ISO/IEC 15521:1998

INTERNATIONAL
ISOAEC
STANDARD
First edition
1998-06-01
Information technology - 3,81 mm wide
magnetic tape cartridge for information
interchange - Helical scan recording -
DDS-3 format using 125 m length tapes
Technologies de I’informa tion - Cartouche de bande magn&ique de
3,81 mm de large pour khange d ’information - Enregistrement par
balayage en spirale - Format DDS-3 utilisant des bandes de 125 m de
long
Reference number
ISOAEC 15521 :I 998(E)
ISWIEC 15521:1998(E)
Contents
1 Scope
2 Conformance
2.1 Magnetic tape cartridge
2.2 Generating drive
2.3 Receiving drive
3 Normative References
4 Definitions
4.1 Absolute Frame Number (AFN)
4.2 a.c. erase
4.3 Access Point
4.4 algorithm
4.5 Area ID
4.6 Average Signal Amplitude
4.7 azimuth
4.8 back surface
4.9 byte
4.10 cartridge
4.1 1 Channel bit
4.12 Codeword
4.13 Data Format ID
4.14 Early Warning Point (EWP)
4.15 End of Data (EOD)
4.16 Entity
4.17 Error Correcting Code (ECC)
4.18 flux transition position
4.19 flux transition spacing
4.20 Fragment
4.2 1 Frame
4.22 Housekeeping Frame
4.23 Logical Beginning of Tape (LBOT)
4.24 magnetic tape
4.25 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape
4.26 Master Standard Reference Tape
4.27 Optimum Recording Field
4.28 Partition Boundary
4.29 Physical Beginning of Tape (PBOT)
4.30 Physical End of Tape (PEOT)
4.3 1 physical recording density
4.32 pre-recording condition
4.33 processing
4.34 processed data
4.35 Processed Record
4.36 Processed Record Sequence
0 ISO/IEC 1998
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by
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publisher.
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Printed in Switzerland
ii
OISO/IEC
4.37 record
4.38 Reference Recording Field
4.39 reprocessing
4.40 Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape
Secondary Standard Reference Tape
4.4 1
4.42 Separator Mark
4.43 Standard Reference Amplitude
4.44 Tape Reference Edge
4.45 Test Recording Current
4.46 track
unprocessed data
4.47
4.48 Unprocessed Record
4.49 Virtual End of Tape (VEOT)
5 Conventions and Notations
6 Acronyms
7 Environment and safety
7.1 Testing environment
7.2 Operating environment
7.3 Storage environment
Transportation
7.4
7.5 Safety
7.6 Flammability
8 Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
8.1 General
8.2 Overall dimensions
8.3 Loading grip
8.4 Holding areas
8.5 Notches of the lid
8.6 Lid dimensions
8.7 Optical detection of the beginning and end of tape
8.8 Bottom side
8.8.1 Locking mechanism of the slider
8.8.2 Access holes
8.8.3 Recognition, sub-datums, and write-inhibit holes
8.8.4 Datum holes
8.8.5 Access room for tape guides
8.8.6 Holes for accessing the hubs
8.8.7 Internal structure of the lower half
8.8.8 Light path
8.8.9 Support Areas
8.8.10 Datum Areas
8.8.11 Relationship between Support and Datum Areas and Reference Plane 2
8.9 Hubs
8.10 Attachment of leader and trailer tapes
8.11 Interface between the hubs and the drive spindles
8.12 Opening of the lid
8.13 Release of the hub locking mechanism
8.14 Label areas
8.15 Requirement for autoloaders
9 Mechanical, physical and dimensional characteristics of the tape
. . .
