Magnetic head, magnetic tape unit and magnetic tape storage rack

Abstract

The invention provides a magnetic head, a magnetic tape unit 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 areas, the plurality of read-write areas are arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head, and intervals are formed among the plurality of read-write areas; each of the plurality of read-write areas comprises a write head area and a read head area which are arranged along the width direction of the magnetic head, the write head area comprises a write head for writing data into the magnetic tape, and the read head area comprises a read head for reading data from the magnetic tape; and when data access needs to be carried out on a target data band of the tape, carrying out data access on the target data band through the read-write area closest to the target data band. According to the magnetic head, the thickness of the magnetic tape units can be reduced, more magnetic tape units are arranged in the rack, and the magnetic tape storage density of the rack is improved. The magnetic head can also save materials for manufacturing the magnetic head and reduce the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of tape storage, and particularly relates to a magnetic head, a tape drive, and a tape storage rack. Background Art

[0002] Tape storage is a storage method using tapes as storage media, and is still widely used currently due to its low cost and low power consumption. Tape storage mainly stores data on tapes through tape drives, or reads data stored on tapes through tape drives.

[0003] Among them, a tape drive mainly includes a magnetic head and a tape driving mechanism. The tape bypasses the magnetic head, and the tape driving mechanism drives the tape to move relative to the magnetic head. During the movement of the tape, the magnetic head accesses data (such as writing data or reading data) on the tape through the magnetic principle.

[0004] For example, the tape is usually divided into four data bands in the width direction. These four data bands are denoted as data band0, data band1, data band2, and data band3. The magnetic head moves in the width direction of the tape to access data on the four data bands of the tape. For example, when it is necessary to access data on data band0 of the tape, the magnetic head moves to a position where the reading and writing area of the magnetic head is opposite to the position of data band0 of the tape. When it is necessary to access data on data band1 of the tape, the magnetic head moves to a position where the reading and writing area of the magnetic head is opposite to the position of data band1 of the tape.

[0005] To avoid the edges of the magnetic head from scratching the tape, generally, the height of the magnetic head itself plus the sum of the up and down movement strokes of the magnetic head is greater than the width of the tape. That is, no matter where the magnetic head moves, the tape is between the two edges of the magnetic head, and there is a certain distance between the tape and the edges. Therefore, due to the limitation of the height of the magnetic head itself and the movement stroke of the magnetic head, the thickness of the tape drive is relatively large, occupying a relatively large space in the tape storage rack. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a magnetic head, a tape drive, and a tape storage rack. The magnetic head can reduce the thickness of the tape drive, arrange a larger number of tape drives in the rack, and improve the tape storage density of the rack. The magnetic head can also save the materials for manufacturing the magnetic head and reduce the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0007] In a first aspect, a magnetic head is provided. The magnetic head includes a plurality of reading and writing areas, the plurality of reading and writing areas are arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head, and there is a gap between the plurality of reading and writing areas;

[0008] Each of the multiple read / write areas includes a write head area and a read head area arranged along the width direction of the magnetic head. The write head area includes a write head for writing data to the magnetic tape, and the read head area includes a read head for reading data from the magnetic tape;

[0009] When data access to the target data band of the magnetic tape is required, the target data band is accessed by the read / write area closest to the target data band.

[0010] Among them, there is an interval between multiple read / write areas. For example, there is an interval between two adjacent read / write areas, and this interval can match the interval between two adjacent data bands of the magnetic tape, or this interval can also match the width of one or more data bands.

[0011] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the magnetic head includes multiple read / write areas. When data of a certain data band (denoted as the target data band) on the magnetic tape needs to be read, the motor is used to drive the read / write area closest to this target data band above the target data band. Compared with the traditional solution with only a single read / write area, in order to read the data of the target data band, the only read / write area has to be moved above the target data band to perform data read / write on the target data band. Therefore, the magnetic head shown in the present disclosure can reduce the moving stroke of the magnetic head in its height direction.

[0012] After the moving stroke of the magnetic head is reduced, the height of the magnetic head itself can also be shortened. Since the thickness of the tape drive is positively correlated with the moving stroke of the magnetic head and the height of the magnetic head itself, 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 where the magnetic head is located can be thinned. Once the thickness of the tape drive is thinned, more tape drives can be arranged in the rack of the tape storage rack, thereby increasing the tape storage density of the tape storage rack.

[0013] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, since the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, compared with the magnetic head of the traditional solution, more magnetic heads can be fabricated on a wafer of the same area, thereby reducing the processing cost of the magnetic head.

[0014] In one implementation solution of the present disclosure, the number of the write head area and the read head area included in each read / write area is 1; in another implementation solution of the present disclosure, the number of the write head area and the read head area included in each read / write area is not limited. The read head area is a continuous area and is not divided by the write head area; the write head area is a continuous area and is not divided by the read head area.

