Magnetic head, tape drive and tape storage rack

Abstract

The disclosure provides a magnetic head, a magnetic tape machine and a magnetic tape storage rack, and belongs to the technical field of magnetic tape storage. The magnetic head comprises a plurality of read-write zones arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head, and the plurality of read-write zones have intervals between them; each read-write zone of the plurality of read-write zones comprises a write head zone and a read head zone arranged along the width direction of the magnetic head, the write head zone comprises a write head for writing data into the magnetic tape, and the read head zone comprises a read head for reading data from the magnetic tape; when data access to a target data band of the magnetic tape is required, the target data band is accessed by the read-write zone closest to the target data band. The magnetic head can reduce the thickness of the magnetic tape machine, arrange more magnetic tape machines in the rack, and improve the magnetic tape storage density of the rack. The magnetic head can also save the material for manufacturing the magnetic head and reduce the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with the application number 202311733774.0 and the original filing date of December 15, 2023, and the entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of magnetic tape storage, in particular to a magnetic head, a tape drive and a tape storage rack. BACKGROUND

[0003] Magnetic tape storage is a storage method using magnetic tape as storage medium, which is still widely used at present due to its low cost and low energy consumption. Magnetic tape storage mainly stores data on the magnetic tape through a tape drive, or reads data stored on the magnetic tape through a tape drive.

[0004] Among them, the tape drive mainly includes a magnetic head and a tape driving mechanism, the magnetic tape passes through the magnetic head, and the tape driving mechanism drives the magnetic tape to move relative to the magnetic head. While the magnetic tape is moving, the magnetic head accesses data (such as writing data or reading data) on the magnetic tape through magnetic principle.

[0005] For example, the magnetic tape is usually divided into four data bands in the width direction, which are data band 0, data band 1, data band 2 and data band 3. The magnetic head moves in the width direction of the magnetic tape to access data on the four data bands of the magnetic tape. For example, when data needs to be accessed on the data band 0 of the magnetic tape, the magnetic head moves to the position where the read-write area of the magnetic head and the data band 0 of the magnetic tape are opposite. When data needs to be accessed on the data band 1 of the magnetic tape, the magnetic head moves to the position where the read-write area of the magnetic head and the data band 1 of the magnetic tape are opposite.

[0006] In order to avoid the edge of the magnetic head scratching the magnetic tape, the height of the magnetic head itself plus the sum of the up-down moving stroke of the magnetic head is usually greater than the width of the magnetic tape, that is, no matter where the magnetic head moves, the magnetic tape is between the two edges of the magnetic head, and there is a certain distance between the magnetic tape and the edge. Therefore, due to the limitation of the height of the magnetic head itself and the moving stroke of the magnetic head, the thickness of the tape drive is relatively large, which occupies a large space in the tape storage rack. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides a magnetic head, a tape drive and a tape storage rack, which can thin the thickness of the tape drive, arrange more number of tape drives in the rack, and improve the tape storage density of the rack. The magnetic head can also save the material for manufacturing the magnetic head and reduce the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0008] In a first aspect, a magnetic head is provided, the magnetic head comprising a plurality of read-write zones, the plurality of read-write zones being arranged in a height direction of the magnetic head, and the plurality of read-write zones having a spacing therebetween;

[0009] Each of the plurality of read-write zones comprises a write head zone and a read head zone arranged in a width direction of the magnetic head, the write head zone comprising a write head for writing data into a magnetic tape, and the read head zone comprising a read head for reading data from the magnetic tape;

[0010] When a target data band of the magnetic tape needs to be accessed, the target data band is accessed by the read-write zone closest to the target data band.

[0011] The spacing between the plurality of read-write zones can match a spacing between two adjacent data bands of the magnetic tape, or can match a width of one or more data bands.

[0012] The magnetic head comprises a plurality of read-write zones, and when a data band (referred to as a target data band) on the magnetic tape needs to be read, the read-write zone closest to the target data band is driven to above the target data band by a motor. Compared with the conventional scheme in which only a single read-write zone is provided and the single read-write zone needs to be moved to above the target data band in order to read / write data of the target data band, the magnetic head can reduce the moving distance of the magnetic head in the height direction.

[0013] The moving distance of the magnetic head is reduced, and the height of the magnetic head is also reduced. The thickness of the tape drive is positively correlated with the moving distance of the magnetic head and the height of the magnetic head. Therefore, the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced when the moving distance of the magnetic head is reduced and the height of the magnetic head is reduced. When the thickness of the tape drive is reduced, more tape drives can be arranged in a rack of a tape storage rack, thereby improving the tape storage density of the tape storage rack.

[0014] The height of the magnetic head is reduced, and therefore, compared with the magnetic head of the conventional scheme, more magnetic heads can be produced on a wafer of the same area, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0015] In one implementation of the present disclosure, each read-write zone includes one write head zone and one read head zone. In another implementation of the present disclosure, each read-write zone includes one or more write head zones and one or more read head zones. The read head zone is a continuous area that is not divided by the write head zone. The write head zone is a continuous area that is not divided by the read head zone.

[0016] In one possible implementation, each read-write zone includes one write head zone and one read head zone. The read-write zones include first type read-write zones and second type read-write zones. The arrangement of the write head zone and the read head zone of the first type read-write zone is opposite to that of the second type read-write zone.

[0017] In magnetic tape storage technology, it is usually required that the magnetic head can access data (e.g., write data) on the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape moves in the forward direction, and the magnetic head can also access data (e.g., write data) on the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape moves in the reverse direction. Here, the magnetic tape moving in the forward direction can mean that the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, and the magnetic tape moving in the reverse direction can mean that the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head.

[0018] After the write head zone writes data, the read head zone is needed to verify whether the written data is correct.

[0019] Therefore, in the scheme in which each read-write zone includes one write head zone and one read head zone, the read-write zones can include first type read-write zones and second type read-write zones. The arrangement of the write head zone and the read head zone of the first type read-write zone is opposite to that of the second type read-write zone.

[0020] For example, the first type read-write zone is a read-write zone in which the write head zone is arranged on the left and the read head zone is arranged on the right, and the second type read-write zone is a read-write zone in which the write head zone is arranged on the right and the read head zone is arranged on the left.

[0021] In this way, when the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, the write head zone of the first type read-write zone writes data, and the read head zone of the first type read-write zone verifies the written data. When the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head, the first type read-write zone cannot complete data access, but the write head zone of the second type read-write zone can write data, and the read head zone of the second type read-write zone verifies the written data, thereby completing data access.

[0022] Therefore, the scheme shown in the present disclosure, although each read-write area only includes one write head area and one read head area, because the first type of read-write area (the first type of read-write area can write data in the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape rotates along the first direction) and the second type of read-write area (the second type of read-write area can write data in the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape rotates along the second direction) are included in the plurality of read-write areas, so that the magnetic head can access data on the magnetic tape regardless of the forward rotation or the reverse rotation of the magnetic tape, and the data access here is writing data, but the data access can also be reading data.

[0023] And the magnetic head of the traditional scheme has only one read-write area, in order to realize that the magnetic head can access data (such as writing data) when the magnetic tape rotates forward or reversely, the only read-write area must be write head area-read head area-write head area, or must be read head area-write head area-read head area.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the magnetic head is configured to, when the magnetic tape moves along a first direction, access data on one data band of the magnetic tape through the first type of read-write area;

[0025] When the magnetic tape moves along a second direction, access data on another data band of the data band through the second type of read-write area, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0026] The scheme shown in the present disclosure, because the first type of read-write area and the second type of read-write area correspond to different data bands respectively, so that the first type of read-write area accesses data on one data band when the magnetic tape rotates forward, and the second type of read-write area accesses data on another data band when the magnetic tape reverses.

[0027] It can be seen that in the scheme shown in the present disclosure, the magnetic head accesses data on two different data bands of the magnetic tape through two different read-write areas when the magnetic tape rotates forward and reversely, while in the traditional scheme, the magnetic head accesses data on the same data band of the magnetic tape through only one read-write area when the magnetic tape rotates forward and reversely.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the magnetic head includes two first magnetic strips, each first magnetic strip includes m write head areas and m read head areas distributed along the height direction, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0029] The two first magnetic strips are spliced along the width direction, and the m write head areas of one first magnetic strip and the m read head areas of another first magnetic strip form m first type of read-write areas, and the m read head areas of the one first magnetic strip and the m write head areas of the another first magnetic strip form m second type of read-write areas.

[0030] In the arrangement, the first type of read-write zone is arranged in the order of write head zone - read head zone in the horizontal direction; the second type of read-write zone is opposite to the first type of read-write zone, and is arranged in the order of read head zone - write head zone in the horizontal direction. This means that when the magnetic head is composed of longitudinal magnetic strips (for example, bonded together by glue), the up-down arrangement order of different magnetic strips has symmetry. For example, a magnetic head is composed of two magnetic strips (i.e., two first magnetic strips), and each magnetic strip includes only one read head zone and one write head zone (i.e., m = 1 is taken as an example): in the longitudinal direction, if the first magnetic strip has the write head zone on top and the read head zone on bottom, then the second magnetic strip has the read head zone on top and the write head zone on bottom. After the two magnetic strips are bonded together, the write head zone of the first magnetic strip and the read head zone of the second magnetic strip form the first type of read-write zone; and the write head zone of the second magnetic strip and the read head zone of the first magnetic strip form the second type of read-write zone.

[0031] It can be seen that the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip are actually completely the same, and the first magnetic strip is rotated by 180 degrees along its center to become the second magnetic strip. The first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip are both the first magnetic strip described above, so one of the first magnetic strips is rotated by 180 degrees along its center to become the other first magnetic strip. Therefore, the magnetic head manufacturer can only produce one specification of magnetic strip, which simplifies the process compared to the scheme of producing different specifications of magnetic strips to compose a magnetic head. In the foregoing example, two magnetic strips each include only one read head zone and one write head zone, and if the magnetic head includes more than two read-write zones (for example, two first type of read-write zones and two second type of read-write zones), the magnetic strips composing the magnetic head also comply with this symmetrical rule and have the effect of simplifying the process. Conversely, in the prior art, the multiple magnetic strips composing the magnetic head are not the same, so the magnetic head manufacturer has to produce multiple specifications of magnetic strips.

