Abstract: A magnetic recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a magnetic recording medium having a plurality of servo sectors and a plurality of data sectors on the tracks, first sensing means for sensing a first servo sector located before a target data sector and, on the basis of the first servo sector, sensing the target data sector, judging means for judging whether or not the first sensing means has sensed the first servo sector, and second sensing means for sensing the target data sector on the basis of a second servo sector different from the first servo sector, in response to the judging means judging that the first sensing means has failed to sense the first servo sector.

Abstract: The magnetic recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a recording medium in which servo information items are provided on tracks at a predetermined interval, a head for scanning the tracks of the recording medium, a read/write circuit for reading/writing data with respect to each of recording units on the recording medium through the head, a servo circuit for sequentially reading the servo information items through the head, a first control section for performing control on the basis of the servo information items read out by the servo circuit such that drive power is supplied to the read/write circuit, a predetermined time period before a time point when the read/write circuit starts reading/writing of data with respect to a target recording unit, and a second control section for preventing supply of the drive power to the read/write circuit, upon completion of the reading/writing of the data by the read/write circuit.

Abstract: Servo sector numbers for identifying servo areas are recorded at predetermined positions in the respective servo areas on a disk. A plurality of data sectors are arranged between the respective servo areas. When a data sector is to be accessed, a servo circuit extracts a corresponding servo sector number. A CPU generates a data sector pulse at a timing corresponding to the start position of the data sector on the basis of the extracted servo sector number. The start position of the data sector is accurately detected in accordance with this data sector pulse, thereby reliably performing data access.