Overview
ISO/IEC 14833:1996 - "Information technology - Data interchange on 12,7 mm 128‑Track magnetic tape cartridges - DLT 3 format" defines the physical, magnetic and logical requirements for 12.7 mm (0.5 in) wide, 128‑track magnetic tape cartridges using the Digital Linear Tape 3 (DLT 3) format. The standard specifies tape geometry and construction, recorded‑signal quality, a recording method and the DLT‑3 data format to ensure interchangeability between media, drives and systems for backup, archiving and data interchange.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Physical characteristics
- Tape width: nominal 12.649 mm ±0.010 mm (12.7 mm class)
- Tape length: 355 m minimum, 365 m maximum (BOT to EOT)
- Construction: PET (or equivalent) base with ferromagnetic coating and conductive backcoat
- BOT/EOT markers: holes punched in tape centreline
- Magnetic & recording parameters
- Physical recording density example referenced: 1 640 flux transitions per mm (ftpmm)
- Standard Reference Amplitude (SRA), Standard Reference Current and Test Recording Current (1.1 × SRI) used for calibration
- Read/write characteristics: azimuth control, flux transition spacing, channel bit‑cell definitions and channel skew requirements
- Data format and error control
- DLT‑3 logical structure: physical tracks grouped into logical tracks (pairs of physical tracks); a Logical Block is written/read simultaneously on the two tracks of a logical track
- Entities: groups of ten Logical Blocks
- Error detection and correction: CRC character (64‑bit), EDC and ECC schemes, CRCs for blocks and pages
- Data layout: calibration and directory areas, multiple guard areas, data area with defined physical and logical track mapping
- Environment, conformance and quality
- Test/operating conditions: typical conditioning at 23 °C ±2 °C, 40–60% RH; operating 10 °C to 40 °C and specified humidity ranges
- Conformance statements for cartridges, generating systems and receiving systems
- Annexes provide measurement procedures, CRC/ECC generation, handling, transportation and durability recommendations
Applications and practical value
- Ensures media and drive interoperability for backup and archival workflows across vendors
- Guides tape manufacturers on acceptable tape construction and quality parameters
- Informs tape drive designers about read/write, azimuth, calibration tracks and signal amplitude requirements
- Useful for data center operators, archives and preservation specialists who need reliable interchange and long‑term storage
- Supports validation, testing and certification of media and systems for DLT‑3 compatibility
Who should use this standard
- Tape/media manufacturers, drive designers and firmware engineers
- System integrators, data center architects and IT managers responsible for tape‑based backup and archiving
- Quality assurance and test labs performing media interchangeability and durability testing
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 1001:1986 (labelling and file structure reference cited)
- ISO/IEC 13421 and ISO/IEC 13962 (other 12.7 mm DLT cartridge developments referenced in the introduction)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 14833:1996, DLT 3, Digital Linear Tape, 12.7 mm 128‑track, magnetic tape cartridge, data interchange, tape format, tape archival standards.