Tape head design with same gap verification capability

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head includes at least one same gap verification (SGV) module including a plurality of pairs of write and read transducers disposed on a substrate. In each pair, the write transducer includes a write pole having a height, and the read transducer includes a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole. The write pole of each pair is spaced from the first shield by a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the height of the write pole. The SGV module is configured to use the write transducer of each pair to write data to a tape and to use the read transducer of each pair to read verify the data written onto the tape such that the write and read transducers of each pair can operate simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to a magnetic tape head and a magnetic tape head driver that includes the magnetic tape head. Background Technology

[0002] The tape head of a magnetic tape drive system is used to record and read information from the magnetic tape via a magnetic process. The magnetic transducer of the tape head reads data from and writes data onto the magnetic recording medium. Data is written onto the magnetic recording medium by moving the magnetic write transducer to the location on the medium where the data is to be stored. The magnetic write transducer then generates a magnetic field that encodes the data into the magnetic medium. Data is read from the medium by similarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic medium.

[0003] In tape drive systems, the amount of data stored on the tape can be increased by increasing the number of cross-tape data tracks that the tape head can write to. Improvements in data storage capacity can be achieved through overlapping portions of these data tracks (e.g., shingled data tracks). However, for various reasons, enabling read verification for conventional tape heads requires the use of two or more separate head structures, one for writing data and another for reading and verifying it. A drawback is that the individual structures in a conventional head must be assembled very precisely to achieve this functionality. Another drawback is that the head is more susceptible to misalignment between the reader and upstream writer due to the unavoidable separation between the reader and upstream writer caused by tape tilt. Yet another drawback is that in the event of an uncorrectable error, the time delay between writing and read verification can lead to data loss because a large block of data must be rewritten.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tape head configured to write and read verification data within a single head structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head includes at least one Same Gap Verification (SGV) module, which includes a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. In each pair, the write transducer includes a write pole having a height, and the read transducer includes a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole. The write pole of each pair is spaced from the first shield by a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the height of the write pole. The SGV module is configured to write data to the tape using the write transducers of each pair and to read and verify the data written to the tape using the read transducers of each pair, such that the write transducers and read transducers of each pair can operate simultaneously.

[0006] In one embodiment, an SGV module head assembly includes: a substrate; and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on the substrate, each write transducer and read transducer pair including a write transducer and a read transducer, wherein: each write transducer includes a write pole having a first height in a first direction from a surface facing the medium, each read transducer includes a first shield, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to the write pole, and the write pole of each pair is spaced from the first shield in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a first distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the first height, such that the SGV module head assembly is controllable to write first data to a magnetic tape using each pair of write transducers and to read and verify the first data using each pair of read transducers.

[0007] In another embodiment, a magnetic tape head includes a first SGV module head assembly, the first SGV module head assembly comprising: a plurality of first write transducers disposed in a first row on a substrate, each first write transducer including a write electrode having a first height in a first direction; and a plurality of first read transducers disposed in a second row adjacent to the first row on the substrate, each first read transducer including a first shield, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first shield and the second shield having a second height in a first direction from a surface facing the medium. Each first write transducer in the transducer is paired with an adjacent first read transducer in a plurality of first read transducers to form a plurality of first write transducer and first read transducer pairs. In each first write transducer and first read transducer pair, the write transducer is positioned very close to the first shield and spaced a first distance from the first shield in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first distance is greater than or equal to about one-fifth of the second height, such that the first SGV module head assembly can be controlled to write first data to the tape using the first write transducers of each pair and to read and verify the first data using the first read transducers of each pair.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of forming an SGV module header assembly includes: depositing a first dielectric layer over a substrate; polishing the first dielectric layer to a first substantially flat surface; forming a read transducer on a dielectric-facing surface above the first substantially flat surface; depositing one or more second dielectric layers over the read transducer; polishing the one or more second dielectric layers to form a second substantially flat surface; and forming a write transducer on a dielectric-facing surface on the second substantially flat surface above the dielectric-facing surface, wherein the SGV module header assembly is controllable to use the write transducer to write data to a magnetic tape and use the read transducer to read verification data. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features of this disclosure, a more specific description of the disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be made by referring to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure, as other equally effective embodiments are permissible.

[0010] Figures 1A to 1C An exploded perspective view, a simplified top view, and a side profile view of a tape-embedded driver according to some embodiments are shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the aligned tape head and tape.

[0012] Figure 3A A side view of a tape head including two identical gap verification (SGV) module head assemblies, each configured to write and read verification data, is shown according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3B The illustration includes, according to one embodiment Figure 3A Media-facing surface (MFS) view of the tape head of the two SGV module head assemblies.

[0014] Figure 3C An example is shown. Figures 3A to 3B The write transducer and read transducer pair of the SGV module of the magnetic tape head.

[0015] Figures 4A to 4B A conventional tape head, according to one embodiment, is shown that is not configured to write and read verification data.

[0016] Figures 5A to 5D The formation according to various embodiments is shown. Figures 3A to 3C The various stages of the SGV module head assembly of the magnetic tape head.

[0017] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the signal-to-crosstalk ratio (SXR) relative to magnetic tape having a soft ferromagnetic underlayer (SUL) and magnetic tape without SUL, according to one embodiment. Figures 3A to 3C A graph showing the distance between the write transducer and the read transducer of the SGV module in the magnetic tape head.

