IRIG 106-99  CHAPTER 6 - MAGNETIC TAPE RECORDER AND REPRODUCER STANDARDS 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Definitions 6.3 General Consideration for Longitudinal Recording 6.4 Recorded Tape Format 6.5 Head and Head Segment Mechanical Parameters 6.6 Head Polarity 6.7 Magnetic Tape and Reel Characteristics 6.8 Direct Record and Reproduce Systems 6.9 Timing, Predetection, and Tape Signature Recording 6.10 FM Record Systems 6.11 PCM Recording 6.12 Preamble Recording for Automatic or Manual Recorder Alignment 6.13 19-mm Digital Cassette Helical Scan Recording Standards 6.14 Multiplex/Demultiplex (MUX/DEMUX) Standard for Multiple Data         Channel Recording on 19-MM Digital Cassette Helical Scan         Recorder/Reproducer Systems 6.15 Submultiplex/Demultiplex Standards for Multiple Data Channels         on a Primary Digital Multiplex/Demultiplex Channel 6.16 1/2 Inch Digital Cassette (S-VHS) Helical Scan Recording Standards 6.17 Multiplex/Demultiplex (MUX/DEMUX) Standards for Multiple Data         Channel Recording on ½ Inch Digital Cassette (S-VHS) Helical Scan         Recorder/Reproducer Systems CHAPTER 6 MAGNETIC TAPE RECORDER AND REPRODUCER STANDARDS 6.1 Introduction These standards define terminology for longitudinal fixed-head recorder and reproducer systems and establish the recorder and reproducer configuration required to ensure crossplay compatibility between tapes recorded at one facility and reproduced at another. Standards for 19 millimeter digital cassette helical scan and 1/2 inch digital cassette (S-VHS) helical scan recording systems are also included along with the associated multiplexer/demultiplexer systems. Acceptable performance levels and a minimum of restrictions consistent with compatibility in interchange transactions are delineated. While the standards may serve as a guide in the procurement of magnetic tape recording equipment, they are not intended to be employed as substitutes for purchase specifications. Other standards have been prepared by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (see paragraph 1.0, appendix D). Wherever feasible, quantitative performance levels are given which must be met or exceeded to comply with these standards. Standard test methods and measurement procedures shall be used to determine such quantities, including those contained in volume III of RCC document 118, Test Methods for Recorder/Reproducer Systems and Magnetic Tape. United States (U.S.) engineering units are the original dimension in these standards. Conversions from U.S. engineering units (similar to British Imperial Units) to Systeme International d' Unites (SI) units have been done according to ANSI Z210.1-1976 (and International Standards Organization 370) Method A, except as noted. Standards applying to magnetic tapes are contained in chapter 7 of this document. 6.2 Definitions 6.2.1  5/6 Modulation Code. A method of encoding whereby a 5-bit data group is converted to a 6-bit code frame in accordance with a conversion table. Such coding is performed to control the frequency content of the data stream. 6.2.2 Basic Dimension. A dimension specified on a drawing as BASIC is a theoretical value used to describe the exact size, shape, or location of a feature. It is used as the basis from which permissible variations are established by tolerances on other dimensions. 6.2.3 Bias Signal, High Frequency. A high-frequency sinusoidal signal linearly added to the analog data signal in direct recording to linearize the magnetic recording characteristic. 6.2.4 Bi-Phase. A method of representing "one" or "zero" levels in PCM systems where a level change is forced to occur in every bit period. In bi-phase recording, the bi-phase level (split-phase) method is employed. 6.2.5 Bit Error. In PCM systems, a bit error has occurred when the expected bit value is not present; for example, a zero is present when a one is expected, or a one is present when a zero is expected. 6.2.6 Bit Error Rate. Number of bits in error in a predeter-mined number of bits transmitted or recorded, for example, 1 in 106 or a BER of 10-6 . 6.2.7 Bit Packing Density, Linear. Number of bits recorded per inch or per millimeter of tape length. For serial PCM recording, the number of bits per unit length of a single track. 6.2.8 Bit Slip. The increase or decrease in detected bit rate by one or more bits with respect to the actual bit rate. 6.2.9 Code Frame. An ordered and contiguous set of bits (symbol) that results as a unit from the process of modulation coding. 6.2.10 Code Word Digital Sum (CWDS). Denotes the digital sum variation of one modulation code frame (symbol). 6.2.11 Crossplay. Reproducing a previously recorded tape on a recorder and reproducer system other than that used to record the tape. 6.2.12 Crosstalk. Undesired signal energy appearing in a reproducer channel as a result of coupling from other channels. 6.2.13 Data Azimuth (Dynamic). The departure from the head segment gap azimuth angles (static) because of the dynamic interface between the heads and the moving tape. 6.2.14 Data Scatter. The distance between two parallel lines (as defined under Gap Scatter) in the plane of the tape, which contains all data transitions recorded simultaneously with the same head at the same instant of time. 6.2.15 Data Spacing. For interlaced head systems, the distance on tape between simultaneous events recorded on odd and even heads. 6.2.16 Digital Sum Variation (DSV). Indicates the integral value which is counted from the beginning of the modulation coded waveform, taking a high level as 1 and a low level as -1. 