ISO/IEC 11321:1992

INTERNATIONAL IISO/IEC
STANDARD
First edition
1992-12-15
Information technology - 3,81 mm wide
magnetic tape cartridge for information
- Helical scan recording -
interchange
DATA/DAT format
Cartouche de bande magnetique de
Technologies de I ’informa tion -
3,81 mm de /arge pour Mchange d ’information - Enregistrement
h6licoidal - Format DATA/DAT
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Reference number
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ISO/IEC 11321 :1992(E)
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Contents
Section 1 : General
1 Scope
2 Conformance
2.1 Magnetit tape cartridge
2.2 Generating System
2.3 Receiving System
3 Normative references
4 Definitions
Absolute Frame Number (AFN)
4.1
4.2 AC erase
Area ID
4.3
Automatic Track Finding (ATF)
4.4
Average Signal Amplitude
4.5
azimuth
4.6
back surface
4.7
4.8 byte
4.9 cartridge
4.10 Channel bit
4.11 Data Format ID
4.12 End of Data (EOD)
End of Information (EOI)
4.13
4.14 End of Partition (EOP)
4.15 Error Correcting Code (ECC)
flux transition Position
4.16
o ISO/IEC 1992
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or
by any means, electronie or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without per-
mission in writing from the publisher.
I SO/I EC Copyright Office l Case Postale 56 l CH-l 211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Printed in Switzerland
ii
l 4.17 flux transition spacing
4.18 frame
4.19 gro u p
4.20 Logical Reginning of Tape (IBOT)
4.21 Logical End of Tape (LEOT)
4.22 magnetic tape
4.23 Master r-eference
4.24 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape
4.25 Master Standard Reference Tape
4.26 Optimum recording field
4.27 partition
4.28 partition reference
4.29 Physical ßeginning of Tape (PRO ’T ’)
4.30 Phvsic;ll End of Tape (PEOT)
M
4.31 physical recording density
pre-recording condition (maximum recorded levels)
4.32
4.33 r-em rd
4.34 Reference Recording Field
4.35 Secondary Standard Amplitude (Xibration Tape
4.36 Secondary Standard Reference Tape
sepa i-3 tor
4.37
Standard Reference Amplitude
4.38
4.39 tape nclise amplitude
4.40 Tape Reference Edge
4.41 track
Environment and safety
5.1 Testing environment
5.2 Operating environment
5.3 Storage environment
5.4 Transportation
5.5 Safety
5.6 Flammability
Section 2 : Requirements for the case
Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
General
6.1
Overall dimensions (figures 6 ;rnd 7)
6.2
l.,oading grip (figure 6)
6.3
Holding areas (figure 6)
6.4
Notches of the lid (figures 5 and 8)
6.5
6.6 Lid dimensions (figures 6 to 8)
6.7 0ptic;tl detection of the beginning ;tncl end of tape (figure 9 and 12)
6.8 Bottom side (figures IO ;~nd 1 1)
6.8.1 Locking mech;rnism of the sliclcr
6.8.2 Access holes
6.8.3 Recognition. subd:ltum mtl write-inhibit holes
Dr1 t 11 m hob
6.8.4
. . .
