Abstract: A system for data storage including a removable memory element having a data storage device, and a docking station in communication with a host device and configured for receiving the removable memory cartridge so as to put the host system in communication with the data storage device.

Abstract: A flash memory based storage device may utilize magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) as at least one of a device memory, a buffer, or high write volume storage. In some embodiments, a processor of the storage device may compare a logical block address of a data file to a plurality of logical block addresses stored in a write frequency file buffer table and causes the data file to be written to the high write volume MRAM when the logical block address of the data file matches at least one of the plurality of logical block addresses stored in the write frequency file buffer table. In other embodiments, upon cessation of power to the storage device, the MRAM buffer stores the data until power is restored, after which the processor causes the buffered data to be written to the flash memory under control of the flash memory controller.

Abstract: A flash memory based storage device may utilize magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) as at least one of a device memory, a buffer, or high write volume storage. In some embodiments, a processor of the storage device may compare a logical block address of a data file to a plurality of logical block addresses stored in a write frequency file buffer table and causes the data file to be written to the high write volume MRAM when the logical block address of the data file matches at least one of the plurality of logical block addresses stored in the write frequency file buffer table. In other embodiments, upon cessation of power to the storage device, the MRAM buffer stores the data until power is restored, after which the processor causes the buffered data to be written to the flash memory under control of the flash memory controller.

Abstract: A flash memory based storage device may utilize magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) as at least one of a device memory, a buffer, or high write volume storage. In some embodiments, a processor of the storage device may compare a logical block address of a data file to a plurality of logical block addresses stored in a write frequency file buffer table and causes the data file to be written to the high write volume MRAM when the logical block address of the data file matches at least one of the plurality of logical block addresses stored in the write frequency file buffer table. In other embodiments, upon cessation of power to the storage device, the MRAM buffer stores the data until power is restored, after which the processor causes the buffered data to be written to the flash memory under control of the flash memory controller.

Abstract: A data storage device tracing system includes at least one container configured to maintain at least one electronic data storage device, a two-way radio coupled to each of the container(s), and a network including a network coordinator configured to transmit to and receive data from the two-way radio. In this regard, the two-way radio communicates real-time container location data to the network coordinator to enable real-time tracing of the container(s) and the electronic data storage device(s).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a data storage medium that includes a plurality of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium and a plurality of data tracks positioned between each of the plurality of distributed servo bands. The data storage medium comprises a servo band pitch of less than 200 micrometers. The large number of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium with a relatively small servo band pitch reduces the influence of media dimensional instability. In this way, the invention may substantially increase data read head positioning accuracy, especially in the case of narrow track widths. A read head array arranged in a two-dimensional matrix that includes a first servo read head, a second servo read head, and a plurality of data read heads positioned between the first and second servo read heads may be applied to a data storage medium as described herein.

Abstract: A flash memory based storage device may utilize magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) as at least one of a device memory, a buffer, or high write volume storage. In some embodiments, a processor of the storage device may compare a logical block address of a data file to a plurality of logical block addresses stored in a write frequency file buffer table and causes the data file to be written to the high write volume MRAM when the logical block address of the data file matches at least one of the plurality of logical block addresses stored in the write frequency file buffer table. In other embodiments, upon cessation of power to the storage device, the MRAM buffer stores the data until power is restored, after which the processor causes the buffered data to be written to the flash memory under control of the flash memory controller.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data storage tape includes a first side including recorded data and a second side including recorded error correcting code data for the recorded data on the first side. In another embodiment, a data storage tape comprises a first side including recorded data and a second side including a copy of the recorded data. Embodiments of the invention may distribute related data across both sides of a data storage tape and as a result may reduce the probability that a location-dependent error in the data storage tape will result in irretrievable data loss. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for systems that can simultaneously retrieve or record data on both sides of a dual-sided data storage tape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a data storage medium that includes a plurality of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium and a plurality of data tracks positioned between each of the plurality of distributed servo bands. The data storage medium comprises a servo band pitch of less than 200 micrometers. The large number of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium with a relatively small servo band pitch reduces the influence of media dimensional instability. In this way, the invention may substantially increase data read head positioning accuracy, especially in the case of narrow track widths. A read head array arranged in a two-dimensional matrix that includes a first servo read head, a second servo read head, and a plurality of data read heads positioned between the first and second servo read heads may be applied to a data storage medium as described herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a data storage medium that includes a plurality of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium and a plurality of data tracks positioned between each of the plurality of distributed servo bands. The data storage medium comprises a servo band pitch of less than 200 micrometers. The large number of servo bands distributed across the data storage medium with a relatively small servo band pitch reduces the influence of media dimensional instability. In this way, the invention may substantially increase data read head positioning accuracy, especially in the case of narrow track widths. A read head array arranged in a two-dimensional matrix that includes a first servo read head, a second servo read head, and a plurality of data read heads positioned between the first and second servo read heads may be applied to a data storage medium as described herein.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reselling and/or refurbishing data tape media. The techniques may involve determining life information associated with a data tape medium and reselling the data tape medium when a remaining life of the data tape medium is larger than a pre-defined threshold. In this manner, the quality of resold magnetic tape can be improved, and the media can possibly marketed or warranted to the buyer based on the remaining life. In addition, refurbishing techniques are described that include degaussing of servo written data tape media, followed by the creation of new servo patterns on the degaussed media.