USOIIEC
ISWIEC 15521:1998(E)
9.1 Materials
9.2 Tape length
9.2-l Length of magnetic tape
9.2.2 Length of leader and trailer tapes
9.2.3 Length of splicing tapes
9.3 Tape width
9.3.1 Width of magnetic tape
9.3.2 Width of leader and trailer tapes
9.3.3 Width and position of splicing tape
9.3.4 Edge weave
9.4 Discontinuities
9.5 Tape thickness
95.1 Thickness of magnetic tape
9.5.2 Thickness of leader and trailer tape
9.53 Thickness of splicing tape
9.6 Longitudinal curvature
9.7 Cupping
9.8 Coating adhesion
9.9 Layer-to-layer adhesion
9.10 Tensile strength
9.10-l Breaking strength
9.10.2 Yield strength
9.1 1 Residual elongation
9.12 Flexural rigidity
9.13 Electrical resistance of coated surfaces
9.14 Light transmittance of the tape
9.15 Media Recognition System (MRS)
10 Magnetic recording characteristics
10.1 Optimum Recording Field
10.2 Signal Amplitude
Resolution
10.3
10.4 Overwrite
10.5 Ease of erasure
10.6 Tape quality
10.6-l Missing pulses
10.6.2 Missing pulse zone
10.7 Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) characteristic
11 Format
1 1.1 General
11.2 Basic Groups
11.2.1 Entity
1 1.2.2 Group Information Table
11.2.3 Block Access Table (BAT)
11.3 Sub-Groups
11.3.1 Gl Sub-Group
11.3.2 G2 Sub-Group - randomizing
11.3.3 G3 Sub-Group
11.3.4 G4 Sub-Group
11.3.5 Main Data Fragment
11.36 Summary of the transformation of a Basic Group
11.4 Sub code Information
iv
OISOIIEC
1 1.4.1 Pack Item Number 0
11.4.2 Pack Item Number 1
11.4.3 Pack Item Number 2
11.4.4 Pack Item Number 3
11.4.5 Pack Item Number 4
11.4.6 Pack Item Number 5
11.4.7 Pack Item Number 6
11.4.8 Pack Item Number 7
11.4.9 Pack Item Number 8
1 1.4.10 Pack Item Number 9
11.4.1 1 Pack Item Number 10
1 1.4. I2 Pack Item Number 11
1 1.4.13 Pack Item Number 12
1 1.4.14 Pack Item Number 13
11.4.15 Pack Item Number 14
1 1.4.16 Pack Item Number 15
11.5 Sub code location
11.5.1 Sub code Pack Items on a Single Data Space tape
11.5.2 Sub code Pack Items on a partitioned tape
12 Method of recording
12.1 Physical recording density
12.2 Long-term average bit cell length
12.3 Short-term average bit cell length
12.4 Rate of change
12.5 Bit shift
12.6 Read signal amplitude
12.7 Maximum recorded levels
13 Track geometry
13.1 Track configuration
13.2 Average track pitch
13.3 Variations of the track pitch
13.4 Track width
13.5 Track angle
13.6 Track edge linearity
13.7 Track length
13.8 Ideal tape centreline
13.9 Azimuth angles
14 Recorded patterns
14.1 Recorded Main Data Fragment
14.2 Preamble Zone, Margin Zones
15 Format of a track
15.1 Format of a track
15.2 Positioning accuracy
15.3 Tracking scheme
16 Layout of a Single Data Space tape
16.1 Device Area
16.2 Reference Area
16.3 Position Tolerance Band No. 1
16.4 System Area
16.4.1 System Preamble
OISO/IEC
16.4.2 System Log
16.4.3 System Postamble
16.4.4 Position Tolerance Band NO. 2
16.4.5 Vendor Group Preamble
16.5 Data Area
16.5.1 Vendor Group
16.5.2 Recorded Data Group
16.5.3 ECC3
16.5.4 Repeated Frames
g and overwriting
16.5.5 Appendin
16.6 EOD Area
16.7 Post-EOD Area
16.8 Early Warning Point - (EWP)
16.9 Initialization
17 Layout of a partitioned tape
17.1 Overall magnetic tape layout
17.1.1 Device Area
17.1.2 Partition 1
17.1.3 Partition 0
17.2 Area ID
17.3 System Area Pack Items No. 3 and No. 4
17.4 Empty partitions
17.4.1 Empty partition 1
17.4.2 Empty partition 0
17.5 Initialization of partitioned tapes
18 Housekeeping Frames
18.1 Amble Frames
18.2 System Log Frames
18.3 Tape Management Frames
Annexes
A - Measurement of the light transmittance of the prisms
B - Measurement of light transmittance of tape and leaders
C - Measurement of Signal-to-Noise Ratio
D - Method for determining the nominal and the maximum allowable recorded levels
E - Representation of g-bit bytes by IO-bit patterns
F - Measurement of bit shift
G - Measurement of track edge linearity
H - Recognition Holes
J - Means to open the lid
K - Recommendations for transportation
L - Read-After-Write.
