ECMA
`
`EUROPEAN COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
`
`STANDARD ECMA-l96
`
`DATA INTERCHANGE ON 12,7 mm 36 TRACKS
`
`MAGNETIC TAPE CARTRIDGES
`
`December 1993
`
`SONY Exhibit 1028
`SONY Exhibit 1028
`SONY v. FUJI
`SONY V. FUJI
`
`

`

`Free copies of this document are available from ECMA,
`European Computer Manufacturers Association,
`114 Rue du Rhone — CH—1204 Geneva (Switzerland)
`
`Internet: helpdesk@ecma.ch
`
`Phone: +41 22 735 36 34 Fax: +41 22 786 52 31
`
`X.400: C=ch, A=arcom, P=ecma, O=genevanet,
`OU1=ecma, S=helpdesk
`
`

`

`ECMA
`
`EUROPEAN COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
`
`STANDARD ECMA-196
`
`DATA INTERCHANGE ON 12,7 mm 36 TRACKS
`
`MAGNETIC TAPE CARTRIDGES
`
`December 1993
`
`

`

`

`

`Brief history
`
`ECMA has produced a series of 14 ECMA Standards for cassettes and cartridges containing magnetic tapes of different
`widths and characteristics. Among them are the following Standards for 12,7 mm tape.
`
`EMA-120 (1993):
`
`Data Interchange on 12,7 mm 18-Track Magnetic Tape Cartridges
`
`ECMA-152 (1993):
`
`Data Interchange on 12.7 mm 18-Track Magnetic Tape Cartridges - Extended Format
`
`ECMA-182 (1992):
`
`Data Interchange on 12,7 mm 48-Track Magnetic Tape Cartridges - DLT 1 Format -
`
`ECMA-197 (1993):
`
`Data Interchange on 12,7 mm 112-Track Magnetic Tape Cartridges - DLT 2 Format -
`
`This ECMA Standard is related to further developments of cartridges containing 12,7 mm magnetic tape. It incorporates
`most of the requirements of Standard ECMA-152, together with extensions and modifications which specify the additional
`features that allow higher capacities to be achieved.
`
`Two types of cartridge are defined within this Standard. For one of the types, the requirements for the case and the tape are
`identical with those in Standard ECMA-152. The second type conforms to different requirements which are defined in this
`Standard. This Standard also specifies a recording method and format for use with either type.
`
`It is not intended that this Standard replaces Standard ECMA-152. Existing cartridges which conform to Standard ECMA-
`152 will continue to do so and will not conform to all the requirements of this Standard. Drives which write and read
`according to this Standard may have the ability to accept and read cartridges conforming to Standard ECMA-120 or ECMA-
`152.
`
`Adopted as an ECMA Standard by the General Assembly of December 1993.
`
`

`

`

`

`Page
`
`
`
`Hp—lg—lp—I
`
`
`
`
`
`AAA-bbnbwwmmwwwwmwmwwwmnnNNNNNNNNNNNN
`
`Table of contents
`
`Section 1 - General
`
`Scope
`
`Conformance
`
`Magnetic tape cartridge
`Generating system
`Receiving system
`
`References
`
`Definitions
`
`algorithm
`algorithmically Processed Data
`Beginning of Tape (BOT)
`byte
`Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Character
`Data Records
`
`2.1
`2.2
`2.3
`
`4.1
`4.2
`4.3
`4.4
`4.5
`4.6
`
`1 2
`
`3 4
`
`4.6.1
`4.6.2
`4.6.3
`4.6.4
`
`Processed Data Record (PDR)
`Host Data Record
`
`Logical Data Record (LDR)
`User Data Record (UDR)
`
`4.7
`4.8
`4.9
`4.10
`4.11
`4.12
`4.13
`4.14
`4.15
`4.16
`4.17
`4.18
`4.19
`4.20
`4.21
`4.22
`4.23
`4.24
`4.25
`4.26
`4.27
`4.28
`4.29
`4.30
`
`End of Tape (EOT)
`Error correcting code (ECC)
`flux transition position
`flux transition spacing
`Frame
`
`logical backwards
`logical forwards
`magnetic tape
`Master Standard Reference Tape
`packet
`Pad byte
`physical backward
`physical forward
`physical recording density
`Processed Data
`
`Secondary Standard Reference Tape
`Standard Reference Amplitude (SRA)
`Standard Reference Current
`
`Tape Reference Edge
`Test Recording Current
`track
`
`Typical Field
`transformation
`
`Wrap
`
`5
`
`Conventions and notations
`
`A
`
`

