Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to calculation of a reel motor torque constant (“KT”). In one implementation, calibration logic energizes supply and take-up reel motors to wind tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel. The calibration logic, during winding, selectively disengages the supply reel motor and measures one or more attributes of the supply reel motor, such as the resulting voltage observed at the winding terminals of the supply reel motor and the angular velocity of the supply reel motor during the period of disengagement. The calibration logic then calculates KT based on the observed attributes.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus and method, for use in a tape drive system, that supplies tape azimuth error information transduced from servo read elements that are located on differing bumps of a magnetic read/write head. Non-azimuth error information is also transduced from servo read elements located on a read bump. The azimuth error and non-azimuth are utilized to correctly place the magnetic head at a currently selected track of the tape for which data is being written. In one implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are substantially aligned with each other relative to a tape path and disposed on separate bumps. In another implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are not substantially aligned with each other and are disposed diagonally on opposite bumps.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides for an apparatus and method, for use in a tape drive system, that supplies tape azimuth error information transduced from servo read elements that are located on differing bumps of a magnetic read/write head. Non-azimuth error information is also transduced from servo read elements located on a read bump. The azimuth error and non-azimuth are utilized to correctly place the magnetic head at a currently selected track of the tape for which data is being written. In one implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are substantially aligned with each other relative to a tape path and disposed on separate bumps. In another implementation, the servo read elements utilized for transducing the azimuth information are not substantially aligned with each other and are disposed diagonally on opposite bumps.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a system comprising a host computer, a buffer, a tape drive and a tape is provided. The method includes writing data to the tape while the tape is traveling at a first speed; stopping the tape; determining a minimum distance to reposition the tape; and, thereafter repositioning the tape.