Abstract: A reverse torque, forward commutation motor driver system for a phased motor rapidly decelerates or “brakes” the motor by exciting, in sequence, a complementary excitation signal in each normal commutation state of the forward state machine, thereby providing an active braking effect. After active braking reduces the rotational velocity of the motor below a threshold, a dynamic braking technique can replace the active braking, wherein high-side drivers are set to an opposite voltage as compared to low-side drivers.

Abstract: A tape guide mechanism for guiding a tape media adjacent to a transducer, and methods of operation are disclosed. The tape guide mechanism is a C-shaped guide member rotatably mounted around a first reel. The tape media is normally stored spooled around a second reel within a data cartridge. A tape guide surface is formed circumferentially on the guide member. An opening is provided in the tape guide surface to allow the tape media to reach the first reel. In operation, the tape media can be wrapped and unwrapped from the tape guide surface with any amount of tape media spooled around the first reel. This wrapping and unwrapping ability allows the tape to the loaded onto the first reel at the start of the tape media, or at any arbitrary location on the tape media. It also allows the tape media to be rewound to the second reel directly from the first reel, or with the tape media passing across the tape guide surface.