[0018] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used to denote common elements in the figures where possible. It is understood that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be advantageously used in other embodiments without specific description. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the following text, reference is made to embodiments of this disclosure. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described. In fact, any combination of the following features and elements (whether or not related to different embodiments) can be used to implement and practice this disclosure. Furthermore, while embodiments of this disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and / or over the prior art, whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment does not limit this disclosure. Therefore, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are illustrative only and are not to be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims. Similarly, reference to “this disclosure” should not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0020] This disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head includes at least one Same Gap Verification (SGV) module, which includes a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. In each pair, the write transducer includes a write pole having a height, and the read transducer includes a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole. The write pole of each pair is spaced from the first shield by a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the height of the write pole. The SGV module is configured to write data to the tape using the write transducers of each pair and to read and verify the data written to the tape using the read transducers of each pair, such that the write transducers and read transducers of each pair can operate simultaneously.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1C An exploded perspective view, a simplified top view, and a side profile view of a tape embedded drive (TED) 100 according to some embodiments are shown. Focusing on Figure 1B For example, a magnetic tape embedded drive includes a housing 105, one or more magnetic tape reels 110 on rotatable poles 140, one or more motors (e.g., stepper motor 120 (also called a stepper motor), voice coil motor (VCM) 125, etc.), a head assembly 130 with one or more read heads and one or more write heads, and magnetic tape guides / rollers 135a, 135b. In the description herein, for illustrative purposes, the term "head assembly" is interchangeably referred to as a "magnetic recording head." Focusing on Figure 1C For example, the tape-embedded drive further includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 155. In this embodiment, most of the components, except for the PCBA 155 (which is mounted on the outer surface of the housing 105), are located within the internal cavity of the housing. Figure 1A The same components are shown in the perspective view. In the description herein, for illustrative purposes, the term "magnetic tape" is used interchangeably with "magnetic medium".

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, two magnetic tape reels 110 are placed within an internal cavity of housing 105, with the centers of the two reels 110 at the same level within the cavity and the head assembly 130 located between and below the two reels 110. A tape reel motor located in the spindle of the reel 110 is operable to wind and unwind the magnetic tape medium 115 in the reel 110. Each reel 110 may also have a tape folder to help neatly wind the magnetic tape medium 115 onto the reel 110. One or more of the reels 110 may form part of a removable cartridge and are not necessarily part of a tape-embedded drive 100. In such embodiments, the tape-embedded drive 100 may no longer be a tape-embedded drive because it does not have embedded media; instead, the drive 100 may be a tape drive configured to receive and access magnetic media or magnetic tape medium 115 from an insertable cassette tape or cartridge (e.g., an LTO drive), wherein the insertable cassette tape or cartridge further includes one or more of the reels 110. The magnetic tape medium 115 can be fabricated using a sputtering process to provide improved areal density. The magnetic tape medium 115 includes two surfaces: an oxide side and a substrate side. The oxide side is the surface that can be magnetically manipulated (written or read) by one or more read / write heads. The substrate side of the magnetic tape medium 115 contributes to the strength and flexibility of the magnetic tape medium 115.

[0023] The magnetic tape medium 115 from the magnetic tape reel 110 is biased against the guide rollers 135a and 135b (collectively referred to as guide rollers 135) and is movably transmitted along the head assembly 130 by the movement of the reel 110. The illustrated embodiment shows four guide rollers 135a and 135b, of which two guide rollers 135a are furthest from the head assembly 130 and are used to change the orientation of the magnetic tape medium 115, while the two guide rollers 135b are closest to the head assembly 130 by pressing the magnetic tape medium 115 against the head assembly 130.

[0024] like Figure 1A As shown in the illustration, in some embodiments, the guide / roller 135 utilizes the same structure. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 1B As shown, the guides / rollers 135 can have more specific shapes and differ from one another based on their function. Furthermore, smaller or larger numbers of rollers can be used. For example, the two functional rollers can be cylindrical, while the two functional guides can be flat-edged (e.g., rectangular prisms) or clip-shaped with two points and a membrane that moves between the points of the clips.

[0025] The voice coil motor 125 and the stepper motor 120 can variably position the tape head laterally relative to the width of the recording tape. The stepper motor 120 provides coarse movement, while the voice coil motor 125 provides finer actuation of the head. In this embodiment, servo data can be written to the tape medium to assist the head in a more precise position along the tape medium 115.

[0026] Additionally, housing 105 includes one or more particulate filters 141 and / or desiccants 142, such as Figure 1A As shown, this helps maintain the environment within the housing. For example, if the housing is not airtight, a particulate filter can be placed where airflow is desired. The particulate filter and / or desiccant can be placed in one or more corners or in any other convenient location away from moving internal components. For example, a moving reel can generate internal airflow as the magnetic tape medium winds / unwinds, and the particulate filter can be placed within said airflow.

[0027] There are a wide range of possible placements for the internal components of the tape-embedded drive 100 within the housing 105. Specifically, in some embodiments, because the head mechanism is inside the housing, the tape medium 115 may not be exposed to the outside of the housing 105, as is the case in conventional tape drives. Therefore, the tape medium 115 does not need to be laid along the edge of the housing 105 and can be freely laid out within the housing 105 in a more compact and / or otherwise more efficient manner. Similarly, the head 130 and tape reel 110 can be placed in various locations for more efficient layout, since there is no design requirement to provide external access to these components.

[0028] like Figure 1C As shown, housing 105 includes a cover 150 and a base 145. PCBA 155 is attached to the bottom of the outer surface of housing 105 opposite the cover 150. Since PCBA 155 is made of solid-state electronics, environmental concerns are less of a concern, so it does not need to be placed inside housing 105. This leaves space inside housing 105 for other components that will benefit from a more protected environment, particularly moving components and magnetic tape media 115.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tape-embedded driver 100 is sealed. Sealing can mean the driver is hermetically sealed or simply sealed without necessarily being hermetically sealed. Sealing the driver can benefit tape film winding stability, tape film reliability, and tape head reliability. A desiccant can be used to limit humidity inside the housing 105.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cover 150 is used to hermetically seal the magnetic tape embedded drive. For example, the drive 100 can be hermetically sealed for environmental control by attaching (e.g., laser welding, adhesive, etc.) the cover 150 to the base 145. The drive 100 may be filled with helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, or any other typical inert gas.

[0031] In some embodiments, other components may be added to the tape-embedded drive 100. For example, a head preamplifier may be added to the tape-embedded drive. The preamplifier may be located on the PCBA 155, in the head assembly 130, or in another location. Generally, placing the preamplifier closer to the head can have a greater impact on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the read and write signals. In other embodiments, some components may be removed. For example, filter 141 and / or desiccant 142 may be omitted.

