Reference / Paper · 1965
ECMA-10 Standard
ECMA-10, *Standard for Data Interchange on Punched Tape*, 1st edition, Nov 1965 (25.40 mm tape, 1.83 mm code holes, 1.17 mm feed holes, 2.54 mm pitch, feed track between tracks 3 and 4)
Reference / Paper · 1965
ECMA-10, *Standard for Data Interchange on Punched Tape*, 1st edition, Nov 1965 (25.40 mm tape, 1.83 mm code holes, 1.17 mm feed holes, 2.54 mm pitch, feed track between tracks 3 and 4)
EOMA EUROPEAN COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ECMA STANDARD for Data Interchange on Punched Tape November 1965 Free copies of this standard ECMA-10 are available from ECMA European Computer Manufacturers Association 114, rue du Rhéne — 1204 Geneva (Switzerland) ROMA EUROPEAN COMPUTER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ECMA STANDARD for Data Interchange on Punched Tape November 1965 BRIEF HISTORY On March 29, 1963 ECMA adopted their Standard ECMA-l for a 6 Bit Character Code for Input and Output purposes and on April 30, 1965 their Standard ECMA-6 for a correspond~ ing 7 Bit Code. In the form adopted it included no propos- als for implementation in media which were deliberately left as the subject for future standards. This Standard ECMA-10 for Data Interchange on Punched Tape, adopted on Nov. 30, 1965, is essentially associated with the physical implementation of the Standards ECMA-1 and Representatives of the following Companies participated in the work of the Task Group which prepared this Standard : Compagnie des Machines BULL N.V. Electrologica Elliott Bros. (London) Ltd English Electric Leo Marconi Computers Ltd IBM-WTEC IcT, International Computers and Tabulators Ltd Ing. C. Olivetti and Co. S.p.A. NCR, The National Cash Register Co. Ltd Siemens & Halske A.G. Telefunken Aktiengesellschaft In addition representatives of the following Companies in the Paper Industry have by invitation participated in the work as advisors 3: Waterlow and Sons Ltd Wiggins Teape Research and Development Ltd William Nash Ltd In preparing this work particular attention has been given to the proposals of other national and international organi- zations working on this subject. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION SECTION 1 - PROPERTIES OF UNPUNCHED TAPE 1.1 Dimensions 1.1.1 Thickness 1.1.2 Width Dimensional Stability Mechanical Properties 1.3.1 Tensile Strength 1.3.2 Tear Strength 1.3.3 Flexibility/Stiffness Optical Properties 1.4.1 Percentage Light Transmission 1.4.2 Noise Factor Electrical Properties 1.5.1 Dielectrical Properties 1.5.2 Conductivity Electrostatic Properties 3 eneral Quality 1 Deleterious Effects 2 Writeability 3 Lubrication Qualities 5 n «6 6 6 SECTION 2 - PROPERTIES OF PUNCHED TAPE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF PUNCHING ension of information - Track positioning . Row positioning ° Distance of centre of feed holes to reference edge Feed hole diameter Code hole diameter 2.1 im al «Li el dimensions and properties of punched tape Reference edge Joints, splices, etc. General Cleanliness Quality of punched holes SECTION Sal Ja 353 Tape coil 2.3.1 Outer diameter 2.3.2 Inner diameter 2.3.3 Tightness of winding 3 —- IMPLEMENTATION OF CODES ON PUNCHED TAPE Coding Track numbering Allocation of bits to tracks 3.3.1 Bits 3.3.2 Parity Bit 3.3.3 7 Bit Character Code 3.3.4 6 Bit Character Code 3.3.5 4 Bit Subsets Leaders and Trailers 5 . Orientation of data on punched tape APPENDIX 1 A. Transportation B. Storage Conditions Cc. Cores Ds Titles, directional indication and winding of punched tapes APPENDIX 2 Ls Introduction 2s Test Apparatus 3s Light Collecting Elements 4. Test Procedures. and Definitions a. Fig. l and Fig. 2 APPENDIX 3 die The problem of punching the tape au The problem of reading the tape Introduction | din This standard relates to punched tapes used for data | interchange among data processing systems. It confines itself to those factors and properties for | reading such tapes, punching and other properties hav- ing been borne in mind. This standard does not refer to prefolded tape. Ti. Wherever possible the properties and dimensions of the punched tape have been defined precisely, or spe- cific testing methods called for. However, it is re- cognized that certain requirements of tape can, at the present time, only be described in general terms. iii. Only tape with a width of 25,40 mm or 17,46 mm nominal is to be considered standard for data interchange. The last mentioned tape is only intended