6.2.17 Direct Recording (ac Bias Recording) . A magnetic recording technique employing a high-frequency bias signal which is linearly added to the data signal. The composite signal is then used as the driving signal to the record-head segment. The bias signal, whose frequency is well above the highest frequency that can be reproduced by the system, transforms the recording of the data signal so that it is a more nearly linear process. 6.2.18 Double-Density Recording. Direct, FM, or PCM recording on magnetic tape at bandwidths equal to those used in wide-band instrumentation recording, but at one-half the wide-band tape speeds specified in IRIG standard 106-80 and earlier telemetry standards. Special record and reproduce heads and high output tapes (see chapter 7 ) are required for double-density recording. 6.2.19 Dropout. An instantaneous decrease in reproduce signal amplitude of a specified amplitude and duration. 6.2.20 ECC Code Word. The group of symbols resulting from ECC encoding including the data symbols and the check symbols appended. 6.2.21 Edge Margin. The distance between the outside edge of the highest number track and the tape edge (see figure 6-1). 6.2.22 Edge Margin Minimum. The minimum value of edge margin. 6.2.23 Error Correcting Code (ECC). A mathematical procedure yielding bits used for the detection and correction of errors. 6.2.24 FM Recording. Recording on magnetic tape using frequency- modulated record electronics to obtain response from dc to an upper specified frequency. The FM systems forfeit upper bandwidth response of direct record systems to obtain low frequency and dc response not available with direct recording. 6.2.25 Flux Transition. A 180-degree change in the flux pattern of a magnetic medium brought about by a reversal of poles within the medium. 6.2.26 Flux Transition Density. Number of flux transitions per inch or per millimeter of track length. 6.2.27 Flutter. Undesired changes in the frequency of signals during the reproduction of a magnetic tape produced by speed variations of the magnetic tape during recording or reproducing. 6.2.28 Gap Azimuth. The angular deviation, in degrees of arc, of the recorded flux transitions on a track from the line normal to the track center line. 6.2.29 Gap Length (Physical). The dimension between leading and trailing edges of a record or reproduce head-segment gap measured along a line perpendicular to the leading and trailing edges of the gap. 6.2.30 Gap Scatter (Record Head). The distance between two parallel lines is defined in the following subparagraphs. 6.2.30.1  The two lines pass through the geometric centers of the trailing edges of the two outermost head segment gaps within a record head. The geometric centers of the other head segment gap trailing edges lie between the two parallel lines. 6.2.30.2  The two parallel lines lie in the plane of the tape and are perpendicular to the head reference plane (see figure 6-3). 6.2.31 Gap Scatter (Reproduce Head). Defined the same as for record-head gap scatter except that the reference points for reproduce heads are the geometric centers of the center lines of the head segment gaps (see figure 6-3). 6.2.32 Guard Band. The unrecorded space between two adjacent recorded tracks on the magnetic tape. 6.2.33 Head (Record or Reproduce). A group of individual head segments mounted in a stack. 6.2.34 Head Designation. For interlaced heads, the first head of a record or reproduce pair over which the tape passes in the forward direction contains odd-numbered head segments and is the odd head. The second head containing even-numbered head segments is the even head. For noninterlaced heads, that is, in-line heads, both odd- and even-numbered head segments are contained within a single head. 6.2.35 Heads, In-Line. A single record head and a single reproduce head are employed. Odd and even record-head segment gaps are in-line in the record head. Odd and even reproduce-head segment gaps are in-line in the reproduce head. 6.2.36 Head Reference Plane. The plane, which may be imaginary, is parallel to the reference edge of the tape and perpendicular to the plane of the tape. For purposes of this definition, the tape shall be considered as perfect (see figures 6-2 and 6-3). 6.2.37 Head Segment, Record or Reproduce. A single transducer that records or reproduces one track (see figure 6-3). 6.2.38 Head Segment Gap Azimuth (Record or Reproduce Heads). The angle formed in the plane of the tape between a line perpendicular to the head reference plane and a line parallel to the trailing edge of the record-head segment gap or parallel to the center line of the reproduce-head segment gap. 6.2.39 Head Segment Gap Azimuth Scatter. The angular deviations of the head segment gap azimuth angles within a head. 6.2.40 Head Segment Numbering. Numbering of a head segment corresponds to the track number on the magnetic tape on which that head segment normally operates. For interlaced heads, the odd head of a pair contains all odd-numbered segments, while the even head will contain all even-numbered segments (see figure 6-2). In-line heads will contain odd and even segments in the same head stack. 6.2.41 Head Spacing. For interlaced head systems, the distance between odd and even heads. 6.2.42 Head Tilt. The angle between the plane tangent to the front surface of the head at the center line of the head segment gaps and a line perpendicular to the head reference plane (see figure 6-3). 6.2.43 Heads, Interlaced. Two record heads and two reproduce heads are employed. Head segments for alternate tracks are in alternate heads. 