ISPCCSID translation load modules translate data from one CCSID to another. There is one translation load module for each of the supported CCSIDs. The name, or alias, of each CCSID translation load module is made up of a 5-digit CCSID, prefixed with "ISP". For example, load module ISP00111 supports translation of the CCSID 00111. Each CCSID translation load module must contain at least two translation tables. These translation tables convert data between the respective CCSID and CCSID 00500. In addition each CCSID load module can contain up to 256 pairs of optional “direct” translation tables. ISPF uses the direct translation tables when available. Otherwise, ISPF translates the characters through CCSID 00500. Translating through CCSID 00500 can result in valid characters being lost as CCSID 00500 does not have all possible code points defined.

You can add direct "To" and "From" translation tables for direct translation to prevent possible loss of characters through CCSID 00500 for character sets other than 697 or to augment the extended code page translation tables provided by ISPF. The direct translation CCSID must be one of the CCSIDs supported by ISPF (see Extended code page translation tables provided by ISPF) or added by the user.

Both "To" and "From" translation tables must be provided for direct translation tables as well as CCSID 00500 tables, even though there might be no translation needed. For example, to translate from a base CCSID to an extended CCSID for the same code page, all characters will translate to themselves.