M - Example of the content of a Basic Group No. 0.
vi
OISO/IEC
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 JTC 1. 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 15521 was prepared by JISC (as Standard JIS X.61 30- 1996) with document support and
contribution from ECMA and was adopted, under a special “fast-track procedure” by joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC
JTC 1, Information technology, in parallel with its approval by national bodies of IS0 and IEC.
Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F and G form an integral part of this International Standard. Annexes H, J, K, L and M are for
information only.
vii
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OISO/IEC ISOIIEC 15521:1998(E)
Information technology - 341 mm wide magnetic tape cartridge for information interchange -
Helical scan recording - DDS-3 format using 125 m length tapes
Scope
This International Standard specifies the physical and magnetic characteristics of a 3,81 mm wide magnetic tape cartridge to
enable physical interchangeability of such cartridges between drives. It also specifies the quality of the recorded signals, the
recording method and the recorded format - called Digital Data Storage (DDS) - thereby allowing data interchange between
drives by means of such magnetic tape cartridges.
Information interchange between systems also requires, at a minimum, agreement between the interchange parties upon the
interchange code(s) and the specifications of the structure and labelling of the information on the interchanged cartridge.
Under information interchange circumstances in which a processing algorithm, e .g. for lossless data compression as specified in
ISO/IEC 11558, is applied to the host data prior to recording on the tape and a complementary reprocessing algorithm is
applied after the data is read from the tape, agreement upon these by the interchange parties is also required.
2 Conformance
21 . Magnetic tape cartridge
A tape cartridge shall be in conformance with this International Standard if it meets all the mandatory requirements specified
herein. The tape requirements shall be satisfied throughout the extent of the tape.
For each recorded Entity any algorithm for lossless data compression used for processing the data therein shall have been
registered, and according to ISO/IEC 1 1576 the corresponding numerical identifier shall be recorded in Byte No. 3 of the
Entity Header.
22 . Generating drive
A drive generating a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be in 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.
A claim of conformance shall state which of the following optional features are implemented and which are not
- the performing of a Read-After-Write check and the recording of any necessary repeated frames;
- the generation of ECC3 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).
23 . Receiving drive
A drive receiving a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be in 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;
- 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 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.
In addition a claim of conformance shall state
-
whether or not the system is capable of using ECC3 check bytes in a process of error correction;
XSO/IEC 15521:1998(E) OISO/IEC
-
whether or not one or more reprocessin, 0 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.
3 Normative References
The following standards contain provisions which, throu,oh 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 Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent
editions of standards indicated below. Members of TEC and IS0 maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
IS0 527 (all parts), Plastics - Detemi~latiwz of tensile properties.
Technical drawings - Method of indica tirig surjYace textwe.
IS0 1302: 1992,
ISOAEC 11557: 1992, L~fornza tion technolog\t __ 3,8/ mm wide magnetic tape cartridge for ir~forma tim in tercharlge -
Helical scan record& - DDS-DC format uing 60 m and 90 n1 length tapes.
Information technolog\~ - Procedwe jbr the registration of algorithms for the lossless conlpressiorl
ISOIIEC 11576: 1994,
i
of duta.
ISO/IEC 12247: 1993, Information technologr’ - 3,81 nm wide magnetic tape cartridge for irlfonnatiorz interchange -
Helical scan recording - DDS f~wnlat using 60 01 and 90 nz length tapes.