for the possible representation of 4 bit subsets (see par. 3.3.5). iv. Punched tape for data interchange must be straight and its edges parallel. No deformation or notches on the edges of the tape can be permitted. Ve This standard is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the properties of unpunch- ed tape. The second section is confined to the properties of punched tape to be used for data interchange. The third section describes the implementation of codes on punched tape. In appendix 1, which is not part of the standard, recom- mendations are given concerning handling of punched tape. Appendix 2 describes the method of testing light trans-— mission of tape. | | “vi. Test conditions. | | For the purpose of dimensional measurements the test conditions are 3 50 %Z+2% Relative Humidity: 23°c + 2° Temperature. For the purpose of all other physical measurements the test conditions are : 65 %+2% Relative Humidity; 20°c + 2°c Temperature. It is necessary that all paper samples to be tested should be freely exposed to the stipulated environment for at least 12 hours prior to any measurements. Note 3: -5.- To maintain the Relative Humidity within the prescribed limits from point to point in the test room, any varia- tions of temperature from point to point throughout the test room will have to be less than + 0,5°C. Section lL PROPERTIES OF UNPUNCHED TAPE ed Dimensions Lelel Thickness Nominal 0,100 mm¢: Tolerance + 0,005 mm. Method of test as described in DIN 53111, but at- mospheric test conditions as specified in the in- troduction. Lednd Width Nominal 25,40 mm: Tolerance + 0,05 mm. or Nominal 17,46 mm; Tolerance + 0,05 mm. (see par. 3.3.5) Note : The thickness and width have been specified above on the understanding that the test method will employ a sampling procedure such that the mean value of the reading taken shall meet the values specified above. In addition the spread of the test readings shall be such that the mean value less two standard devia- tions (or Sigma 2) shall not exceed 0,100 mm on the width, and O,O1LO mm on the thickness. Dimensional Stability The tape shall not undergo a dimensional change greater than 0,5 % in the longitudinal direction, and 1,0 % in the transverse direction when subjected to humidity variations over the range 20% - 75 %R. H. at 20°C. The tape must meet all the tolerances laid down in the full specification when returned to 50 %R. H. and 20°. Mechanical Properties dw Sed Tensile strength The tape shall be able to withstand in the longi- tudinal direction a force of at least 8 kg per cm width of the tape. The tensile strength in the transverse direction shall be at least 50 % of the value specified for the longitudinal direction. Method of test as described in DIN 53112. = 6 = LisSa2 Tear Strength The tear strength shall not be less than 70 g in longitudinal direction and 80 g in transverse direction. Method of test as described in Austra- lian PPITA P400 m/62 on Internal Tearing Resistance. 1.3.3 Flexibility/Stiffness able it to turn satisfactorily on a machine where it has to turn through 180° on a 6 mm diameter roller, yet stiff enough to enable it to be easi- ly fed through the throat of a punch block or a similar device. 1.4 Optical Properties 1.4.1 The percentage light transmission as defined and measured by means of the test apparatus described in Appendix 2 shall not be greater than 35 %. | | | The tapes shall be sufficiently flexible to en- } | | | 1.4.2 The noise factor (see Appendix 2) shall not be greater than O,05. | . Note : Any printing on the tape, such as arrows | or manufacturers' name, etc. is required to meet clause 1.4.1 and clause 1.4.2. iL. 5 Electrical Properties 1.5.2 Dielectrical Properties | The relative dielectrical constant shall be 1,8 | minimum. L.5a2 Conductivity For the purpose of sensing the tape shall act substantially as an insulator when placed be- tween two low-voltage sensing contacts. 1.5.3 Electrostatic Properties Generation of an appreciable amount of static electricity by the passage of the tape through a high speed reader or punch cannot be tolerated. 1.6 General Quality 1.6.1 Deleterious defects The tape shall be as free from unbeaten fibres, | fluff, dust, grit, dirt spots, wrinkles, creases, edge tears and abrasive particles as modern manufacturing processes permit. There shall be no pin holes or translucent spots in the tape. Lx Bed Writeability The tape shall be capable of being written upon legibly by means of ink, ball pointed pens and 3, Us « 7 indelible, colour and lead pencils. 