`

`##3-
`
`
`
`O\Q'JIUIUILAUIU:
`
`a \
`
`
`
`0000OOQ\ldd\lO‘GOOGGO‘GGK
`
`-ii-
`
`5.1
`5.2
`
`5.3
`
`Representation of numbers
`Names
`
`Acronyms
`
`6
`
`Environment and safety
`
`6.1
`6.2
`6.3
`6.4
`
`Cartridge/tape testing environment
`Cartridge operating environment
`Cartridge storage environment
`Safety requirements
`
`6.4.1
`
`6.4.2
`
`Safeness
`
`Flammability
`
`6.5
`
`Transportation
`
`Section 2 - Characteristics of the tapes
`
`7
`
`7.1
`
`7.2
`7.3
`7.4
`7.5
`7.6
`
`7.7
`
`Characteristics of the tapes
`Material
`
`Tape length
`Tape width
`Tape discontinuity
`Total thickness of tape
`Base material thickness
`
`Longitudinal curvature
`
`7.7.1
`7.7.2
`
`CST tape
`ECCST tape
`
`7.8
`7.9
`7.10
`
`7.10.1
`7.10.2
`
`7.11
`7.12
`7.13
`
`7.14
`7.15
`7.16
`7.17
`
`7.18
`
`Out-of-plane distortions
`Cupping
`Dynamic frictional characteristics
`
`Frictional drag between the recording surface and the back surface
`Frictional drag between the tape recording surface and ferrite after environmental cycling
`
`Coating adhesion
`Flexural rigidity
`Electrical resistance of coated surfaces
`
`Tape durability
`Inhibitor tape
`Tape abrasivity
`Accelerated life test
`
`Data integrity test
`
`7.18.1
`7.18.2
`
`Requirement
`Procedure
`
`7.19
`7.20
`
`Pre-recording condition
`Magnetic recording characteristics
`
`7.20.1
`7.20.2
`7.20.3
`7.20.4
`
`7.20.5
`
`Typical field
`Signal amplitude
`Resolution
`Overwrile
`
`Narrow-band signal-to-noise ratio (NB-SNR)
`
`7.21
`
`Tape quality
`
`7.21.1
`7.21.2
`
`Missing pulses
`Missing pulse zones
`
`

`

`-iii-
`
`7.21.3
`
`Coincident Missing Pulse Zones
`
`Section 3 - Cartridge
`
`8
`
`8.1
`8.2
`8.3
`8.4
`8.5
`8.6
`8.7
`8.8
`8.9
`8.10
`8.11
`8.12
`8.13
`
`Dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the cartridge
`
`Overall dimensions (figure 4)
`Write-inhibit mechanism (figures 4 and 5)
`Label area of the rear side (figures 6 and 7)
`Label area of the top side (figure 6)
`Case opening (figures 5, 6 and 10)
`Locating notches (figures 8, 9 and 11)
`Locating areas (figure 8)
`Inside configuration of the case around the case opening (figures 8 and 12)
`Other external dimensions of the case (figure 9)
`Cennal window (figure 8)
`Stacking ribs (figures 7 and 8)
`Recessed area (figures 13 and 14)
`Flexibility of the case
`
`8.13.1
`8.13.2
`
`8.14
`
`8.14.1
`8.14.2
`8.14.3
`8.14.4
`8.14.5
`8.14.6
`8.14.7
`
`8.15
`8.16
`8.17
`8.18
`8.19
`8.20
`8.21
`8.22
`
`Requirements
`Procedure
`
`Tape reel (figures 15 and 16)
`
`Locking mechanism (figure 16)
`Axis of rotation of the reel
`
`Metallic insert (figure 15)
`Toothed rim (figure 15)
`Hub of the reel (figure 15)
`Relative positions
`Characteristics of the toothed rim (figure 17)
`
`Leader block (figure 18)
`Attachment of the tape to the leader block (figure 19)
`Latching mechanism (figure 20)
`Tape wind
`Wind tension
`
`Circumference of the tape reel
`Moment of inertia
`
`Cartridge case colours
`
`Section 4 - Recording method and formats
`
`9
`
`9.1
`9.2
`9.3
`
`Method of recording
`
`Physical recording density
`Bit cell length
`Average bit cell length
`
`9.3.1
`9.3.2
`
`Long-term average bit cell length
`Short-term average bit cell length
`
`9.4
`9.5
`9.6
`9.7
`
`9.8
`9.9
`
`Rate of change of the short-term average bit cell length
`Bit cell peak position
`Bit shift
`Total character skew
`
`Read signal amplitude
`Coincident Missing Pulse Zones
`
`13
`
`14
`
`14
`
`14
`15
`15
`16
`16
`16
`17
`17
`17
`17
`17
`18
`18
`
`18
`18
`
`18
`
`19
`19
`19
`19
`19
`20
`20
`
`2 1
`2 1
`22
`22
`22
`22
`22
`23
`
`31
`
`31
`
`31
`31
`31
`
`31
`31
`
`31
`31
`32
`32
`32
`32
`
`