Information technolog\, - 3,8l nm wide magnetic tape cartridge for ir~fornmtinrz interchange -
ISOIIEC 13923: 1996,
Helical scan recording ~ DDS-2 jbrnzat using 120 m lerlgth tape.
IEC 950: 199 1, Safety of irzfclrnlation techmlog\* equipment irrcllldirlg electrical business eqllipment.
d
IEC 1119~111992, Digital nudio tape cassette sxstenl (DAT) - Part I: Dinzensiorzs and characteristics.
4 Definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following definitions apply.
4.1 Absolute Frame Number (AFN): A sequence number, encoded in the Frame.
4.2 a.c. erase: A process of erasure utilising magnetic fields of decaying intensity.
Access Point: A point, at the start of a Processed Record Sequence, at which the presentation of Codewords to a
4.3
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.
algorithm: A set of rules for transforming the logical representation of data.
4.4
4.5 Area ID: An identifier defining the area of the tape and specifying the types of Frame written
Average Signal Amplitude: The average peak-to-peak value of the output signal from the read head at the
4.6
fundamental frequency of the specified physical recording density over a minimum of 7,8 mm of track, exclusive of missing
pulses.
4.7 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.
back surface: The surface of the tape opposite to the magnetic coating which is used to record data.
4.8
4.9 byte: An ordered set of bits acted upon as a unit.
cartridge: A case containing magnetic tape stored on twin hubs.
4.10
4.11 Channel bit: A bit after 8- 10 transformation.
OISO/IEC ISO/IEC 15521:1998(E)
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 International 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.
4.15 End of Data (EOD): The point on the tape at the end of the group which contains the last user data.
4.16 Entity: A unit of recorded data, comprising an Entity header and a Processed Record Sequence.
4.17 Error Correcting Code (ECC): A mathematical computation yielding check bytes used for the detection and cor-
rection of errors.
4.18 flux transition position: That point which exhibits maximum free-space flux density normal to the tape surface.
flux transition spacing: The distance along a track between successive flux transitions.
4.19
4.20 Fragment: A collection of bytes which are treated as a unit for recording, readback and error correction purposes.
4.21 Frame: A pair of adjacent tracks with azimuths of opposite polarity, in which the track with the positive azimuth
precedes that with the negative azimuth.
4.22 Housekeeping Frame: A Frame which contains no user data and which is identified as such by the values in the data
fields therein.
4.23 Logical Beginning of Tape (LBOT): The point along the length of the tape where a recording of data for interchange
commences.
4.24 magnetic tape: A tape which will accept and retain the magnetic signals intended for input, output and storage
purposes on computers and associated equipment.
4.25 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape: A pre-recorded tape on which the standard signal amplitudes have
been recorded in the tracks of positive azimuth, 2 1 ,O pm wide, recorded at a track pitch of 27,2 pm, on an a.c. erased tape.
ftpmm , 2 999,9 ftpmm, I 999,9 ftpmm and 1 499,9 ftpmm.
Note I - The tape is recorded with the nominal physical recording densities of 4 499,8
Note 2 - The Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape has been established by Reliability Centre for Electronic Components of Japan (RCJ).
4.26 Master Standard Reference Tape: A tape selected as the standard for Reference Recording Field, Signal Amplitude,
Resolution, Overwrite and Signal-to-Noise Ratio.
Note - The Master Standard Reference Tape has been established by RCJ.
Optimum Recording Field: In the plot of Average Signal Amplitude against the recording field at the physical
4.27
recording density of 2 999,9 ftpmm, the field that causes the maximum Average Signal Amplitude.
4.28 Partition Boundary: The point along the length of a magnetic tape at which partition I ends and partition 0
commences.
4.29 Physical Beginning of Tape (PBOT): The point where the leader tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
Physical End of Tape (PEOT): The point where the trailer tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
4.30
4.31 physical recording density: The number of recorded flux transitions per unit length of track, expressed in flux
transitions per millimetre (ftpmm).