Ill
6.8.5 Access room for tape guides
6.8.6 Holes for accessing the hubs
6.8.7 Internal structure of the lower half (figure 12)
Light path (figure 12)
6.8.8
6.8.9 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)
6.9 Hubs (figures 15, 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)
6.13 Release of the hub locking mechanism (figures 19, 20)
6.14 Label area (figures 21, 22)
Section 3 : Requirements for the unrecorded tape
7 Mechanical, physical and dimensional characteristics of the tape
7.1 Materials
Tape iength
7.2
Length of mngnetic tnpe
7.2.1
Length of leader and trailer tnpes
7.2.2
7.3 Tape width
7.4 Discontinuities
7.5 Total thickness
7.6 l L,ongitudinni curvature
7.7 Cupping
7.8 Co;\ ti ng ad hesion
7.9 Layer-to-layer adhesion
7.10 Tensile strength
7.10.1 Breaking strength
7.10.2 Y ield strength
7.11 Residual elongation
7.12 Electrical resistance of coated surfaces
Light transmittance of tape
7.13
8 Magnetit recording characteristics
Optimum recording field
8.1
8.2 Signal Amplitude
Resolution
8.3
Overwrite
8.4
3 002 ftpmm
Physical Recording Densities of 750,h and
8.4.1
and 1 001 ftpmm
densities of 83,4 ftpmm
8.4.2 Physical recording
Ease of erasure
8.5
8.6 Tape quality
8.6.1 Missing pulses
8.6.2 Missing pulse Zone
8.7 Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) charncteristic
Section 4 : Format
9 DATA/DAT formst
9.1 Genera 1
9.2 Basic G rou ps
9.2.1 Basic Groups for Group Format 0
9.2.2 Basic Groups for Group Format 1
9.3 Sub-Groups
9.3.1 G 1 Sub-group
9.3.2 G2 Sub-group
9.3.3 G3 Sub-group
9.3.4 G4 Sub-gmup
9.3.5 Main Data Block
9.4 Sub-Data area
9.4.1 Pack Item No. I
9.4.2 Pack Item No. 2
9.4.3 Pack ltem No. 3
9.4.4 Pack Item No. 4
9.4.5 Pack Item No. 5
9.4.6 Pack ltem No. 6
9.4.7 Pack Item No. 7
Sub Data Block
9.4.8
Basic Group structure
9.5
User Data
9.51
System Data
9.5.2
Record 1 I-1 list
9.5.3
9.5.4 1 Ieuristic Recovery Data AI-e;]
10 Method 01‘ recording
10.1 Physical recording density
10.2 Lang-Term average bit cell lengt h
10.3 Short-Term average bit cell length
10.4 Rate of change
10.5 Bit shift
10.6 Read Signal amplitude
10.7 Maximum recorded levels
Track geomet ry
11.1 Track configuration
Average track pitch
11.2
Variations of the track pitch
11.3
Track width
11.4
Trat k angle
11.5
Track edge Iinearity
11.6
11.7
Track lengt h
11.8 Ideal tape centreline
11.9 Azimuth angles
12 Recording of blocks on the tape
12.1 Recorded Main Data Block
12.2 Recorded Sub Data Block
12.3 Margin Blocks, Preamble Blocks and Postnmblc Blocks
12.4 Spacer Blocks
Format of a track
13.1 Track capacity
13.2 Positioning accurncy
Tracking scheme
13.3
14 Group Formats
14.1 Group Format 0
14.2 Group Format 1
Extended Gap Frames
14.3
Extended 1 -eading Gap Frames
14.3.1
14.3.2 Extended Trailing Gap Frames
14.4 Types of Groups
14.4.1 Normal Groups
13.4.2 Spare Groups
14.4.3 Amhle Grwps
15 Magnetit tape layout
Load/U nload Area
15.1
Lead-in Area
15.2
Preamble
15.2.1
15.2.2 Meader
Format Parameter Set
15.2.3
15.2.4 Master Reference
Postamble
15.2.5
15.3 Partition
15.3.1 Partition Preamble
15.3.2 Partition Reference
15.3.3 Partition Postamble
Partition Data
15.3.4
End of Partition (EOP)
15.3.5
Unused Area
15.3.6
15.4 EO1
15.5 Repeated Groups
15.6 Repeated Frames within a Normal Group
15.7 Relocation of Defect ive G t-OLIIX

15.8 Appending
15.8.1 Semtless appending
15.8.2 Non-semmless appending
15.9 Ova-wt-i te (figu t-e 83)
15.9.1 OW-lapped tt-ack width
15.9.2 Non-ovet-lnpped track width
15.9.3 Rules fm- ovet-write
Annexes
A Measurement of the light transmittance of the prisms
n
Recogn i t ion Holes
Means for opening the lid
c
D Measurement of light transmiltance of tape and leaders
E Mcasurement of Signal-to-Noise Ratio
F Method for determining the nominal and the maximum allowable recorded levels
Representation of g-bit bytes by 10.bit Pattern
G
H Measurement of bit shift
Recommendations for transportat ion
J
K Method of measuring track edge linearity
L Read-After-Write
M Data allocation and C3 parity
vii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Stnndardization) and IEC (the International Eiectrotechnicai
Commission) form the specialized System for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees estabiished
by the respective organization to deal with particuiar fieids of technical activity. ISO and IEC technicai
committees collaborate in fieids of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-
governmentai, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTCl.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint aechnical committee at-e circulated to national bodies for
voting. Publication as an International Standard requires npproval by at least 75 a/o of the national bodies casting
a vote.
International Standard ISO/IEC % 1,321 was prepared by the European Computer Manufacturers Association (as
Standard ECMA-146) and was adopted, under a special “fast-track procedure ”, by Joint Technical Committee
lSO/IEC JTCI, Infi>rn&on tc&z&qy, in parallel with its approval by national bodies of ISO and IEC.