`

`32
`
`32
`32
`33
`33
`33
`
`34
`35
`36
`36
`
`36
`36
`
`-iv-
`
`10
`
`Track format
`
`10.1
`
`10.2
`10.3
`10.4
`10.5
`
`Number of tracks
`
`Track positions
`Track width
`Azimuth
`Track Identification
`
`11
`
`Packet format
`
`11.1
`11.2
`11.3
`11.4
`
`Packets
`Packet ID
`UDR
`Packet Trailer
`
`11.4.1
`11.4.2
`
`Packet Trailer when data has been processed
`Packet Trailer when the data has not been processed
`
`12
`
`Data Block format
`
`12.1
`
`Data Part
`
`12.1. 1
`12.1.2
`12.1.3
`
`Packet bytes
`Count field bytes
`Block ID bytes
`
`12.2
`
`Allocation of the bytes of the Data Block to Frames
`
`12.2.1
`12.2.2
`12.2.3
`12.2.4
`12.2.5
`
`Prefix Frames
`Data Frames
`Residual Frame 1
`Residual Frame 2
`Suffix Frames
`
`12.3
`12.4
`12.5
`
`Error Correction Code (ECC)
`Recording of 8-bit bytes on the tape
`Recorded Data Block
`
`12.5.1
`
`12.5.2
`12.5.3
`12.5.4
`12.5.5
`
`Preamble
`
`Beginning of Data Mark (BDM)
`Resync Control Frame
`End of Data Mark (EDM)
`Postamble
`
`12.6
`
`Maximum data density
`
`13
`
`Tape format
`
`13.1
`
`13.2
`13.3
`
`13.4
`13.5
`13.6
`
`Zones
`
`Density ID Mark
`VOLID Mark
`
`1D Separator Mark
`Interblock Gap
`Erase Gap
`
`13.6.1
`13.6.2
`
`Normal Erase Gap
`Extended Erase Gap
`
`13 .7
`13.8
`13.9
`
`Tape Mark
`Wrap Marks
`Mark Merge
`
`13.9.1
`
`IBG followed by 3 Tape Mark
`
`

`

`13.9.1
`13.9.2
`13.9.3
`13.9.4
`13.9.5
`13.9.6
`13.9.7
`13.9.8
`13.9.9
`13.10
`
`IBG followed by a Tape Mark
`Tape Mark followed by an IBG
`IBG followed by a Erase Gap
`Erase Gap followed by an IBG
`IBG followed by a Wrap Mark
`Wrap Mark followed by an IBG
`IBG followed by a VOLID Mark ONE or ZERO
`VOLID Mark ONE or ZERO followed by an IBG
`Summary of the relationship between Interblock Gaps, Erase Gaps, Tape Marks, and Wrap Marks
`End of Data Block
`
`13.11
`
`Recording Area
`
`Annex A - Recommendations for transportation
`
`Annex B - Inhibitor cartridge
`
`Annex C - Tape abrasivity measurement procedure
`
`Annex D - Recommendations on tape durability
`
`Annex E - Pre-recording condition
`
`Annex F - Representation of 8-bit bytes by 9-bit patterns
`
`Annex G - Measurement of bit shift
`
`Annex H - Summary of data flow
`
`Annex J - Implementation of a CRC
`
`Annex K - Calculation of a physical position indicator
`
`Annex L - Accelerated life test
`
`Annex M - Media Type Label
`
`49
`50
`50
`50
`50
`50
`50
`50
`51
`
`51
`52
`
`55
`
`57
`
`59
`
`63
`
`65
`
`67
`
`71
`
`73
`
`75
`
`77
`
`79
`
`81
`
`