4.32 pre-recording condition: The recording levels above which a tape intended for interchange shall not previously have
been recorded.
4.33 processing: The use of an algorithm to transform host data into Codewords.
4.34 processed data: A sequence of Codewords which results from the application of processing to data.
4.35 Processed Record: A sequence of Codewords which results from the application of processing to an Unprocessed
Record.
4.36 Processed Record Sequence: A sequence of one or more Processed Records which starts on an &bit boundary and
ends on a subsequent 8-bit boundary.
4.37 record: Related data treated as a unit of information.
4.38 Reference Recording Field: The Optimum Recording Field of the Master Standard Reference Tape.

OISO/IEC
ISOIIEC 15521:1998(E)
4.39
reprocessing: The use of an algorithm to transform Codewords into data as required by the host
4.40 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 - Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tapes can be ordered from RCJ, l-l- 1 3 Hachiman-cho, Higashikurume. Tokyo 203, Japan, under Part
2007. However, by agreement, this period may be shorttned or
Number JCM 6 130 /CM 1552 1. In principle such tapes will be available until the year
extended to take into account the demand for such Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration Tapes. It is intended that these be used for calibrating tertiary
reference tapes for use in routine calibration.
4.41 Secondary Standard Reference Tape: A tape the performance of which is known and stated in relation to that of the
Master Standard Reference Tape.
3 Hachiman-cho, Higashikurume, Tokyo 203, Japan, under Part Number JRM
Note - Secondary Standard Reference Tapes can be ordered from RCJ, l- l- l-
6 130 / RM 15521. In principle such tapes will be available until the year 2007. However, by agreement, this period may be shortened or extended to take into
account the demand for such Secondary Standard Reference Tapes. It is intended that these be used for calibratin, u tertiary refcrrence tapes for use in routine
calibration.
4.42
Separator Mark: A record containing no user data, which is used to separate data
4.43 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.
0 side of the tape, with the PEOT to
4.44 Tape Reference Edge: The bottom edge of the tape when viewing the recordin,
the observer ’s right.
4.45 Test Recording Current: The current that produces the Reference Recording Field
0 which a series of magnetic signals may be recorded.
4.46 track: A diagonally positioned area on the tape alon,
4.47 unprocessed data: Data which has not been subjected to processing.
4.48 Unprocessed Record: A record of unprocessed data, comprising an integral number of bytes.
4.49 Virtual End of Tape (VEOT): The point alon, 0 the length of the magnetic tape within partition 1 which defines the
end of the part of partition 1 which is usable for recording data for interchange.
5 Conventions and Notations
0 specified value. This implies that, for
A measured value is rounded off to the least significant digit of the correspondin,
example, a specified value of 1,26 with a positive tolerance of +O,Ol and a negative tolerance of -0,02 allows a range of
measured values from 1,235 to 1,275.
The setting of a bit is denoted by ZERO or ONE.
Bit patterns and numbers in binary notation are represented by strings of OS and 1s. Within such strings, X may be used to
indicate that the setting of a bit is not specified within the string.
Bit patterns and numbers in binary notation are shown with the most significant bit to the left and the least significant bit to the
right.
The most significant bit of an g-bit byte is denoted by b8 and the least significant by bl.
The names of basic elements, e.g. specific fields, are given with a capital initial letter.
Acronyms
AEWP After Early Warning Point
Absolute Frame Number
AFN
BAT Block Access Table
DF-ID Data Format Identifier
Error Correcting Code
ECC
EOD End of Data
EWP Early Warning Point
GIT Group Information Table
LBOT Logical Beginning of Tape
LSB Least Significant Byte
LF-ID Logical Frame Identifier
OISOHEC
MRS Media Recognition System
MSB Most Significant Byte
MSRT Master Standard Reference Tape
PBOT Physical Beginning of Tape
PEOT Physical End of Tape
RAW Read-After-Write
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio
VEOT Virtual End of Tape
7 Environment and safety
71 . Testing environment
Tests and measurements made on the tape cartridge to check the requirements of this International Standard shall be carried out
in the following ambient conditions of the air immediately surrounding the drive :
: 23 “C t 2 “C
temperature
relative humidity : 40 % to 60 %
conditioning period before testing : 24 h
72 . Operating environment
Cartridges used for data interchange shall be capable of operating under the following conditions, as measured within 10 mm of
the tape exit from the drum of the generating or receiving drive :
temperature : 15 ”Ct055 ”C
: lO%to80%
relative humidity
wet bulb temperature : 26 “C max.