[0032] Since the magnetic strip is usually processed on a wafer, in the scheme in which the magnetic head includes two first magnetic strips, the magnetic head manufacturer only needs to process one type of wafer, which is one type less than the scheme of processing two types of wafers to make two types of magnetic strips, thereby further reducing the processing cost of the magnetic head.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the magnetic head includes a second magnetic strip and a third magnetic strip, the second magnetic strip includes a number of a write head zones and a number of b read head zones, the third magnetic strip includes a number of a read head zones and a number of b write head zones, and the a and the b are both integers greater than or equal to 1;

[0034] The arrangement of the a write head zones of the second magnetic strip is the same as the arrangement of the a read head zones of the third magnetic strip, and the arrangement of the b read head zones of the second magnetic strip is the same as the arrangement of the b write head zones of the third magnetic strip;

[0035] The second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe are spliced along the width direction, and a write head area of the second magnetic stripe and a read head area of the third magnetic stripe are spliced to form a first type of read-write area, and a read head area of the second magnetic stripe and a write head area of the third magnetic stripe are spliced to form a second type of read-write area.

[0036] The scheme shown in the present disclosure is that each read-write area in the plurality of read-write areas includes a write head area and a read head area in the lateral direction. For example, the first type of read-write area can be a read-write area arranged in the order of write head area-read head area in the lateral direction, and the second type of read-write area can be a read-write area arranged in the order of read head area-write head area in the lateral direction. Therefore, any read-write area includes only two "areas" in the lateral direction, and according to the fact that one lateral "area" occupies one magnetic stripe, the magnetic head shown in the present disclosure only needs two magnetic stripes (i.e., the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe) to be spliced in the lateral direction to form the magnetic head.

[0037] In the conventional scheme, the only read-write area has to be a write head area-read head area-write head area, or a read head area-write head area-read head area. Therefore, the only read-write area has to include three "areas" in the lateral direction, and one lateral "area" occupies one magnetic stripe. Therefore, the magnetic head in the conventional scheme has to be spliced by three magnetic stripes.

[0038] It can be seen that, compared with the conventional scheme, the scheme shown in the present disclosure reduces one magnetic stripe, saves the manufacturing material of the magnetic head, and reduces the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0039] It should be noted that, in order to enable the two magnetic stripes, i.e., the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe, to form the magnetic head including the first type of read-write area and the second type of read-write area after being spliced in the lateral direction, the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe need to satisfy the following conditions:

[0040] The arrangement mode of the a write head areas of the second magnetic stripe is the same as the arrangement mode of the a read head areas of the third magnetic stripe, and the arrangement mode of the b read head areas of the second magnetic stripe is the same as the arrangement mode of the b write head areas of the third magnetic stripe.

[0041] In this way, the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe can form the magnetic head including the a first type of read-write area and the b second type of read-write area after being spliced in the lateral direction.

[0042] It should be noted that a and b can be equal or not equal.

[0043] In a possible implementation, each read-write area includes a plurality of access heads, the access heads are write heads or read heads, and k access heads in different read-write areas are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch.

[0044] The analog switch is used to turn on the circuit in which a part of the k access heads are located, and turn off the circuit in which the remaining part of the access heads are located, k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the number of read-write areas.

[0045] According to the scheme shown in the present disclosure, the k access heads located in different read-write areas can be accessed into the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch. For example, the analog switch includes k output terminals and one input terminal, then the k access heads are connected to the k output terminals of the analog switch through signal lines one by one, and one input terminal of the analog switch is accessed into the circuit of the tape drive.

[0046] For example, k is 2, the analog switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, the analog switch includes two output terminals and one input terminal, and the two access heads located in different read-write areas are connected to the two output terminals of the analog switch through signal lines respectively, and the input terminal of the analog switch is accessed into the circuit of the tape drive, for example, the input terminal of the analog switch is accessed into the flexible circuit board through a signal line. Therefore, two access heads originally need two signal lines to access into the circuit, but through the analog switch, only one signal line is needed to access into the circuit.

[0047] It can be seen that one analog switch can synthesize k signal lines into one signal line and access into the circuit of the tape drive, which reduces k-1 signal lines compared with not using the analog switch. Further, the scheme shown in the present disclosure can control the number of output lines of the magnetic head to be not too much, so that the number of output lines of the magnetic head is within a controllable range.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the interval between the two adjacent read-write areas matches the width of one or more data bands of the magnetic tape.

[0049] The scheme shown in the present disclosure can cause the problem of a large number of output lines of the magnetic head when the number of read-write areas is too large, and the problem of a large moving stroke of the magnetic head when the number of read-write areas is too small. Therefore, the magnetic head shown in the present disclosure includes multiple read-write areas, but there is an interval between the two adjacent read-write areas, and the interval is the width of one data band or the width of multiple data bands. In this way, the number of read-write areas is not too large, and the moving stroke of the magnetic head is not too large, which takes into account the number of read-write areas and the moving stroke of the magnetic head.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the number of read-write areas is two.

[0051] If the magnetic tape has 2n data bands, the interval matches the width of (n-1) data bands of the magnetic tape.

[0052] If the magnetic tape has (2n-1) data bands, the interval matches the width of (n-2) or (n-1) data bands of the magnetic tape, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0053] The arrangement of the two read-write zones on the head is related to the number of data bands of the magnetic tape according to the scheme shown in the present disclosure.

[0054] If the number of data bands is even, the interval between the two read-write zones is the width of (n-1) data bands. In this way, n data bands of the 2n data bands are relatively close to one read-write zone (referred to as the first read-write zone) and are more suitable to be accessed by the first read-write zone. The other n data bands are relatively close to the other read-write zone (referred to as the second read-write zone) and are more suitable to be accessed by the second read-write zone. Therefore, of the two read-write zones, the first read-write zone is responsible for accessing data of one half of the data bands, and the one half of the data bands are all relatively close to the first read-write zone. The second read-write zone is responsible for accessing data of the other half of the data bands, and the other half of the data bands are all relatively close to the second read-write zone.

[0055] If the number of data bands is odd, the interval between the two read-write zones is the width of (n-2) or (n-1) data bands. In this way, n data bands of the (2n-1) data bands are relatively close to one read-write zone (referred to as the first read-write zone) and are more suitable to be accessed by the first read-write zone. The other n-1 data bands are relatively close to the other read-write zone (referred to as the second read-write zone) and are more suitable to be accessed by the second read-write zone. Therefore, of the two read-write zones, the first read-write zone is responsible for accessing data of n data bands, and the n data bands are all relatively close to the first read-write zone. The second read-write zone is responsible for accessing data of the remaining n-1 data bands, and the n-1 data bands are all relatively close to the second read-write zone.

[0056] For example, the number of data bands is 5, and the distance between two read-write zones can be 1 data band or 2 data bands. In this way, among the 5 data bands, 2 data bands are close to the first read-write zone and are suitable to be accessed by the first read-write zone, and 3 data bands are close to the second read-write zone and are suitable to be accessed by the second read-write zone. Therefore, the first read-write zone is responsible for data access of the 2 data bands close to it, and the second read-write zone is responsible for data access of the 3 data bands close to it.

[0057] The number of read-write zones in the scheme shown in the present disclosure is two, which is not much more than the number of read-write zones in the traditional scheme with one read-write zone, and thus the number of head lines is not greatly increased. Therefore, the head shown in the present disclosure has a number of lines within a controllable range. The number of read-write zones is two, which is compared with the traditional scheme with one read-write zone, and according to the nearest access principle described above, when accessing the magnetic tape, the moving distance of the head can be reduced, the height of the head itself can be shortened, and finally the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced.

[0058] In a second aspect, a tape drive is provided, which includes the head of the first aspect, and further includes a motor for driving the movement of the head.

[0059] The scheme shown in the present disclosure, when the head needs to access data on a certain data band (referred to as target data band) of the magnetic tape, the motor can drive the head to move to the read-write zone closest to the target data band among the multiple read-write zones, opposite to the position of the target data band, and then access data on the target data band by the closest read-write zone.

[0060] It can be seen that, in the scheme including multiple read-write zones, when the head moves, the read-write zone closest to the target data band is moved to the position opposite to the target data band, and in the scheme including only one read-write zone, when the head moves, only the unique read-write zone is moved to the position opposite to the target data band, regardless of the distance to the target data band. Therefore, compared with the head including only one read-write zone, the head including multiple read-write zones can reduce the moving distance of the head in the height direction.

[0061] The thickness of the tape drive is positively correlated with the moving stroke of the magnetic head in the height direction and the height of the magnetic head itself. Therefore, once the moving stroke of the magnetic head is reduced and the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced. Once the thickness of the tape drive is reduced, more tape drives can be arranged in the rack of the tape storage rack, thereby improving the tape storage density of the tape storage rack.

[0062] According to the scheme of the present disclosure, the tape drive can not include a tape, but has a tape port for inserting a tape. When data needs to be stored, an empty tape is inserted into the tape port of the tape drive. After the tape is filled with data, the tape is taken out of the tape port and placed in a tape library. When data needs to be read, the tape in the tape library is taken out and inserted into the tape drive for reading data.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the tape drive can further include a tape;

[0064] The tape is fixedly installed in the tape drive and serves as a magnetic medium for storing data.

[0065] According to the scheme of the present disclosure, the tape is fixedly installed in the tape drive, which is advantageous for protecting the tape from being damaged and protecting the stored data from being lost.