`

`

`

`Section 1 - General
`
`Scope
`
`This ECMA Standard specifies the physical and magnetic characteristics of 12.7 mm wide, 36-track magnetic tape
`cartridges to enable interchangeability of such cartridges. It also specifies the quality of the recorded signals, the
`format and the recording method,
`thus allowing,
`together with Standard ECMA-13 or equivalent, full data
`interchange by means of such magnetic tape cartridges.
`
`This Standard specifies two types of cartridge which, for the purposes of this Standard, are referred to as Cartridge
`System Tape (CST) and Extended Capacity Cartridge System Tape (ECCST), and contain tape of different
`thicknesses and lengths.
`
`CST cartridges have a nominal uncompressed capacity of approximately 400 Mbytes.
`
`ECCST cartridges have a nominal uncompressed capacity of approximately 800 Mbytes.
`
`This ECMA Standard specifies extensions and modifications to the recorded format that is described in Standard
`ECMA-lsz.
`
`These extensions and modifications
`
`—
`
`—
`
`increase the number of tracks recorded on the tape from 18 to 36. Actual recordings will be made 18 tracks at a
`time requiring two complete passes of the tape, one from the beginning of tape to the end of tape and the other
`from the end of tape to the beginning of tape;
`
`specify a different method of defining the ECC characters used to detect and correct errors when the data is read
`from the tape.
`
`2
`
`2.1
`
`Conformance
`
`Magnetic tape cartridge
`
`A magnetic tape cartridge is in conformance with this Standard if:
`
`—
`
`—
`
`—
`
`the cartridge meets all the requirements of clauses 6 to 8 for either one of the two types of magnetic tape
`cartridge;
`
`the recording on the tape meets the requirements of clauses 9 to 13;
`
`for each recorded packet the algorithm used for processing the data therein, if Processed Data has been
`recorded, is defined and the identification is included in Byte 13 of the Packet ID of this packet (sec 11.2).
`This identification shall conform to ISO/IEC 11576.
`
`2.2
`
`Generating system
`
`A system generating a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be entitled to claim conformance with this
`FL‘MA Standard if all the recordings that it makes on a tape meet the mandatory requirements of this ECMA
`Standard. A claim of conformance shall state which types of magnetic tape cartridges it is capable of recording,
`whether or not one, or more, registered algorithms are implemented and, if so, the registered identifiers of all
`implemented algorithms. It shall also state whether it
`is capable of generating the optional VOLID Mark
`information.
`
`2.3
`
`Receiving system
`
`A system receiving a magnetic tape cartridge for interchange shall be entitled to claim conformance with this
`ECMA Standard if it is able to handle any recording made on the tape according to this ECMA Standard and
`specifies which of the two types of magnetic tape cartridges it is capable of reading. In particular it shall
`
`—
`
`—
`
`be able to retrieve data from individual packets within the extended blocks;
`
`be able to recognize that the data has been processed, to identify the algorithm(s) used, restore the data to its
`original form or to indicate to the host that it cannot do so;
`
`

`

`A claim of conformance shall state whether or not one, or more, registered algorithm(s) is (are) implemented and,
`if so, the registered identifier(s) of all implemented algorithms. It shall also state whether it is capable of using the
`optional VOLID Mark information.
`
`References
`
`This Standard is intended for use in conjunction with the following standards and documents. When these standards
`are superseded by an approved revision, the revision shall apply.
`
`FfiMA-é (1991)
`
`7-Bit Coded Character Set
`
`FLMA-IS (1985)
`
`File Structure and Labelling of Magnetic Tapes for Information Interchange
`
`ISO 683-1321986
`
`Heat-treatable steels, alloy steels and free-cutting steels - Part 13: Wrought stainless steels
`
`ISO 1302:1992
`
`Method for indicating surface structure on technical drawings
`
`ISO/[EC 11576: 1993
`
`Information Technology - Procedure for the Registration of Algorithms for the Lossless
`Compression of Data
`
`Definitions
`
`For the purposes of this Standard, the following definitions apply.
`
`algorithm
`
`A set of rules for transforming the logical representation of data.
`
`algorithmically Processed Data
`
`Data which has been processed by a defined processing algorithm.
`
`Beginning of Tape (BOT)
`
`The point along the length of the magnetic tape, indicated by the start of recorded information.
`
`byte
`
`An ordered set of eight bits (9 encoded bits) that are acted upon as a unit.
`
`Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Character
`
`A character represented by two bytes, placed at the end of a byte string and used for error detection.
`
`Data Records
`
`4.1
`
`4.2
`
`4.3
`
`4.4
`
`4.5
`
`4.6
`
`4.6.1
`
`Processed Data Record (PDR)
`
`The data entity resulting from the application of an algorithm to the Logical Data Record.
`
`4.6.2
`
`Host Data Record
`
`The data entity originally compiled by the host.
`
`4.6.3
`
`Logical Data Record (LDR)
`
`The data entity received by the system from the host. It may contain one or several Host Data Record(s)
`depending upon action taken by the host to use extended blocks.
`
`4.6.4
`
`User Data Record (UDR)
`
`The data entity available to the Packet Former.
`When the data has been processed it shall be a PDR.
`When the data has not been processed it shall be a LDR.
`
`4.7
`
`4.8
`
`End of Tape (EDT)
`
`The point on the tape furthest from BOT up to which recording is allowed.
`
`Error correcting code (ECC)
`
`A mathematical procedure yielding bits used for the detection and correction of errors.
`
`