[0032] In various embodiments, driver 100 includes a controller integrated circuit (IC) (or more simply a “controller”) (e.g., in the form of one or more system-on-a-chip (SoC) systems), and other digital and / or analog control circuitry to control the operation of the driver. For example, the controller and other associated control circuitry can control the writing of data to and from a magnetic medium, including the processing of read / write data signals and any servo mechanical control of the medium and head module. In the following description, various instances relating to the writing, reading, and verification of written data can be controlled by the controller, as well as the control of the tape head and medium for implementing the writing of said data. As an example, the controller can be configured to execute firmware instructions for various identical gap verification embodiments described below.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic illustration of an aligned tape head module 200 and tape 204. The tape head module 200 includes a tape head body 202 aligned with the tape 204. During read and / or write operations, the tape 204 moves through the tape head module 200. The tape head module 200 has a media-facing surface (MFS) 214 facing the tape 204.

[0034] The tape head body 202 includes a first servo head 206A and a second servo head 206B spaced apart therefrom. It should be understood that although two servo heads have been shown, this disclosure is not limited to two servo heads. In fact, more or fewer servo heads may be present. A plurality of data heads 208A to 208G are disposed between the first servo head 206A and the second servo head 206B. It should be understood that although seven data heads have been shown, this disclosure is not limited to seven data heads. In fact, the number of data heads may be greater than or less than seven, depending on the requirements of the embodiment. For example, sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four, or more data heads may be present in the tape head body 202.

[0035] Multiple pads 220A to 220N are electrically coupled to the data head body 202. The multiple pads 220A to 220N coupled to the data head body 202 are not limited to... Figure 2 The number shown is not included. In reality, more or fewer pads are included. Pads 220A to 220N are used to connect the drive electronics to the servo heads 206A and 206B and to the data read and write elements. Pads 220A to 220N are used to establish the potential across the servo reader by means of a power supply (not shown) embedded in the tape head 200.

[0036] The magnetic tape 204 includes a first servo track 210A and a second servo track 210B. The first servo track 210A is spaced apart from the second servo track 210B, thereby allowing the tape head 200 to monitor and control the average position of data heads 208A to 208G relative to data tracks 212A to 212G on the magnetic tape 204. It should be understood that although two servo tracks have been shown, this disclosure is not limited to two servo tracks. In practice, depending on the requirements of the embodiment, the number of servo tracks may be greater than or less than two.

[0037] The magnetic tape 204 further includes a plurality of data tracks 212A to 212G disposed between the first servo track 210A and the second servo track 210B. It should be understood that although seven data tracks have been shown, this disclosure is not limited to seven data tracks. In fact, depending on the requirements of the embodiment, the number of data tracks may be greater than or less than seven. Figure 2In this embodiment, the first servo head 206A reads its lateral position information (e.g., alignment) on the first servo track 210A. The second servo head 206B is aligned with the second servo track 210B. The combined information allows the servo actuators of the tape drive 200 to align the data heads 208A to 208G such that the center data track (e.g., 208D) is centered on the tape 204. Therefore, the multiple data heads 208A to 208G are individually aligned with the multiple data tracks 212A to 212N for optimal positioning. In this embodiment, the first servo head 206A, the second servo head 206B, the first servo track 210A, the second servo track 210B, the multiple data heads 208A to 208G, and the multiple data tracks 212A to 212G can accurately read and / or write data because they are all aligned perpendicular to the travel direction of the tape 204.

[0038] Figure 3A A side view of a tape head 300 including two identical gap verification (SGV) module head assemblies 302a and 302b according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 3B The illustration includes, according to one embodiment Figure 3A Media-facing surface (MFS) view of the tape head 300 of the two SGV module head assemblies 302a and 302b. Figure 3C An example is shown. Figures 3A to 3B The tape head 300 has a pair of write transducers 312 and read transducers 314 in its SGV module 302. As used herein, the write transducer is interchangeably referred to as a writer, and the read transducer is interchangeably referred to as a reader.

[0039] The tape head 300 can be utilized within a tape drive, including a controller, such as... Figure 1A The TED100 or a tape drive that accepts insertable media. The tape head 300 can be... Figure 2 The tape head 200. The tape head 300 includes a first SGV module head assembly 302a and a second SGV module head assembly 302b. The first SGV module head assembly 302a may be referred to as the first SGV module 302a, and the second SGV module head assembly 302b may be referred to as the second SGV module 302b.

[0040] like Figure 3AAs shown, the first SGV module 302a includes a first enclosure 308a, one or more first write transducers 312a disposed adjacent to the first enclosure 308a, one or more first read transducers 314a disposed adjacent to the one or more first write transducers 312a, and a first substrate 306a disposed adjacent to the one or more first read transducers 314a. The one or more first write transducers 312a may be referred to herein as one or more first writers 312a, and the one or more first read transducers 314a may be referred to herein as one or more first readers 314a. Each of the one or more first writers 312a and the one or more first readers 314a is disposed on the first substrate 306a. It should be noted that although... Figure 3A The first SGV module 302a of the tape head 300 only shows one first writer 312a and one first reader 314a, but the first SGV module 302a may include one or more first writers 312a and one or more first readers 314a, as follows: Figure 3B As described in the text.

[0041] Similarly, the second SGV module 302b includes a second enclosure 308b, one or more second write transducers 312b disposed adjacent to the second enclosure 308b, one or more second read transducers 314b disposed adjacent to the one or more second write transducers 312b, and a second substrate 306b disposed adjacent to the one or more second read transducers 314b. The one or more second write transducers 312b may be referred to herein as one or more second writers 312b, and the one or more second read transducers 314b may be referred to herein as one or more second readers 314b. Each of the one or more second writers 312b and the one or more second readers 314b is disposed on the second substrate 306b. It should be noted that although... Figure 3A The second SGV module 302b of the tape head 300 only shows one second writer 312b and one second reader 314b, but the second SGV module 302b may include one or more second writers 312b and one or more second readers 314b, as follows: Figure 3B As described in the text.

