Abstract: A magnetic tape servo pattern including track identification. Information from a track identification area intersecting one or more tracks on each frame in combination with information identifying the track as odd or even, is used to uniquely identify the track.

Abstract: A method for identifyng a servo track. Information from the servo track about the odd or even number of the track is combined with information about the presence or absence of a track identification area to identify the track number.

Abstract: A magnetic tape servo pattern including track identification. Information from a track identification area intersecting one or more tracks on each frame in combination with information identifying the track as odd or even, is used to uniquely identify the track.

Abstract: A differential amplifier comprises a pair of Darlington configuration amplifier halves operating in the Class A mode. Each Darlington half is provided with a feedback, difference amplifier, which functions as an analog comparator, and an emitter current control resistor to precisely control the emitter current and thereby to control the idling or quiescent current passing through a load in the collector circuit. Each difference amplifier is connected to its respective half by coupling one of its two inputs to the control resistor in the Darlington emitter circuit and coupling the other input to a source of reference voltage. The respective emitter current control resistors are precisely matched. In operation, the output of each difference amplifier drives the base circuit of its respective Darlington half.

Abstract: The equivalent of D.C. erase in magnetic tape using a rotating head is accomplished by transmitting a time asymmetric square wave across a rotary transformer to the rotating head. The time asymmetry of the square wave in combination with passage of the square waveform across the rotary transformer creates in the rotating head an erase current asymmetric in amplitude about an average value. The short interval of the square wave has a large amplitude in one direction and the long interval portion of the square wave has a short amplitude in the opposite direction. This current signal in the head produces alternately a large flux bubble above the head and a small flux bubble above the head. By maintaining the relative head to tape speed such that the large flux bubble always overlaps the small flux bubble, the tape can be D.C. erased by an asymmetric waveform.

Abstract: A rotating head magnetic tape unit having a fixed stator and a rotating rotor is disclosed. A plurality of transformers are positioned between the rotor and the stator so as to establish an interface for the transmission of electrical signals. Circuit means is provided on the rotor of the rotating head magnetic unit for reclocking data phase shifted by the transformer interface, for protecting against inadvertent write on a magnetic tape, and for synchronizing the clock with the data in a write driver whereby the clock may be used as A.C. bias for the written signal. An N times data frequency clock signal received on the rotor is divided N/2 to obtain the reclocking signals. With regard to the synchronization between the clock and write driver, the N times data frequency clock on the rotor is synchronized on the write driver with the data to accomplish A.C. bias recording.