6.2.44 Helical Track. A diagonally positioned area on the tape along which a series of magnetic transitions is recorded. 6.2.45 High-Density Digital Recording. Recording of digital data on a magnetic medium resulting in a flux transition density in excess of 590 transitions per millimeter (15 000 transitions per inch) per track. 6.2.46 Individual Track Data Azimuth Difference . Angular deviation of the data azimuth of an individual odd or even recorded track from the data azimuth of other odd or even tracks. The difficulty in making direct optical angular measurements requires this error to be expressed as a loss of signal amplitude experienced when the tape is reproduced with an ideal reproducing head, whose gap is aligned to coincide with the data azimuth of all tracks in one head as compared to the azimuth which produces maximum signal for an individual track (see figure 6-3). 6.2.47 Interleaving. The systematic reordering of data so that originally adjacent ECC code word symbols are separated, thus reducing the effect of burst errors on the error correcting capability. 6.2.48 Non-Return to Zero-Level. A binary method of repre-sentation for PCM signals where one is represented by one level, and zero is defined as the other level in a bi-level system. 6.2.49 Physical Recording Density. The number of recorded flux transitions per unit length of track, for example, flux transitions per millimeter (ftpmm). 6.2.50 Principal Block. Denotes a group of helical tracks recorded on the tape in one complete rotation of the scanner. 6.2.51 Principal Block Number (PBN). A unique number assigned to and recorded in each principal block. 6.2.52 Record Level Set Frequency. Frequency of a sinusoidal signal used to establish the standard record level in direct- record systems. Normally, 10 percent of the upper band edge (UBE) frequency. 6.2.53 Reference Tape Edge. When viewing a magnetic tape from the oxide surface side with the earlier recorded portion to the observer's right, the reference edge is the top edge of the tape (see figure 6-1). 6.2.54 Reference Track Location. Location of the center line of track number 1 from the reference edge of tape. 6.2.55 Scanner. The rotating assembly housing the helical heads around which the tape is applied thereby accomplishing the recording of helical tracks on the tape. 6.2.56 Standard Record Level. For a magnetic tape recorder meeting IRIG standards and operating in the direct record mode, the input signal level produces 1 percent third harmonic distortion of the record level set frequency. 6.2.57 Tape Skew. Motion of a magnetic tape past a head such that a line perpendicular to the tape reference edge has an angular displacement (static or dynamic) from the head gap center lines. 6.2.58 Tape Speed, Absolute. The tape speed during recording and reproducing. The peripheral velocity of the capstan minus any tape slip, regardless of tape tension and environment. 6.2.59 Tape Speed, Effective. The tape speed modified by the effects on tape of operating conditions such as tension, tape materials, thickness, temperature, and humidity. The effective tape speed should be equal to the selected speed of the recorder, for example, 1524 mm/s (60 ips), 3048 mm/s (120 ips), regardless of operating conditions. 6.2.60 Tape Speed Errors. Errors are the departures of the effective speed from the selected tape speed. 6.2.61 Track Angle. The angular deviation, in degrees of arc, of the centerline of the recorded helical track from the tape reference edge. 6.2.62 Track Location. Location of the nth track centerline from the reference track centerline. 6.2.63 Track Numbering. The reference track is designated as track number 1. Tracks are numbered consecutively from the reference track downward when viewing the oxide surface of the tape with the earlier recorded portion of the tape to the observer's right (see figure 6-1). 6.2.64 Track Spacing. Distance between adjacent track centerlines on a magnetic tape (see figure 6-1). 6.2.65 Track Width. The physical width of the common interface of the record-head segment at the gaps. This definition does not include the effects of fringing fields, which will tend to increase the recorded track width by a small amount. 6.2.66 Volume Label. A group of bits used to provide an identifying code for a tape cartridge. 6.3 General Consideration for Longitudinal Recording     6.3.1 Tape Speeds     6.3.2 Tape Width     6.3.3 Record and Reproduce Bandwidths Standard recording techniques, tape speeds, and tape configurations are required to provide maximum interchange of recorded telemetry magnetic tapes between the test ranges. Any one of the following methods of information storage or any compatible combination may be used simultaneously: direct recording, predetection recording, FM recording, or PCM recording. Double-density recording may be used when the length of recording time is critical; however, it must be used realizing that performance parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, crosstalk, and dropouts may be degraded (see paragraph 2.0, appendix D). 6.3.1 Tape Speeds. The standard tape speeds for instrumentation magnetic tape recorders are shown in table 6-1. 6.3.2 Tape Width. The standard nominal tape width is 25.4 mm (1 in.) (see table 7-1 , Tape Dimensions). 6.3.3 Record and Reproduce Bandwidths . For the purpose of these standards, two system bandwidth classes are designated: wide band and double density (see table 6-1). Interchange of tapes between the bandwidth classes is NOT recommended. ....Previous              Forward....