Abstract: A parallel iterative decoding system interposed between a network interface and a block memory matrix receives encoded data and both stores the data in a First-In-First-Out (“FIFO”) memory block and processes it through a timing recovery engine. The timing recovery engine delivers to an iterative decoder synchronized data samples and detects cycle slip. The iterative decoder thereafter performs a predetermined number of iterations to decode the data. Responsive to encoded data failing to converge after the predetermined number of iterations, the encoded data is communicated from the FIFO memory to an auxiliary decoder module. The auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder performs a second predetermined number of iterations to decode the data wherein the number of iterations performed by the auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder is greater than the primary iterative error correction code decoder.

Abstract: A magnetic head is provided for reading and writing data on a data storage media. A first writer and a first reader write and read data of a first format. A second reader reads data of a second format having different read channels than the first format. A third reader has a width greater than that of the of the first and second readers, and reads data of a third format wider than that of the first and second formats. A tape drive is disclosed with the magnetic head and control circuitry having read channels for each of the readers. A method for fabricating a magnetic head is disclosed by providing first and second bumps each with a reader and writer of a first format, and a third bump with a reader of a second format and a reader of a third format.

Abstract: A tape drive for reading both new technology tapes and legacy tapes. The tape drive includes a three bump head with two outer read bumps and an inner write bump. The outer read bumps include readers for reading data from tracks of a first width on a first storage tape while the inner write bump includes writers for writing data in tracks of the first storage tape. Legacy readers are provided in the head to read data from tracks of a second width that is greater than the first track width on a second storage tape. The legacy readers are provided by piggybacking or merged-pole techniques in the inner write bump or are provided in one or both of the outer read bumps. The tape drive includes control circuitry with channels for processing data signals from the narrower readers and channels for processing data signals from the wider legacy readers.

Abstract: A magnetic head is provided for reading and writing data on a data storage media. A first writer and a first reader write and read data of a first format. A second reader reads data of a second format having different read channels than the first format. A third reader has a width greater than that of the of the first and second readers, and reads data of a third format wider than that of the first and second formats. A tape drive is disclosed with the magnetic head and control circuitry having read channels for each of the readers. A method for fabricating a magnetic head is disclosed by providing first and second bumps each with a reader and writer of a first format, and a third bump with a reader of a second format and a reader of a third format.

Abstract: A parallel iterative decoding system interposed between a network interface and a block memory matrix receives encoded data and both stores the data in a First-In-First-Out (“FIFO”) memory block and processes it through a timing recovery engine. The timing recovery engine delivers to an iterative decoder synchronized data samples and detects cycle slip. The iterative decoder thereafter performs a predetermined number of iterations to decode the data. Responsive to encoded data failing to converge after the predetermined number of iterations, the encoded data is communicated from the FIFO memory to an auxiliary decoder module. The auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder performs a second predetermined number of iterations to decode the data wherein the number of iterations performed by the auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder is greater than the primary iterative error correction code decoder.

Abstract: The present invention combines low density parity checking with parallel equalization channels to enhance data retrieval from tape. Viterbi analysis is done as a precursor to the use of at least one low density parity decoder. A signal decoder may include a plurality of viterbi processors and at least one low density parity check decoder. The decoder may receive a plurality of pulse-shaped signals and produces decoded output signals.

Abstract: A tape drive for reading both new technology tapes and legacy tapes. The tape drive includes a three bump head with two outer read bumps and an inner write bump. The outer read bumps include readers for reading data from tracks of a first width on a first storage tape while the inner write bump includes writers for writing data in tracks of the first storage tape. Legacy readers are provided in the head to read data from tracks of a second width that is greater than the first track width on a second storage tape. The legacy readers are provided by piggybacking or merged-pole techniques in the inner write bump or are provided in one or both of the outer read bumps. The tape drive includes control circuitry with channels for processing data signals from the narrower readers and channels for processing data signals from the wider legacy readers.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for adjusting the rate of data transfer between a high-speed multi-channel tape drive and a slower-capability network interface. The present invention allows for selectively enabling/disabling active channels to adjust the data throughput to match the data transfer capabilities of the network interface. Such an adjustment optimizes the rate of data transfer between the system and the tape drive by reducing the amount of stop and start operations normally present in an environment where the network interface cannot support the high-speed data transfer rates of a tape drive. Such an enablement/disablement adjustment system allows for a greater range of varying data rates within the transfer.