[0015] In a possible implementation, each of the multiple read-write areas includes a write head area and a read head area. The multiple read-write areas include a first type of read-write area and a second type of read-write area. The arrangement order of the write head area and the read head area in the first type of read-write area is opposite to the arrangement order of the write head area and the read head area in the second type of read-write area.

[0016] In tape storage technology, it is usually required that when the tape rotates forward, the magnetic head can access data (such as write data) on the tape, and when the tape rotates backward, the magnetic head can also access data (such as write data) on the tape. Among them, the forward rotation of the tape can be that the tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, and the backward rotation of the tape can be that the tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head.

[0017] After data is written based on the write head area, the read head area is required to verify whether the written data is correct.

[0018] Therefore, in the solution where each read-write area includes a write head area and a read head area, the multiple read-write areas can include a first type of read-write area and a second type of read-write area. Among them, the arrangement mode of the write head area and the read head area in the first type of read-write area is opposite to the arrangement mode of the write head area and the read head area in the second type of read-write area.

[0019] For example, the first type of read-write area is a read-write area with an arrangement mode of write head area - read head area (the write head area is on the left and the read head area is on the right), while the second type of read-write area is a read-write area with an arrangement mode of read head area - write head area (the write head area is on the right and the read head area is on the left).

[0020] In this way, when data needs to be written, when the tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head, the write head area of the first type of read-write area writes data, and the read head area of the first type of read-write area verifies the written data. When the tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head, although the first type of read-write area cannot complete data access, the write head area of the second type of read-write area can write data, and the read head area of the second type of read-write area verifies the written data to complete data access.

[0021] Therefore, in the solution shown in the present disclosure, although each read-write area only includes a write head area and a read head area, because the multiple read-write areas include a first type of read-write area (when the tape rotates in the first direction, the first type of read-write area can write data on the tape) and a second type of read-write area (when the tape rotates in the second direction, the second type of read-write area can write data on the tape), so, it is still possible to achieve: whether the tape rotates forward or backward, the magnetic head can access data on the tape. The data access here is to write data, but the data access can also be to read data.

[0022] In the traditional solution, there is only one head in the read-write area. To achieve forward and reverse movement of the magnetic tape, the only read-write area can access data (such as writing data). This read-write area has to be a write head area - read head area - write head area, or it has to be a read head area - write head area - read head area.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the head is used to: when the magnetic tape moves in a first direction, access data in one data band of the magnetic tape through the first type of read-write area;

[0024] when the magnetic tape moves in a second direction, access data in another data band of the data tape through the second type of read-write area, where the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0025] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, since the first type of read-write area and the second type of read-write area respectively correspond to different data bands, when the magnetic tape moves forward, the first type of read-write area accesses data on one of the data bands, and when the magnetic tape moves backward, the second type of read-write area accesses data on the other data band.

[0026] It can be seen that in the solution shown in the present disclosure, during forward and reverse movement of the magnetic tape, the head accesses data on two different data bands of the magnetic tape through two different read-write areas, while in the traditional solution, during forward and reverse movement of the magnetic tape, the head accesses data on the same data band of the magnetic tape through a single read-write area.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the head includes two first magnetic strips, and each first magnetic strip includes m write head areas and m read head areas distributed along the height direction, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1;

[0028] 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 the other first magnetic strip form m first type of read-write areas, and the m read head areas of one first magnetic strip and the m write head areas of the other first magnetic strip form m second type of read-write areas.

[0029] In this arrangement: The first type of read / write area is arranged horizontally in the order of the write head area - read head area; the second type of read / write area is arranged in the opposite way to the first type, horizontally in the order of the read head area - write head area. This means that when the magnetic head is composed of longitudinal magnetic strips (for example, glued together), the vertical arrangement order of different magnetic strips has symmetry. For example, taking 2 magnetic strips (i.e., 2 first magnetic strips) to form a magnetic head, and each magnetic strip only includes one read head area and one write head area (i.e., taking m = 1 as an example): Vertically, if the first magnetic strip has the write head area on top and the read head area at the bottom; then the second magnetic strip has the read head area on top and the write head area at the bottom. After the 2 magnetic strips are glued together, the write head area of the first magnetic strip and the read head area of the second magnetic strip form the first type of read / write area; the write head area of the second magnetic strip and the read head area of the first magnetic strip form the second type of read / write area.