Abstract: A data storage device tracing system includes at least one container configured to maintain at least one electronic data storage device, a two-way radio coupled to each of the container(s), and a network including a network coordinator configured to transmit to and receive data from the two-way radio. In this regard, the two-way radio communicates real-time container location data to the network coordinator to enable real-time tracing of the container(s) and the electronic data storage device(s).

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for storing information on a linear data storage medium, such as magnetic tape. According to the invention, a write head array concurrently writes a plurality of data tracks and at least one servo track onto the magnetic tape. In this way, the servo track is integrated between the data tracks. The servo track may, for instance, be located in the middle of a data band, and may span a distance corresponding to two data tracks. By concurrently writing the servo track with the data tracks, track misregistration (TMR) can be reduced or eliminated during the write operation.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to servo techniques that make use of time-based servo patterns that can substantially mitigate error in a position error signal (PES) calculation resulting from a variation in tape velocity. A servo pattern including at least three marks is written using a single pulse and a single servo head such that the spacing of the servo marks in the servo pattern is not dependent on write velocity. By measuring the time between detection of at least three servo marks in the servo pattern, a ratio of time increments can be used to factor out read tape velocity. In order to facilitate this effect, techniques for determining the relationship between a ratio of time increments and a PES signal are described. Also described are techniques for configuring a servo pattern that provides a linear relationship between a ratio of time increments and a PES signal.

Abstract: An electronic data storage device tracing system includes at least one data storage device and a reader system. The data storage device includes a housing having an optical label and a device RFID tag coupled to the housing. In this regard, the optical label is printed with a VOLSER number and the device RFID tag includes a chip that electronically stores the VOLSER number. The reader system is configured to read the VOLSER number from the chip and trace the at least one data storage device entering/exiting the reader system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a servo frame that includes servo windows written with different frequencies to provide redundant positioning information. The servo frame includes a set of first servo windows recorded at a first frequency and a set of second servo windows recorded at a second frequency arranged in a checkerboard-like pattern. The different frequencies of the servo windows allow the servo frame to achieve improved positioning information redundancy. A servo track may include a plurality of the servo frames described herein to accurately position data read/write heads adjacent corresponding data tracks. The redundancy built into each of the servo frames substantially minimizes errors in the positioning information.

Abstract: The invention provides a system comprising a non-linear array of magnetoresistive (MR) heads arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for reading information stored on magnetic media. The non-linear array of MR heads may comprise a planar array formed by a plurality of linear arrays of MR heads stacked to define a plurality of layers. Each of the linear arrays may share at least one shield element with another linear array of the non-linear array. In general, each layer is offset by one written track pitch and the number of layers of the invention is equal to the number of written track pitches in a channel pitch. The invention can also be used in a system for reading and writing information to magnetic media at improved track pitches relative to conventional read/write systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for storing information on a linear data storage medium, such as magnetic tape. According to the invention, a write head array concurrently writes a plurality of data tracks and at least one servo track onto the magnetic tape. In this way, the servo track is integrated between the data tracks. The servo track may, for instance, be located in the middle of a data band, and may span a distance corresponding to two data tracks. By concurrently writing the servo track with the data tracks, track misregistration (TMR) can be reduced or eliminated during the write operation.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for adjusting for actuator non-linearities in a data storage system. The invention is particularly useful for piezoelectric actuators, such as actuators that implement a bimorph piezoelectric crystal structure or a laminate piezoelectric crystal structure, although other actuators may present similar non-linearity issues. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising applying a signal to an actuator of a data storage system, the actuator having a non-linear response, wherein the signal includes a linear drive component and a non-linear adjustment component, and positioning a data storage head with respect to a data storage medium via the actuator.

Abstract: Techniques are described for reselling and/or refurbishing data tape media. The techniques may involve determining life information associated with a data tape medium and reselling the data tape medium when a remaining life of the data tape medium is larger than a pre-defined threshold. In this manner, the quality of resold magnetic tape can be improved, and the media can possibly marketed or warranted to the buyer based on the remaining life. In addition, refurbishing techniques are described that include degaussing of servo written data tape media, followed by the creation of new servo patterns on the degaussed media.