[0042] The following text is in Figure 3CFurther discussion reveals that each of the one or more first writers 312a is spaced apart from its adjacent paired first reader 314a by a first distance 322a, and each of the one or more second writers 312b is spaced apart from its adjacent paired second reader 314b by a second distance 322b. The first distance 322a and the second distance 322b may be the same, or they may be different. The first writers 312a and the second writers 312b may be collectively or individually referred to as writers 312, and the first readers 314a and the second readers 314b may be collectively or individually referred to as readers 314.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b are arranged face-to-face, such that the first closure 308a of the first SGV module 302a is positioned adjacent to the second closure 308b of the second SGV module 302b. In other words, the first SGV module 302a is a mirror image of the second SGV module 302b, wherein the second SGV module 302b is a right-hand side module and the first SGV module 302a is a left-hand side module. The first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b are spaced apart by a distance 320 of approximately 500 μm to approximately 1000 μm. The MFS of each of the first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b is configured to support or face the magnetic tape 304 or other magnetic medium. The magnetic tape 304 is configured to move on the first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b in the x-direction and the -x-direction. The first SGV module 302a has a first write and read direction 318a that is opposite to the second write and read direction 318b of the second SGV module 302b. (See below for further details.) Figure 6 The text further discusses that magnetic tape 304 may include a soft ferromagnetic underlayer (SUL).

[0044] When the magnetic tape 304 (including or excluding the SUL) or other medium moves in the first write and read direction 318a (i.e., the -x direction), one or more first writers 312a of the first SGV module 302a can write data to the magnetic tape 304, and one or more first readers 314a can immediately read and verify the newly written data to the magnetic tape 304. Similarly, when the magnetic tape 304 or other medium moves in the second write and read direction 318b (i.e., the x direction), one or more second writers 312b of the second SGV module 302b can write data to the magnetic tape 304, and one or more second readers 314b can immediately read and verify the newly written data to the magnetic tape 304. Therefore, the first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b can individually and simultaneously write data to the magnetic tape and read verification data from the magnetic tape.

[0045] Figure 3B An example is shown. Figure 3A MFS view of the SGV module head assembly 302 of the tape head 300. Figure 3B The SGV module 302 can be used for Figure 3A The first SGV module 302a or the second SGV module 302b. Therefore, SGV module 302 can refer to... Figure 3A The first SGV module 302a or the second SGV module 302b may be used interchangeably.

[0046] Figure 3B The SGV module 302 shown includes a plurality of writers 312 and a plurality of readers 314, thereby forming a plurality of writer 312 and reader 314 pairs. The plurality of writers 312 are disposed in a first row 346 adjacent to the closure 308 in the z-direction, and the plurality of readers 314 are disposed in a second row 348 between the substrate 306 and the first row 346 in the z-direction. Each writer 312 is disposed adjacent to and aligned with a reader 314 in both the x-direction and z-direction to form a writer 312 and reader 314 pair. In some embodiments, the writers 312 and readers 314 in each pair are aligned along a central axis 350 in the x-direction. Each writer 312 is spaced apart from its adjacent reader 314 by a separation distance 322, as described below. Figure 3C This will be further discussed later. In other words, the first row 346 of the writer 312 and the second row 348 of the reader 314 are separated by a distance of 322 in the x-direction.

[0047] As used herein, a writer 312 and a reader 314 pair refers to a writer 312 and a reader 314 disposed adjacent to each other and aligned with each other at least in the x and z directions. Each pair of writers 312 and readers 314 may be aligned or offset with each other in the y direction. The SGV module 302 further includes one or more servo read transducers 344 or servo readers 344. The one or more servo readers 344 are aligned with the plurality of readers 314 in the z direction.

[0048] Although Figure 3B Not shown, but multiple writers 312 and multiple readers 314 are spaced apart by a dielectric material (e.g., alumina), and the electrical connection between each writer 312 and reader 314 is recessed from the MFS in the y-direction. Although Figure 3B Only eight pairs of writers 312 and readers 314 are shown in the diagram, but the SGV module may include more or fewer pairs of writers 312 and readers 314. For example, in some embodiments, the SGV module includes 16 pairs of writers 312 and readers 314. Similarly, although Figure 3BTwo servo readers 344 are shown, but the SGV module may include more or fewer servo readers 344, for example, two, four, or six servo readers 344. Therefore, the number of pairs of writers 312 and readers 314 and the number of servo readers 344 are not intended to be limiting.

[0049] Figure 3C An example is shown. Figures 3A to 3B A cross-sectional view of the write transducer 312 and read transducer 314 pair of the SGV module 302 of the tape head 300. Figure 3C The SGV module 302 can be used for Figures 3A to 3B The first SGV module 302a or the second SGV module 302b. Figure 3C The writer 312 and reader 314 shown in the figure can be Figures 3A to 3B The first writer 312a and the first reader 314a of the first SGV module 302a or the second writer 312b and the second reader 314b of the second SGV module 302b. Therefore, writer 312 may refer to the first writer 312a of the first SGV module 302a or the second writer 312b of the SGV module 302b or can be used interchangeably therewith, and reader 314 may refer to the first reader 314a of the first SGV module 302a or the second reader 314b of the SGV module 302b or can be used interchangeably therewith.

[0050] For clarity, it should be noted that the writer 312 is positioned to the left of the reader 314, and therefore, Figure 3C The writer 312 and reader 314 are compatible with Figures 3A to 3B The second writer 312b and the second reader 314b of the second SGV module 302b are arranged in the same manner. However, the writer 312b may alternatively be positioned to the right of the reader 314b to allow for connection with... Figures 3A to 3B The first writer 312a and the first reader 314a of the first SGV module 302a are arranged in the same manner. Therefore, Figure 3C The arrangement of the writer 312 and the reader 314 is not intended to be restrictive.

[0051] It should be further noted that, although Figure 3C Only one writer 312 and reader 314 pair is shown in the SGV module 302 of the tape head 300, but the tape head 300 includes one or more writers 312 and one or more readers 314 to form one or more writer 312 and reader 314 pairs, as described above. Figure 3B As discussed in [the text]. In such embodiments, the additional writer 312 and reader 314 are arranged in [the text]. Figure 3CThe writer 312 and reader 314 pair shown are positioned in front (i.e., in the z direction) and / or behind (i.e., in the -z direction).