`

`4.9
`
`4.10
`
`flux transition position
`
`The point on the magnetic tape that exhibits the maximum free-space flux density normal to the tape surface.
`
`flux transition spacing
`
`The distance along a track between successive flux transitions.
`
`4.11
`
`Frame
`
`4. 12
`
`4.13
`
`4.14
`
`4.15
`
`4.16
`
`4.17
`
`4.18
`
`4.19
`
`4.20
`
`4.21
`
`4.22
`
`A section across all 18 tracks within a Half-me containing logically related bytes.
`
`logical backwards
`
`The direction of tape motion that results in finding a descending order of LDRs.
`
`logical forwards
`
`The direction of tape motion that results in finding an ascending order of LDRs.
`
`magnetic tape
`
`A tape that accepts and retains magnetic signals intended for input, output, and storage of data for information
`processing.
`
`Master Standard Reference Tape
`
`A tape selected as the Standard for Reference Field, Signal Amplitude, Resolution, and Overwrite.
`NOTE I
`
`A Master Standard Reference Tape has been established at
`Technology (NIST).
`
`the US National Institute of Standards and
`
`packet
`A UDR with a Packet ID and Packet Trailer added.
`
`Pad byte
`
`A byte having a bit pattern consisting of eight ZEROs.
`
`physical backward
`
`The direction of tape motion from EOT to BOT. This will be logical forward for Half-me 2.
`
`physical forward
`
`The direction of tape motion from BOT to EOT. This will be logical forward for Half-me 1.
`
`physical recording density
`
`The number of recorded flux transitions per unit length of track, e.g. flux transitions per millimetre (ftpmm).
`Processed Data
`
`Data which has been processed by an algorithm.
`
`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 2
`
`Secondary Standard Reference Tapes, SRM 3202, have been developed at the National Institute for Standards
`and Technology (NIST) and are available from the NIST Office of Standard Reference Materials, Room B311,
`Chemistry Building, National Institute for Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA 20899 until
`the year 2004.
`
`It is intended that these be used for calibrating tertiary reference tapes for use in routine calibration.
`
`4.23
`
`Standard Reference Amplitude (SRA)
`
`The Average Signal Amplitude from the Master Secondary Reference Tape when it is recorded with the Test
`Recording Current on the NIST measurement system at 972 ftpmm.
`
`

`

`Traceability to the Standard Reference Amplitude is provided by the calibration factors supplied with each
`Secondary Reference Tape.
`
`4.24
`
`Standard Reference Current
`
`4.25
`
`4.26
`
`The current that produces the Reference Field.
`
`Tape Reference Edge
`
`The Reference Edge of the tape is the bottom edge when viewing the recording side of the tape with the hub end
`(EOT) of the tape to the observer's right.
`
`Test Recording Current
`The current that is 1.5 times the Standard Reference Current.
`
`4.27
`
`track
`
`A longitudinal area on the tape along which a series of magnetic signals can be recorded.
`
`4.28
`
`Typical Field
`
`In the plot of the Average Signal Amplitude against the Recording Field at the physical recording density of
`972 ftpmm, the minimum field that causes an Average Signal Amplitude equal to 85 % of the maximum Average
`Signal Amplitude.
`
`4.29
`
`transformation
`
`The manipulation of Host Data Records before formatting. It includes the operations of processing, the formation
`of packets and the concatenation of packets.
`
`4.30
`
`Wrap
`A set of 36 tracks, 18 of which are recorded from BOT to EOT and 18 of which are recorded from EOT to BOT in
`a sequential manner.
`
`Half-me
`
`A set of 18 tracks which are recorded concurrently in the same direction. The tape contains two Half-Wraps; Half-
`Wrap 1 is recorded from BOT towards EOT and Half-me 2 is recorded from EOT towards End of Volume
`(EOV).
`
`5
`
`5.1
`
`Conventions and notations
`
`Representation of numbers
`
`The following conventions and notations apply in this Standard, unless otherwise stated.
`
`-
`
`In each field the bytes shall be arranged with Byte 1, the most significant, first. Within each byte the bits shall
`be arranged with Bit 1, the most significant, first and Bit 8, the least significant bit, last. This order applies to
`the data. and to the input and output of the error correcting codes and cyclic redundancy codes.
`
`— Letters and digits in parentheses represent numbers in hexadecimal notation.
`
`—-
`
`The setting of binary bits is denoted by ZERO or ONE.
`
`— Numbers in binary notation and bit combinations are represented by strings of ZEROs and ONES with the
`most significant bit to the left.
`
`5.2
`
`Names
`
`The names of entities are given with a capital initial letter.
`
`5.3
`
`Acronyms
`
`BDM
`BOT
`CRC
`CST
`ECC
`
`Beginning of Data Mark
`Beginning of Tape
`Cyclic Redundancy Check
`Cartridge System Tape
`Error Correction Code
`
`ECCST
`
`Extended Capacity Cartridge System Tape
`
`