[0066] According to the scheme of the present disclosure, the tape is fixedly installed in the tape drive, which is advantageous for protecting the tape from being damaged and protecting the stored data from being lost.

[0067] According to the scheme of the present disclosure, the tape is fixedly installed in the tape drive, which is advantageous for protecting the tape from being damaged and protecting the stored data from being lost.

[0068] In a third aspect, a tape storage rack is provided, which includes a rack, a controller, and the tape drive of the second aspect. The controller and the tape drive are located in the rack.

[0069] The controller is configured to receive an access request of a user and perform data access on the tape in the tape drive based on the access request. The data access includes reading data and writing data.

[0070] In the present disclosure, the tape drive can be fixedly installed in the rack or can be located in a slot of the rack in a pluggable manner.

[0071] According to the scheme of the present disclosure, the thickness of the tape drive is relatively thin, so that more tape drives can be stored in the cabinet, thereby improving the tape storage density of the cabinet.

[0072] The scheme shown in the present disclosure is that the magnetic tape is fixed in the tape drive, and the magnetic tape does not need to be taken out of the tape drive, and the mechanical arm can be omitted, so that more tape drives can be arranged in the rack, and the tape storage density of the cabinet is further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the movement of the magnetic tape relative to the magnetic head provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a read-write zone accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by a conventional scheme;

[0075] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones, and each read-write zone includes a write head zone and a read head zone provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a read-write zone, and the read-write zone includes two write head zones and a read head zone accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by a conventional scheme;

[0082] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including two read-write zones, and the two read-write zones are a first type of read-write zone and a second type of read-write zone respectively accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the magnetic head including a plurality of read-write zones, and each read-write zone includes two write head zones and a read head zone accessing data on the magnetic tape provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which an analog switch is accessed in a circuit;

[0085] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which each read-write zone includes two read head zones and one write head zone;

[0086] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which one read-write zone includes two write head zones and one read head zone, and the other read-write zone includes two read head zones and one write head zone;

[0087] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the magnetic head is spliced from two first magnetic strips, and a manufacturing process of the magnetic head is shown.

[0088] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0089] 10, magnetic head; 20, magnetic tape; 30, first magnetic tape reel; 40, second magnetic tape reel.

[0090] 1, first magnetic strip; 2, second magnetic strip; 3, read-write zone; 4, analog switch; 5, third magnetic strip; 6, fourth magnetic strip; 7, fifth magnetic strip; 8, sixth magnetic strip; 9, seventh magnetic strip; 11, eighth magnetic strip; 12, ninth magnetic strip.

[0091] 21, first data band; 22, second data band; 23, third data band; 24, fourth data band; 25, fifth data band; 26, sixth data band.

[0092] 31, write head zone; 311, write head; 32, read head zone; 321, read head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0094] The present embodiment relates to a magnetic head of a magnetic tape drive, which can be but is not limited to a linear tape open (LTO) magnetic tape drive.

[0095] For the convenience of understanding, first, the terms involved in the present embodiment are explained and described.

[0096] Magnetic tape is a magnetic medium with a magnetic layer, shaped like a strip, used to record sound, images, digital data, or other signals. Magnetic tape is typically divided into multiple data bands along its width. Current LTO tape drives typically use 12.7mm wide tapes divided into four data bands.

[0097] A magnetic head is a component that uses magnetic principles to write (i.e., record) data on a magnetic medium (such as magnetic tape) and to read data recorded on the magnetic medium.

[0098] The magnetic head includes a read / write area, which is the area used to access data on the magnetic medium. Accessing data includes writing data or reading data.

[0099] The read / write area is further divided into the write area and the read area. The write area contains multiple write heads, and the read area contains multiple read heads.

[0100] A write head is a component located on a magnetic head that records data on a magnetic medium by magnetizing the magnetic material on the medium (such as magnetic tape).

[0101] A read head is a component located on a magnetic head that reads data recorded on a magnetic medium by sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic material on the magnetic medium (such as magnetic tape).

[0102] The following describes the structural principle of tape drives for tape storage.

[0103] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a top view of a magnetic tape drive. The drive includes a magnetic head 10 and a tape drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a first magnetic tape reel 30 and a second magnetic tape reel 40. One end of a magnetic tape 20 is wound around the first reel 30, and the other end is wound around the second reel 40. The tape 20 passes around and contacts the magnetic head 10. As the first and second reels rotate, the tape 20 moves relative to the magnetic head 10. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the first magnetic tape 30 and the second magnetic tape 40 rotate counterclockwise, and the magnetic tape 20 moves to the right relative to the magnetic head 10.

[0104] As the magnetic tape 20 moves relative to the magnetic head 10, the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20.

[0105] like Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates a scenario in a conventional scheme where the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20. Figure 2As shown, the magnetic tape 20 has a certain width, such as width Wl.

[0106] With continued reference to Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic tape 20 is divided into a plurality of data bands along the width direction, such as, for example, Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic tape 20 has four data bands, respectively denoted as a first data band 21, a second data band 22, a third data band 23, and a fourth data band 24.

[0107] With continued reference to Figure 2 As shown, the head 10 has a read-write zone, and the head 10 moves up and down along the width direction of the magnetic tape 20 to access data in each data band of the magnetic tape 20.

[0108] For example, as shown, Figure 2 When data needs to be accessed in the first data band 21, the head 10 needs to move to its read-write zone to be opposite to the position of the first data band 21 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the head 10 at the fourth time as shown), Figure 2 and then the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the head 10 to fill up or read out the first data band 21 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0109] When data needs to be accessed in the second data band 22, the head 10 needs to move to its read-write zone to be opposite to the position of the second data band 22 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the head 10 at the third time as shown), Figure 2 and then the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the head 10 to fill up or read out the second data band 22 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0110] When data needs to be accessed in the third data band 23, the head 10 needs to move to its read-write zone to be opposite to the position of the third data band 23 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the head 10 at the second time as shown), Figure 2 and then the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the head 10 to fill up or read out the third data band 23 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0111] When data needs to be accessed in the fourth data band 24, the head 10 needs to move to its read-write zone to be opposite to the position of the fourth data band 24 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the head 10 at the first time as shown), Figure 2 and then the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the head 10 to fill up or read out the fourth data band 24 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0112] In this way, by moving the magnetic head 10 up and down relative to the magnetic tape 20, and by moving the magnetic tape 20 left and right relative to the magnetic head 10, the entire magnetic tape 20 can be written to or read.

[0113] It should be pointed out that, Figure 2 In this process, the magnetic head 10 only moves up and down along the width of the magnetic tape 20, and does not move left and right along the length of the magnetic tape 20. Figure 2 This is simply to make it easier to distinguish and observe the position of the magnetic head 10 at different times.

[0114] Because the magnetic tape 20 moves around the magnetic head 10, and the magnetic head 10 is in contact with the magnetic tape 20, in order to avoid the edge of the magnetic head 10 scratching the magnetic tape 20, refer to... Figure 2 As shown, no matter where the magnetic head 10 moves, the end of the magnetic head 10 along the height direction always extends beyond the edge of the magnetic tape 20 along the width direction, wherein the height direction of the magnetic head 10 is consistent with the width direction of the magnetic tape 20.

[0115] For example, when the magnetic head 10 moves to its uppermost position closest to the upper edge of the magnetic tape 20, the reference... Figure 2 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 moves to the position where its read / write area is opposite to the fourth data band 24, the upper end of the magnetic head 10 extends beyond the upper edge of the magnetic tape 20 by a length d. When the magnetic head 10 moves to its lower end closest to the lower edge of the magnetic tape 20, reference... Figure 2 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 moves to the position where its read / write area is opposite to the first databand 21, the length of the lower end of the magnetic head 10 extending beyond the lower edge of the magnetic tape 20 is d.

[0116] Therefore, in order to ensure that the upper and lower ends of the magnetic head 10 always extend beyond the upper and lower edges of the magnetic tape 20, refer to... Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic head 10 itself is quite tall. In addition, the magnetic head 10 needs to move up and down in the tape drive. Therefore, the tape drive needs to have enough space for the magnetic head 10 to move up and down.

[0117] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, in the tape drive, the sum of the height of the magnetic head 10 itself and the vertical travel of the magnetic head (which can be denoted as the head travel height) is at least H1, as referenced. Figure 3 As shown, H1 = W1 + 6h + 2d, where h is the height of the read / write area 3, which is approximately the width of a single data band.

[0118] And such Figure 3 The magnetic head 10 shown accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, and at least the following problems exist.

[0119] First, the head travel height H1 is relatively large, resulting in a relatively thick tape drive.

[0120] For example, the width Wl of the magnetic tape 20 is about 12.7mm, and the width of each data band is about 3mm, so the height of the magnetic head 10 itself needs to be about 27mm, the stroke height of the magnetic head 10 is about 36mm, and the thickness of the upper and lower shells of the tape drive is 2x2mm, so the thickness of the tape drive is at least greater than 40mm.

[0121] Secondly, although the tape drive is relatively thick, the space occupied by the magnetic tape in the tape drive is relatively small, resulting in a relatively small storage capacity density of the tape drive.

[0122] For example, the width of the magnetic tape in a 40mm thick tape drive is only 12.7mm, and the storage capacity density of the tape drive is less than 31.75%. The storage capacity density, which can also be referred to as the magnetic tape storage density, is the ratio of the width of the magnetic tape (i.e. the thickness of the magnetic tape) to the thickness of the tape drive.

[0123] The embodiment provides a magnetic head, the moving stroke of the magnetic head 10 is relatively small, which can shorten the height of the magnetic head 10 itself. Once the stroke of the magnetic head 10 is small, the height of the magnetic head itself is small, which can reduce the head stroke height, so that the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced. When the thickness of the tape drive is reduced, the storage capacity density of the tape drive can be improved under the condition that the width of the magnetic tape is unchanged. Moreover, when the thickness of the tape drive is reduced, the cabinet used to store the tape drive can accommodate more number of tape drives.