Abstract: In a tape drive for storing and retrieving information to and from a media, a system for optimizing write performance includes a tape head and a controller. The tape head may include a write element. The controller may be for optimizing write performance in response to at least one media information signal that is stored on a media cartridge.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing a variable speed digital read channel. The read channel includes an analog portion and a digital portion. The read channel includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting an analog read signal into a sampled read signal. The ADC is synchronized to a sample clock. The sample clock has a variable clock rate. The digital portion includes a digital filter for reducing noise. The digital filter can be implemented as a low pass filter (LPF), a high pass filter (HPF), or a bandpass filter (BPF). The filter receives the sampled read signal from the ADC. The digital filter is synchronized to the sample clock. The digital filter's cutoff frequencies adjust automatically as the variable clock rate is changed, and does not require reprogramming. The digital portion may also include a digital automatic gain control device.

Abstract: A tape drive for use with magnetic tapes includes a housing for receiving a magnetic tape having multiple parallel tracks, and a tape head for reading and writing the parallel tracks of the magnetic tape. A plurality of partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) equalization/detection channels are provided for processing the data signals to determine the data stream for each data signal. The plurality of PRML equalization/detection channels includes at least one PRML equalization/detection channel pre-assigned to each track. The plurality of PRML equalization/detection channels further includes at least one floating PRML equalization/detection channel dynamically assignable on an as-needed basis. The invention also contemplates an ASIC, a generic drive, and a PRML method.

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 and apparatus for allowing communication between a stationary circuit and circuitry in motion with respect to the stationary circuit is presented. Communication is achieved and verified by transmitting a clock signal and a control signal in synchronization with the clock signal over separate clock and control transformer channels between the stationary circuit and the moving circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing communication between a stationary circuit and circuitry in motion with respect to the stationary circuit is presented. Communication is achieved and verified by transmitting a clock signal and a control signal in synchronization with the clock signal over separate clock and control transformer channels between the stationary circuit and the moving circuitry.

Abstract: A servo track write head writes low frequency transitions for fine transverse positioning and high frequency fields providing additional information. The servo track write head includes a first write gap with at least one gap section at a first angle relative to a tape direction. A second write gap has at least one gap section at a second angle, not equal to the first angle. The first and second write gaps write low frequency transitions in each servo frame. A third write gap writes high frequency transitions in each servo frame.

Abstract: Servo tracks combine low frequency transitions for fine transverse positioning with high frequency fields providing additional information. In one embodiment, each servo frame has a first field of recorded low frequency transitions, a second field of recorded low frequency transitions, and at least one high frequency field. The first low frequency field transitions are recorded on the tape such that a peak of each first field transitions varies in longitudinal position across the width of the servo frame. The second field of low frequency transitions are recorded on the tape such that a peak of each second field transition is not parallel with the peak of any first field transition. High frequency fields may provide one or more of timing information, longitudinal position information and gross transverse position information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timing reads and writes to a moving physical storage medium capable of being operated over a continuous range of speeds is disclosed. Reference regions on the moving storage medium are read as the medium moves past a read head. This produces a timing signal, which can be processed to produce a clock signal. This clock signal can then be used to time reads and writes to and from the medium so that the medium may be read or written to at any speed, while preserving the same physical size for each recording item of data on the medium.

Abstract: A servo track write head writes low frequency transitions for fine transverse positioning and high frequency fields providing additional information. The servo track write head includes a first write gap with at least one gap section at a first angle relative to a tape direction. A second write gap has at least one gap section at a second angle, not equal to the first angle. The first and second write gaps write low frequency transitions in each servo frame. A third write gap writes high frequency transitions in each servo frame.

Abstract: Servo tracks combine low frequency transitions for fine transverse positioning with high frequency fields providing additional information. In one embodiment, each servo frame has a first field of recorded low frequency transitions, a second field of recorded low frequency transitions, and at least one high frequency field. The first low frequency field transitions are recorded on the tape such that a peak of each first field transitions varies in longitudinal position across the width of the servo frame. The second field of low frequency transitions are recorded on the tape such that a peak of each second field transition is not parallel with the peak of any first field transition. High frequency fields may provide one or more of timing information, longitudinal position information and gross transverse position information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing communication between a stationary circuit and circuitry in motion with respect to the stationary circuit is presented. Communication is achieved and verified by transmitting a clock signal and a control signal in synchronization with the clock signal over separate clock and control transformer channels between the stationary circuit and the moving circuitry.