`

`EDM
`
`EOT
`FDV
`
`IBG
`ID
`
`LDR
`NB-SNR
`PDR
`RBW
`
`SRA
`UDR
`VBW
`
`End of Data Mark
`
`End of Tape
`End of Volume
`
`Interblock Gap
`Identifier or Identification
`
`Logical Data Record
`Narrow Band Signal-to-Noise Ratio
`Processed Data Record
`Resolution Bandwidth
`
`Standard Reference Amplitude
`User Data Record
`Video Band Width
`
`6
`
`Environment and safety
`
`Unless otherwise stated, the conditions specified below refer to the ambient conditions in the test or computer room
`and not to those within the tape equipment.
`
`6.1
`
`Cartridge/tape testing environment
`
`Unless otherwise stated, tests and measurements made on the tape cartridge to check the requirements of this
`Standard shall be carried out under the following conditions
`
`temperature:
`
`relative humidity:
`
`conditioning period
`before testing:
`
`23 °C i 2 °C
`
`40 % to 60 %
`
`24 h
`
`6.2
`
`Cartridge operating environment
`
`Cartridges used for data interchange shall be capable of operating under the following conditions
`
`temperature:
`
`relative humidity:
`
`wet bulb temperature:
`
`16 °C to 32 °C
`
`20 % to 80 %
`
`25 °C max.
`
`The average temperature of the air immediately surrounding the tape shall not exceed 40,5 °C.
`
`NOTE 3
`
`Localized tape temperatures in excess of49 °C may cause tape damage.
`
`Conditioning
`before operating:
`
`If a cartridge has been exposed during storage and/or transportation to
`conditions outside the above values, it shall be conditioned for a period
`of at least 24 h prior to use.
`
`6.3
`
`Cartridge storage environment
`
`Cartridges used for data interchange shall be stored under the following conditions.
`
`temperature:
`
`relative humidity:
`
`wet bulb temperature:
`
`6.4
`
`6.4.1
`
`Safety requirements
`Safeness
`
`5 °C to 32 °C
`
`5 % to 80 %
`
`26 °C max.
`
`The cartridge and its components shall not constitute any safety or health hazard when used in its intended
`manner or in any foreseeable misuse in an information processing system.
`
`

`

`6.4.2
`
`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.
`
`6.5
`
`Transportation
`
`This Standard does not specify parameters for the environment in which cartridges should be transported. Annex
`A gives some recommendations for transportation.
`
`Section 2 - Characteristics of the tapes
`
`7
`
`Characteristics of the tapes
`
`There are two types of tapes specified by this ECMA Standard. The tape used in an ECCST cartridge is longer and
`thinner than that used in a CST cartridge. ECCST cartridges are differentiated from CST cartridges by the larger
`tape circumference when the tape is completely wound on the supply reel and by the two coloured cartridge case.
`Where there are differences between the two cartridges, they are denoted in this Standard.
`
`7.1
`
`Material
`
`The tape shall consist of a base material (oriented polyethylene terephthalate film or its equivalent) coated on one
`side with a strong yet flexible layer of ferromagnetic material dispersed in a suitable binder. The back surface of
`CST tape may also be coated with a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic material. ECCST tape shall not be coated
`on the back surface.
`
`7.2
`
`Tape length
`
`The minimum length of the tape shall be
`
`For CST tape:
`
`For ECCST tape:
`
`7.3
`
`Tape width
`
`The width of tape shall be
`
`For CST tape:
`
`For ECCST tape:
`
`165 m
`
`332 m
`
`12,650 mm i 0,025 mm
`
`12,570 mm 1- 0,025 mm
`
`7.4
`
`7.5
`
`The width shall be measured across the tape from edge-to-edge when the tape is under a tension of less than
`0,28 N.
`
`Tape discontinuity
`
`There shall be no discontinuities in the tape such as those produced by tape splicing or perforations.
`
`Total thickness of tape
`
`The total thickness of the tape shall be in the following ranges
`
`For CST tape:
`
`For ECCST tape:
`
`7.6
`
`Base material thickness
`
`0,025 9 mm to 0,033 7 mm
`
`0,016 1 mm to 0.018 0 mm
`
`The nominal thickness of the base material for the tape shall be
`
`For CST tape:
`
`For ECCST tape:
`
`7.7
`
`7.7.1
`
`Longitudinal curvature
`
`CST tape
`
`0,023 4 mm
`
`0,014 2 mm
`
`The radius of curvature of the edge of the CST tape shall not be less than 33 m.
`
`