[0124] Moreover, the magnetic head 10 shown in the embodiment only needs to be spliced by two magnetic strips, compared with the conventional magnetic head which needs to be spliced by three magnetic strips, one magnetic strip is saved, the material cost of the magnetic head 10 is saved, and the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head is reduced. Since the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, the height of the magnetic strip spliced into the magnetic head is also shortened, and the number of the magnetic strips manufactured on the same wafer is more, and the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head 10 is further reduced.

[0125] Moreover, compared with the magnetic head including more number of read-write areas, the magnetic head including two read-write areas uses two magnetic strips which are the same magnetic strip in structure and material, so only one wafer needs to be manufactured when the magnetic strip is manufactured, and the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head 10 is further reduced.

[0126] The features of the magnetic head shown in the embodiment will be introduced below.

[0127] Since the terms up and down and left and right will be involved in the introduction of the embodiment, the terms up and down and left and right are referred to in the following description. Figure 3As shown, the width direction of the magnetic tape 20 can be taken as the up-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to the width direction can be taken as the left-right direction. The movement of the magnetic tape 20 is also the movement to the left or to the right.

[0128] In the height direction of the magnetic head 10 and the width direction of the magnetic tape 20 are the same, both of which are the up-down direction. The width direction of the magnetic head 10 and the length direction of the magnetic tape 20 are the same, both of which are the left-right direction.

[0129] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic head 10 includes a plurality of read-write zones 3, which are arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head 10, and there is a gap between any two adjacent read-write zones 3. Figure 5 In the embodiment, two read-write zones 3 are taken as an example, which are denoted as read-write zone 3a and read-write zone 3b for distinction.

[0130] The gap can match the gap between any two adjacent data bands of the magnetic tape (see FIG. 1). Figure 3 and Figure 3 The gap can also match the width of one or more data bands of the magnetic tape (see FIG. 2). Figure 2

[0131] Since the magnetic head 10 includes a plurality of read-write zones 3 in the height direction, when the plurality of read-write zones 3 access data on the plurality of data bands of the magnetic tape, the following nearest access principle can be followed:

[0132] When data needs to be accessed on a certain data band (denoted as target data band), if there is a read-write zone (denoted as target read-write zone) in the plurality of read-write zones 3 that is opposite to the position of the target data band, the magnetic head does not need to move. If there is no read-write zone opposite to the position of the target data band in the plurality of read-write zones, the magnetic head needs to move, and the magnetic head only needs to move to a read-write zone that is closest to the target data band, so that the read-write zone is opposite to the position of the target data band and becomes the target read-write zone. After the target read-write zone is opposite to the position of the target data band, the target read-write zone can access data on the target data band.

[0133] In this case, the data band is opposite to the position of the read-write zone, which can also be referred to as the read-write zone being above the data band, and the orthographic projection of the read-write zone on the magnetic tape covers the data band.

[0134] ​It should be noted that "nearest" is a basic principle in this embodiment, but situations that violate the "nearest" principle are not excluded. For example, when two read / write areas are close to the target band, either of these two read / write areas can be selected to access the target data band; when the read / write area closest to the target band cannot access the target band due to structural or other limitations, the more distant read / write area accesses the target band; when the read / write area closest to the target band fails, the more distant read / write area accesses the target band. Therefore, as long as the access logic of the tape drive's head to the band conforms to the "nearest" principle in most cases, it falls within the scope of this embodiment.

[0135] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the magnetic head with multiple read / write areas, compared with the magnetic head with only one read / write area, when accessing a magnetic tape of the same width, such as a magnetic tape with four data bands, the distance the magnetic head travels when multiple read / write areas access data in these four data bands according to the aforementioned nearest principle is less than the distance the magnetic head travels when a single read / write area accesses data in these four data bands.

[0136] Therefore, the magnetic head in this embodiment, because it includes multiple read / write areas, can reduce the vertical movement of the magnetic head 10. Once the movement of the magnetic head 10 is reduced, the height of the magnetic head 10 itself can be shortened, thereby reducing the magnetic head travel height (wherein, the magnetic head travel height is the sum of the magnetic head movement distance and the height of the magnetic head itself).

[0137] For example, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the head travel height is H2, where H2 = W1 + 2h + 2d, approximately 24mm. This is clearly consistent with... Figure 5 Compared to the scheme shown, the head travel height is reduced by 4h, such as 12mm, and the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced to 26mm. Therefore, the tape storage density of the tape drive is approximately 48.85%.

[0138] The following describes the arrangement and number of multiple read / write areas 3.

[0139] The arrangement of multiple read / write areas 3 can be summarized into two types: (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, one type is where multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged sequentially along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 matches the interval between two adjacent data bands;

[0140] Another method involves multiple read / write areas 3 arranged along the height of the read / write head, with the spacing between adjacent read / write areas 3 matching the width of one or more data bands.

[0141] The following will introduce the specific arrangement and number of the read-write area 3 respectively for the above two arrangement modes.

[0142] (I) The plurality of read-write areas 3 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between the adjacent two read-write areas 3 matches the interval between the adjacent two data bands.

[0143] Among them, the two intervals match, that is, the two intervals are equal or close to equal. The two numerical values involved in the present embodiment match, and in the absence of special indications, the two numerical values are equal or close to equal.

[0144] For example, the interval between the adjacent two data bands is greater than or equal to 0 and less than the width of a single data band. Then, the interval between the adjacent two read-write areas 3 is also greater than or equal to 0 and less than the width of a single data band.

[0145] As an example, if the interval between the adjacent two data bands is 0, then the interval between the adjacent two read-write areas is also 0. In this case, the plurality of read-write areas are connected together at the head and tail, which can also be regarded as a read-write area, and can be manufactured as a read-write area in processing.

[0146] Because the interval between the adjacent two read-write areas 3 is relatively small, much smaller than the width of a single data band, the number of read-write areas 3 is less than or equal to the number of data bands.

[0147] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 are schematic diagrams of the plurality of read-write areas 3 arranged along the height direction of the magnetic head, Figure 4 and Figure 4 both take the magnetic tape 20 with four data bands as an example.

[0148] Referring to Figure 5 , the number of read-write areas 3 is equal to the number of data bands, the plurality of read-write areas 3 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between the adjacent two read-write areas 3 is equal or close to equal to the interval between the adjacent two data bands. Among them, Figure 5 takes four data bands as an example, then the number of read-write areas 3 is also four, for convenience of distinction, respectively recorded as read-write area 3a, read-write area 3b, read-write area 3c and read-write area 3d.

[0149] Referring to Figure 4As shown, the number of read / write areas 3 is less than the number of data bands. Multiple read / write areas are arranged one after another along the height of the read / write head. The interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is equal to or nearly equal to the interval between two adjacent data bands. Figure 4 The example uses four data bands and two read / write areas, which are denoted as read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b respectively for distinction.

[0150] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the multiple read / write areas 3 of the magnetic head 10 and the multiple data bands of the magnetic tape 20 are positioned relative to each other.

[0151] Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic head 10 only needs to move a very small distance in the vertical direction (i.e., the magnetic head 10 slightly adjusts its position up and down) to access data on all data bands of the magnetic tape 20. This movement distance is much smaller than the width of a single data band. In this scheme, the head travel height is H3, where H3 = W1 + 2d, approximately 18mm. Since the thickness of the tape drive is slightly greater than the width of the magnetic tape, the tape drive is relatively thin, resulting in a larger storage capacity.

[0152] In a scheme where the number of read / write areas 3 is less than the number of data bands, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the magnetic head 20 only needs to move a fewer number of times (and Figure 2 Compared to the scheme shown, by moving the width of one or more data bands at a time, data can be accessed on all data bands of tape 20.

[0153] refer to Figure 6 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the head 20 only needs to move once, with a travel distance of two data bands, to access data on all four data bands of the magnetic tape 20. In this scheme, the head travel height is H4, where H4 = W1 + 4h + 2d, approximately 30mm, which is obviously consistent with... Figure 3 Compared to the scheme shown, the head travel height is reduced by 2h, such as 6mm.

[0154] (ii) Multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 matches the width of one or more data bands.

[0155] For example, multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged along the height direction of the read / write head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is equal to or nearly equal to the width of a data band.

[0156] In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the two adjacent read-write zones 3 are separated by one data band of the magnetic tape 20. In the scheme in which the two adjacent read-write zones 3 are separated by one data band, the magnetic head 10 moves once and the moving distance is the width of a single data band, so that the magnetic head 10 can access all the data bands of the magnetic tape 20, and the moving distance of the magnetic head 10 can be reduced.

[0157] For example, the plurality of read-write zones 3 are arranged along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between the two adjacent read-write zones 3 is equal to or close to the width of the plurality of data bands.

[0158] In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the two adjacent read-write zones 3 are separated by one data band of the magnetic tape 20. In the scheme in which the two adjacent read-write zones 3 are separated by one data band, the magnetic head 10 moves once and the moving distance is the width of a single data band, so that the magnetic head 10 can access all the data bands of the magnetic tape 20, and the moving distance of the magnetic head 10 can be reduced.

[0159] In the above, the "interval is equal to or close to the width of the plurality of data bands" means that the interval is approximately equal to the sum of the widths of the plurality of data bands. If there is a gap greater than 0 between the two adjacent data bands, as shown in FIG. 6, the interval is approximately equal to the sum of the widths of the plurality of data bands and the gap between the plurality of data bands. Figure 3

[0160] Since the interval between the two adjacent read-write zones 3 matches the width of at least one data band, the number of read-write zones 3 is less than the number of data bands.

[0161] The number of read-write zones 3 can be set according to simulation results and test results, for example, the number of read-write zones 3 is selected according to the moving height of the magnetic head and the number of leads of the magnetic head. The following shows the arrangement of two read-write zones 3 in the case where the magnetic tape 20 has two or more data bands.