Annexes A, D, E, F, (3, I-l, K and M form an integral part of this International Standard. Annexes B, C, J and L
are for information only.
Patents
During the prepnration of the ECMA Standard, information was gathered on Patents upon which application of
the Standard might depend. Relevant Patterns were identified as belonging to Hitschi and the Sony Cvrporation.
However, neither ECMA nor ISO/IEC tan give authoritative or comprehensive information about evidente,
validity or scope of patent and like rights. The patent hoiders have stated that licences will be granted under
reasonabie and non-discriminatory terms. Communications on this subject shouid be addressed to
Hitschi, Ltd.
European Operation Centre
Wallhrook Busi ness Centre
G reen 1 *a ne
Hounslow TW3 hN W
United Kingdom
Sony Corporafion
Licensing and Tradema i-k Division
h-7-3 Kitashinagawa
Shinagawa-ku
Tokyo 131
Japan
. . .
Vlll
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 11321:1992 (E)
Information technology - 341 mm wide magnetic tape cartridge for information
interchange - Helical scan recording - DATA/DAT format
Section 1 : General
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the physical and magnetic characteristics of a 3,8i mm wide magnetic tape
cartridge to enable interchangeability of such cartridges. It also specifies the quaiity of the recorded Signals, and
the formal and recording method, thereby allowing data interchange by means of such magnetic tape cartridges.
2 Conformance
2.1 Magnetit tape cartridge
A tape cartridge shall be in conformance with this International Standard if it meets all mandatory requirements
specified herein. The tape requirements shail be satisfied throughout the extent of the tape.
2.2 Generating System
A System generating ;1 magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shail be entitled to Claim conformance to this
international Stand;u-d if all recordings on the tape meet the mandatory requirements of this International
Standard.
2.3 Receiving System
A system receiving ;i mngnetic tape cartridge for interchange shail be entitied to Claim conformance with this
International Str~ndar-d if it is able to handle any recording made on the tape according to this International
Standard.
3 Normative Keferences
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 vaiid. 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 the Standards iisted beiow. Members of IEC and ISO maintain
registers of currently vaiid International Standards.
ISO/R 527: 1966, I ’lusiics - Determination of tensile properties
ISO 7-bit coded Character set for information interchange.
ISO/IEC 646: 199 1, Information technology -
Method of indicating surface texture on drawings
ISO 1302: 1978, Technical Drawings -
1 EC 950: 1990, Safety of Information Technology Eyuipment, including Electrical Business Eyuipmenr
4 Definitions
For the purpose of this International Standard, the foiiowing definitions appiy.
4.1 Absolute Frame Number (AFN): A sequence number aiiocated to, and recorded in, each frame.
4.2 AC erase: A process of erasure utilizing alternating fieids of decaying ievei.
4.3 Area ID: An identifier for each area of the tape specifying the types of frame written therein.
4.4 Automatic Track Finding (ATF): A method by which tracking is achieved.

4.5 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.
4.6 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.
4.7 back surface: The surface of the tape opposite to the magnetic coating which is used to record data.
4.8 byte: An ordered set of bits acted upon as a unit.
4.9 cartridge: A case containing magnetic tape stored on twin hubs.
4.10 Channel bit: A bit after Wo- IO transformation.
4.11 Data Format ID: An identifier specifying which data format is being used on the tape.
4.12 End of Data (EOD): The point where the host stopped writing data on the tape.
4.13 End of Information (EO]): A group which indicates the end of partition area in a tape.
4.14 End of Partition (EOP): A group which indicates the end of data area in a partition.
4.15 Error Correcting Code (ECC): A mathematical algorithm yielding check bytes used for the detection and
correction of errors.
4.16 flux transition Position: That point which exhibits maximum free-space flux density normal to the tape
sur-face.
4.17 flux transition spacing: The distance along a track between successive flux transitions.
4.18 frame: A pair of adjacent tracks with azimuth of opposite polarity, in which the track with the positive
azimuth precedes that with the negative azimuth.
4.19 group: A number of frames constituting a recorded unit.
4.20 Logical Beginning of Tape (LBOT): The Point nlong the length of the tape where the recording of data for
interchange commences.
4.21 Logical End of Tape (LEOT): A Point along the length of the tape which indicates the approach, in the
direction of tape motion, of the partition boundary or physical end of tape.
retain magnetic Signals intended for input, output, and storage
4.22 magnetic tape: A tape which will accept and
purposes on Computers and associated equipment.
