ISO 1154-1975 PDF

Full title and description

Information processing — Punched paper tape — Dimensions and location of feed holes and code holes (ISO 1154:1975). This International Standard specifies the mechanical layout required for feed (sprocket) holes and data/code holes on 25.4 mm nominal-width punched paper tape to support interoperable data interchange between equipment.

Abstract

ISO 1154:1975 establishes the dimensions and relative locations of feed (sprocket) holes and code (data) holes for punched paper tape intended for information processing. The standard applies specifically to fully punched round-hole tape with a nominal width of 25.4 mm (1 inch) and gives the parameters needed so tape produced by different organisations can be reliably transported and read by data-processing equipment.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in ISO review cycle).
• Publication date: April 1975 (Edition 1, 1975-04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.220.10 — Paper cards and tapes (information processing).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1975).
• Number of pages: 2 pages (concise technical specification).

Details above are taken from the ISO catalogue entry and national sales copies of the standard.

Scope

Specifies the nominal dimensions and exact positioning of feed (sprocket) holes and code (data) holes on punched paper tape for information interchange. The scope covers tapes with a nominal width of 25.4 mm and fully punched round holes; its purpose is to ensure mechanical compatibility of tape transport and consistent alignment of data holes relative to the feed track so that a variety of readers and punches can interoperate.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and reference edge for the 25.4 mm (1 in) punched paper tape format.
• Specified diameters, spacings and tolerances for feed (sprocket) holes and code holes (positioning relative to the tape edges and feed track).
• Longitudinal and transverse location requirements to limit cumulative error along the feed track (to ensure correct reading across long tapes).
• Interoperability objective: parameters chosen so tapes produced by different organisations and equipment manufacturers can be exchanged and read reliably.

Typical use and users

Historically used by computer, teleprinter and data-communications equipment manufacturers, data-processing facilities, archives and museums, and organisations maintaining legacy systems or collections. Users include standards engineers, conservators, technical librarians and anyone working with legacy punched-tape data interchange or equipment restoration. Examples of punched-tape items and collections are held in museum and archival collections for research and preservation.

Related standards

ISO 1154:1975 is part of the information-processing family of standards for paper cards and tapes (ICS 35.220.10). Related documents and neighbouring standards include earlier ISO/R 1154 (the Recommendation that preceded the International Standard), and other punched-tape and media standards such as ISO 1113 (representation of coded character sets on punched tape), ISO 1745 (basic mode control procedures for data communication systems), and other ISO standards on punched-tape reels and dimensions. These related standards together address character coding, tape handling and associated media specifications.

Keywords

punched paper tape; feed holes; sprocket holes; code holes; data interchange; 25.4 mm tape; punched tape dimensions; ISO 1154:1975; information processing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1154:1975 is an International Standard that specifies the dimensions and locations of feed (sprocket) holes and code (data) holes on punched paper tape of nominal width 25.4 mm to enable mechanical interoperability between readers and punches.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the nominal tape width, the positioning and sizes (with tolerances) of feed and data holes, and the geometric relationships needed to ensure reliable tape transport and correct alignment of data channels for interchange. The text is concise (2 pages) and focuses on the mechanical parameters.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Historically, equipment manufacturers, systems integrators, data-centre engineers, archivists and conservators working with punched-tape media used this standard. Today it is mainly of interest to those preserving or restoring legacy equipment and data, or maintaining interoperability with historic punched-tape archives.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 1154:1975 was reviewed and confirmed in ISO’s review cycle (confirmation recorded in 2020); the ISO catalogue entry shows this edition remains confirmed rather than withdrawn or superseded. In practice it is a historical format standard that remains the authoritative reference for the described punched-tape geometry.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the family of ISO information-processing standards for paper cards and tapes (ICS 35.220.10) and is associated with related standards dealing with character representation on tape, control procedures and other media dimensions. It technically replaced ISO Recommendation R 1154 (the earlier recommendation) when adopted as an International Standard.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Punched paper tape, feed hole, sprocket hole, code hole, 25.4 mm, data interchange, tape dimensions, ISO 1154.