Overview
ISO/IEC 29171:2009 defines the mechanical, dimensional and physical characteristics of the Information Versatile Disk for Removable usage (iVDR) cartridge to enable mechanical interchangeability and reliable data interchange between systems. The standard covers cartridge outline, connector descriptions and the operating, testing and storage environments for iVDR media, which may house hard disk drive (HDD) technology or other suitable storage technologies.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Form factor and dimensions: Specifies the iVDR cartridge external size (nominal 110.0 × 80.0 × 12.7 mm) and detailed dimensional tolerances to ensure mechanical compatibility across devices.
- Mass limit: Maximum cartridge mass 0.25 kg.
- Connector and signal assignments: Defines the plug (cartridge) connector dimensions, pin assignments and mating receptacle characteristics required for electrical and mechanical interchangeability.
- Environment and safety:
- Testing environment: e.g., 20 °C ± 3 °C, 50 % ± 20 % RH.
- Operating environment: 5 °C to 50 °C, 8 % to 90 % RH; power +5.00 V ± 0.25 V, current ≤ 2 A, ripple noise ≤ 100 mVpp.
- Storage environment: −40 °C to 65 °C, 5 % to 95 % RH.
- Magnetic field limits and condensation prevention are specified.
- Mechanical features: Guide rails, lock/gap areas, clamp/eject/load areas, insertion direction and label zones; flatness and support-plane requirements to control mechanical tolerances.
- Safety & flammability: Cartridge assemblies must meet IEC 60950-1 safety requirements and be constructed so ignition does not sustain burning in a CO2 atmosphere.
- Testing and transport: Normative and informative annexes detail connector insertion/extraction forces, contact materials, transportation recommendations and example supplements.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Consumer electronics and media appliances: Devices that accept removable iVDR cartridges for audio/video content storage and transport.
- Data-storage product designers and OEMs: Mechanical, electrical and firmware engineers designing drives, docks and receivers that must accept iVDR cartridges.
- Systems integrators and archival solutions: Organizations requiring standardized removable storage for interchange between systems.
- Test labs and compliance officers: Verifying dimensional, environmental and connector conformance per the standard.
Related Standards
- ISO/IEC 24739-3 (ATA/ATAPI transport protocols and physical interconnect) - cited for enabling full data interchange.
- IEC 60950-1 - referenced for electrical safety.
- A compatible volume and file structure standard is required in combination with ISO/IEC 29171 to achieve full interoperable data exchange.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 29171:2009, iVDR cartridge, Information Versatile Disk, removable storage, connector pin assignments, dimensional specifications, operating environment, mechanical interchangeability.