1.6.3 Lubrication Qualities Any lubricant in the tape shall not have an adverse effect on photoelectric or dielectric reading, fric- tion, dust, storage containers or on any of the factors determined in this specification. The lu- bricant shall be free from migration. Section 2 PROPERTIES OF PUNCHED TAPE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF PUNCHING 26 Dimensions of information It is highly desirable, for physical interchange of punched tapes, that the tape should be punched in an environment within the range of 40 % to 60 % Relative Humidity. If however, due to uncontrolled circumstances, the environmental conditions prevailing at the time of punching are above 60 %R. H. or below 40 % R. H. respectively, it may prove necessary to make a spe- cial arrangement between the sender and the receiver in order to ensure satisfactory reading. (See Appendix 3). Zell Track positioning Within a row the distance of the centres of the code holes from the centre of the feed hole shall be 2,54 n + 0,05 mm, where n is an integer. Ze Lee Row positioning The distance between two adjacent rows shall be 2,540 mm + 0,075 mm, measured at the feed holes. The tolerance on alignment of holes within a row is + 0,075 mm, measured between the centre of the hole and a line drawn at right angles to the ref- erence edge (to be defined in 2.2.1), and passing through the centre of the feed hole. The permissible spacing error along the feed track between centres of feed holes shall not exceed a) + 0,25 mm in a span of 10 spaces (25,4 mm) b) + 0,63 mm in a span of 50 spaces (127,0 mm) 2.1.3 Distance of the centre of feed holes to reference edge. Nominal 9,96 mm Tolerance + 0,10 mm (Reference edge as defined in 2.2.1). Ze3 = B= 2.1.4 Feed hole diameter Nominal 1,170 mm Tolerance + 0,050 mm - 0,025 mm 2ic1s5 Code hole diameter Nominal 1,83 mm Tolerance + 0,05 mm Other dimensions and properties of punched tape 2201 Reference edge The reference edge of the tape shall be that with three data tracks between it and the feed hole track. If tape is guided from one edge, the reference edge shall be used as the guide edge. Za2eid Joints, splices, etc. Punched tape for data interchange shall be free of overlapped or other joints, splices, etc. Aatad General cleanliness Data interchange tapes shall be as clean and free from dust, etc. as possible. There shall be no translucent spots, or oil deposits from punches. © 2.2.4 Quality of punched holes The edges of data and feed holes shall be free from fibres or burrs, liable to cause misreading (see paragraphs 2.1.4 and 2.1.5). Tape coil 2edok Outer diameter The maximum outer diameter of a coil of punched tape shall be 190 mm. 22302 Inner diameter Tape for data interchange must be supplied either without a core, but wound with an inner radius of 51-52 mm, or on an annular core, the inner diameter of which must also be 51-52 mm. Tightness of winding The reel must be tightly wound in such a way as to ensure that a coil which has an outer diameter of 190 mm and an inner diameter of 52 mm shall contain at least 225 m of tape. hes. =r If ater to I £ tain _— - 9 = Section 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF CODES ON PUNCHED TAPE 3.1 Coding The data on punched tapes for data interchange shall be encoded in an ECMA character code. es Track numbering The data tracks on punched tape shall be numbered con- secutively from one to eight. Track number one shall be the track closest to the reference edge, so that the feed hole track lies between tracks three and four. 3.3 Allocation of bits to tracks 3.3.1 Bits A 1 bit within the coded character shall cor- respond to a hole in the punched tape. 3e3e2 Parity bit On data-interchange tapes, in each and every transverse row a parity bit shall be added to the bits of the coded character. The value of this parity bit is given in next paragraphs. 3.3.3 7 bit character code Punched tape 25,4 mm wide shall be used for the 7 bit character code. The bits within each char- acter shall be allocated to the tracks on the tape thus ;: Bit no Track no & OI OY I'd hom oO Oo feed hole 3 3 2 2 1 1 "Pp" indicates a parity check bit. Parity shall be even, overall. 3.3.4 6 bit character code Punched tape 25,4 mm wide shall be used for the 6 bit character code. The bits within each char- acter shall be allocated to the tracks on tape thus : = 10 = Bit no Track no P 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 feed hole 3 3 2 2 i. 1 The 8th track shall not be punched. Parity shall be odd, overall. 