4.23 Master reference: The area which contains partition information in the tape.
4.24 Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape: A pre-recorded tape on which the Standard Signal
amplitudes have been recorded in the tracks of positive azimuth, 23,0 ym wide, at nominal track pitch, on an AC-
erased tape-
Note I - The tape includes recordings rnade at 83,4 ftpmm, 333.0 ftpmm, 5W,3 ftpmm, I 001 ftpmm and 1 501 ftpmm.
Note 2 - The Master Standard Amplitude Calibration Tape has been established by the 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 kference Tape has been rstahlished by the 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: Partition of a tape in which user data is recorded.

4.28 partition reference: The area which contains group information in the partition.
4.29 Phycical . Beginning of Tape (PBOT): The point where the leader tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
4.30 Physical End of Tape (PEOT): The point where the trailer tape is joined to the magnetic tape.
in
4.31 physical recording density: The number of recorded flux transitions per unit length of track, expressed
flux transitions per millimetre (ftpmm).
4 . 32 pre-recording condition (maximum recorded levels): The recording levels above which a tape intended for
interchange sh;rll not previously have been recorded.
4.33 record: Kelated data treated as a unit of information.
4.34 Reference Recording Field: The optimum recording field of the Master Standard Reference Tape.
4.35 Secondary Standard Amplitude Calihration Tape: A tape pre-recorded as defined for the Master Standard
Amplitude C;Wration Tape; the outplus of which at-e known and stated in relation to that of the Master
Standard Amplitude Cnlibration Tape.
‘Tape tan be ordered from the Sony Corporation, Audio Device Business
Note 3 - Tbc Secondary Standard Amplitude Calibration
Department. Component Marketin, (1 Group -I-IO-l& ‘Takanawa. Minato-ku, Tokyo 108, Japan, under Part Number TY-7oW G until the
year 2001. lt is intended that these be used for calibratin g tertiary tapes for use in routine calibration.
Performance of which is known and stated in relation to
4.36 Secondary Standard Reference Tape: A tnpe the
that of the Master Standard Reference Tape.
Note 5 - A Srcondary Standard Keference Tape tan be ordered from the Sony Corporation, Audio Device Business Department,
Component Mnrheting Group 4-W 18. Takanawa, Minato-hu, Tokyo 108, Japan, under Part Number RSD lO7cI until the year 2001. lt is
intended that these be used for calibrating tertiary tapes for use in routine calibration.
4.37 separator: A record containing no user data, which is used to separate data.
4.38 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.
4.39 tape noise amplitude: The tape noise amplitude is the subtractive value of amplifier noise from total noise
in root mean sqiiare (rms).
4.40 Tape Reference Edge: The bottom edge of the tape when viewing the recording side of the tape with the
PE0T of the tape to the observer ’s right.
4.41 track: A diagonally positioned area on the tape along which a series of magnetic Signals may be recorded.
5 Environment and safety
Unless otherwise stated, the conditions specified helow refer to ambient conditions in the air immediately
surrounding the cartridge.
5.1 Testing environment
Unless otherwise stnted, tests and measurements made on the tape cartridge to check the requirements of this
International Standard shall be carried out under the following conditions:
: 23 “C 2 2 “C
temperature
: 40 % to 60 %I
relative humidity
: 24h
conditioning period before testing
5.2 Operating environment
Cartridges used for data interchange shall he capable of operating under the following conditions:
ISWIEC 11321:1992 (E)
temperature : 5 “C to 45 “C
relative humidity l . 20 96 to 80 5%
wet bulb temperature : 26 “C 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 h - Rapid vwiations of temperaturc should be avoidcd.
5.3 Storage environment.
For long term or archived storage of cartridges the following conditions shall be observed:
: 5 “C to 32 OC
temperature
relative humidity - . 20 5% to 60 %
maximum wet bulb temperature : 26 “C 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.
5.4 Transportat ion
Recommended limits for t .he environme nt to whic h a cartrid ay be subjected duri ng transportation, and the
ge m
precautions to he taken to minimize the possi bility of damage , are provided in annex J.
5.5 Safety
The cartridge and its components shall sntisfy the requirements of 1EC WO.
5.6 Flammability
material which, if ignited from a match flame, do not
The cartridge and its components shall be made from
continue to burn in a still carbon dioxide atmosphere.
Section 2 . Requirements for the case
6 Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the case
6.1 General
The case of the cartridge shall comprise
- an upper half- a lower half,
- a slider moveably 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 the top.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge seen from the bottom.