[0162] (1) The magnetic tape 20 has 2n data bands, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0163] That is, the magnetic tape 20 has an even number of data bands, such as 4, 6, or even more.​

[0164] The interval between the two read / write areas 3 can be matched with the width of n-1 data bands of the magnetic tape 20. In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, there are n-1 data bands between the two read / write areas 3.

[0165] Furthermore, one read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on n data bands (these n data bands are consecutive in position), and the other read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on the remaining n data bands (these n data bands are consecutive in position).

[0166] With an even number of read / write areas 3, arranged as described above, and based on the principle of nearest access mentioned above, the read / write head can access all data bands with minimal travel distance.

[0167] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W1, and it has four data bands: a first data band 21, a second data band 22, a third data band 23, and a fourth data band 24. The two read / write areas 3 are separated by one data band. Figure 6 In the scheme shown, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the nearest access principle, the head travel height is H2, where H2 = W1 + 2h + 2d.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W2, and it has six data bands: a first data band 21, a second data band 22, a third data band 23, a fourth data band 24, a fifth data band 25, and a sixth data band 26. There are two data bands between the two read / write areas 3 (i.e., between read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b). Figure 7 In the scheme shown, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the nearest access principle, the head travel height is H5, where H5 = W2 + 4h + 2d.

[0169] (2) The magnetic tape 20 has 2n-1 data bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0170] That is, the tape 20 has an odd number of data bands, such as 3, 5, or even more.

[0171] The interval between the two read / write areas 3 can be matched with the width of n-2 or n-1 data bands of the magnetic tape 20. In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, there are n-2 or n-1 data bands between the two read / write areas 3.

[0172] Furthermore, one read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on n-1 data bands (these n-1 data bands are consecutive in position), while the other read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on the remaining n data bands (these n data bands are consecutive in position).

[0173] With an odd number of read / write areas 3, arranged as described above, and based on the principle of nearest access mentioned above, the read / write head can access all data bands with minimal travel distance.

[0174] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W3, and it has five data bands: a first data band 21, a second data band 22, a third data band 23, a fourth data band 24, and a fifth data band 25. The two read / write areas 3 (i.e., between read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b) can be separated by one or two data bands. Figures 2 to 7 Example with two databands separated. Figure 8 In the scheme shown, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the nearest access principle, the head travel height is H6, where H6 = W3 + 4h + 2d.

[0175] In summary, and with reference to Figure 8 As shown, under the same conditions, namely, the same tape width W, the same size d extending from the edge of the tape head, and the same height of the read / write area, the scheme with multiple read / write areas in the magnetic head can reduce the movement of the magnetic head in its height direction compared to the traditional scheme with only a single read / write area.

[0176] Reducing the travel distance of the magnetic head also shortens the height of the head itself. Since the thickness of the tape drive is related to the travel distance of the magnetic head and the height of the head, once the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced, more tape drives can be accommodated in the tape storage rack without changing the rack size, thus increasing the tape storage density of the rack.

[0177] The magnetic head 10 is composed of multiple magnetic strips spliced ​​together. The magnetic strips are usually made on a wafer. Because the height of the magnetic head 10 itself is shortened, the magnetic head and the magnetic strips are the same height. Therefore, the height of the magnetic strips can also be shortened. As a result, compared with the traditional magnetic head solution, more magnetic strips can be made on the same area of ​​wafer, and more magnetic heads can be made, thereby reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0178] As the above analysis shows, the more read / write areas 3 included in the read / write head 10, the smaller the vertical travel distance of the read / write head 10 and the smaller the head travel height. If the number of read / write areas 3 is equal to the number of data bands, then the read / write head 10 does not need to move, and the travel distance is close to 0. However, too many read / write areas 3 will also lead to other problems, as described below.

[0179] like Figure 8 The diagram shows a magnetic head 10 including three read / write areas 3. Two of these read / write areas are first-class read / write areas 3A, and the other is a second-class read / write area 3B. Figure 8 In the diagram, the two Class I read / write areas 3A are designated as Class I read / write area 3A-1 and Class I read / write area 3A-2 for distinction. Figure 8 To facilitate the distinction between the various write heads and the various read heads, these multiple write heads are indicated by reference numerals 311 to 316, and these multiple read heads are indicated by reference numerals 321 to 326.

[0180] refer to Figure 12 As shown, each read / write area 3 includes a write head area 31 and a read head area 32 arranged along the width direction of the magnetic head 10, wherein the width direction of the magnetic head 10 is perpendicular to the height direction of the magnetic head, and the height direction of the magnetic head is consistent with the width direction of the magnetic tape.

[0181] For example, refer to Figure 12 As shown, each write head area 31 includes multiple write heads 311, such as 32 write heads 311. Each read head area 321 includes multiple read heads 321, such as 32 read heads 321. Note that write head area 31 does not include read heads, and read head area 32 does not include write heads.

[0182] refer to Figure 9 As shown, each write head area 31 also includes two servo heads, with multiple write heads 311 located between the two servo heads. The servo heads are used to correspond one-to-one between the multiple write heads 311 and multiple tracks within a data band of the magnetic tape. (Continue to the next section...) Figure 9 As shown, each read head area 32 also includes two servo heads, with multiple read heads 321 located between the two servo heads. The servo heads are used to make the multiple read heads 321 correspond one-to-one with multiple tracks in a data band of the magnetic tape.

[0183] Each write head 311, each read head 321 and each servo head need to be connected to the circuit of the tape drive through signal lines, such as two positive and negative signal lines.

[0184] It can be seen that the more the number of read-write zones 3, the more the number of access heads of the magnetic head 10, including write heads, read heads and servo heads, and the more the number of signal lines of the magnetic head 10, and the more complex the circuit layout of the tape drive.

[0185] In addition, the magnetic head 10 is usually connected to the circuit through a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the number of signal lines carried by the flexible printed circuit is limited.

[0186] The magnetic head shown in the embodiment can control the number of signal lines of the magnetic head although it includes a plurality of read-write zones 3.

[0187] The scheme for controlling the number of signal lines of the magnetic head is described below.

[0188] (1) The magnetic head of the embodiment includes a write head zone 31 and a read head zone 32 in each read-write zone 3, which is less than the read-write zone of the conventional scheme including three zones of write head zone-read head zone-write head zone by one write head zone, and less than the read-write zone of the conventional scheme including three zones of read head zone-write head zone-read head zone by one read head zone. In summary, the read-write zone of the embodiment is less than the conventional read-write zone by one "write head zone" or "read head zone", thereby controlling the number of signal lines of the magnetic head.

[0189] The reasons why the conventional read-write zone is a write head zone-read head zone-write head zone or a read head zone-write head zone-read head zone, and the reasons why the read-write zone of the embodiment can include a write head zone and a read head zone are described below.

[0190] (1) The reasons why the conventional read-write zone is a write head zone-read head zone-write head zone or a read head zone-write head zone-read head zone.

[0191] In the magnetic tape storage technology, it is usually required that the magnetic head 10 can access data on the magnetic tape 20 when the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, and the magnetic head 10 can also access data on the magnetic tape 20 when the magnetic tape 20 rotates backward. Among them, the forward rotation of the magnetic tape 20 can be the right movement of the magnetic tape 20 relative to the magnetic head 10, and the backward rotation of the magnetic tape 20 can be the left movement of the magnetic tape 20 relative to the magnetic head 10.

[0192] After the data is written in the write head zone, the read head zone is needed to verify whether the written data is correct.

[0193] Therefore, for a scheme with one and only one read / write area, if the read / write area consists of only one write head area and one read head area, such as the write head area-read head area, then when the tape rotates forward, the tape is equivalent to the magnetic head moving to the right. The tape first passes through the write head area, where data is written. The tape continues to move to the right, and when it passes through the read head area, the read head area verifies whether the written data is correct. Thus, when the tape rotates forward, this single read / write area can access data normally. However, when the tape rotates backward, the tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. The tape first passes through the read head area, which can only read data and cannot write data. The tape continues to move to the left, and when it passes through the write head area, although data can be written, the data written in the write head area cannot be verified for correctness. Therefore, when the tape rotates backward, this single read / write area cannot access data normally.

[0194] For schemes with only one read / write area, such as a write header area - read header area - write header area, refer to... Figure 8 As shown, for ease of explanation, one of the two write header areas is labeled 1# and the other is labeled 2#.

[0195] refer to Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the writing of data onto the magnetic tape by the magnetic head. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, it moves to the right relative to the magnetic head 10. Data is written to the second data band 22 by the write head area 31 (1#) of this unique read / write area 3, and the read head area 32 verifies the correctness of the data written to the second data band 22. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates backward, it moves to the left relative to the magnetic head 10. Data is written to the second data band 22 by the write head area 31 (2#) of this unique read / write area 3, and the read head area 32 verifies the correctness of the data written to the second data band 22. It is evident that this unique read / write area can access data on the magnetic tape in both forward and reverse rotation.

[0196] Similarly, for a scheme with only one read / write area, such as read / write area 1# read head area - write head area - read head area 2#, when the tape rotates forward, the tape moves to the right, the write head area writes data, and the read head area 2# checks whether the written data is correct. When the tape rotates in reverse, the tape moves to the left, the write head area writes data, and the read head area 1# checks whether the written data is correct.

[0197] Therefore, for a read / write head that includes a single read / write area, that unique read / write area is either write head area-read head area-write head area or read head area-write head area-read head area.

[0198] (2) In a scheme with multiple read / write areas, each read / write area may include a write head area and a read head area.

[0199] like Figure 8As shown, since the number of read-write zones is multiple, the multiple read-write zones 3 can be divided into two categories of read-write zones according to the arrangement order of the write head zone and the read head zone, and are respectively denoted as a first category of read-write zones 3A and a second category of read-write zones 3B. The first category of read-write zones 3A can be arranged as write head zone 31-read head zone 32, and the second category of read-write zones 3B can be arranged as read head zone 32-write head zone 31. In the same magnetic head, there can be only one first category of read-write zone and one second category of read-write zone. There can also be a larger number of first category of read-write zones and a larger number of second category of read-write zones.