3.3.5 4 bit subsets When 4 bit subsets are used, the 4 data bits and the parity check bit of every character shall be allocated either to the 5 first consecutive tracks of a 25,40 mm wide tape or to the 5 tracks of a 17,46 mm wide tape thus ¢ Bit no Track no (8) (7) (6) P 5 4 4 feed hole 3 3 2 2 iL 1 On 8 track tape the tracks 6,7 and 8 shall not be punched. Parity shall be odd, overall. As it is to be expected that in future reference will be given to a unique 25,40 mm wide tape, this tape is recommended for 4 bit subset. How- ever, considering the extensive present use of 5 track tape and corresponding devices, the use of 17,46 mm wide tape is also allowed. Leaders and trailers In order to facilitate tape handling on reeling equipment each coil of punched tape carrying data shall have leaders and trailers, at least 120 cm in length. Each leader and trailer will include a minimum of 50 NULL characters immediately before and after data characters respectively. This punching of 50 NULL characters is also required on leaders and trailers of strips of punched tape. The same punching of NULL characters shall also be used at any point along the tape when it is desired to sep- arate physically sections, carrying punched data. -e rt rs 35 ~1ll1- Orientation of data on punched tape DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT qJ 8 oe) z oe) 6 0O 5 OO & oe) 9900000 0C0O0O O00 Og o e Feed Holes 3 oe) 2 oO 4 oe) t nt t Track lst 2nd Reference Edge Numbers Figure 1 With the tape oriented as shown in Figure 1, and the observer looking down onto the tape, the direction of forward tape movement is from right to left, and the first character of data (the most significant character as entered from a typewriter-like device) is the one farthest to the left (lst). The next most significant character immediately follows it (2nd) etc. Tapes for data interchange shall be marked, or the ends cut, to give a positive indication of the direction of forward tape movement. Suggestions for using arrows for this purpose are given in Appendix 1-D. -~ 12 - APPENDIX 1 Transportation It is important that tape for data interchange shall not be damaged or contaminated during transport from one in- stallation to another. It is therefore necessary to pro- vide adequate protection by means of a suitable container. The recommended method would comprise a cardboard or plas- tic box for each single full sized coil or several smaller ones. The lid of the box must fit well and be capable of being sealed with an adhesive tape. To prevent damaging the tape, it shall be located on a raised boss. The interior of the box shall be free of sharp edges. Metal staples shall not be used. Provision shall be made for labelling each box with the following information. Recipient Sender Job reference Coding. Storage conditions It is desirable wherever possible for tapes, which are to be read, that they should be reasonably well condi- tioned to the preferred atmospheric conditions of 50 % R.H. and 20°C temperature. For this reason it is desir- able to avoid storing tapes in extreme conditions or heat, moisture or dryness. If tape has been adversely effected, it should be borne in mind that a wound coil will take many hours or even several days to reacclimatize itself to the proper conditions. Cores Cores shall be strong enough in order to maintain the inner diameter of a coil as defined in 2.3.2 during normal practical use. Titles, directional indication and winding of punched tapes A preferred method for indicating the direction of move- ment of punched tapes for data interchange is that they should be marked with arrows pointing forwards. These should be present at the leading end at least, and preferably should be printed all along the tape, regu- larly spaced 10 to 15 cms apart, and placed clear of the feed holes. re \S— — | - 13 - The arrows also serve to indicate the reference face of the tape, and the convention should be followed that the ta, e be punched so that, when it is held with the reference face to- wards the observer, the arrows and the punching should appear as in Figure 2 below. Arrows in low density O ink showing direction | O of forward movement. O00000 0010 0 0 O Figure 2 O O O ie) ie) OO00000000 Any writing or printing on the tape shall be on the reference face, when the punched tape is held as in Figure 