Foreword

   ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.

   In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1. Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.

   International Standard ISO/IEC 8652 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information Technology.

   This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 8652:1987), of which it constitutes a technical revision.

   Annexes A to J form an integral part of this International Standard. Annexes K to P are for information only.