Figure 3 is a partial view of the rear side.
Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the Reference Planes X, Y, and 2.
Figure 5 Shows the front side.
Figure 6 Shows the top side with the lid in closed position.
Figure 7 Shows the Ieft 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 slide 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.
Figure 19, 20 show at a larger scale the functional relationship between the lid and the locking mechanism of the
hubs.
Figure 21, 22 show the Iahe1 areas on the top and the rear Gde.
The dimensions are referred to three orthogonal Reference Planes X, Y, and 2 (figure 4).
6.2 Overall dimensions (figures 6 and 7)
The Overall dimensions of the case with the lid in the closed Position shall be
= 73,0 mm + 0,3 mm
LI
Lz = 54,0 mm 2 0,3 mm
= 10,5 mm t 0,2 mm
L3
The edges formed by the real- side and left and right sides shall be rounded off with a radius
= 1,5 mm mrix.
Rl
The two edges of the lid shall he rounded off with a radius
RZ = 0,5 mm max.
6.3 Loading grip (figurc 6)
The top side shail have a loading grip for loading and positioning the cartridge into the drive. The Position and
dimensions of the loading grip shall be
= 25,5 min t 0,3 mm
L4
= 10 rm-n min.
L = 5,O mni + 0,2 mm
Ab
L-7 = 2,0 mm min.
The depth of the loading grip helow surface of the top side shall he
+ 0,2
mm
0.5 mm
- 0,o
6.4 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
= 6,O mm t 0,l mm
L-x
= 5,0 mm & 0,l mm
Lu
6.5 Notches of the lid (figures 5 and 8)
The lid shall have two pairs of notches.
allows elements of the drive to release the locking
The first pair of notches, the slider leck release notches,
mechanism of the slider. The positions and dimensions of these notches shall be
0,4 mm max.
LIO =
-
-
$0 mm min
= 1,2 mm + 0,l mm
L12
= 493 mm + 0,2 mm
L-13
The second pair of notches, the slider movement notches, allows elernents of the drive to rnwe the sli&r from
closed to open Position (see also 63.1). The positions and dimensions of these notches shall he
-
-
3,0 mm min.
LII
= 0,9 mm min.
hl
= 7,5 mm & 0,l n-rm
LIS
36,OO mm + 0,15 mm
h, =
6.6 Lid dimensions (figures 6 to 8)
The lid is shown in closed position in figure 6 and 7. lts dimensions shall be
-
-
1.2 mm 2 0,l mm
L17
-
-
Cd mm 2 0,3 mm
Ll%
Ld 10 = 1.1 mm 2 0,l mm
-
-
2.0 mm k 0,l mm
1-N
= 6,4 mm t 0,2 mm
h
L-2 = 1,5 mm +, 0,l mm
-
-
6,s mm + 0,4 mm
R3
The lid shall have a chamfer of 45” with a length of
= 1,5 mm f 0,l mm
L23
There shall be a dimensional relationship between the height L74 shown in figure 7, which includes the slider and
25 of the lid. When a vertical forte of 1 N is exerted on the upper half the
the upper half, and the height L
following conditions shall be met
= 10,5 mm + 0,2 mm
L23
When no forte is exerted
= 10,9 mm max.
L24
In figure 8 the lid is shown in open Position. The distance from the front edge of the lid to the rear side shall be
= 55,5 mm k 0,3 mm
L2h
6.7 Optical detection of the beginning and end of tape (figure 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 lieht 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 on to the detectors placed on each side of the
The positions and dimensions of these windows allow the cartridge to be used with drives implementing either
System, they s ball be
= 6,20 mm + 0,lO mm
b7
= 7,65 mm + OJO mm
L2x
+ 0,20
L'C, = 1,50 mm mm
- 0,oo
= 3,9 mm + 0,l min
kW
= 1,8 mm + 0,l mm
L31
= 7,0 mm L- 0,2 mm
L32
= 2,5 mm min.
L33
Dimension L32 specifies the Position of the rear edge of the windows relative to Reference Plane Y. Dimension
L33 shall be measured relative to this rear edge.
6.8 Bottom side (figures 10 and 11)
The bottom side is show n in figure 10 with the lid and the slider in c Position and in figure 11 with both in
the open Position.
The dimension LJJ of the bottom half, L,~T of the slider and L 36 of the lid shall satisfy the following conditions
- - s
= 73,O mm + OJ mm
L3-4
L3s 5 l-3-l
L30 s L3-1
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 closed Position when it is unlocked. The forte required
to operate the slider shall not exceed 2 N.
