartridges the following conditions shall be observed:
temperature : 5 OC to 32 OC
relative humidity
: 20 % to 60 %
wet bulb temperature : 26 OC max.
The stray magnetic field at any point on the tape shall not exceed 4 000 A/m. There shall be no deposit of
moisture on or in the cartridge.
54 . Transportation
Recommended limits for the environment to which a cartridge may be subjected during transportation, and the
precautions to be taken to minimize the possibility of damage, are provided in annex J.
55 . Safety
The cartridge and its components shall satisfy the requirements of IEC 950.
56 . Flammability
The cartridge and its components shall be made from materials, which if ignited from a match flame, do not
continue to burn in a still carbon dioxide atmosphere.
Section 2 - Requirements for the case
6 Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
61 l General
The case of the cartridge shall comprise
an upper half,
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
- a lower half,
- a slider movably mounted on the lower half,
- a lid pivotally mounted on the upper half.
In the drawings, using third angle projection, an embodiment of the cartridge is shown as an example.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cartridge seen from top.
Figure 2
is a perspective view of the cartridge seen from bottom.
Figure 3 is a partial view of the rear side.
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the Reference Planes X, Y and Z.
Figure 5 shows the front side.
Figure 6 shows the top side with the lid in closed position.
Figure 7 shows the left side.
Figure 8 shows the top side with the lid in open position.
Figure 9 shows the left side with the lid in open position.
Figure 10 shows the bottom side with the lid and the slider in closed position.
Figure 11 shows the bottom side with the lid and the slider in open position.
Figure 12 is a view from the top of the inside of the lower half with the upper half removed.
Figure 13 is a view of the bottom half with the lid and the slider in open position.
Figure 14 is a view of the left side with the lid and the slider in open position.
Figure 15 is a top view of a hub.
Figure 16 is a side view of a hub with partial cross-section.
Figure 17 is a partial cross-section through a hub and both halves of the case showing the interface
with the drive spindle.
Figure 18 shows at a larger scale the lid in the open position.
Figures 19, 20 show at a larger scale the functional relationship between the lid and the locking
mechanism of the hubs.
Figures 21, 22 show the label areas on the top and the rear side.
The dimensions are referred to three orthogonal Reference Planes X, Y and Z (figure 4).
62 . Overall dimensions (figures 6 and 7)
The overall dimensions of the case with the lid in the closed position shall be
L, = 73,0 mm * 0,3 mm
L, = 54,0 mm * 0,3 mm
L, = 10,5 mm i 0,2 mm
The edges formed by the rear side and the left and right sides shall be rounded off with a radius
R, = 1,5 mm max.
The two edges of the lid shall be rounded off with a radius
R, = 0,5 mm max.
ISOlIEC 11557: 1992 (E)
63 . Loading grip (figure 6)
The top side shall have a loading grip for loading and positioning the cartridge into the drive. The position and
dimensions of the loading grip shall be
L, = 25,5 mm * 0,3 mm
L, = 10 mm min.
L, = 5,O mm * 0,2 mm
L7 = 2,0 mm min.
The depth of the loading grip below the surface of the top side shall be
+ 0,2
0,5mm o. mm
64 . Holding areas (figure 6)
The two areas shown shaded in figure 6 shall be the areas along which the cartridge shall be held down when
inserted in the drive. Their positions and dimensions shall be
L, = 6,0 mm * 0,l mm
L, = 5,0 mm * 0,l mm
65 . Notches of the lid (figures 5 and 8)
The lid shall have two pairs of notches.
The first pair of notches, the slider lock release notches, allows elements of the drive to release the locking
mechanism of the slider. The positions and dimensions of these notches shall be
L,, = 0,4 mm max.
L ll = 3,0 mm min.
L,, = 1,2 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 49,8 mm & 0,2 mm
The second pair of notches, the slider movement notches, allows elements of the drive to move the slider from
the closed to the open position (see also 6.8.1). The positions and dimensions of these notches shall be
L,, = 3,0 mm min.
L,, = 0,9 mm min.