[0052] The writer 312 includes a write pole 330 coupled to a bent return pole 332. A plurality of coils 334 are disposed between the write pole 330 and the return pole 332. The write pole 330 is spaced apart from the return pole 332 at the MFS by a write gap 328. The write pole 330 has a first height 324 in the y-direction. The reader 314 includes a first shield 336, a second shield 338, and a magnetic sensor 340 disposed between the first shield 336 and the second shield 338. For example, the magnetic sensor 340 may be a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor. The first shield 336 and the second shield 338 each have a second height 326 in the y-direction. In one embodiment, the second height 326 is approximately equal to the first height 324. In another embodiment, the second height 326 is greater than the first height 324.

[0053] It should be noted that, Figure 3C and Figure 4B The schematic diagram shows a toroidal head with a disk-shaped write coil. However, the SGV module 302 is not limited to the fine structure of the write tip at the MFS, but is equally applicable to unipolar heads with SUL or other structures (e.g., microwave or heat-assisted recording). Furthermore, the coil structure can be single, double, or triple disk-shaped or spiral.

[0054] The writer 312 is spaced apart from the paired reader 314 by a distance 322 in the x-direction. Specifically, the write pole 330 of the writer 312 is spaced apart from the first shield 336 of the reader 314 by a distance 322 in the x-direction. In one embodiment, the distance 322 is greater than or equal to 20% (i.e., about one-fifth) of the first height 324. In another embodiment, the distance 322 is greater than or equal to about 20% (i.e., about one-fifth) of the second height 326. For example, if the first height 324 and / or the second height 326 is about 5 μm to about 100 μm, then the distance 322 is between about 3 μm and about 20 μm.

[0055] When writing data to magnetic tape 304 (including or excluding SUL) or other media, magnetic tape 304 moves on writer 312 in the write and read directions 318b (e.g., in the x-direction). Writer 312 is able to write to magnetic tape 304 or other media, at least in part, due to the separation distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 of the writer 312 and reader 314 pair, and reader 314 is able to read the data to verify that the data has been written correctly. Magnetic shielding (not shown) is used to further reduce magnetic crosstalk between writer 312 and reader 314, as well as reader shielding and coil design optimization. Therefore, writer 312 is able to write data to a portion of the magnetic tape, and the paired reader 314 is able to immediately read and verify the newly written portion of the tape. Thus, SGV module 302 is able to simultaneously write data to and read verification data from the magnetic tape.

[0056] The SGV module 302 is capable of simultaneously writing and reading data, partly due to the separation distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 of the writer 312 and reader 314 pair. The write pole 330 is spaced sufficiently far from the first shield 336 such that the amplitude of the signal generated in the reader 314 by the coupling of magnetic flux from the paired writer 312 is reduced or substantially smaller than the readback signal of the reader 314 itself. By separating the writer 312 and reader 314 by the separation distance 322 (i.e., greater than or equal to 20% of the first height 324 or the second height 326), and by adjusting magnetic design parameters (e.g., magnetic shielding dimensions, write transducer coil design), and optionally deploying additional shielding between the reader transducer 314 and the write transducer 312, a read signal to coupled writer signal amplitude ratio (e.g., signal-to-crosstalk ratio (SXR)) greater than about 20 dB or about 30 dB can be achieved.

[0057] In addition, return to reference Figure 3AThe tape head 300 can be controlled to enable the first SGV module 302a to write data to the tape 304 and the second SGV module 302b to read verification data, or vice versa. However, the first SGV module 302a and the second SGV module 302b can independently write data to the tape 304 and read verification data without using other SGV modules 302a and 302b. In other words, the first writer 312a of the first SGV module 302a can write data to the tape 304 and the first reader 314a can read and verify the newly written data, and the second writer 312b of the second SGV module 302b can write data to the tape 304 and the second reader 314b can read and verify the newly written data. Therefore, the first writer 312a and the first reader 314a of the first SGV module 302a can be used to simultaneously write data to and read data from the tape 304, and the second writer 312b and the second reader 314b of the second SGV module 302b can be used to simultaneously write data to and read data from the tape 304.

[0058] As used herein, the SGV module 302 capable of writing and reading data "simultaneously" refers to the fact that the writer 312 and the reader 314 are simultaneously "opened" or can operate simultaneously with respect to various data written to the tape 304. However, it should be noted that the writer 312 and the reader 314 do not operate on the same data "simultaneously" at the same time. In fact, the writer 312 writes data first, and as the tape moves on the reader 314, the reader 314 is then able to read and verify the newly written data while the writer 312 simultaneously writes different data to different portions of the tape. Furthermore, it should be noted that the controller (not shown) is configured to operate the SGV module 302, and therefore, the controller is configured to operate the writer 312 and the reader 314 independently. Thus, although the writer 312 is described as writing data and the reader 314 as reading data, the controller enables the writer 312 to write and enables the reader 314 to read.

[0059] Figures 4A to 4B A conventional magnetic tape head 400 is shown according to one embodiment, comprising a plurality of write transducers 412 (writers 412) and read transducers 414 (readers 414) spaced less than 1 μm apart. The conventional magnetic tape head 400 is shown and described for comparative purposes.

[0060] A standard magnetic tape head 400 includes one or more modules 402. For example... Figure 4AAs shown, each module 402 of the conventional tape head 400 includes a closure 408, one or more write transducers 412 disposed adjacent to the closure 408, one or more read transducers 414 disposed adjacent to the one or more write transducers 412, and a substrate 406 disposed adjacent to the one or more read transducers 414. The readers 414 are disposed between one or more servo readers 444. The distance between the writers 412 and the readers 414 in the x-direction is less than 1 μm. Figure 4B (As shown in the image).

[0061] like Figure 4B As shown, each writer 412 of a conventional tape head 400 includes a write pole 430 coupled to a return pole 432. A plurality of coils 434 are disposed between the write pole 430 and the return pole 432. The write pole 430 is spaced from the return pole 432 at the MFS by a write gap 428. Each reader 414 of the conventional tape head 400 includes a first shield 436, a second shield 438, and a magnetic sensor 440 disposed between the first shield 436 and the second shield 438. The first shield 436 of the reader 414 is positioned at a distance 422 less than 1 μm from the write pole 430.

