There is provided a tape cutting mechanism for a tape printing apparatus, which allows a user to operate a manual operation lever while holding the apparatus casing in his hands, with an excellent operability, and thereby enabling a tape-shaped member to be cut efficiently. A voltage regulating capacitor Ca has one terminal connected to the first power rail Vdd and a second terminal selectively connected to either the second power rail Vss or a third power rail Vdda. The data conversion block is adapted to convert the detection data into standard data with a predetermined response interval using first and second sample data having respective data values that are determined by input from an external source. The outer chamber including a Faraday Cage. It can also be produced by continuously filling a compression mould with a mixture of aluminium oxide and zirconium oxide powders, the mixing ratio of aluminium oxide and zirconium oxide being varied during the filling of the compression mould.