2 above. Any caption or title on the tape shall be written at the leading end. A coil of punched tape, the first character of data being at the free, outer end, shall run in such a manner whilst turn- ing anti-clockwise that the reference edge is the one, nearest to the observer (see Figure 3), and in addition, so that the title or arrows appear on the outer surface. Reference Face of Tape Y x > Inside End Outside End (97 . (Trailer) (Leader) A Coil of Tape (Reference Edge towards Observer) Figure 3 Whilst the above is not mandatory, it is considered desirable in the interests of standardization to recommend strongly to equipment designers to adopt the convention, as stated, on future punched tape winding equipments. ~ 14 - APPENDIX 2 INTRODUCTION Characteristically, photoelectric tape readers used in data processing equipment are dependent on the radiation transmitted through and scattered by the tape. Experiments have shown that the amount of light that is transmitted directly through the paper is only about 1-3% but that typically 30% will be collected on the surface of the photodiode by scattering. The test device is there- fore deliberately designed to allow scattered light to be collected and not simply to collimate the received beam. Because the light radiation is predominantly in the near infra-red region of the spectrum it is important to re- cognize that the photocell response will be different from that of the human eye particularly if the paper contains a dye or pigment. The test device has been named the ECMA Light Transmission Meter, a complete set of master drawings are held at ECMA headquarters and copies of these drawings, together with some constructional notes, may be had on application to The Secretary General European Computer Manufacturers Association 114, Rue du RhGdne 1204 Geneva. TEST APPARATUS The following method of test has been established because it simulates the more critical factors in typical data processing reading equipment, and can be carried out with a device which can be precisely defined in its important respects and can be easily manufactured. Experiments have shown that the most important factor is the geometrical arrangement of the elements which collect the light after its transmission and scattering through the paper. This is defined in paragraph 1.3. The test device (See Fig. 1) comprises a tube with a lamp held at one end. Light falls on the test strip of paper which is fed through a slot perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The paper is in contact with a thin plate in which there is a defined scanning aperture similar to a data hole. Beyond this plate there is a spacer and another thin plate with an aperture to define the geometry of the collecting system. The second plate is flush with the sensitive surface of a photocell, which is connected to a simple current meter. WD WwW om. on, hich Ole. te Face eter. - 16 — Satisfactory results are obtained with the following arrange- ments ¢ thin mask thin plate Circular aperture in mask d circular scanning phateeel “AD _d aperture in plate La t Mask in contact with photocell RX Paper held against this side of plate s | | + Let d = diameter of scanning aperture D = diameter of opening over photocell S = spacing between rear surface of paper and surface of photocell. The relative proportions chosen were d:D:S=2:4:2:1 Fig. 2 shows details of the assembly of the photocell. TEST PROCEDURES AND DEFINITIONS Initially, the lamp should be switched on for several minutes and an adjustment made if necessary, to ensure that full scale deflection is obtained on the meter, with no paper inserted. A 10-inch paper test strip should then be fed through the slot provided in the cylinder, and the new meter reading noted. Ten separate readings should then be taken for ten incremental movements of the tape sample. When the paper strip is removed, the meter reading should be checked that it reads full scale deflection and if a deviation or more than 1/2 a division is noted, the results should be repeated. The highest meter reading should be taken and PERCENTAGE LIGHT TRANSMISSION defined as : i, -i i ene . 