ANSI INCITS 197

Abstract

This standard provides the requirements for a tape cartridge to be used for information interchange among information-processing systems, communication systems, and associated equipment. This standard provides the general requirements, definitions, physical and magnetic tape characteristics, and the tape-cartridge requirements. CAUTION - The user’s attention is called to the possibility that compliance with this standard may require the use of an invention covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with respect to the validity of this claim or of any patent rights in connection therewith. However, the patent holder has filed a statement of willingness to grant a license under these rights on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions to applicants desiring to obtain such a license. Details may be obtained from the publisher. No representation or warranty is made or implied that this is the only license that may be required to avoid infringement in the use of this standard. Purpose This standard defines the requirements and supporting test methods necessary to ensure information interchange at acceptable performance levels. It is distinct from a specification in that it delineates a minimum of restrictions consistent with compatibility in interchange transactions. The performance levels contained in this standard represent the minimum acceptable levels of performance for interchange purposes. They, therefore, represent the performance levels that the interchange items should meet or surpass during their useful life and thus define end-of-life criteria for interchange purposes.The performance levels in this standard are not intended to be employed as substitutes for purchase specifications. Wherever feasible, quantitative performance levels that shall be met or exceeded to comply with this standard are given. In all cases, including those in which quantitative limits for requirements falling within the scope of this standard are not stated but left to agreement between the interchange parties, standard test methods and measurement procedures shall be used to determine such limits. The original dimensions and quantities for all numeric values in this standard are in U.S. Customary engineering units (similar to British Imperial units) and centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic units (cgs-emu). Conversions of these units to the International System of Units (SI) have been incorporated in accordance with the procedures described in ANSI/IEEE 268. Units of either of the two measurement systems may be referred to, but the two systems should not be intermixed or reconverted. Conversions of toleranced dimensions and quantities in this standard have been performed in accordance with Method A of ANSI/IEEE 268 and IS0 370 to maintain the implied correspondence between the accuracy of the original data and the number of significant ,digits and rounding of the  converted values. In the national standards of IS0 member bodies, additional rounding may be done to produce “preferred” values. These values should lie within or close to the original tolerance. Except as indicated above, the interchange parties complying with the applicable standards should be able to achieve compatibility without the need for additional exchange of technical information.