IEEE Std 1301-1991 (2001) PDF

Full title and description

IEEE Std 1301-1991 (Reaffirmed 2001) — IEEE Standard for a Metric Equipment Practice for Microcomputers — Coordination Document. This standard defines a metric modular coordination framework for the mechanical arrangement of microcomputer equipment (cabinet, rack, subracks, printed boards, backplanes and connector-related dimensions) to promote interchangeability and a homogeneous metric modular grid for equipment and installation design.

Abstract

Provides a coordination document establishing metric modular dimensions, heights, widths and depths for microcomputer equipment and components and specifying common connector-dependent dimensions for connector pitches (including 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 mm). The standard is intended as a generic metric equipment practice suitable for worldwide application and references IEC modular grid conventions.

General information

• Status: Inactive / Administratively withdrawn (withdrawn January 18, 2007).
• Publication date: Approved 1991 (Board approval June 27, 1991; published 1991). Reaffirmed June 14, 2001.
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• ICS / categories: Information technology / microcomputer and microprocessor systems; mechanical coordination for electronic equipment (aligned with IEC/ISO classifications for electronic assemblies).
• Edition / version: Original edition: IEEE Std 1301-1991 (reaffirmed 2001).
• Number of pages: Varies by publication format; typical IEEE monograph releases of related 1301 series parts run from ~16–40 pages (main coordination document commonly distributed as a short monograph). (Approximate — see IEEE product listing for precise page count per format.)

Scope

Establishes a single metric equipment practice for microcomputer systems by specifying a homogeneous metric modular three‑dimensional grid (coordinate dimensions for heights, widths and depths) and connector-related dimensional coordination for plug-in units, subracks, printed circuit boards and backplanes. The document is a coordination/reference document intended to be applied across electronics fields that adopt a metric modular order and to be used together with connector-specific detail standards in the IEEE 1301.x family.

Key topics and requirements

• Metric modular grid for equipment heights, widths and depths (coordination with IEC modular practice).
• Standardized dimensions for cabinets, racks, subracks and plug‑in units to enable interchangeability.
• Connector-pitch coordination and common connector-dependent dimensions (2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5 mm pitches).
• Guidance for printed-board and backplane mechanical interfaces, mounting locations and clearances.
• Reference to related IEEE 1301.x detail standards and IEC references for implementation consistency.

Typical use and users

Used historically by hardware design engineers, mechanical designers, chassis and rack manufacturers, systems integrators and standards committees when developing metric‑based microcomputer enclosures, backplanes, plug‑in modules and mezzanine cards. It served as a planning and coordination reference where metric modular interchangeability and connector compatibility were required.

Related standards

Part of the IEEE 1301 family — related documents include IEEE Std 1301.1-1991, IEEE Std 1301.2-1993, IEEE Std 1301.3-1992 and IEEE Std 1301.4-1996 (detail and recommended‑practice documents addressing specific connector pitches, implementation guidance and mezzanine cards). The coordination practice is aligned with IEC modular/grid references (IEC 917 series) cited by the IEEE series.

Keywords

metric equipment practice, microcomputers, modular grid, subrack, plug‑in unit, backplane, printed circuit board, connector pitch, IEC 917, interchangeability, IEEE 1301 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE Std 1301-1991 is the IEEE coordination document titled "Metric Equipment Practice for Microcomputers" that establishes a metric modular coordination framework for the mechanical design of microcomputer equipment. It was approved in 1991 and reaffirmed in 2001.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers metric modular dimensions and mechanical coordination for cabinets, racks, subracks, plug‑in units, printed circuit boards and backplanes, and specifies common connector-dependent dimensions (multiple connector pitches). It is intended as a generic practice usable across electronics fields that adopt a metric modular order.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Mechanical and electronics hardware designers, chassis and rack manufacturers, systems integrators and standards/implementation teams who need consistent, interchangeable metric mechanical interfaces for microcomputer modules.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was administratively withdrawn (inactive) in January 2007; it remains a historical coordination document. Users should check for more recent industry or IEC/ISO standards and current IEEE publications for up‑to‑date practices before relying on it for new designs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is the coordination document at the heart of the IEEE 1301 family and is accompanied by detail and recommended-practice parts (for example IEEE Std 1301.1, 1301.2, 1301.3 and 1301.4) that cover specific connector pitches, implementation guidance and mezzanine cards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Metric modular, microcomputer, subrack, backplane, plug‑in unit, connector pitch, IEC 917, interchangeability, IEEE 1301.