`

`Procedure:
`
`Allow a 1 m length of tape to unroll and assume its natural curvature on a flat smooth surface. Measure the
`maximum deviation from the concave edge of the tape to its chord. The deviation shall not be greater than
`3,8 mm. This deviation corresponds to the minimum radius of 33 m if measured over an arc of circle.
`
`7.7.2
`
`ECCST tape
`
`The radius of curvature of the edge of the ECCST tape shall not be less than 33,75 In.
`
`Procedure:
`
`Allow a 0,90 m length of tape to unroll and assume its natural curvature on a flat smooth surface. Measure the
`maximum deviation from the concave edge of the tape to its chord. The deviation shall not be greater than
`3,0 mm. This deviation corresponds to the minimum radius of 33,75 m if measured over an arc of circle.
`
`7.8
`
`Out-of-plane distortions
`
`All visual evidence of out-of-plane distortion shall be removed when the tape is subjected to the uniform tension
`specified below. Out-of-plane distortions are local deformations which cause portions of the tape to deviate from
`the plane of the surface of the tape. Out-of-plane distortions are most readily observed when the tape is lying on a
`flat surface under no tension.
`
`For CST tape:
`
`For ECCST tape:
`
`7.9
`
`Cupping
`
`0,6 N
`
`0,4 N
`
`The departure across the width of tape from a flat surface shall not exceed 0,3 mm.
`
`Procedure:
`
`Cut a 1,0 m t 0,1 m length of tape. Condition it for a minimum of 3 h in the test environment by hanging it so
`that the surfaces are freely exposed to the test environment. From the centre portion of the conditioned tape cut a
`test piece of 25 mm length. Stand the test piece on its end in a cylinder which is at least 25 mm high with an
`inside diameter of 13.0 mm t 0,2 mm. With the cylinder standing on an optical comparator measure the cupping
`by aligning the edges of the test piece to the reticle and determining the distance from the aligned edges to the
`corresponding surface of the test piece at its centre.
`
`7.10
`
`Dynamic frictional characteristics
`
`In the tests of 7.10.1 and 7.10.2 the specified forces of 1.0 N and 1.50 N, respectively. comprise both the force
`component of the dynamic friction and the force of 0.64 N applied to the test piece of tape.
`
`NOTE 4
`
`Particular attention should be given to keeping the surfaces clean.
`
`7.10.1
`
`Frictional drag between the recording surface and the back surface
`
`The force required to move the recording surface in relation to the back surface shall not be less than 1,0 N.
`
`Procedure:
`
`a) Wrap a test piece of tape around a 25,4 mm diameter circular mandrel with the back surface of the test
`piece facing outwards in such a manner that the test piece will not slide.
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`Place a second test piece of the same type of tape, with the recording surface facing inwards, around the
`first test piece for a total wrap angle of 90°.
`
`Apply a force of 0,64 N to one end of the outer test piece. Secure its other end to a force gauge which is
`mounted on a motorized linear slide.
`
`(1)
`
`Drive the slide at a speed of 1 mm/s.
`
`

`

`7.10.2
`
`Frictional drag between the tape recording surface and ferrite after environmental cycling
`
`The force required to move the tape at a point 1,34 m from the leader block of the cartridge shall not be greater
`than 1,5 N. The force required at a point 4,3 m from the junction of the tape with the cartridge hub shall not
`exceed 6,0 N.
`
`Procedure:
`
`a) Wind tape on to a spool hub of diameter 50 mm to an outside diameter of 97 mm with a winding tension
`of 2,2 N 1 0,2 N for CST tape and 1,8 N t 0,2 N for ECCST tape.
`
`b)
`
`Repeat the following two steps five times:
`
`-
`
`Store for 48 h at a temperature of 50 °C and a relative humidity of 10 % to 20 %.
`
`— Condition in the testing environment for 2 h and rewind with a tension of 2,2 N t 0,2 N for CST
`tape and 1,8 N i 0.2 N for ECCST tape.
`
`c)
`
`d)
`
`Condition the tape for 48 h at a temperature of 30,5 °C and a relative humidity of 85 %. The tape shall
`remain in this environment for steps d) and e).
`
`Apply a force of 0,64 N to one end of a test piece of not more than 1 m, taken 1,34 m from the leader
`block. Pass the test piece over a ferrite rod of diameter 25,4 mm with the recording surface in contact
`with the rod for a total wrap angle of 90°.
`
`The rod shall be made from the fenite specified in annex C. It shall be polished to a roughness value R.
`of 0,05 um (roughness grade N2, ISO 1302). Pull the other end of the test piece horizontally at 1 mm/s.
`
`e)
`
`Repeat step d) for a similar test piece taken 4,3 m from the junction of the tape with the cartridge hub.
`
`7.11
`
`Coating adhesion
`
`The force required to peel any part of the coating from the tape base material shall not be less than 1,5 N.
`
`Procedure:
`
`a)
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`(1)
`
`Take a test piece of the tape approximately 380 mm long and scribe a line through the recording coating
`across the width of the tape 125 mm from one end.
`
`Using a double-sided pressure sensitive tape, attach the full width of the test piece to a smooth metal plate,
`with the recording surface facing the plate, as shown in figure 1.
`
`Fold the test piece over 180°, attach the metal plate and the free end of the test piece to the jaws of a
`universal testing machine and set the speed of the jaw separation to 254 mm per m.
`
`Note the force at which any part of the coating first separates from the base material. If this is less than
`1,5 N, the test has failed. If the test piece peels away from the double-sided pressure sensitive tape before the
`force exceeds 1,5 N, an alternative type of double-sided pressure sensitive tape shall be used.
`
`e)
`
`If the back surface of the tape is coated, repeat a) to d) for the back coating.
`
`