[0062] Because the distance 422 between the first shield 436 and the write pole 430 is less than 1 μm, crosstalk occurs between the writer 412 and the reader 414. Furthermore, the conventional tape head 400 cannot use the writer 412 to write data to the tape 404 and the reader 414 to read the data written to the tape 404 by the writer 412. In other words, the writer 412 and reader 414 of the conventional tape head 400 cannot be used simultaneously and must be used individually. Therefore, individual modules 402 of the conventional tape head 400 cannot individually write and read verification data. In practice, several modules 402 must be used to allow the writer 412 of the first module 402 to write data to the tape 404, while the reader 414 of the second module 402 reads verification data, or vice versa.

[0063] Figures 5A to 5D The formation according to various embodiments is shown. Figures 3A to 3C The various stages of the SGV module head assembly 302 of the tape head 300. Figures 5A to 5D The SGV module 302 can be used for Figures 3A to 3B The first SGV module 302a or the second SGV module 302b or Figure 3C The SGV module 302. Note that it has been simplified or enlarged for clarity. Figures 5A to 5D Furthermore, it may not fully demonstrate all aspects of the formation process.

[0064] like Figure 5AAs shown, a first dielectric layer 552a (e.g., aluminum oxide) is deposited on a substrate 306, and a second shield 338 of the reader 314 is disposed above a portion of the first dielectric layer 552a at the MFS. The top surface 554a of the first dielectric layer 552a and the second shield 338 are then polished or planarized to be substantially flat using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP).

[0065] exist Figure 5B In this configuration, lead 556 is disposed above the top surface 554a of the first dielectric layer 552a and a portion of the second shield 338. Lead 556 is recessed from the MFS and extends away from the MFS in the -y direction. A first stud 558a is deposited above the recessed portion of lead 556 from the MFS and the second shield 338. Lead 556 is coupled to the first stud 558a and the second shield 338 to form an electrical connection for reader 314. The first stud 558a is electroplated to have an initial height 564 in the x direction greater than the target height 562 (shown by dashed line 566) of the first stud 558a. A second dielectric layer 552b (e.g., alumina) is deposited above the second shield 338, lead 556, and first stud 558a. The second dielectric layer 552b has an initial thickness 568 in the x direction greater than the target thickness 570 (shown by dashed line 566).

[0066] Although Figure 5B Not shown, but the first shield 336 of the reader 314 further includes leads and studs similar to leads 556 and first studs 558a. The leads and studs coupled to the first shield 336 are disposed adjacent to the leads 556 and first studs 558a coupled to the second shield 338 in the z-direction, and the leads and studs coupled to the first shield 336 may be simultaneously deposited as leads 556 and first studs 558a coupled to the second shield 338.

[0067] exist Figure 5C Next, CMP is used to polish the first stud 558a (and the unshown stud coupled to the first shield 336) and the second dielectric layer 552b to a target height 562 and a target thickness 570, respectively, so that the second dielectric layer 552b and the first stud 558a form a substantially flat surface 554b. This process is then repeated one or more times when forming the magnetic sensor 340, the first shield 336, and the writer 312. Figure 5D (As shown in the image).

[0068] For example, such as Figure 5DAs shown, a third dielectric layer 552c (e.g., alumina) is deposited over a second dielectric layer 552b, and a second stud 558b is disposed over and connected to a first stud 558a. The third dielectric layer 552c and the second stud 558b are then polished using CMP to form a substantially flat surface 554c. The third dielectric layer 552c may be a composite of multiple CMP processes to achieve the desired separation distance 322 and allow for the inclusion of other electrical features not shown. A writer 312 is then disposed over the third dielectric layer 552c at the MFS, and a fourth dielectric layer 552d (e.g., alumina) is deposited on the third dielectric layer 552c adjacent to the writer 312. The third stud 558c is disposed over and connected to the second stud 558b.

[0069] Although not shown, each of the first, second, third, and fourth dielectric layers 552a to 552d may individually include one or more dielectric layers, wherein each of the one or more dielectric layers (or portions of the first, second, third, and fourth dielectric layers 552a to 552d) may be individually deposited and polished using CMP during the formation or deposition of various components of the writer 312 and / or reader 314. For example, CMP may be used to deposit and polish the write electrode 330 and a first portion of the fourth dielectric layer 552d, CMP may be used to deposit and polish the coil 334 and a second portion of the fourth dielectric layer 552d, and CMP may be used to deposit and polish the return electrode 332 and a third portion of the fourth dielectric layer 552d. Furthermore, each dielectric layer 552a to 552d may undergo multiple CMP processes. For example, the third dielectric layer 552c may undergo multiple CMP processes to achieve the desired separation distance 322 and allow the inclusion of other electrical features not shown.

[0070] Next, the fourth dielectric layer 552d and the third electrical stud 558c are polished using CMP to form a substantially flat surface 554d. Electrical contacts 560 are deposited on the substantially flat surface 554d of the fourth dielectric layer 552d and on the third electrical stud 558c recessed from the MFS to contact the third electrical stud 558c. The first, second, and third electrical studs 558a to 558c couple the electrical contacts 560 to the reader 314 via leads 556. A closure 308 is positioned adjacent to the electrical contacts 560 on the substantially flat surface 554d at the MFS. The multiple CMP processes performed allow the reader 314 to be spaced apart from the writer 312 by a distance 322, thereby allowing the SGV module 302 to write and read verification data, as discussed above.

[0071] As noted above, including SGV module head assembly 302 Figures 3A to 3CThe tape head 300 is capable of writing data to the tape 304 or other magnetic media and reading and verifying the data, regardless of whether the tape 304 includes a soft ferromagnetic underlayer (SUL). However, the separation distance 322 between the write pole 330 of the writer 312 and the first shield 336 of the reader 314 may vary depending on whether the tape 304 includes an SUL.

[0072] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates, according to one embodiment, the signal-to-crosstalk ratio (SXR) relative to magnetic tape with and without SUL, in dB. Figures 3A to 3C A graph 600 shows the distance 322, in μm, between the write pole 330 of the writer 312 of the SGV module 302 of the tape head 300 and the first shield 336 of the reader 314. In graph 600, it is assumed that the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 each have a height of approximately 16 μm. Line 602 represents a tape with SUL (Sustainable UL), and line 604 represents a tape without SUL.