L,, = 7,5 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 36,00 mm * 0,15 mm
66 . Lid dimensions (figures 6 to 8)
The lid is shown in the closed position in figures 6 and 7. Its dimensions shall be
L 17 = 1,2 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 6,8 mm * 0,4 mm
L,, = 1,l mm * 0,l mm
Lzo = 2,0 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 6,4 mm & 0,2 mm
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
L,, = 1,5 mm * 0,l mm
= 6,8 mm k 0,4 mm
R3
The lid shall have a chamfer of 45O by
L,, = 1,5 mm * 0,l mm
There shall be a dimensional relationship between the height L,, shown in figure 7, which includes the slider
and the upper half, and the height L,, of the lid. When a vertical force of 1 N is exerted on the upper half the
following condition shall be met.
L,, = lo,5 mm * 0,2 mm
When no force is exerted
L24 = lo,9 mm max.
In figure 8 the lid is shown in the open position. The distance from the front edge of the lid to the rear side
shall be
L,, = 55,5 mm * 0,3 mm.
67 . Optical detection of the beginning and end of tape (figures 9 and 62)
Means for the optical detection of the beginning and end of tape shall be provided. These shall consist of a pair
of windows on the left and right sides of the case (see also figure 18). The design of these windows allows this
detection for two different drive designs:
- either a light source and a detector are provided in the drive on each side of the cartridge, in which case the
light enters the case through the upper windows, falls on a prism (see section A-A) mounted inside the case,
which reflects this light so that it goes through the tape and falls on the detector through the lower window;
the light transmittance of the prism shall be greater than 50% of that of a reference prism when measured as
specified in annex A,
- or, the light of a light source within the drive passes through the tape from inside the cartridge and falls
windows onto the detectors placed on each side of the case.
through the lower
The positions and dimensions of these windows allow the cartridge to be used with drives implementing either
system, they shall be
L27 = 6,20 mm k 0,lO mm
L,, = 7,65 mm k 0,lO mm
+ 0,20
mm
L,, = 1,50 mm _ o o.
L,, = 3,9 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 1,8 mm k 0,l mm
L32 = 7,O mm * 0,2 mm
L,, = 2,5 mm min.
Dimension L32 specifies the position of the rear edge of the windows relative to Reference Plane Y. Dimension
L,, shall be measured relative to this rear edge.
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
68 . Bottom side (figures 10 and 11)
The bottom side is shown in figure 10 with the lid and the slider in the closed position and in figure 11 with
both in the open position.
The dimension L3, of the bottom half, L,, of the slider and L,, of the lid shall satisfy the following conditions
L,, = 73,O mm It 0,3 mm
6.8.1 Locking mechanism of the slider
The cartridge shall have a locking mechanism for the slider which locks it in the closed and open positions.
The design of this mechanism is not specified by this International Standard, except for the different forces
acting on the slider, and for its detent.
The slider shall be spring-loaded by a spring holding it in the closed position when it is unlocked. The force
required to operate the slider shall not exceed 2 N.
The slider shall have two grooves with an opening at each end. The detent of the locking mechanism shall
protrude through these openings so as to hold the slider in both open and closed positions. The detent shown in
cross-section C-C is only an example of implementation.
The grooves are parallel to Reference Plane 2 and aligned with the slider lock release notches of the lid. The
positions and dimensions of the grooves and of the openings for the detent of the locking mechanism when the
slider is in the closed position shall be
L,, = 1,2 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 49,8 mm & 0,2 mm
L,, = 10,O mm * 0,l mm
+ 0,5
o o mm
L,, = 2,0 mm
L,, = 3,O mm min.
L42 = 1,5 mm min.
L,, = 0,8 mm & 0,l mm
+ 0,5
o 1 mm
L,, = 0,8 mm
h = 45O min.
L,, = 0,65 mm i 0,05 mm
The position and dimensions of the openings for the detent when the slider is held in the open position are
determined by L,,, L,,, L,, and L,,.
In the closed position of the slider, the maximum force to be exerted on the detent in a direction perpendicular
to Reference Plane 2 and over a stroke of 0,65 mm shall be 0,5 N max.
In the open position of the slider the holding force shall be 0,3 N min.
6.8.2 Access holes
The slider shall have two circular access holes (see section B-B) which, in the open position of the slider, allow
penetration of the drive spindles into the hubs. The diameters of these access holes shall be
d l = 10,O mm * 0,2 mm
d, = 12,0 mm max.