[0030] It can be seen that the structures of the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip are actually exactly the same. Rotating the first magnetic strip 180° around its own center becomes the second magnetic strip. Among them, the first magnetic strip and the second magnetic strip are both the first magnetic strips as described above. Therefore, one of the first magnetic strips, when rotated 180 degrees around its own center, becomes the other first magnetic strip. Thus, the magnetic head manufacturer only needs to produce one specification of magnetic strip. Compared with the solution of producing different specifications of magnetic strips to form a magnetic head, the process is simplified. The above was introduced with the example that both 2 magnetic strips only include one read head area and one write head area. If the magnetic head includes more than 2 read / write areas (for example, including 2 first type of read / write areas, 2 second type of read / write areas), the magnetic strips forming the magnetic head also conform to this symmetric rule and also have the effect of simplifying the process. On the contrary, in the prior art, the multiple magnetic strips forming the magnetic head are different, so the magnetic head manufacturer has to produce multiple specifications of magnetic strips.

[0031] Since the magnetic strip is usually processed on a wafer (wafe), then, for the solution where the magnetic head includes two first magnetic strips, the magnetic head manufacturer only needs to process one type of wafer. Compared with the solution of processing two types of wafers to make two types of magnetic strips, there is one less type of wafer, further reducing the processing cost of the magnetic head.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the magnetic head includes a second magnetic strip and a third magnetic strip. The second magnetic strip includes a write head areas and b read head areas, and the third magnetic strip includes a read head areas and b write head areas, where both a and b are integers greater than or equal to 1;

[0033] The arrangement manner of the a write head areas of the second magnetic strip is the same as the arrangement manner of the a read head areas of the third magnetic strip, and the arrangement manner of the b read head areas of the second magnetic strip is the same as the arrangement manner of the b write head areas of the third magnetic strip;

[0034] The second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe are spliced along the width direction, and a write head areas of the second magnetic stripe and a read head areas of the third magnetic stripe are spliced to form a first type of read-write areas, and b read head areas of the second magnetic stripe and b write head areas of the third magnetic stripe are spliced to form b second type of read-write areas.

[0035] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, since each of the multiple read-write areas includes a write head area and a read head area in the horizontal direction. For example, the first type of read-write area may be a read-write area arranged in the order of write head area - read head area in the horizontal direction, and the second type of read-write area may be a read-write area arranged in the order of read head area - write head area in the horizontal direction. Therefore, any one of the read-write areas only includes two "areas" in the horizontal direction. And according to that one "area" in the horizontal direction 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 horizontal direction to form a magnetic head.

[0036] In the traditional solution, since the only read-write area has to be write head area - read head area - write head area, or has to be read head area - write head area - read head area, so the only read-write area has to include three "areas" in the horizontal direction. And one "area" in the horizontal direction occupies one magnetic stripe, so the magnetic head in the traditional solution has to use three magnetic stripes to splice the magnetic head.

[0037] It can be seen that the solution shown in the present disclosure reduces one magnetic stripe compared with the traditional solution, saves the manufacturing materials of the magnetic head, and reduces the processing and manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0038] It should be noted that in order to enable the two magnetic stripes, namely the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe, to form a magnetic head including the first type of read-write areas and the second type of read-write areas after being spliced in the horizontal direction, then the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe need to meet the following conditions:

[0039] 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.

[0040] In this way, after the second magnetic stripe and the third magnetic stripe are spliced in the horizontal direction, a magnetic head including a first type of read-write areas and b second type of read-write areas can be formed.

[0041] It should be noted that a and b may be equal or not equal.

[0042] In a possible implementation manner, each read-write area includes multiple access heads, the access head is a write head or a read head, and k access heads located in different read-write areas are connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch;

[0043] The analog switch is used to turn on the circuits where a part of the k access heads are located and turn off the circuits where the remaining part of the access heads are located, where k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the number of read / write areas.

[0044] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, k access heads located in different read / write areas can be connected to the circuit of the tape drive through the same analog switch. For example, if the analog switch includes k output terminals and one input terminal, then the k access heads are respectively connected to the k output terminals of the analog switch through signal lines, and one input terminal of the analog switch is connected to the circuit of the tape drive.

[0045] For example, when k = 2 and the analog switch is a single-pole double-throw switch, the analog switch includes two output terminals and one input terminal. The two access heads located in different read / write areas are respectively connected to the two output terminals of the analog switch through signal lines, and the input terminal of the analog switch is connected to the circuit of the tape drive. For example, the input terminal of the analog switch is connected to a flexible circuit board through a signal line. Therefore, the two access heads originally needed two signal lines to be connected to the circuit, but through the analog switch, only one signal line is needed to be connected to the circuit.

[0046] It can be seen that an analog switch can combine k signal lines into one signal line and connect it to the circuit of the tape drive. Compared with not using an analog switch, the number of signal lines is reduced by k - 1. Furthermore, the solution shown in the present disclosure can control the number of signal lines of the magnetic head from being too large, keeping the number of signal lines of the magnetic head within a controllable range.