`

`
`
`Recording surface
`
`Scribed line
`
`i P
`
`eCMA-93-0120-A
`
`ressure-sensitive tape
`
`7.12
`
`Flexural rigidity
`
`The flexural rigidity of the tape in the longitudinal direction shall be
`
`Figure 1 - Coating adhesion test
`
`For CST tape
`
`For ECCST tape
`
`Procedure:
`
`0.06 to 0,16 N-mm2
`
`0,03 to 0,14 N-mm2
`
`Clamp a 180 mm test piece of tape in a universal testing machine, allowing a 100 mm separation between the
`machine jaws. Set the jaw separation speed at 5 mm per minute. Plot force against distance. Calculate the flexural
`rigidity using the slope of the curve between 2,2 N and 6,7 N by the formula
`
`AF/WT
`
`E:
`
`AL/L
`
`WT3
`I = —
`12
`
`Flexural rigidity = E!
`
`Where
`
`AF is the change in force in newtons
`
`Tis the measured thickness in millimetres
`
`W is the measured width in millimetres
`
`AL/L is the change in the length of the test piece between the jaws divided by the original length between the jaws.
`
`7.13
`
`Electrical resistance of coated surfaces
`
`The electrical resistance of any square area of the recording surface shall be within the range
`
`—
`
`—
`
`1059 to 5 x 1089 for non-backcoated tapes.
`
`1059 to 5 x 1099 for backcoated tapes.
`
`The electrical resistance of any backcoating shall be less than 1069.
`
`

`

`-10-
`
`Procedure:
`
`Condition a test piece of tape to the test environment for 24 h. Position the test piece over two 24-carat gold-
`plated, semi-circular electrodes having a radius r = 25,4 mm and a finish of at least N4 such that the recording
`surface is in contact with each electrode. These electrodes shall be placed parallel to the ground and parallel to
`each other at a distance d = 12.7 mm between their centres as shown in figure 2. Apply a force F of 1.62 N to each
`end of the test piece. Apply a DC voltage of 500 V i 10 V across the electrodes and measure the resulting current
`flow. From this value, determine the electrical resistance.
`
`Repeat for a total of five positions along the test piece and average the live resistance readings. For back-coated
`tape repeat the procedure with the backcoating in contact with electrodes.
`
`
`
`ECMA-93—01 22-A
`
`Figure 2 - Electrical resistance test
`
`When mounting the test piece. make sure that no conducting paths exist between the electrodes except that
`through the coating under test.
`
`NOTE 5
`
`Particular attention should be given to keeping the surfaces clean.
`
`7.14
`
`Tape durability
`
`This ECMA Standard does not specify parameters for assessing tape durability. However, a recommended
`procedure is described in annex D.
`
`7.15
`
`Inhibitor tape
`
`This ECMA Standard does not specify parameters for assessing whether or not a tape is an inhibitor tape.
`However, annex B gives further information on inhibitor tapes.
`
`7.16
`
`Tape abrasivity
`
`Tape abrasivity is the tendency of the tape to wear the tape transport and head. The length of the wear pattern on a
`wear bar shall not exceed 56 um when measured as specified in annex C.
`
`7.17
`
`Accelerated life test
`
`This Standard does not specify parameters for assessing whether or not a tape withstands long-term storage and
`extreme environmental operating conditions. However, a recommended procedure is described in annex L.
`
`7.18
`
`Data integrity test
`
`The object of the data integrity test is to demonstrate that the tape will withstand continued tape movement in the
`drive within the environmentally stressed operating conditions without loss of recorded data. Data is written in the
`forward direction between BOT and EOT, and then the tape is moved multiple passes the full operating length,
`after which the data is re-read to check for the generation of errors.
`
`

`

`-11-
`
`7.18.1
`
`Requirement
`
`There shall be no more than eight additional temporary read errors on any read pass. There shall be no
`generation of permanent read errors.
`
`7.18.2
`
`Procedure
`
`a)
`
`Allow cartridges to acc