[0200] When the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, as shown in Figure 10 As shown, it can be any one of the read-write zones 3 in the first category of read-write zones 3A accessing data on the magnetic tape, or it can be multiple read-write zones 3 in the first category of read-write zones 3A all accessing data on the magnetic tape. When the magnetic tape 20 reverses, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head, as shown in Figure 11 As shown, it can be any one of the read-write zones 3 in the first category of read-write zones 3A accessing data on the magnetic tape, or it can be multiple read-write zones 3 in the first category of read-write zones 3A all accessing data on the magnetic tape. When the magnetic tape 20 reverses, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head, as shown in

[0201] For example, as shown in Figure 11 As shown, there are two read-write zones 3, one of which is the first category of read-write zones 3A and the other of which is the second category of read-write zones 3B. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, the 1# write head zone 31 in the first category of read-write zones 3A writes data on the second data band 22, and the 1# read head zone 32 checks whether the written data is correct. When the magnetic tape 20 reverses, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head, the 2# write head zone 31 in the second category of read-write zones 3B writes data on the fourth data band 24, and the 2# read head zone 32 checks whether the written data is correct.

[0202] Therefore, for a magnetic head including multiple read-write zones, because the multiple read-write zones include the first category of read-write zones and the second category of read-write zones with opposite arrangement modes of write head zones and read head zones, each read-write zone includes only one write head zone and one read head zone, but the magnetic head can still access data on the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape rotates forward and reverses.

[0203] It should be noted that in the scheme in which the number of read-write zones is multiple, each read-write zone can also be a write head zone-read head zone-write head zone, or a read head zone-write head zone-read head zone. For example, as shown in Figure 12 As shown, there are two read-write zones, each of which is a write head zone-read head zone-write head zone. As shown in Figure 12As shown, when the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. This can be achieved by the 1# write head area 31 writing data onto the second data band 22, and the 1# read head area 32 verifying the correctness of the written data. Alternatively, when the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. This can also be achieved by the 3# write head area 31 writing data onto the fourth data band 24, and the 2# read head area 32 verifying the correctness of the written data.

[0204] When tape 20 is reversed, the tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. This can be achieved by writing data to the second data band 22 via write head area 31 (2#), while read head area 32 (1#) verifies the correctness of the written data. Alternatively, when tape 20 is reversed, the tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. This can also be achieved by writing data to the fourth data band 24 via write head area 31 (4#), while read head area 32 (2#) verifies the correctness of the written data.

[0205] It should be noted that in schemes with multiple read / write areas, one part of the read / write area can be a write header area-read header area-write header area, and another part of the read / write area can be a read header area-write header area-read header area.

[0206] It should be noted that a single write header area 31 is a continuous area that is not divided by the read header area 32, and a single read header area 32 is a continuous area that is not divided by the write header area.

[0207] (ii) The number of wires exiting the magnetic head is controlled by a simulated switch.

[0208] like Figure 8 The diagram shows a magnetic head 10 including two read / write areas 3.

[0209] refer to Figure 12 As shown, each read / write area 3 includes multiple access heads, which can be write heads 311, read heads 321, or servo heads. The k access heads located in different read / write areas 3 are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch 4.

[0210] The analog switch is used to connect the circuits of some of the k access heads, while keeping the circuits of the remaining access heads disconnected.

[0211] Where k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the total number of read / write areas 3, and the value of k is related to the type of analog switch 4. For example, if analog switch 4 is a single-pole double-throw switch, then k is 2; if analog switch 4 is a single-pole triple-throw switch, then k is 3.

[0212] Among them, the k access headers can be k write headers 311, k read headers 321, or a combination of write headers 311 and read headers 321, with the sum of the number of write headers 311 and read headers 321 being k.

[0213] Then, k write heads 311 in different read-write zones 3 are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch 4. For example, k read heads 321 in different read-write zones 3 are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the analog switch 4. For example, referring to Figure 11 the write heads 311 and the read heads 321 in different read-write zones 3 are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the analog switch 4.

[0214] The k access heads in different read-write zones 3 are connected to the circuit through an analog switch. For example, the k access heads are connected to k output terminals of the analog switch, and one input terminal of the analog switch is connected to the circuit of the tape drive, such as one input terminal of the analog switch is connected to the flexible circuit board. It can be seen that the analog switch can combine k signal lines into one signal line, and then connect the signal line to the circuit of the tape drive, thereby reducing the number of signal lines connected to the circuit.

[0215] For example, as Figure 8 shown, the magnetic head includes two read-write zones 3, and the analog switch is a single-pole double-throw switch. Then, the number of output terminals of the magnetic head is reduced by half compared with the scheme shown in Figure 8 , thereby controlling the number of output terminals of the magnetic head.

[0216] In an example, the analog switch can be processed by semiconductor technology and integrated with the magnetic head 10 (i.e., packaged together), realizing the integration of the magnetic head and the analog switch.

[0217] In an example, the analog switch can be applied to the magnetic head 10 including multiple read-write zones 3. For example, the analog switch can be applied to the scheme in which the number of read-write zones 3 is multiple, and each read-write zone 3 includes one write head zone 31 and one read head zone 32. For example, the analog switch can also be applied to the scheme in which the number of read-write zones 3 is multiple, and each read-write zone 3 includes two write head zones 31 and one read head zone 32. For example, the analog switch can also be applied to the scheme in which the number of read-write zones 3 is multiple, and each read-write zone 3 includes one write head zone 31 and two read head zones 32. For example, the analog switch can also be applied to the scheme in which the number of read-write zones 3 is multiple, and part of the read-write zones 3 includes two write head zones 31 and one read head zone 32, and the remaining part of the read-write zones 3 includes one write head zone 31 and two read head zones 32.

[0218] The above is the strategy of controlling the number of output terminals of the magnetic head including multiple read-write zones 3.

[0219] The characteristics and number of the magnetic strips included in the magnetic head 10 are introduced below.

[0220] The magnetic head 10 is formed by splicing multiple magnetic strips along the width direction. For example, multiple magnetic strips are fixed together in the transverse direction with glue to form a magnetic head.

[0221] The horizontal direction of the magnetic strip is also the width direction of the magnetic strip, such as... Figure 9 As shown, this represents the left-right direction. The longitudinal direction of the magnetic strip is also its height direction. The height direction of the magnetic strip is consistent with the height direction of the magnetic head and also with the width direction of the magnetic tape, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, all directions are up and down.

[0222] Traditional read / write heads include one read / write area. Because the read / write area is arranged horizontally in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area, it comprises three areas horizontally. Since one area occupies one magnetic strip, traditional read / write heads require three magnetic strips. See [link / reference]. Figure 9 As shown.

[0223] by Figure 9 Example of a read / write head shown, see reference. Figure 9 As shown, the magnetic head 10, which includes only one read / write area 3, needs to include two write head areas 31 and one read head area 32 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the read / write area 3 includes three "areas" in the horizontal direction. Since one horizontal "area" occupies one magnetic strip, the magnetic head 10 needs to include three magnetic strips in the horizontal direction.

[0224] Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, in a scheme including only one read / write area 3, the magnetic head includes a fifth magnetic strip 7 and two fourth magnetic strips 6, wherein, Figure 8 The two fourth magnetic strips 6 are labeled as fourth magnetic stripe 6a and fourth magnetic stripe 6b respectively for distinction. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 8 As shown, the fifth magnetic strip 7 has a read head area 32 distributed on it, and the fourth magnetic strip 6 has a write head area 31 distributed on it. The fifth magnetic strip 7 is sandwiched between the two fourth magnetic strips 6 to form a magnetic head 10, which in turn forms a read and write area arranged in the order of write head area-read head area-write head area in the horizontal direction.

[0225] In schemes with multiple read / write areas, since each read / write area can consist of only one write head area and one read head area horizontally, there are only two areas in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the read / write head only needs two magnetic strips. (See [link]). Figure 8 As shown.

[0226] Therefore, the magnetic head in this embodiment, compared with the traditional magnetic head, can have one less magnetic strip, saving materials and reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0227] For a scheme that uses two magnetic strips to process a magnetic head, the following examples can be included.

[0228] Option 1, for reference Figure 10As shown, the magnetic head 10 comprises a second magnetic stripe 2 and a third magnetic stripe 5, the second magnetic stripe 2 comprises a number of a write head areas 31 and a number of b read head areas 32, the a write head areas 31 and the b read head areas 32 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the second magnetic stripe 2, the third magnetic stripe 5 comprises a number of a read head areas 32 and a number of b write head areas 31, the a read head areas 32 and the b write head areas 31 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the third magnetic stripe 5, wherein a and b are both integers greater than or equal to 1, and wherein Figure 10 The example is taken with a = 2 and b = 1.

[0229] The arrangement of the a write head areas of the second magnetic stripe 2 is exactly the same as the arrangement of the a read-write areas of the third magnetic stripe 5. The arrangement of the b read head areas of the second magnetic stripe 2 is exactly the same as the arrangement of the b write head areas of the third magnetic stripe 5.

[0230] In this way, the second magnetic stripe 2 and the third magnetic stripe 5 are spliced along the width direction, and the a write head areas 31 of the second magnetic stripe 2 and the a read head areas 32 of the third magnetic stripe 5 are spliced in the width direction to form a number of a first type of read-write areas 3A, and the b read head areas 32 of the second magnetic stripe 2 and the b write head areas 31 of the third magnetic stripe 5 are spliced in the width direction to form a number of b second type of read-write areas 3B.