The slider shall have two grooves with an opening at both ends. 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.

ISWIEC 11321:1992 (E)
‘The grooves are parallel to Reference Plane 2 and aligned with the slider leck release notches of the hd. 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
1,2 mm f: 0,l mm
L37 =
= 49,8 mm If: 0,2 mm
L3x
= 10,O mm t 0,l mm
L30
+ 0,s
= 2,0 mm mm
L40
- 0,l
-
-
3,O mm min.
L41
= 1,s mm min.
L42
= 0,8 mm + 0,l mm
L43
+ 0,5
= 0,8 mm mm
L44
- 0,l
x
= 45” min.
= O,h5 mm If: 0,05 mm
L45
The Position and dimensions of the openings for the detent when the slider is held in the open Position are
determined by LJC), L.l(j, Ldj, and
- L44-
In the closed Position of the slider, the maximum forte 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 forte shall be OJ N min.
6.8.2 Access holes
The slider shall have two circular access (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 + 0,2 mm
= 12,0 mm max.
dz
6.8.3 Recognition, sub-datum 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
= 45,2 mm + 0,2 mm
L4h
= 49,2 mm + 0,2 mm
L47
The centres of these holes lie on a line perpendicular to Reference Plane Y at a distance from Reference Plane X
of
= 47,2 rf: 0,2 mm
h4
6.8.3.1 Recognition holes
There shall be four recognition holes numbered from 1 to’ 4 as shown in figure 10. Their Position and dimensions
shall be
Cl3 = 2,5 n-rm + 0,l mm
= 1 ,O mm + 0,l mm
L.40
.
= 56,O mm -f: 0,3 mm
LSO
= 4,0 mm AI 0,l mm
LSI
= 1,0 mm + 0,l mm
Ls2
3,0 mm min.
All Recognition Holes shall hnve 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 a Recognition Hole closed by means of a plug, the other Shows it with
the plug punched out. These plugs
shall withstand an applied forte of 0,5 N max. without being punched out.
This International Standard prescribes the following states of these holes:
Recognition Holes No. 1 to No. 3 shall be closed
Recognit ion Hole No. 4 may be open or c losed
Other combinations 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 + 0,l mm
56,0 mm + 0,3 mm
Lso =
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 I 1 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 with the
hole punched out. These plugs shall withstand an applied forte of 0,5 N max without beirigg punched out.
The case may have a movable element allowing to open and close the Write-inhibit Hole. lf 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 forte smaller than 0,5 N.
Regardless of whether a plug OJ- a movable element is used to select the open and closed states of the Write-
F-F shall define the closed and open states,
inhibit Hole, the following dimensions from Cross-section
respectively.
= l,O mm + 0,l mm
Ls2
= 3,O mm min.
1-53
6.8.3.3 Suh-datum holes
These holes 31-e 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 E3-Z as shown for the other hole.
= 45,5 mm t 0,2 mm
Ls4
+ 0,l
mm
= 3,5 mm
Lss
- 0,o
+ 0,05
= 2,50 mm mm
L Sb
- 0,oo
The Position and dimensions of the other Sub-datum Hole shall be
+ 0,05
= 2,50 mm mm
- 0,oo
-
-
1,O mm min.
5,5 mm 2 0,l mm.
L57 =
2,0 mm min.
LSH =
1,2 mm min.
Lsq =
The edge of both Sub-daturn Holes shall have a chamfer of
0,2 mm k 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 AD-D shown for the latter also applies to the former. Their
Position and dimensions shall be
51,O min 2 0,l mm
Lho =
+ 0,05
= 2,80 mm mm
Lh1
- 0,oo
+ 0,l
Lt,2 = 3,5 mm mm
- 0,o
-
-
3,O min min.
+ 0,05
= 2$0 mm mm
d7
- 0,oo
The upper edge of both Datum Holes shall have a chamfer of 0,2 mm + 0,l mm.
6.8.5 Access room for tape guides
When the cartridge is inserted into the drive, tape guides in the drive are pulling 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):
-
-
3.1 mm max.
Lh4
-
-
5,h mm min.
Lt,5
11 ,O mm max.
LM =
+ 0,7
= 7,0 mm mm
bi7
- 0,o
67 mm min.
= 47,9 mm min.
