Abstract: An equalizer configured to receive a data signal from a channel. The detector is coupled to the equalizer, and a calibration unit is coupled with the equalizer and the detector. The calibration unit is configured to jointly calibrate the equalizer and the detector using a metric subject to an entropy-preserving equalizer constraint.

Abstract: An equalizer employed in conjunction with bit-patterned media (BPM) is designed to take advantage of a common topology associated with BPM in which each data track is comprised of a plurality of sub-tracks. The equalizer-target filter pair is designed as multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) system, in which the readback signal is divided into readback signals associated with each sub-track. The MIMO equalizer takes into account differences in the channel response associated with each sub-track. A detector is configured to receive a plurality of equalized inputs provided by the MIMO equalizer, wherein the detector generates in response estimates of the user data stored on each of the plurality of sub-tracks.

Abstract: A method includes: producing a bit detection signal in response to a plurality of islands located in a plurality of zones of a bit patterned media, processing the bit detection signal to produce a synchronization signal, wherein the processing is dependent on characteristics of the islands in the zone containing the plurality of islands, and using the synchronization signal to control timing of writing to the bit patterned media. The synchronization signal can also be used to control timing of reading from the bit patterned media.

Abstract: An equalizer employed in conjunction with bit-patterned media (BPM) is designed to take advantage of a common topology associated with BPM in which each data track is comprised of a plurality of sub-tracks. The equalizer-target filter pair is designed as multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) system, in which the readback signal is divided into readback signals associated with each sub-track. The MIMO equalizer takes into account differences in the channel response associated with each sub-track. A detector is configured to receive a plurality of equalized inputs provided by the MIMO equalizer, wherein the detector generates in response estimates of the user data stored on each of the plurality of sub-tracks.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a channel detector is disclosed that includes a programmable look-up table (LUT) to relate user bits to channel bits. The programmable LUT is adapted to be implemented on a state trellis of arbitrary radix. The channel detector further includes a sectional precoder coupled to a channel and having access to the programmable LUT. The sectional precoder is adapted to map channel bits to user bits and vice versa using a programmable LUT.

Abstract: A method includes: producing a bit detection signal in response to a plurality of islands located in a plurality of zones of a bit patterned media, processing the bit detection signal to produce a synchronization signal, wherein the processing is dependent on characteristics of the islands in the zone containing the plurality of islands, and using the synchronization signal to control timing of writing to the bit patterned media. The synchronization signal can also be used to control timing of reading from the bit patterned media.