There shall be no deposit of moisture on or in the cartridge.
The above conditions include any temperature rise that may occur while operating the drive.
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 - Rapid variations of temperature should be avoided.
73 . Storage environment
For long-term or archival storage of cartridges the following conditions shall be observed:
temperature : 5 “C to 32 “C
: 20 % to 60 %
relative humidity
: 26 “C max.
wet bulb temperature
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.
74 . 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 K.
75 . Safety
The cartridge and its components shall satisfy the requirements of IEC 950.
Flammability
76 .
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

OISO/IEC
8 Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
81 . General
The case of the cartridge shall comprise
- an upper half,
- 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.
is a perspective view of the cartridge seen from top.
Figure 1
is a perspective view of the cartridge seen from bottom.
Figure 2
Figure 3 is a partial view of the rear side.
is a schematic view showing the Reference Planes X, Y and Z.
Figure 4
Figure 5 shows the front side.
Figure 6 shows the top side with the lid in closed position.
Figure 7 shows the left side.
shows the top side with the lid in open position.
Figure 8
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.
Figure 23 shows both corners of the bottom side, for autoloaders
Figure 24 shows the slider bowdown, for autoloaders.
The dimensions are referred to three orthogonal Reference Planes X, Y and Z (figure 4).
Plane X is perpendicular to Plane Z and passes through the centres of both the circular and elongated Datum Holes, revealed
when the slider is opened (see 8.8.4 and figure 11).
Plane Y is perpendicular to Plane X and Plane Z and passes through the centre of the circular Datum Hole.
Plane Z is the plane on which the slider moves (see figure 7).
82 . Overall dimensions (figures 6 and 7)
The overall dimensions of the case with the lid in the closed position shall be
I, = 73,0 mm t 0,3 mm
I, = 54,O mm t 0,3 mm
I, = 105 mm Ifi 0,2 mm
Where the shell meets the lid on the top side of the cartridge, the angle of the chamfer shall be
8=45"+ 8" (see figure 21)
The edges formed by the rear side and the left and right sides shall be rounded off with a radius
= 1,O mm t 0,5 mm
?
The two edges of the lid shall be rounded off with a radius
rT = 0,5 mm max.
OISO/IEC ISO/IEC 15521:1998(E)
83 . 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
I, = 255 mm t 0,3 mm
I, = 11,O mm t 1,O mm
E, = $0 mm * 0,2 mm
1, = 2,3 mm t 0,3 mm
The depth of the loading grip below the surface of the top side shall be
+ 0,2 mm
0,s mm
- 0,O mm
84 . 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
I, = 6,0 mm 2 0,l mm
1, = 5,O mm ,t 0,l mm
85 . 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
I,, = 0,4 mm max.
I,, = 3,0 mm min.
Zt2 = 1,2 mm t 0,l mm
I,, = 49,8 mm t 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 8.8.1). The positions and dimensions of these notches shall be
I, l = 3,0 mm min.
I,, = 0,9 mm min.
I,, = 7,5 mm t 0,l mm
Z16 = 36,00 mm t 0,15 mm
86 . Lid dimensions (figures 6 to 8)
The lid is shown in the closed position in figures 6 and 7. Its dimensions shall be
I,, = 1,2 mm t 0,l mm
1,, = 6,8 mm t 0,4 mm
I,, = I,1 mm t 0,l mm
1 2. = 2,0 mm * 0,l mm
I,, = 6,4 mm k 0,2 mm
I 33= 1,5mm+O,l mm
Al
r3 = 6,8 mm t 0,4 mm
OISO/IEC
The lid shall have a chamfer of45’ by
33 = 1,5 mm t 0,l mm
I-
There shall be a dimensional relationship between the height lz4 shown in figure 7, which includes the slider and the upper half,
and the height I,, of the lid. When a vertical force of 1 N is exerted on the upper half the following condition shall be met.
