IEC 61119-1-1992 PDF

Full title and description

Digital audio tape cassette system (DAT) - Part 1: Dimensions and characteristics. This part specifies the physical dimensions, mechanical features and basic characteristics of the DAT cassette system used to record and/or play back digital information (for example PCM audio and other data) and establishes parameters intended to ensure mechanical and functional compatibility between cassettes and DAT tape recorders.

Abstract

IEC 61119-1:1992 defines cassette and tape geometry, recognition and protection features (sliders, lids, recognition holes, accidental erase prevention), hub and winding requirements, and related mechanical tolerances. It serves as a manufacturer reference to ensure interoperable DAT cassettes and recorders and complements other parts of the IEC 61119 series that address calibration tapes and tape properties.

General information

• Status: Published / base publication (listed as current in vendor and national catalogues).
• Publication date: 30 November 1992.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.160.30 (Audio systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1992).
• Number of pages: 221 pages.

Scope

This standard applies to the DAT cassette system that records and/or plays back digital information such as PCM‑encoded audio and other data. It defines the mechanical and physical parameters that affect compatibility between cassettes and tape recorders (cassette external dimensions and tolerances, label areas, windows, recognition holes, leader/trailer tape, hub characteristics, tape loading features and accidental‑erasure prevention), so manufacturers can produce interoperable cassettes and equipment.

Key topics and requirements

• Cassette external dimensions and tolerances (form factor, label areas, windows, lid and slider features).
• Recognition and protection features (recognition / write‑protect holes, accidental erasure prevention mechanisms).
• Tape and hub requirements (3.81 mm tape width on flangeless hubs; leader/trailer handling and winding characteristics).
• Mechanical interfaces relevant to DAT transports: cassette holding areas, slider locks, grooves for loading grips and tape begin/end detection.
• Referenced system characteristics needed for interoperability with recorder electronics (tracks, tape speed and basic recording modes — see related parts for encoding specifics).

Typical use and users

Used as a normative mechanical and physical reference by cassette manufacturers, tape recorder designers, test laboratories and archival practitioners dealing with DAT media. Engineers creating DAT-compatible cassettes or drives and procurement/specification teams for professional audio and data‑archiving equipment commonly consult this part alongside the other parts of the 61119 series.

Related standards

Other parts of the IEC 61119 series complement this part and cover tape calibration and tape properties (for example IEC 61119-2: DAT calibration tapes and IEC 61119-3: DAT tape properties). Regional/adopted versions (EN/DIN) and later related professional DAT documents (for example EN/IEC derivations) expand on system and professional subcode topics.

Keywords

DAT, Digital Audio Tape, cassette dimensions, cassette characteristics, magnetic tape 3.81 mm, helical scanning, PCM audio, DAT calibration, tape properties, IEC 61119.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61119-1:1992 is Part 1 of the IEC 61119 series specifying the dimensions and mechanical characteristics of the digital audio tape (DAT) cassette system to ensure compatibility between cassettes and DAT recorders.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers cassette external dimensions and tolerances, label and window layouts, slider and lid features, recognition holes and write‑protect provisions, hub and tape winding characteristics, and related mechanical interfaces used by DAT drives.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of DAT cassettes and tape recorders, test laboratories, equipment designers, specification writers and archival/heritage teams working with DAT media.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 1992 base publication (Edition 1.0) and is listed in IEC and national catalogues as the published edition; vendor listings indicate it remains the base publication for Part 1 (stability metadata in catalogues shows long‑term listing). Users should check national/IEC catalogues for any amendments or formal withdrawal notices before relying on it for new designs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61119 is a multi‑part series for the DAT system; notable companion parts include IEC 61119-2 (calibration tapes) and IEC 61119-3 (tape properties), plus other parts addressing professional DAT variants and characteristics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: DAT, cassette dimensions, magnetic tape, PCM audio, 3.81 mm tape, helical scanning, write‑protect, interoperability.