[0073] As illustrated by line 602 of the tape with SUL, a minimum SXR of approximately 20 dB (e.g., verification >1 dB margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is approximately 3.4 μm. An SXR of approximately 30 dB (e.g., verification >0.1 dB margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is approximately 8.6 μm. An SXR of approximately 40 dB (e.g., verification without margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is greater than or equal to approximately 15 μm.

[0074] Similarly, as illustrated by line 604 of a tape without SUL, a minimum SXR of approximately 20 dB (e.g., verification > 1 dB margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is approximately 3.4 μm. An SXR of approximately 30 dB (e.g., verification > 0.1 dB margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is approximately 11.2 μm. An SXR of approximately 40 dB (e.g., verification without margin) can be achieved when the distance 322 between the write pole 330 and the first shield 336 is approximately 12.8 μm.

[0075] thus, Figures 3A to 3CThe SGV module 302 of the tape head 300 is capable of simultaneously writing and reading verification data, or simultaneously writing and reading data, for both SUL-equipped and SUL-free tapes. When writing and reading data from either SUL-equipped or SUL-free tapes, the write pole 330 of the writer 312 (approximately 16 μm high) and the first shield 336 of the reader 314 (approximately 16 μm high) should be spaced at a separation distance 322 of at least 3.4 μm to facilitate writing and reading verification data. In other words, the SGV module is capable of simultaneously writing and reading verification data, or simultaneously writing and reading data, for both SUL-equipped and SUL-free tapes, as long as the distance 322 is greater than or equal to 20% (i.e., approximately one-fifth) of the height of the write pole 330 and / or the first shield 336.

[0076] Therefore, the SGV module head assembly, comprising multiple pairs of writers and readers, enables the SGV module to write data to a portion of a magnetic tape or medium (with or without SUL) and immediately read and verify newly written portions of the tape. The write pole of each pair of writers is spaced from the first shield of the reader by a distance greater than or equal to approximately 20% of the write pole height. Thus, the SGV module can simultaneously write data to and read verification data from the tape.

[0077] In one embodiment, an SGV module head assembly includes: a substrate; and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on the substrate, each write transducer and read transducer pair including a write transducer and a read transducer, wherein: each write transducer includes a write pole having a first height in a first direction from a surface facing the medium, each read transducer includes a first shield, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to the write pole, and the write pole of each pair is spaced from the first shield in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a first distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the first height, such that the SGV module head assembly is controllable to write first data to a magnetic tape using each pair of write transducers and to read and verify the first data using each pair of read transducers.

[0078] The magnetic tape may or may not have a soft ferromagnetic underlayer. A first height is between approximately 5 μm and approximately 100 μm. A first distance is between approximately 3 μm and approximately 20 μm. The SGV module head assembly is controllable to simultaneously write second data to and read third data from the magnetic tape using multiple pairs of write and read transducers. A magnetic tape drive includes an SGV module head assembly and a controller configured to control the SGV module head assembly to write data to the magnetic tape using each pair of write transducers and to read verification data using each pair of read transducers.

[0079] In another embodiment, a magnetic tape head includes a first SGV module head assembly, the first SGV module head assembly comprising: a plurality of first write transducers disposed in a first row on a substrate, each first write transducer including a write electrode having a first height in a first direction; and a plurality of first read transducers disposed in a second row adjacent to the first row on the substrate, each first read transducer including a first shield, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first shield and the second shield having a second height in a first direction from a surface facing the medium. Each first write transducer in the transducer is paired with an adjacent first read transducer in a plurality of first read transducers to form a plurality of first write transducer and first read transducer pairs. In each first write transducer and first read transducer pair, the write transducer is positioned very close to the first shield and spaced a first distance from the first shield in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first distance is greater than or equal to about one-fifth of the second height, such that the first SGV module head assembly can be controlled to write first data to the tape using the first write transducers of each pair and to read and verify the first data using the first read transducers of each pair.

[0080] The magnetic tape includes a soft ferromagnetic substrate, and a first distance between approximately 3 μm and approximately 20 μm. The magnetic tape does not have a soft ferromagnetic substrate, and a first distance between approximately 3 μm and approximately 15 μm. A second height between approximately 5 μm and approximately 100 μm, and the first height is less than or equal to the second height.

[0081] The tape head further includes a second SGV module head assembly, the second SGV module head assembly including: a plurality of second write transducers disposed in a third row on a substrate, each second write transducer including a write pole having a third height in a first direction; and a plurality of second read transducers disposed in a fourth row adjacent to the third row on the substrate, each second read transducer including a first shield, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first shield and the second shield having a fourth height in the first direction, wherein: each of the plurality of second write transducers is paired with an adjacent second read transducer of the plurality of second read transducers to form a plurality of second write transducer and second read transducer pairs, in each second write transducer and second read transducer pair, the write pole is disposed adjacent to the first shield and spaced a second distance from the first shield in a second direction, and the second distance is greater than or equal to about one-fifth of the third height, such that the second SGV module head assembly is controllable to write second data to the tape using each pair of second write transducers and to read and verify the second data using each pair of second read transducers.

[0082] A magnetic tape drive includes: a tape head including a first SGV module head assembly and a second SGV module head assembly; and a controller configured to: control the first SGV module head assembly to simultaneously write third data to and read fourth data from the magnetic tape using a plurality of first write transducers and first read transducer pairs; and control the second SGV module head assembly to simultaneously write fifth data to and read sixth data from the magnetic tape using a plurality of second write transducers and second read transducer pairs.

[0083] A magnetic tape drive includes: a tape head including a first SGV module head assembly; and a controller configured to control the first SGV module head assembly to write data to the magnetic tape using a plurality of first write transducers and to read verification data using a plurality of first read transducers.

[0084] In another embodiment, a method of forming an SGV module header assembly includes: depositing a first dielectric layer over a substrate; polishing the first dielectric layer to a first substantially flat surface; forming a read transducer on a dielectric-facing surface above the first substantially flat surface; depositing one or more second dielectric layers over the read transducer; polishing the one or more second dielectric layers to form a second substantially flat surface; and forming a write transducer on a dielectric-facing surface on the second substantially flat surface above the dielectric-facing surface, wherein the SGV module header assembly is controllable to use the write transducer to write data to a magnetic tape and use the read transducer to read verification data.