[0231] Scheme II, referring to Figure 10 As shown, the magnetic head 10 comprises two first magnetic stripes 1, wherein Figure 10 In Scheme II, the two first magnetic stripes 1 are respectively denoted as first magnetic stripe 1a and first magnetic stripe 1b to distinguish them. Continuing to refer to Figure 10 As shown, each first magnetic stripe 1 comprises a number of m write head areas 31 and a number of m read head areas 32 arranged along the height direction, the two first magnetic stripes 1 are spliced along the width direction, and the write head areas 31 and the read head areas 32 on different first magnetic stripes 1 are spliced in the width direction, a number of m first type of read-write areas 3A arranged in the order of write head area-read head area, and a number of m second type of read-write areas 3B arranged in the order of read head area-write head area, wherein m is greater than or equal to 1, Figure 15 The example is taken with m = 1.

[0232] In this scheme, one of the first magnetic stripes 1, after being rotated by 180 degrees, can become the other first magnetic stripe 1, for example, as shown in Figure 15 The first magnetic stripe 1b, after being rotated by 180 degrees, becomes the first magnetic stripe 1a.

[0233] For example, the example is taken with m = 1, each first magnetic stripe 1 in the longitudinal direction comprises only one write head area and one read head area, for example, the write head area of one of the first magnetic stripes 1 is on the top and the read head area is on the bottom, and the read head area of the other first magnetic stripe 1 is on the top and the write head area is on the bottom. Then, one of the first magnetic stripes 1, after being rotated by 180 degrees, becomes the other first magnetic stripe 1.

[0234] It should be noted that in the second scheme, the two first magnetic strips 1 are not necessarily of the same height, as long as one of the write head regions of one of the first magnetic strips 1 and one of the read head regions of the other first magnetic strip 1 are opposite in the lateral direction to form a read-write region when the two first magnetic strips 1 are laterally spliced.

[0235] In the third scheme, for the first scheme, if a = b, and the write head region 31 of the second magnetic strip 2 and the read head region 32 of the second magnetic strip 2 are symmetrically distributed about the lateral center line of the second magnetic strip 2, and the read head region 32 of the third magnetic strip 5 and the write head region 31 of the third magnetic strip 5 are symmetrically distributed about the lateral center line of the third magnetic strip 5, then the second magnetic strip 2 is mirror-symmetric to the third magnetic strip 5 after being rotated by 180 degrees, and the second magnetic strip 2 can also be changed into the third magnetic strip 5 after being rotated by 180 degrees.

[0236] It should be noted that in the third scheme, the second magnetic strip 2 and the third magnetic strip 5 are of the same height.

[0237] In the above second scheme, the magnetic head 10 includes two read-write regions 3, and the manufacturing process of splicing the two first magnetic strips 1 into the magnetic head 10 can be referred to as follows.

[0238] As shown in Figure 15 , it is a manufacturing process schematic diagram of splicing the two first magnetic strips 1 into the magnetic head 10.

[0239] Referring to Figure 15 , first, a wafer including a write head region and a read head region is processed, Figure 15 , a partial region of the wafer is shown, and a complete wafer is generally in the shape of a wafer. Then, the wafer is cut to cut a large number of magnetic strips, which are referred to as first magnetic strips 1, and for ease of description, the reference numerals are followed by a, b, c, d, and the like to distinguish between them. Figure 15 In , four first magnetic strips 1 are cut as an example.

[0240] Figure 15 After that, a plurality of first magnetic strips 1 are grouped into two first magnetic strips to obtain a plurality of groups of magnetic strips. In

[0241] , four first magnetic strips 1 are used to obtain two groups of magnetic strips, which are referred to as a first group of magnetic strips A and a second group of magnetic strips B to distinguish between them. Figure 11 Continuing to refer to

[0242] , the first magnetic strip 1b in the first group of magnetic strips A is rotated by 180 degrees, and then spliced together with the first magnetic strip 1a in the lateral direction to obtain a magnetic head 10 including two read-write regions 3, which is referred to as a magnetic head 10a. Figure 11As shown, after the first magnetic strip 1d in the second set of magnetic strips A is rotated 180 degrees, it is then spliced ​​together with the first magnetic strip 1c in the horizontal direction to obtain another magnetic head 10 including two read / write areas 3, denoted as magnetic head 10b.

[0243] Similarly, a single wafer can yield multiple magnetic heads 10.

[0244] It is evident that the scheme including two first magnetic strips 1 only requires the processing of one type of wafer. Compared with the prior art, which requires the processing of two or even three types of wafers, this scheme can obviously save processing costs.

[0245] The above describes a magnetic head with multiple read / write areas, which is composed of two magnetic strips joined together. A magnetic head with multiple read / write areas can also be composed of three magnetic strips joined together. Several implementation schemes are introduced below.

[0246] Example 1: A read / write head includes multiple read / write areas 3. These read / write areas 3 can also be arranged horizontally in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area. Then, refer to... Figure 11 As shown, the magnetic head 10 needs to include two sixth magnetic strips 8 and one seventh magnetic strip 9. Figure 11 The two sixth magnetic strips 8 are labeled as sixth magnetic strip 8a and sixth magnetic strip 8b respectively for distinction.

[0247] Continue to refer to Figure 11 As shown, the sixth magnetic strip 8 has p write head areas 31 distributed along the longitudinal direction. Figure 13 (Taking p=2 as an example), therefore the sixth magnetic strip 8 can be denoted as the write strip, and the seventh magnetic strip 9 has p read head areas 32 distributed along the longitudinal direction. Figure 13 (Taking q=2 as an example), the seventh magnetic strip 9 can be denoted as the read magnetic strip. The arrangement of the p write head areas 31 in the vertical direction is the same as the arrangement of the p read head areas in the vertical direction. Thus, the seventh magnetic strip 9 is sandwiched between two sixth magnetic strips 8, forming a magnetic head comprising p read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of write head area-read head area-write head area. Here, p is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Figure 13 The example uses p=2.

[0248] Example 2: A magnetic head includes multiple read / write areas 3. These read / write areas 3 can also be arranged horizontally in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area. Then, as... Figure 13 As shown, the magnetic head 10 needs to include a sixth magnetic stripe 8 (i.e., the write magnetic stripe) and two seventh magnetic stripes 9 (i.e., the read magnetic stripe). Figure 14 In the diagram, the two seventh magnetic strips 9 are designated as seventh magnetic stripe 9a and seventh magnetic stripe 9b for distinction. The sixth magnetic stripe 8 is sandwiched between the two seventh magnetic stripes 9, forming a magnetic head comprising p horizontally arranged read / write areas in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area.Figure 14 As an example, p is 2 in the above equation. Figure 14 The magnetic head 10 shown in the figure forms two read-write zones, which are respectively denoted as read-write zone 3a and read-write zone 3b for distinction.

[0249] As an example, the magnetic head includes a plurality of read-write zones 3, and a part of the read-write zones can be read-write zones arranged in the order of write head zone - read head zone - write head zone in the lateral direction, and another part of the read-write zones can be read-write zones arranged in the order of read head zone - write head zone - read head zone in the lateral direction. As an example, the number of the read-write zones is 2, one of which is a read-write zone arranged in the order of write head zone - read head zone - write head zone, and the other of which is a read-write zone arranged in the order of read head zone - write head zone - read head zone. Then, as shown in the figure, Figure 14 The magnetic head includes two eighth magnetic strips 11 and one ninth magnetic strip 12, Figure 14 The two eighth magnetic strips 11 are respectively denoted as eighth magnetic strip 11a and eighth magnetic strip 11b for distinction. Continuing to refer to the figure, Figure 15 As shown in the figure, the eighth magnetic strip 11 includes a write head zone 31 and a read head zone 32 in the longitudinal direction, and the arrangement can be that the write head zone 31 is on the top and the read head zone 32 is on the bottom, and the ninth magnetic strip 12 includes a write head zone 31 and a read head zone 32 in the longitudinal direction, and the arrangement can be that the read head zone 32 is on the top and the write head zone 31 is on the bottom. The ninth magnetic strip 12 is sandwiched between the two eighth magnetic strips 11, and spliced into two read-write zones 3, one of which is a read-write zone 3a arranged in the order of write head zone 31 - read head zone 32 - write head zone 31, and the other of which is a read-write zone 3b arranged in the order of read head zone 32 - write head zone 31 - read head zone 32.

[0250] Continuing to refer to the figure, Figure 14 As can be seen from the figure, the structures of the eighth magnetic strip 11 and the ninth magnetic strip 12 are actually completely the same, and the eighth magnetic strip 11 is rotated by 180 degrees along its center to become the ninth magnetic strip 12. Therefore, the magnetic head manufacturer only needs to produce one specification of magnetic strip, which simplifies the process compared to the scheme of producing different specifications of magnetic strips to form a magnetic head. In this scheme, although three magnetic strips are used, the three magnetic strips are the same magnetic strip, which is made of one type of wafer. It should be noted that the above example takes the eighth magnetic strip 11 and the ninth magnetic strip 12 to each include only one read head zone and one write head zone, and if the magnetic head includes more than 2 read-write zones, the magnetic strips that form the magnetic head also comply with this symmetrical rule and have the effect of simplifying the process. Conversely, in the prior art, the plurality of magnetic strips that form the magnetic head are not the same, so the magnetic head manufacturer has to generate a plurality of specifications of magnetic strips.

[0251] In the above equation, Figure 14 The manufacturing process of the magnetic head in the above equation can refer to the figure, ​ The manufacturing process of the magnetic head in the above equation can refer to the figure, ​The shown magnetic head, 3 magnetic strips are needed to be a group, one of the magnetic strips in each group is rotated 180 degrees, and spliced with the other two magnetic strips, so as to obtain the shown magnetic head. ​

[0252] Based on the above, the magnetic head shown in the embodiment includes a plurality of read-write areas 3. Compared with the magnetic head including only one read-write area, when accessing the same width of magnetic tape, such as accessing the magnetic tape including four data bands, the plurality of read-write areas access data in the four data bands according to the principle of the nearest access, and the stroke of the movement of the magnetic head is smaller than the stroke of the movement of the magnetic head when one read-write area accesses data in the four data bands.