100 1100 - to where in = meter reading with the tape sample inserted; i = full scale meter reading i.e. with no paper in- 100 serted 1, = meter reading with metal shim inserted to blank off the light source completely. - 15 - The five basic requirements of the device can be stated in general terms. i) the light source ii) the optical path iii)the paper iv) the photocell v) the measuring meter i) The Light Source The lamp shall be a typical car head-lamp (single transverse filament). The colour-temperature is not critical A 36-watt, 12-volt bulb, run at about 10 volts, A.C. or D.c. is suitable. ii) The Optical Path The light should fall nominally perpendicular on the test paper and be of substantially uniform intensity. Typically, the lamp-paper distance may be 15 cm, with no intermediate lenses. iii) The Paper The area of paper illuminated is not critical, provided it is appreciably larger than the scanning aperture. iv) The Photocell A silicon solar photocell shall be used. Its type is not critical provided that it meets the minimum area requirement and does not greatly exceed it. Ideally, the active area should be Square, (approx- imately 6,5 mm x 6,5 mm) . The spectral response of the cell should extend through the visible spectrum with the maximum in the near infra-red. v) The Measuring Meter A D.C. moving coil ammeter shall be directly con- nected to the photocell. It shall have an imped- ance of 500 ohms nominal, full scale sensitivity 50 micro-amp, linearity within 1 %, scale length at least 10 cm and preferably graduated in 100 divisions. The aim is that the photocell-meter combination shall be substantially linear. See Paragraph 3. Ja LIGHT COLLECTING ELEMENTS Experiments have shown the measurement of light transmis sion of paper to be very greatly influenced by the manner in which the scattered light is collected. This is de- termined by the geometry of the light collecting system. The ent aim therefore is to establish precisely the geometrical relationships of the elements between the Paper and the photocell. = LY = In addition it is necessary to calculate the NOISE FACTOR of the paper, defined as ;: ima ~ imt Lioo NF = where iy = highest reading noted. inn lowest reading noted (excluding readings which are affected by printing or writing on the sample). iio007 full scale deflection reading on the meter. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT fe Jee \é Ly SY Figure 7 A Photocell Block Photocell Photocell Mask Paper Mask Paper Sample Retaining Ring me WwW HN HH oN OD w Spacer Lamp EXPLODED VIEW OF LIGHT COLLECTING ELEMENTS 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Figure 2 Photocell Block Photocell Photocell Mask Spacer Paper Mask Retaining Ring 6 B.A. Fixing Screws Note Cell mounting in block not detailed. Cell has to be flush mount- ed and pair of leads brought out to the back of the block GENERAL ARRANGEMENT -~ 18 - APPENDIX 3 The purpose of the following notes is to enable both the sender and the receiver of punched tape to sensibly ensure that the data on the punched tape shall be satisfactorily read in the computer. 1) The problem of punching the tape Paragraph 2.1 defines those parameters to be met at the time of punching. Whilst these tolerances are within the limits of almost all known punches as manu- factured, it will be necessary to check the punch regularly in use to ensure that wear or bad setting has not caused any of the specified values to be exceeded. ° 2) The problem of reading the tape All known punched tape reading systems would be able to read the tape to the specification if the environ- mental conditions prevailing at the time of punching were the same as those at the time of reading. Unfortunately the relative humidity at the time of punching is likely to be different and this will cause a dimensional change in the tape. NOTE As an example, the dimensional stability specified in paragraph 1.2 for the transverse direction is 1% when subjected to variations over the range 20% - 75 % R.H. So that if the tape were to be punched at either of these environmental limits, it could be expected to undergo a dimensional change of approximately 0,5 % when conditioned in a typical computer environment of 50 % R.H. \ This means that the information hole farthest from the guide edge if perfectly punched at exactly the centre value specified in Section 2 could move by approximately 0,12 mm. The responsibility therefore lies with the sender to ensure that the tape is not punched at extreme levels of humidity. Typically, the calculations show that the tape reader should be capable of reading any information or sprocket hole even if a lateral displacement of O,25 mm were to occur due to the combined tolerances of the tape reader, the dimensional factor and the tape punch.