Overview
ISO/IEC 15896:1999 specifies the physical, magnetic and logical characteristics of the 12.7 mm, 208-track magnetic tape cartridge using the Digital Linear Tape 5 (DLT 5) format. The standard defines tape geometry, media properties, recording method, signal quality and a data layout so cartridges are physically and logically interchangeable between compliant drives. Together with labelling standards (for example ISO 1001), ISO/IEC 15896 enables reliable data interchange on DLT 5 cartridges.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Media dimensions and materials
- Tape width: 12.649 mm ± 0.010 mm
- Tape length: 557 m ± 5 m (leader splice to hub)
- Total thickness: 8.3 µm to 9.3 µm
- Base film (e.g., PET) with ferromagnetic coating and conductive back coating
- Tracks and capacity
- 208 physical tracks, organized into logical tracks and envelopes to support DLT 5 format
- Native capacity ~35 GB (introduction notes), typically ≥70 GB compressed
- Magnetic and recording characteristics
- Physical recording density and flux-transition metrics (e.g., 2 254 ftpmm referenced for measurements)
- Standard Reference Amplitude (SRA), Standard Reference Current and Test Recording Current = 1.1 × Standard Reference Current
- Requirements for overwrite, peak shift, signal amplitude and missing-pulse tolerance
- Mechanical cartridge specifications
- Detailed cartridge geometry, tape leader, reel behavior, winding, moment of inertia and materials
- Data format and error control
- DLT 5 block, entity and envelope structure
- Use of CRC, EDC and ECC fields for error detection and correction
- Tape layout: calibration/ directory area, guard areas, data area, logical/physical track mapping
- Environmental, handling and safety
- Test environment: 23 °C ± 2 °C, 40–60% RH; operating: 10–40 °C, 20–80% RH; storage: 16–32 °C, 20–80% RH
- Transportation, flammability and handling recommendations in annexes
Applications
- Ensures interchangeability of DLT 5 cartridges between drives from different vendors
- Used for archiving, backup and high-capacity data storage where tape libraries and removable media are deployed
- Provides specification for manufacturers of magnetic tape media, tape drives, and tape library integrators to achieve reliable read/write compatibility
Who uses this standard
- Tape media manufacturers and quality engineers
- Tape drive designers and firmware developers
- IT architects and integrators managing tape libraries and long-term archives
- Test labs and compliance assessors validating DLT 5 interchangeability
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 15896, DLT 5, 12.7 mm magnetic tape, 208-track cartridge, magnetic tape standard, data interchange, tape format, tape cartridge specifications.