Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and validating formatted blocks during read/write data operations in a magnetic tape data storage system includes component functionality for reading and writing data on a magnetic tape medium in a plurality of modes, including a read-only (R) mode and a read-while-write (RWW) mode, the data being arranged in one or more tracks in a sequence of formatted blocks. In preferred embodiments, formatted block detection and validation is performed by appropriate logic circuitry configured to detect at least one formatting entity representing an inter-block gap, a block acquisition burst, a synchronization character, or any other desired formatting entity, using first and second programmable detection thresholds that are the same or substantially the same in both the R and RWW modes.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and validating multibit acquisition burst sequences which precede and follow each data block in a multitrack data storage system. An acquisition sequence pattern detection circuit is utilized to provide an indication of acquisition burst sequence detection in response to an occurrence of an accurate sequence of a selected number of acquisition burst sequence bits. A latch is utilized to store the pattern criteria indication for each associated track and the latch outputs are then combined in a logic circuit to provide a composite burst pattern error indication signal.