[0085] Forming a readout transducer includes: depositing a first shield of the readout transducer over a portion of a first dielectric layer, wherein polishing the first dielectric layer includes polishing the first shield to form a first substantially flat surface; forming electrical leads on the first substantially flat surface, the electrical leads being positioned to contact a portion of the first shield and recessed from a dielectric-facing surface; forming a first electrical stud in contact with a portion of the electrical leads spaced apart from the first shield; forming a magnetic sensor and a second shield of the readout transducer over the electrical leads and the first electrical stud; and forming a second electrical stud in contact with the first electrical stud.

[0086] The method further includes: forming a third electrical stud in contact with a second electrical stud; depositing one or more third dielectric layers over the write transducer and the third electrical stud; and polishing the one or more third dielectric layers and the third electrical stud to form a third substantially flat surface. The method further includes: forming an electrical contact on the third substantially flat surface in contact with the third electrical stud; and depositing a closure on the third substantially flat surface adjacent to the electrical contact, the closure being disposed on the surface facing the dielectric.

[0087] The write transducer includes a write electrode, a return electrode, and a coil. The write electrode has a first height in a first direction perpendicular to the surface facing the medium. The write electrode of the write transducer and a second shield of the read transducer are spaced apart in a second direction parallel to the surface facing the medium by a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the first height of the write electrode. The first height is between about 5 μm and about 50 μm, and the distance is between about 3 μm and about 20 μm. The first and second shields each have a second height in the first direction perpendicular to the surface facing the medium. The write electrode of the write transducer and the second shield of the read transducer are spaced apart in a second direction parallel to the surface facing the medium by a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the second height of the first and second shields.

[0088] While the foregoing description is directed to embodiments of this disclosure, other and additional embodiments of this disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A same gap verification (SGV) module head assembly comprising: a substrate; and a plurality of pairs of write and read transducers disposed on the substrate, each pair of write and read transducers comprising a write transducer and a read transducer, wherein: each write transducer comprises a write pole having a first height from a surface facing a medium in a first direction, each read transducer comprises a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first and second shields, and the write pole and the first shield of each pair are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a first distance greater than or equal to 20% of the first height, such that the SGV module head assembly is controllable to use the write transducer of each pair to write first data to a magnetic tape and to use the read transducer of each pair to read verify the first data.

2. The SGV module head assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnetic tape comprises a soft ferromagnetic underlayer.

3. The SGV module head assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnetic tape does not have a soft ferromagnetic underlayer.

4. The SGV module head assembly of claim 1, wherein the first height is between 5 pm and 100 pm.

5. The SGV module head assembly of claim 1, wherein the first distance is between 3 pm and 20 pm.

6. The SGV module head assembly of claim 1, wherein the SGV module head assembly is controllable to simultaneously use the plurality of pairs of write and read transducers to write second data to the magnetic tape and to read third data from the magnetic tape.

7. A magnetic tape drive comprising: the SGV module head assembly of claim 1; and a controller configured to control the SGV module head assembly to use the write transducer of each pair to write data to the magnetic tape and to use the read transducer of each pair to read verify the data.

8. A magnetic tape head comprising: a first same gap verification (SGV) module head assembly comprising: a plurality of first write transducers disposed in a first row on a first substrate, each first write transducer comprising a write pole having a first height from a surface facing a medium in a first direction; and a plurality of first read transducers disposed in a second row adjacent to the first row on the first substrate, each first read transducer comprising a first shield having a second height in the first direction, a second shield, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first and second shields, wherein: each first write transducer of the plurality of first write transducers is paired with an adjacent first read transducer of the plurality of first read transducers to form a plurality of pairs of first write and read transducers, ​ in each first write transducer and first read transducer pair, the write pole is disposed proximate to the first shield and spaced from the first shield in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a first distance, and the first distance is greater than or equal to one fifth of the second height, enabling the first SGV module head assembly to be controlled to write first data to the magnetic tape using the first write transducer of each pair and to read verify the first data using the first read transducer of each pair.

9. The magnetic tape head of claim 8, wherein the magnetic tape includes a soft ferromagnetic underlayer, and wherein the first distance is between 3 pm and 20 pm.

10. The magnetic tape head of claim 8, wherein the second height is between 5 pm and 100 pm, and wherein the first height is less than or equal to the second height.

11. The magnetic tape head of claim 8, further comprising: a second SGV module head assembly including: a plurality of second write transducers disposed in a third row on a second substrate, each second write transducer including a write pole having a third height in the first direction; and a plurality of second read transducers disposed in a fourth row proximate to the third row on the second substrate, each second read transducer including a first shield, a second shield having a fourth height in the first direction, and a magnetic sensor disposed between the first shield and the second shield, wherein: each second write transducer of the plurality of second write transducers is paired with a proximate second read transducer of the plurality of second read transducers to form a plurality of second write transducer and second read transducer pairs, in each second write transducer and second read transducer pair, the write pole is disposed proximate to the first shield and spaced from the first shield in the second direction by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than or equal to one fifth of the third height, enabling the second SGV module head assembly to be controlled to write second data to the magnetic tape using the second write transducer of each pair and to read verify the second data using the second read transducer of each pair.

12. The magnetic tape head of claim 8, wherein the magnetic tape does not have a soft ferromagnetic underlayer, and wherein the first distance is between 3 pm and 15 pm.

13. A magnetic tape drive comprising the magnetic tape head of claim 9 and a magnetic tape.

14. A magnetic tape drive comprising the magnetic tape head of claim 12 and a magnetic tape.

15. A magnetic tape drive comprising: the magnetic tape head of claim 11 ; and a controller configured to: control the first SGV module head assembly to simultaneously write third data to the magnetic tape and read fourth data from the magnetic tape using the plurality of first write transducer and first read transducer pairs; and control the second SGV module head assembly to simultaneously write fifth data to the magnetic tape and read sixth data from the magnetic tape using the plurality of second write transducer and second read transducer pairs.

16. A magnetic tape drive comprising: a magnetic head according to claim 8; and a controller configured to control the first SGV module head assembly to write data to the magnetic tape using the plurality of first write transducers and to read verify the data using the plurality of first read transducers.

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