ISO IEC 8441-1-1991 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — High density digital recording (HDDR) — Part 1: Unrecorded magnetic tape for (HDDR) applications. Specifies technical and packaging requirements for unrecorded magnetic tape intended for high‑density digital recording, including dimensional, magnetic and test requirements and guidance annexes.

Abstract

This International Standard (ISO/IEC 8441‑1:1991) defines requirements for unrecorded magnetic tape intended for HDDR use: a nominal thickness of 25.4 µm, longitudinal magnetic orientation and a maximum coercivity of 72 kA/m (900 Oe). It includes packaging requirements and several informative annexes covering reels, head wear, environmental condition categories, severe operating conditions, surface electrical resistance, an abrasivity test technique and bibliographical references. The tape described is intended to be suitable for interchange in accordance with ISO/IEC 8441‑2.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 16 May 1991.
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (JTC 1 information technology).
• ICS / categories: 35.220.22 (Magnetic tapes).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1991).
• Number of pages: 28.

Scope

This part of ISO/IEC 8441 specifies the physical and magnetic characteristics, test methods and packaging requirements for unrecorded magnetic tape designed for high density digital recording systems. It applies specifically to tapes having the nominal thickness, magnetic orientation and coercivity characteristics stated in the document and is intended to support interchange (see Part 2). Informative annexes give guidance on reel types, head wear, environmental behaviour and test techniques relevant to HDDR applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Nominal tape thickness: 25.4 µm (0.001 in).
• Magnetic orientation: longitudinal orientation specified.
• Magnetic coercivity: maximum 72 kA/m (900 Oe) (note guidance about high‑energy tapes above 32 kA/m (400 Oe)).
• Packaging requirements to preserve tape condition and support interchange.
• Test methods and acceptance criteria for physical, magnetic and electrical properties.
• Informative annexes: guidance on glass/metal flanged reels, recording‑head wear, environmental condition categories, severe operating conditions, surface electrical resistance testing and an abrasivity test technique.

Typical use and users

Primary users are magnetic‑tape manufacturers, tape‑media specifiers, HDDR system designers, data‑center operators, archives and standards committees involved in media interchange and long‑term data preservation. The standard is used to specify media for high‑density digital recording where interchangeability and predictable behaviour (mechanical, magnetic and environmental) are required.

Related standards

ISO/IEC 8441 is a multipart work (see ISO/IEC 8441‑2 for interchange/recorded tape aspects). Other related documents cover magnetic tape formats, handling and care (examples cited in catalog records include ISO/IEC 1864 and later standards on magnetic tape care and interchange). Users implementing HDDR media specifications should review those related interchange, handling and archival standards for compatibility.

Keywords

HDDR, magnetic tape, unrecorded tape, tape thickness 25.4 µm, coercivity 72 kA/m, longitudinal orientation, packaging, interchange, tape test methods, head wear, abrasivity.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 8441‑1:1991 is an international standard that defines requirements and test methods for unrecorded magnetic tape intended for high density digital recording (HDDR) applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers physical and magnetic characteristics (including nominal thickness, magnetic orientation and coercivity limits), packaging requirements, and informative annexes with guidance and test techniques relevant to HDDR media.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tape‑media manufacturers, equipment designers, archivists and organizations specifying media for high‑density digital recording and interchange.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published in 1991 and remains part of historical HDDR literature; it is available from international standards catalogues. National adoptions or translations may have different lifecycle statuses (some national publications referencing this standard have been withdrawn). Users should check the latest ISO/IEC and national catalogues for any superseding or withdrawn notices before relying on it for new procurements or compliance work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO/IEC 8441 is a multipart standard. Part 1 covers unrecorded magnetic tape; Part 2 addresses interchange/recorded tape aspects. Implementers often need to consider both parts when specifying media for interchangeable HDDR systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HDDR, magnetic tape, unrecorded tape, coercivity, tape thickness, longitudinal magnetic orientation, packaging, tape interchange.