Abstract: A system and method for recovering from write errors during writing of a moving storage medium suspend write current while allowing the storage medium to continue moving. The system and method continue to format data for writing while the write current is suspended and resequence the data for subsequent storage. Information is recorded to distinguish previously written data from current data with error correction pointers adjusted accordingly. Write errors may be detected in a track following streaming tape system based on data errors from a read back check or based on positioning errors of a read/write head servo system, for example. By allowing the storage medium to continue moving through the error event, the system and method improve speed, capacity utilization, and throughput of the storage and retrieval process.

Abstract: A system and method for decoding magnetic media. Parallel decoders, each with a different equalization magnitude, are used to decode a read signal. A Viterbi metric is used to determine the direction and magnitude of equalization shift that best compensates for a systematic separation, such as pole tip recession. If optimal equalization has changed, the equalization coefficients of the decoders is shifted to compensate.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for recovering corrupted data in a multi-track storage medium, such as magnetic tape, using a Reed-Solomon or other similar error correcting code system, is disclosed. A correction history keeping a tally of actual corrected instances of corruption in the storage medium is established. The “N” tracks requiring the greatest number of actual error corrections are designated as erasures. Any errors in the remaining tracks must be found on an individual basis before being corrected.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering from write errors during writing of a moving storage medium suspend write current while allowing the storage medium to continue moving. The system and method continue to format data for writing while the write current is suspended and resequence the data for subsequent storage. Information is recorded to distinguish previously written data from current data with error correction pointers adjusted accordingly. Write errors may be detected in a track following streaming tape system based on data errors from a read back check or based on positioning errors of a read/write head servo system, for example. By allowing the storage medium to continue moving through the error event, the system and method improve speed, capacity utilization, and throughput of the storage and retrieval process.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for recovering corrupted data in a multi-track storage medium, such as magnetic tape, using a Reed-Solomon or other similar error correcting code system, is disclosed. A correction history keeping a tally of actual corrected instances of corruption in the storage medium is established. The “N” tracks requiring the greatest number of actual error corrections are designated as erasures. Any errors in the remaining tracks must be found on an individual basis before being corrected.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for dynamically shortening a number of error correction codewords to correspond to an amount of user data to be recorded on a recording medium. The system and method determine in advance that the number of bytes of user data will only fill a portion of a codeword matrix, and automatically shortens the size of ECC word segments to match the actual user data fill. This allows an ECC interleave to be completed with only a partial fill of the matrix, thereby reducing the required number of recording passes and associated processing time.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording device, a system and method for correcting errors in decoding a read data input signal. The system and method include multiple decoding channels, each channel processing the read data input signal and generating an output signal, where the output signal includes a data signal when no error is detected, and an error detection code when an error is detected. The system and method also include multiple error correction code (ECC) decoders, each decoder associated with and receiving the output signal of one of the channels and generating a corrected data signal when the received output signal is an error detection code and the error is correctable. The system and method further include a controller for selecting from the decoders one of the corrected data signals.

Abstract: A method of generating an encoded signal from a sequential stream of digital data, where the encoded signal has a non-power carrying null state and a power carrying active state with two opposing polarities. Logical one bits are distinguished from logical zero bits by inverting the encoded signal's polarity at the start of only the logical one bits. The encoded signal is set to the active state during a bit set-up period before, and held in the active state during a bit hold period after each polarity inversion. At other times the encoded signal is set to the null state. The method may include the addition of equalization pulses during strings of consecutive logical zero bits to keep the encoded signal from remaining in the null state for extended periods. Each equalization pulse may be preceded by an equalization set-up period and followed by an equalization hold period where the encoded signal is in the active state.

Abstract: A servo stripe pattern for determining the longitudinal position of the tape with respect to the tape head. A data field on each frame of the servo pattern includes a digital one or a zero. An adjacent series of data fields are arranged in a predetermined sequence defining synchronization and position count fields. The position count field allows the tape controller to accurately determine where, along the length of the tape, the tape head is currently positioned.

Abstract: A method for determining the longitudinal position of a length of magnetic tape with respect to the tape head. A data field on each frame of the servo stripe includes a digital one or a zero. An adjacent series of data fields are arranged in a predetermined sequence defining synchronization and position count fields. Identifying the position count field allows the tape controller to accurately determine where, along the length of the tape, the tape head is currently positioned.