6.8.3 Recognition, sub-datums, and write-inhibit holes
The bottom half shall have a number of holes on an edge at its rear. This edge shall be defined by
L4, = 45,2 mm k 0,2 mm
L,, = 49,2 mm f: 0,2 mm
The centres of these holes lie on a line perpendicular to Reference Plane Y at a distance from Reference Plane
x of
L,, = 47,2 mm k 0,2 mm
6.8.3.1 Recognition Holes
There shall be four Recognition Holes numbered from 1 to 4 as shown in figure 10. Their positions and
dimensions shall be
d = 2,5 mm k 0,l mm
L49 = 1,O mm k 0,l mm
Lso = 56,O mm Jt: 0,3 mm
l& = 4,0 mm * OJ mm
E,, = I,0 mm k 0,l mm
4.v
k,, = 3,O mm min.
All Recognition Holes shall have the cross-section shown in cross-section F-F in figure 11 for Recognitio
Hole No. 1.
Qne of the two cross-sections F-F shows a Recognition Hole closed by means of a plug, the other shows it with
the plug punched out. These plugs shall withstand an applied force of 0,5 N max. without being punched out.
This International Standard prescribes the following states of these holes:
Recognition Holes No. 1 and No. 3 shall be closed
Recognition Hole No. 2 shall be closed for Type A cartridges
Recognition Hole No. 2 shall be open for Type B cartridges
Recognition Hole No. 4 may be open or closed
Other combinations of the states of the Recognition Holes 1, 2 and 3 are reserved for future applications (see
annex B).
6.8.3.2 Write-inhibit Hole
The position and dimensions of the Write-inhibit Hole shall be
= 2,5 mm 2 0,l mm
d4
L50 = 56,O mm k 0,3 mm
When the Write-inhibit Hole is open recording on the tape is inhibited, when it is closed recording is enabled.
The Write-inhibit Hole shall have the cross-section shown in cross-section F-F in figure 11 for Recognition
Hole No. 1. One of the two cross-sections F-F shows the hole closed by means of a plug, the other shows it
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
with the hole punched out. These plugs shall withstand an applied force of 0,5 N max without being punched
out.
The case may have a movable element allowing the Write-inhibit Hole to be opened and closed. If present, this
element shall be such that the state of Write-inhibit Hole is visible (see figure 3 as an example). Such an ele-
ment shall be neither broken nor moved by a force smaller than 0,5 N.
Regardless of whether a plug or a movable element is used to select the open and closed states of the Write-
inhibit Hole, the following dimensions from cross-section F-F shall define the closed and open states,
respectively.
L52= 1,0 mm * 0,l mm
L53 = 3,0 mm min.
6.8.3.3 Sub-datum holes
These holes are used to position the cartridge in the drive. Their position and dimensions shall be as follows.
- The hole seen below the Write-inhibit Hole in figure 11 shall have an elongated form and the same cross-
section E-E as shown for the other hole.
L54 = 45,5 mm i 0,2 mm
+ 0,l
o o mm
L,, = 3,5 mm
+ 0,05
L56 = 2,50 mm - o o. mm
- The position and dimensions of the other Sub-datum Hole shall be
+ 0,05
= 2,50 mm - o OO mm
d5
= 1,0 mm min.
‘6
L,, = 5,5 mm It 0,l mm
L58 = 2,O mm min.
L,, = 1,2 mm min.
The edge of both Sub-datum Holes shall have a chamfer of
0,2 mm * 0,l mm.
6.8.4 Datum holes
The lower half has two Datum Holes also used to position the cartridge within the drive. One of them has an
elongated form, the other is circular. Cross-section D-D shown for the latter also applies to the former. Their
positions and dimensions shall be
L6() = 51,0 mm k 071 mm
+ 0,05
Lel = 2,80 mm - o o. mm
+ 0,l
Le2 = 3,5 mm o o mm
L63 = 370 mm min.
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
+ 0,05
= 2,80 mm -o,oo mm
d7
The upper edge of both Datum Holes shall have a chamfer of 0,2 mm i 0,l mm.
6.8.5 Access room for tape guides
When the cartridge is inserted into the drive, tape guides in the drive pull out the tape toward the heads of the
drive. The shape and dimensions of the access room provided by the cartridge for these tape guides shall be
(see also 6.8.7.5):
L64 = 371 mm max.