Lh ’)
ISOIIEC 11321:1992 (E)
+ 0,oo
= 3,30 mm mm
L70
- 0,15
6.8.6 Holes for accessing the huhs
The lower half the spindles of the drive the hubs when the slider is in the
has two holes through which tan access
open Position. tions and dimensions of these holes shall be
The posi
= 4,O mm & 0,l mm
= 29,OO mm + 0,15 mm
La71
1-72 = 10,5 mm + 0,I mm
= 30,O mm + 0,I mm
1-73
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 hobs 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 upond 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
-
-
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).
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 Passes through the centres of the Datum Holes. The Position and dimensions of these guide posts
shall be
their positions are determined by that of the centres of the Datum Holes,
their Cross-section shall be circular with a radius
= 3,0 mm + 0,I mm
R3
over an angle of MO0 in clockwise sense starting at angle
= 45” It 1”
P
their Cross-section over the other half of 180” is not specified by this International Standard.
6.8.7.5 Position of the tape in the case (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 to Reference Plane 2 shall be
-
-
1,4 mm min.
L74
-
6,4 mm max.
L7S
The design centre for the Position of the tape centreline is

= 3,9 mm + 0,l mm
L7b
The height of the access room specified in 6.8.5 for the tape guides shall be
+ 0,6
= 8,0 mm mm
L77
- 0,o
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
= 5,5 mm t 0,l mm
L7x
L7q = Sh,5 mm t 0,3 mm
= 8,0 mm + 0,2 mm
Lxo
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 tan pass and fall on 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 dimension of the lower window are specified by L3() and L3, (see figure 9). The dimensions
-
-
1,5 mm max.
L%l
= 5,0 mm min.
Lw
ensure that no elements of the case obstruct the light path.
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 2
acting on the Holding Areas (see 6.4), it shall be supported by three Supporting 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
-
-
-
1,O mm t 0,l mm
Lx3
= 49,0 mm + 0,3 mm
Lx4
6.8.10 Datum areas (figure 13)
There shall be two annular Datum Surfaces A and ß and one circular such surface C. All three Datum Areas
shall he in Reference Plane 2. Their Position and dimensions shall be
- Datum Area A shall be centred on the intersection of Reference Planes X, Y, and 2, its inner diameter
shall be 67 (see 6.84 and figure 1 l), its outer diameter shall be
= 5,0 mm k 0,l mm
- Datum Area B shall be centred on the intersection of Reference Planes X and 2 at a distance LH) (see
6.8.4 and figure 11) from the centre of Datum Area A. Its inner dimensions shall be Lt,1 and Lb2, its
outer diameter shall be djo.
Datum Area C shall be centred on a Point defined by
= 42,0 mm & 0,3 mm
L8S
= 25,5 mm + 0,s mm
LXh
lts diameter shall be ciI0.
6.8.11 Relationship between support and Datum Areas and Rcference Plane 2 (figure 14)
Support Area A’ shall be coplanar with Datum Area A within 0,X mm.
Support Area B’ shall he coplanar with Datum Area B within 0) r-nm.
Support Area C’ shall be parallel to Reference Plane 2 withiri 0,I mm. lt shall be at a distance
= IJ0 mm t 0,OS mm
LH7
from Reference Plane 2.
6.9 Hubs (figures 15, 16)
The dimensions of the hub shall be
+ 0,OS
= 6,60 mm mm
- 0,oo
+ 0,o
= 8,8 mm mm
- 0,l
= 15,OO mm t 0,05 mm
= 60" 2 1”
ß
Y
= 45" I!I 1”
+ 0,l
mm
= 2,5 mm
LKH
- 0,o
+ 0,20
= 2,hO mm mm
Lw
- 0,oo
The two cylindrical surfaces with diameters (11 I and d 13 shall be Co-axial within 0,05 mm.
c
The torque necessary to rotate the hub with a partially or fully wound tape shall be 0,000 2 N.m max.
6.10 Leader and trailer attachment
The material of the leader and trailer and their attachment to -thr: hubs and to the tape shall be such that when
subjected to a forte of 5 N max. they will neither break nor be detached from the hubs or the tape.
6.11 Interface hetween the huhs and the drive spindles (figure 17)
specified in
of the
The interface between the hubs and the spindles shown in figure 17 in Cross-section is
following relationships:
1,2 mm max.
4s - 44 =
1,O mm min.
-
-
L 1,3 mm max.
4)
= 7,hS mm max above
beyond a distance 1-d
Note 7 - It is expected that the top of the drive spindle will not penetrate withk) the hub
Reference Plane 2.
