Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention a data storage tape is provided. In one example, the data storage tape comprises a substrate having a first recording layer and a second recording layer disposed on opposite sides of the substrate. Further, the first and second recording layers are uni-directional, and oriented in opposite directions on the first and second sides. In one example, the recording material includes an Advance Metal Evaporated (AME), and is generally suitable for vertical recording. Additionally, the tape may include various other layers and materials, for example, a coating on one or both major sides for reducing adhesion to the opposite major side (when wound on a cartridge or take-up reel, for example).

Abstract: In a helical scan recording system, magnetic tape (31) is transported by a tape transport (98) proximate a rotating scanner (85). The scanner has a pair of read heads (82) mounted thereon, e.g., a first read head and a second read head, which travel in a helical direction on the magnetic tape in view of the transport of the tape and rotation of the scanner. A synchronization detection system (38) determines a first synchronization mark detection time at which a first synchronization mark is read by the first read head from the first track, and a second synchronization mark detection time at which a synchronization mark read by the second read head from the second track. A position error signal generator (100) develops a position error signal (PES) based upon a difference between the first synchronization mark detection time and the second synchronization mark detection time.

Abstract: A constant phase diode limiter has a pair of oppositely poled diodes in series between the primary of an output transformer and an input terminal. The junction of the diodes is connected to a voltage source through a resistor and inductor. A capacitor having the same value as the capacitance of each of the diodes when nonconducting is connected between the input and the secondary winding of the output transformer. The secondary winding of the output transformer is connected in series between the output terminal and the latter capacitor.