[0253] Once the stroke of the movement of the magnetic head is reduced, the height of the magnetic head itself can also be shortened. The thickness of the tape machine is positively correlated with the stroke of the movement of the magnetic head, and is also positively correlated with the height of the magnetic head itself. Therefore, once the stroke of the movement of the magnetic head is reduced and the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, the thickness of the tape machine can also be thinned.

[0254] Once the thickness of the tape machine is thinned, when the thinned tape machine is applied to the magnetic tape storage rack, more tape machines can be accommodated under the condition that the size of the rack is unchanged, and thus the magnetic tape storage density of the rack is improved.

[0255] Because the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, the height of the magnetic strip spliced with the magnetic head is also shortened. The magnetic strip is made on a wafer, and thus more magnetic strips can be made on the wafer with the same area, more magnetic heads can be spliced, and the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head is reduced.

[0256] In addition, each read-write area can include only one write head area and one read head area, so that only two magnetic strips are needed to splice the magnetic head, materials are saved, and the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head is further reduced.

[0257] Further, for the scheme in which two magnetic strips are spliced and one of the magnetic strips is rotated 180 degrees to become another magnetic strip, because the two magnetic strips belong to the same magnetic strip with the same structure and material, only one type of wafer is needed to make the two magnetic strips, and the processing technology of the magnetic head can be simplified.

[0258] In addition, compared with two types of wafers for making two magnetic strips of the magnetic head, one type of wafer for making two magnetic strips of the magnetic head reduces the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0259] In addition, the read-write area can include only one write head area and one read head area, which is conducive to controlling the number of leads of the magnetic head, and the number of leads of the magnetic head is not too much. ​

[0260] The embodiment also provides a tape drive, which includes the magnetic head 10 described above and a motor driving the magnetic head 10 to move.

[0261] In an example, the tape drive can not include the magnetic tape, but the tape drive has a tape port for plugging the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape 20 described above can be plugged into the tape port of the tape drive in a pluggable manner, wherein the magnetic tape 20 is a magnetic medium for storing data.

[0262] For example, an empty magnetic tape can be inserted into the tape port of the tape drive to store data in the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape full of data can be taken out of the tape port of the tape drive and placed in a tape library, and then an empty magnetic tape is inserted into the tape drive to continue storing data. When a user needs to access the magnetic tape in the tape library, the magnetic tape only needs to be taken out of the tape library and inserted into the tape port of the tape drive, and the tape drive reads the data in the magnetic tape.

[0263] Wherein, the inserting the magnetic tape into the tape drive, the taking the magnetic tape out of the tape drive, the inserting the magnetic tape into the tape library, and the taking the magnetic tape out of the tape library can be performed by a mechanical arm.

[0264] Wherein, the tape library can be a rack for storing the magnetic tapes, for example, the magnetic tapes and the tape drives are arranged in different racks, some of the racks are used to store the magnetic tapes (these racks are the tape libraries), and the other racks are used to arrange the tape drives. The tape library can also be a slot in the rack for storing the magnetic tapes, for example, the magnetic tapes and the tape drives are arranged in the same rack, a part of the slots in the rack are used to install the tape drives, and the other part of the slots are used to insert the magnetic tapes (these slots are the tape libraries).

[0265] In another example, the tape drive can also include the magnetic tape 20 described above, and the magnetic tape 20 is fixedly installed in the housing of the tape drive, so that the tape drive becomes an integrated tape drive, and the magnetic tape cannot be taken out of the tape drive. Such an integrated tape drive is beneficial to protect the magnetic tape from being contaminated and to protect the data stored in the magnetic tape from being lost.

[0266] In the scheme that the magnetic tape is fixed in the tape drive, the tape library no longer stores the magnetic tapes, but stores the tape drives, and these tape drives include the tape drives full of data, the tape drives storing data, and the tape drives without storing data.

[0267] In the scheme that the magnetic tape is fixed in the tape drive, the magnetic tape does not need to be taken out of the tape drive, and thus the mechanical arm can be omitted, so that more tape drives can be arranged in the tape library.

[0268] The magnetic tape is fixed in a magnetic tape machine, the magnetic tape machine has an appearance similar to a hard disk drive (HDD), and can be referred to as a "magnetic tape disk". Because the thickness of the magnetic tape machine is relatively thin, the magnetic tape machine can be deployed in the middle of a 3.5-inch HDD.

[0269] The embodiment also provides a magnetic tape storage rack, which includes a rack, a controller, and the magnetic tape machine described above, and the controller and the magnetic tape machine are located in a slot of the rack.

[0270] The controller can be a control board, configured to receive an access request of a user, and perform access on the magnetic tape in the magnetic tape machine based on the access request, where the access can be writing data or reading data, and the writing data means storing data in the magnetic tape.

[0271] In an example, the magnetic tape machine can be plugged into the slot of the rack, or the magnetic tape machine can be fixed in the slot of the rack.

[0272] In an example, because the thickness of the magnetic tape machine is relatively thin, more magnetic tape machines can be stored in the rack, thereby improving the magnetic tape storage density of the rack.

[0273] In an example, the magnetic tape machine can be an integrated magnetic tape machine, and the magnetic tape is integrated in the magnetic tape machine, so that a mechanical arm is not needed to operate the magnetic tape. The mechanical arm can be omitted in the rack, and the space occupied by the mechanical arm can be used to arrange the magnetic tape machine, so that more magnetic tape machines can be stored in the rack, thereby further improving the magnetic tape storage density of the rack.

Claims

1. A magnetic head (10), characterized in that: the magnetic head (10) comprises a plurality of read-write zones (3) arranged in a height direction of the magnetic head (10) and having intervals between the read-write zones (3); each of the read-write zones (3) comprises a write head zone (31) and a read head zone (32) arranged in a width direction of the magnetic head (10), the write head zone (31) comprising a write head (311) for writing data into a magnetic tape (20), and the read head zone (32) comprising a read head (321) for reading data from the magnetic tape (20); for a target data band, a read-write zone (3) closest to the target data band is used for data access to the target data band.

2. The magnetic head (10) of claim 1, characterized in that Each of the read-write zones (3) comprises a write head zone (31) and a read head zone (32), the read-write zones (3) comprise first type read-write zones (3A) and second type read-write zones (3B), and the arrangement order of the write head zone (31) and the read head zone (32) of the first type read-write zones (3A) is opposite to that of the second type read-write zones (3B).

3. The magnetic head (10) of claim 2, characterized in that The magnetic head (10) is used for: when the magnetic tape (20) moves in a first direction, using the first type read-write zones (3A) to perform data access to a data band of the magnetic tape (20); and when the magnetic tape (20) moves in a second direction, using the second type read-write zones (3B) to perform data access to another data band of the magnetic tape (20), wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

4. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The magnetic head (10) comprises two first magnetic strips (1), each of the first magnetic strips (1) comprises m write head zones (31) and m read head zones (32) arranged in a height direction, m being an integer greater than or equal to 1; the two first magnetic strips (1) are spliced in a width direction, and m write head zones (31) of one first magnetic strip (1) and m read head zones (32) of another first magnetic strip (1) form m first type read-write zones (3A), and m read head zones (32) of the one first magnetic strip (1) and m write head zones (31) of the another first magnetic strip (1) form m second type read-write zones (3B).

5. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The magnetic head (10) comprises a second magnetic strip (2) and a third magnetic strip (5), the second magnetic strip (2) comprises a write head zone (31) and a read head zone (32) arranged in a height direction, the third magnetic strip (5) comprises a read head zone (32) and a write head zone (31) arranged in a height direction, and a and b are integers greater than or equal to 1; the arrangement mode of the a write head zones (31) of the second magnetic strip (2) is the same as that of the a read head zones (32) of the third magnetic strip (5), and the arrangement mode of the b read head zones (32) of the second magnetic strip (2) is the same as that of the b write head zones (31) of the third magnetic strip (5). The second magnetic stripe (2) and the third magnetic stripe (5) are spliced along the width direction, and a write head area (31) of the second magnetic stripe (2) and a read head area (32) of the third magnetic stripe (5) form a first type of read-write area (3A), and a read head area (32) of the second magnetic stripe (2) and a write head area (31) of the third magnetic stripe (5) form a second type of read-write area (3B).

6. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Each read-write area (3) includes a plurality of access heads, which are write heads (311) or read heads (312), and k access heads in different read-write areas (3) are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch (4). The analog switch (4) is used to connect the circuits of a part of the k access heads and disconnect the circuits of the remaining part of the k access heads, wherein k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the number of read-write areas (3).

7. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Adjacent two read-write areas (3) have a gap, and the gap matches the width of one or more data bands of the magnetic tape (20).

8. The magnetic head (10) of claim 7, characterized in that The number of read-write areas (3) is two. If the magnetic tape (20) has 2n data bands, the gap matches the width of (n-1) data bands of the magnetic tape (20). If the magnetic tape (20) has (2n-1) data bands, the gap matches the width of (n-2) or (n-1) data bands of the magnetic tape (20), wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

9. A tape drive, characterized by The magnetic tape drive includes the magnetic head (10) of any one of claims 1 to 8, and further includes a motor driving the movement of the magnetic head (10).

10. The tape drive of claim 9, wherein, The magnetic tape drive further includes a magnetic tape (20). The magnetic tape (20) is fixedly installed in the magnetic tape drive, and the magnetic tape (20) is a magnetic medium for providing storage data.

11. A magnetic tape storage rack, characterized by The magnetic tape storage rack includes a rack, a controller and the magnetic tape drive of claim 9 or 10, and the controller and the magnetic tape drive are located in the rack. The controller is used to receive an access request of a user, and based on the access request, perform data access on the magnetic tape (20) in the magnetic tape drive, wherein the data access includes reading data and writing data.

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