L65 = 5,6 mm min.
L,, = 11,O mm max.
+ 0,7
L67 = 770 mm o. mm
L6, = 6,7 mm min.
a =45"* lo
Leg = 4779 mm min.
L,, = 3,30 mm ‘:ft mm
6.8.6 Holes for accessing the hubs
The lower half has two holes through which the spindles of the drive can access the hubs when the slider is in
the open position. The positions and dimensions of these holes shall be
= 9,O mm * 0,l mm
d8
L,, = 29,OO mm =t 0,15 mm
L72 = lo,5 mm * 0,l mm
L,, = 30,O mm *0,1 mm
6.8.7 Internal structure of the lower half (figure 12)
In figure 12 the different elements of the inside of the lower half are shown. There shall be a locking
mechanism for the hubs to prevent them from rotating when the lid is in the closed position. The design of this
locking mechanism is not specified by this International Standard, thus it is not shown in figure 12. Locking
and unlocking of the hubs shall depend upon the position of the lid as specified in 6.13.
6.8.7.1 Diameter of the wound tape
The diameter of the tape wound on a hub shall be
d9 = 36,5 mm max.
6.8.7.2 Tape wind
The magnetic surface of the tape shall face outwards.
6.8.7.3 Tape motion
The forward direction of tape motion is from the left side of the cartridge to its right side (see figures 1 and 2).
ISO/IEC 11557: 1992 (E)
6.8.7.4 Guide posts
The tape shall pass around two guide posts in the cartridge, the axes of which are perpendicular to Reference
Plane 2 and pass through the centres of the Datum Holes. The positions and dimensions of these guide posts
shall be
- their positions are determined by those of the centres of the Datum Holes,
- their cross-section shall be circular with a radius
R, = 3,0 mm * 0,l mm
over an angle of 180° in clockwise sense starting at angle
=45"* 1”
P
their cross-section over the other half of 180’ is not specified by this International Standard.
The height of the access room specified in 6.8.5 for the tape guides shafil be
+ 0,6
L,, = 8,Omm o. mm
6.8.7.6 Tape path zone
When the cartridge is inserted into the drive, the tape is pulled outside the case by tape guides as mentioned
above. It is then no longer in contact with the guide posts. The tape path zone of the case is the zone in which
the tape must be able to move freely. This zone is defined by
L7, = 575 mm k 071 mm
L,, = 56,5 mm & 0,3 mm
L8() = 8,O mm * 0,2 mm
6.8.8 Light path (figure 12)
As specified in 6.7 there is a lower window in the right and left sides of the case through which light having
passed through the tape can pass and fall onto a detector of the drive. In order to ensure that the corresponding
light path is not obstructed by inner elements of the case, its configuration in this zone shall be as follows.
The position and dimensions of the lower window are specified by L,, and L,, (see figure 9). The dimensions
L8, = 175 mm max.
Lg2 = 570 mm min.
t the light path.
ensure that no elements of the case obstruc
ISOlIEC 11557: 1992 (E)
6.8.9 Support Areas (figure 13)
When the cartridge is inserted into the drive and held in position by forces perpendicular to Reference Plane Z
acting on the Holding Areas (see 6.4), it shall be supported by three Support Areas A’, B’, C’ on its bottom side,
shown shaded in figure 13. The position and dimensions of these areas shall be as follows.
Areas A’ and B’ are not specified by this International Standard because they depend on parts of the lower
half for which this Standard does not specify requirements.
- Area C’ shall be defined by
L83 = 170 mm k 071 mm
L84 = 4970 mm k 0,3 mm
There shall be two annular Datum Surfaces A and B and one circular such surface C. All three Datum Areas
shall lie in Reference Plane Z. Their position and dimensions shall be
atum Area A shall be centred on the intersection of Reference Planes X, Y and Z, its inner diameter shall
be d, (see 6.84 and figure 1 E), its outer diameter shall be
d 18 = 5,Q mm $: 0,l mm
- Datum Area I!! shall be centred on the intersection of Reference Planes X and Z at a distance &e (see 6.84
a
figure 11) from the centre of Datum Area A. Its inner dimensions shall be E,, an
diameter shall be d,,.
- Datum Area C shall be centred on a point
...