Abstract: A system and method for use in a data storage system which provides a combined phase lock loop (PLL) that utilizes a common Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) and common integrator/loop-filter, but which is operational in a wobble-mode and a data-mode to provide most optimum operation and quick capture. Digital circuitry is primarily used in addition to the VCO and a loop-filter for acquiring frequency and phase lock while the optical disc drive is writing and reading. A digital Phase-detector for operation in the wobble-mode employs a down-counter that can be configured for both Frequency-Lock and Phase-Lock in a way that offers a large capture range and can adapt quickly to the multiple data-zones of the media-format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering data from an optical read channel provides for improved recording density by tolerating lower phase and amplitude margins. The method includes digitizing a plurality of samples of a first signal, clipping the digitized samples of the first signal, digitally differentiating the clipped digitized samples, determining the relative locations of signal polarity changes, and generating logical values for channel bits based, at least in part, on the relative locations of signal polarity changes. The apparatus for recovering data from an optical read channel includes a signal-level limiter, a digital differentiator coupled to the signal-level limiter, a min/max detector coupled to the digital differentiator, a zero-crossing detector coupled to the digital differentiator, an update signal generator coupled to the zero-crossing detector and the min/max detector, and a channel bit transition generator.

Abstract: The beginning of a segment within a track of a record carrier, having a plurality of frames in each segment, is identified by detecting the presence of a control mark at a given position near the beginning of a frame, and the absence of a control mark at an adjoining position at which a control mark will be found in all other frames of the segment. The other frames of each segment are free from a mark at the given position. The next bit position containing a mark, after the given position and its adjoining position, is the clock bit position used for bit clock synchronization. An apparatus for reading these marks may include a qualification circuit for evaluating the magnitude of the difference in detector output at the given bit position and the adjoining bit position.