I 34 = 10,5 mm t 0,2 mm
125 2 124
When no force is exerted
1 34 = 10,9 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
1 26 = 55,s mm k 0,3 mm.
87 . Optical detection of the beginning and end of tape (figures 8, 9 and 12)
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 through the lower
windows onto the detectors placed on each side of the case.
The positions and dimensions of these windows allow the cartridge to be used with drives implementing either system, they
shall be
1 37 = 6,20 mm t 0,lO mm
1 28=7,65 mm-+O,lOmm
+ 0,20 mm
1 79= 1,50mm
- 0,OO mm
1,,=3,9mmt0,1 mm
= 1,8 mm t 0,l mm
132 = 7,0 mm t 0,2 mm
I,, = 2,5 mm min.
- _
Dimension Z 32 specifies the position of the rear edge of the windows relative to Reference Plane X. Dimension I,, shall be
- -
measured relative to this rear edge.
Bottom side
88 .
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 Z3, of the bottom half, I,, of the slider and Z,6 of the lid shall satisfy the following conditions
I,, = 73,0 mm k 0,3 mm
135 s 134
I,, ’ ‘34
OISOIIEC ISO/IEC 15521:1998(E)
8.8.1
Locking mechanism of the slider (figure 10)
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 sprin g-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
I,, = I,2 mm t 0,l mm
I,, = 49,8 mm t 0,2 mm
39 = 10,O mm & 0,l mm
+ 0,5 mm
I,, = 2,0 mm
- 0,O mm
I,, = 3,0 mm min.
I,, = 1,5 mm min.
I,, = 0,8 mm t 0,l mm
+ 0,s mm
I,, = 0,8 mm
- OJ mm
A+ = 45’ min.
I,, = 0,65 mm t 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 I,,,
l,,? I,, ad I,,.
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.
8.8.2 Access holes (figure 10)
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
= 10,O mm t 0,2 mm
dl
dT = 12,0 mm max.
These access holes shall have a chamfer of depth 0,5 mm + 0,2 mm.
8.8.3 Recognition, sub-datums, and write-inhibit holes (figure 11)
The bottom half shall have a number of holes on an edge at its rear. This edge shall be defined by
146 = 45,2 mm t 0,2 mm
I,, = 49,2 mm t 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
14* = 47,2 mm t 0,2 mm
OISO/IEC
8.8.3.1 Recognition Holes (figures 10 and 11)
There shall be four Recognition Holes numbered from 1 to 4 as shown in figure 10. Their positions and dimensions shall be
= 2,5 mm t 0,l mm
n3
14, = 1 ,O mm t 0,l mm
I,, = 56,O mm of: 0,3 mm
lsl =4,0mm+O,l mm
I,,= l,Omm+O,l mm
_I
I,, = 3,0 mm min.
All Recognition Holes shall have the cross-section shown in cross-section F-F in figure 11 for Recognition Hole No. 1
the other shows it with the plug
One of the two cross-sections F-F shows a Recognition Hole closed by means of a plug,
punched out. These plugs shall withstand an applied force of 0,5 N max. without being punched out.
Recognition Holes No. 1 and No. 3 shall be open. Recognition Holes No. 2 and No. 4 shall be closed
Other combinations of the states of the Recognition Holes No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 are reserved for other applications (see
annex H).
8.8.3.2 Write-inhibit Hole (figure 11)
The position and dimensions of the Write-inhibit Hole shall be
= 2,5 mm t 0,l mm
d4
I,, = 56,O mm t 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 1 1 for Recognition Hole No. 1. One of
the two cross-sections F-F shows the hole closed by means of a plu,, 0 the other shows it 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 element 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.
