Abstract: A method and apparatus that generates boosted control signals for a transistor in a target pixel circuit. At least one modified pixel circuit is provided with a transistor layout that approximates a layout of the target pixel circuit. In the modified pixel circuit, one transistor that corresponds to a transistor in the target pixel that is to be controlled provides a voltage used to generate a control signal for the corresponding transistor in the target pixel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that generates boosted control signals for a transistor in a target pixel circuit. At least one modified pixel circuit is provided with a transistor layout that approximates a layout of the target pixel circuit. In the modified pixel circuit, one transistor that corresponds to a transistor in the target pixel that is to be controlled provides a voltage used to generate a control signal for the corresponding transistor in the target pixel.

Abstract: Servo track pair position and longitudinal tape position is determined for a tape using dedicated servo format. The tape includes at least one set of data tracks and dedicated servo tracks wherein adjacent servo tracks are defined by longitudinal lines through the edges of erased or non-recorded tape portions. The information about servo track pair numbers and/or servo sample numbers is recorded into portions of the tape and is decoded and read back together with signals from the servo track. The information is recorded in a digital manner by using a digital block format of data blocks requiring less bytes per block than a data block provided on the data tracks. If information about longitudinal tape position is not required, information may be recorded in an analog manner using a fixed set of predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive for magnetic tape housed within a cartridge is provided which includes a rectangular access through which the cartridge is inserted into the drive and a wiping member operatively positioned at an edge of the access such that the cartridge is contacted during insertion into the drive. The wiping member is so constructed and coupled to electrical ground that electrostatic charge on the cartridge is bled to electrical ground, the wiping member being made of a conductive polymer or plastic material.

Abstract: Information may be erased from a magnetic tape with the tape being divided into at least two physical partitions. Each physical partition includes a plurality of data tracks carrying recorded data or the like and at least one set of servo tracks carrying position information dedicated to an area between the data tracks. At least one of the physical partitions may be erased during movement of the tape in a forward direction defined by moving the tape towards an end of tape designation, and at least a second of the physical partitions may be erased during the movement of the tape either in a backward direction defined by moving the tape towards the beginning of the tape or in the forward direction from the beginning of tape to the end of the tape.

Abstract: Servo track pair position and longitudinal tape position are determined for a tape using dedicated servo format. The tape includes at least one set of data tracks and dedicated servo tracks wherein adjacent servo tracks are defined by longitudinal lines through the edges of erased or non-recorded tape portions. The information about servo track pair numbers and/or servo sample numbers is recorded into portions of the tape and is decoded and read back together with signals from the servo track. The information is recorded in a digital manner by using a digital block format of data blocks requiring fewer bytes per block than a data block provided on the data tracks. If information about longitudinal tape position is not required, information may be recorded in an analog manner using a fixed set of predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a magnetic servo head relative to a servo track on a traveling magnetic tape both make use of the observation that a given tape in a given tape drive unit exhibits transverse tape movements during operation which constitute a "signature" waveform for the coupled tape cartridge and drive unit. In the method and apparatus, the transverse movements of a traveling tape in a drive unit are monitored to obtain the aforementioned waveform which is characteristic of the transverse movements for that tape, and the waveform is stored. The positioning of the servo head is controlled relative to a servo track on the tape using a control signal generated according to any known track seek algorithm. The stored waveform is recalled and is superimposed on the control signal, thereby significantly increasing the accuracy of the positioning of the servo head, which in turn increases the accuracy of positioning of the write/read head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus performs the detection of an edge of a tape and further controls the read/write head to position itself relative to the detected edge. An array of photodetectors in an integrated circuit chip senses the intensity of light illuminating the chip with the tape running between the light source and the photodetectors. A light-to-dark transition is formed which is indicative of the edge of the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus performs the detection of an edge of a tape and further controls the read/write head to position itself relative to the detected edge. An array of photodetectors in an integrated circuit chip senses the intensity of light illuminating the chip with the tape running between the light source and the photodetectors. A light-to-dark transition is formed which is indicative of the edge of the tape.

Abstract: A circuit for selective switching through of read signals of a multiple magnetic head in a magnetic layer memory, wherein each magnetic system of a multiple magnetic head is associated with a preamplifier which has spatially separated input and final stages, the input stage being located directly on the multiple magnetic head and connected to the final stage by means of a flexible connecting line, the final stage being spatially associated with a read channel, the final stage having switching means for the selective closing of a current path between the final stage and the associated input stage by means of a selection signal, the input stage being so constructed to be in an idle state for as long as the associated final stage is not activated. Preferably, outputs of all the final stages are connected in parallel and coupled into the read channel across an output stage constructed as a differential voltage amplifier.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge noise suppression method and system is disclosed for electronic devices, particularly those connected to data buses. Electrostatic discharge protection is provided by breaking high-frequency ground loops by inserting common mode inductors where they can be most effective-in the DC power supplies themselves, in the DC power connections, or just behind the DC connector in the electronic devices. Saturation of the cores of the common mode inductors is prevented in a preferred way by equalizing supply and return currents in the common mode inductors and by preventing DC ground currents from flowing in a chassis between the power supply and the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus performs detection of an edge and detection of holes or other data patterns on a tape or other magnetic or optical medium. An array of photodetectors in an integrated circuit chip senses the intensity of light illuminating the chip with the tape running between a light source and the photodetectors. The holes or the other data patterns are sensed on the tape based on a comparison between detected light intensities with a programmable reference level. In addition, areas which may normally be sensed as a hole are discarded if these areas fall within a specified tolerance.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit using MOSFETs operatively configured in weak channel inversion made wherein pulses of light by interest are identified by identifying levels of light signal that exceed a threshold difference between a detected light level signal and a noise light level signal.