ISOAEC 11321:1992 (E)
6.12 Opening of the lid (figure 18)
When the lid is opened its lower front edge moves along an arc of a circle with radius
= 9,6 mm + 0,2 mm
R5
The centre of rotation is defined by L17 and L21. The end Position of the lid, i.e. when it is fully open, is defined
bY
= 10,9 mm + 0,2 mm
L92
= 0,3 mm + 0,l mm
Lw
= 6,3 mm t 0,2 mm
b3
The forte F required to open the lid shall not exceed 12 N. It shall be applied at a distance
= 5,O mm -t 0,I mm
Los
measured parallel to Reference Plane 2 from centre of rotation of radius R5 (see also annex C).
6.13 Release of the hub locking mechanism (figures 19, 20)
As mentioned in 6.8.7 the design of the locking mechanism for the hubs is not specified by this International
Standard, except that it shall be connected to the lid so that the hubs are locked or unlocked as a function of the
angular Position of the hd.
When the lid rotates from the closed to the open Position (clockwise as seen in figures 19, 20) the hubs shall
remain locked as lang as the lid has not reached the Position defined by
L = 73 mm
= 73 mm + 02 mm
L97
The hubs shall he completely released as soon as the lid has reached the Position defined by
Lqg = IO,3 mm
-
-
6,h n-rm 5 0,2 mm
6.14 Label area (figures 21, 22)
On top and rear s ‘ides of the case there shall be an area on which adhesive labels tan be placed. The di
Iions
of these areas shal I be
= 28,9 mm max.
h(lo
= 5,2 mm min.
hl
-
-
454 mm max.
h2
-
-
34,4 mm max.
L103
= 8,8 mm max.
hl4
= 0,s mm min.
Rh
l - w
9 -5
G
.-
LE
Vi
t
.M
OL
\
1 .--- /
. .
. .
Lw-4
&
6 I
3L
cc3
dt
l
ki
f
\ 1 - 1 A
‘f G
Ei
7 4
M
4 M 4
Y
--
- T-f;; _---.-- \
I I IT
Figure 7 - Left side, lid closed Z
d
LIO
-
-
--.---.-.--.1----.-.-.--.--.
I
l8
-
L-
.I
[
F
Y
e
]
-
--- P --- --
I-
’ t
F
d=
.
m
-5 ,
r
Figure 6 - Top side, Ud closed Figure 5 - Front side, Ud closed
L27
hL29
r
I
m
t 4 11
4 r
--- 1
I
t*
I 'r
4 0 1
, M
A
T
Figure 9 - Left side, Lid open
r
-- -
--
A-A
Prism-
--
L28 I26
Figure 8 - Top side, Ud open
L39
L-4
X
P
B-B
c-c
Z
Y
Figure 10 - Bottom side, lid closed

I
L46
e -
-
-
L47
F-F
O-D
(Punch out)
Figure 11 - Bottom side, Lid open
Tape path zone
r
A G-G
‘*.
FWD
/ 1 L76
---
\
\
\
A l 1.- I \
I
I
n-r
t/yTii\ I .* =t---, \
I I 0
\
\
‘* \ 1
;/#’ ’
,
/
\ s’
--
\ -l-
, Take up ”
\
/
,’
\
---,y<.-I-gIj~>yT
--
8 \
1’
\
SUPPLY
--
T-l
\,
I
\
,
-. \
Lp,
/
:% \ \
Tape
Tape path zone
Light path (prism)
Light path (direct)
Figure 12 - Inside view of the lower half

!
:
D
:
:
A
Q
*
Figure 13 - Bottom side, lid and slider in open Position
Z
A --
,
Ib
t
*,
Figure 14 - Left side, Cid open
B
cv
- --m -0’
s
@
Figure 15 - Top view of a hub
Figure 16 - Side view of a hub
Ree1 spindle
r
I
II /I
Figure 17 - Interface with the drive spindle
,
\,
\
,
\
c
-t--t----
Figure 18 - Lid in completely open Position
Figure 19 - Extreme Position of the Lid for which the hubs are still locked
v-l
k-7-7
I
-
@- i
I ’
I
Z X
h
q
Figure 20 - Minimum Position of the Ud for which the hubs are completely unlocked
L 100
L 100
- -
- w
,
L 101
-;r
Figure 21 - Top side, Label area
Figure 22 - Rear side, Label area
Section 3 : Reyuirements for the unrecorded tape
7 Mechanical, physical and dimensional characteristics of the tape
7.1 Materials
The recordable area of th
...