I,,= l,Omm+O,l mm
i
I,, = 3,0 mm min.
8.8.3.3 Sub-datum holes (figure 11)
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 1 1 shall have an elongated form and the same cross-section E-E as shown
for the other hole.
l,, = 45,5 mm t 0,2 mm
+ 0,l mm
1_55 = 3,5 mm
- 0,O mm
+ 0,05 mm
I,, = 2,50 mm
- 0,OO mm
The position and dimensions of the other Sub-datum hole shall be
+ 0,05 mm
= 2,50 mm
ds
- 0,OO mm
ISOIIEC 15521:1998(E)
OISO/IEC
= I,0 mm min.
‘6
1,,=5,5mm+O,l mm
I,, = 2,0 mm min
15!, = I,2 mm min.
The edge of both Sub-datum Holes shall have a chamfer of
0,2 mm t 0,l mm.
8.8.4 Datum holes (figure 11)
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
= 5 1 ,O mm t 0,l mm
‘60
+ 0,05 mm
16, = 2,80 mm
- 0,OO mm
+ 0,l mm
lh2 = 3,s mm
- 0,O mm
le3 = 3,0 mm min.
+ 0,OS mm
= 2,80 mm
d7
- 0,OO mm
The upper edge of both Datum Holes shall have a chamfer of 0,2 mm t 0,l mm.
8.8.5 Access room for tape guides (figure 11)
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 8.8.7.5):
164 = $1 mm max.
/6, = 5,6 mm min.
I,, = 11 ,O mm max.
+ 0,7 mm
167 = 7,0 mm
- 0,O mm
16, = 6,7 mm min.
a=45” t lo
169 = 47,9 mm min.
+ 0,OO mm
I,, = 3,30 mm
- 0,15 mm
8.8.6 Holes for accessing the hubs (figure 11)
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
= 9,0 mm t 0,l mm
d8
I,, =29,00mm~0,15mm
I,, = 10,5 mm t 0,l mm
1 73 = 30,O mm t 0,l mm
OISO/IEC
8.8.7 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
u mechanism is not specified by this
prevent them from rotating when the lid is in the closed position. The design of this lockin,
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 8.13.
8.8.7.1 Diameter of the wound tape
The diameter of the tape wound on a hub shall be
d, = 36,5 mm max.
8.8.7.2 Tape wind
The magnetic surface of the tape shall face outwards.
8.8.7.3 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).
8.8.7.4
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
r4 = 3,0 mm t 0,l mm
over an angle of 180” in clockwise sense starting at angle
p=45 ”+ lo
-
their cross-section over the other half of 180” is not specified by this International Standard.
8.8.7.5 Position of the tape in the case (Figure 12, view A)
When the tape runs from one guide post to the other it shall remain between two planes parallel to Reference Plane 2. The
distance of these planes from Reference Plane 2 shall be
1 74 = 1,4 mm min.
I,, = 6,4 mm max.
The design centre for the position of the tape centreline is
176 = 3,9 mm
The height of the access room specified in 8.8.5 for the tape guides shall be
+ 0,6 mm
177 = 8,O mm
- 0,O mm
8.8.7.6 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
I,, = 5,5 mm t 0,l mm
I,, = 56,5 mm t 0,3 mm
I,, = 8,O mm t 0,2 mm
OISO/IEC ISO/IEC 15521:1998(E)
8.8.8 Light path (figure 12)
As specified in 8.7 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 I,, and I,, (see figure 9). The dimensions
= 1,5 mm max.
I,, = 5,O mm min.
ensure that no elements of the case obstruct the light path.
8.8.9 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 8.4), 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 International Standard does not specify requirements.
- Area C’ shall be defined by
Is3 = 1 ,O mm rt 0,l mm
_
I,, = 49,0 mm Ifr 0,3 mm
8.8.10
Datum Areas (figure 13)
There shall be two annular Datum Surfa
...