[0047] In a possible implementation, there is a gap between two adjacent read / write areas, and the gap matches the width of one or more data bands of the tape.

[0048] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, if the number of read / write areas is too large, there will be a problem of a large number of signal lines of the magnetic head. If the number of read / write areas is too small, there will be a problem of a large moving distance of the magnetic head. Therefore, although the magnetic head shown in the present disclosure includes multiple read / write areas, there is a gap between two adjacent read / write areas, and the gap 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 distance of the magnetic head is not too large, taking into account both the number of read / write areas and the moving distance of the magnetic head.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the number of read / write areas is two;

[0050] If the tape has 2n data bands, the gap matches the width of (n - 1) data bands of the tape;

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the arrangement of the two read / write areas on the magnetic head is related to the number of data bands of the magnetic tape.

[0053] If the number of data bands is even, the interval between the two read / write areas is the width of (n - 1) data bands. In this way, among the 2n data bands, n data bands are closer to one of the read / write areas (denoted as the first read / write area), and it is more appropriate to be accessed by the first read / write area. The other n data bands are closer to the other read / write area (denoted as the second read / write area), and it is more appropriate to be accessed by the second read / write area. Therefore, among the two read / write areas, the first read / write area is responsible for accessing data of half of the data bands, and these half of the data bands are all closer to the first read / write area. The second read / write area is responsible for accessing data of the other half of the data bands, and these other half of the data bands are all closer to the second read / write area.

[0054] If the number of data bands is odd, the interval between the two read / write areas is the width of (n - 2) or (n - 1) data bands. In this way, among the (2n - 1) data bands, n data bands are closer to one of the read / write areas (denoted as the first read / write area), and it is more appropriate to be accessed by the first read / write area. The other n - 1 data bands are closer to the other read / write area (denoted as the second read / write area), and it is more appropriate to be accessed by the second read / write area. Therefore, among the two read / write areas, the first read / write area is responsible for accessing data of n data bands, and these n data bands are all closer to the first read / write area. The second read / write area is responsible for accessing data of the remaining n - 1 data bands, and these n - 1 data bands are all closer to the second read / write area.

[0055] For example, if the number of data bands is 5, the width between two read / write areas can be the width of 1 data band or the width of 2 data bands. In this way, among the 5 data bands, 2 data bands are closer to the first read / write area and are more suitable to be accessed by the first read / write area, while the other 3 data bands are closer to the second read / write area and are more suitable to be accessed by the second read / write area. Therefore, the first read / write area is responsible for accessing the nearby 2 data bands, and the second read / write area is responsible for accessing the nearby 3 data bands.

[0056] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the number of read / write areas is two. Compared with the traditional solution where the number of read / write areas is one, the number of read / write areas does not increase too much. Furthermore, the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head does not increase significantly. Therefore, for the magnetic head shown in the present disclosure, the number of its outgoing lines is still within a controllable range. The number of read / write areas is two. Compared with the traditional solution where the number of read / write areas is one, according to the nearest access principle described above, when accessing the magnetic tape, the moving stroke of the magnetic head can be reduced, and the height of the magnetic head itself can be shortened, ultimately thinning the thickness of the tape drive.

[0057] In a second aspect, a tape drive is provided. The tape drive includes the magnetic head described in the first aspect and further includes a motor for driving the movement of the magnetic head.

[0058] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, when the magnetic head needs to access data on a certain data band (denoted as the target data band) of the magnetic tape, the motor can drive the magnetic head to move to the read / write area closest to the target data band among the multiple read / write areas, which is opposite to the position of the target data band, and then the closest read / write area accesses the data on the target data band.

[0059] It can be seen that in the solution including multiple read / write areas, when the magnetic head moves, the read / write area closest to the target data band is moved to be opposite to the position of the target data band. While in the solution including only one read / write area, when the magnetic head moves, only the unique read / write area can be moved to be opposite to the position of the target data band, regardless of the distance from the target data band. Therefore, compared with the magnetic head including only one read / write area, the magnetic head including multiple read / write areas can reduce the moving stroke of the magnetic head in its height direction.

[0060] Since 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, 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 thinned. Once the thickness of the tape drive is thinned, more tape drives can be arranged in the rack of the tape storage rack, thereby increasing the tape storage density of the tape storage rack.

[0061] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the tape drive may not include a tape, but the tape drive has a tape slot for inserting a tape. When data needs to be stored, an empty tape is inserted into the tape slot of the tape drive. After the tape is full of data, the tape is taken out of the tape slot and placed in the tape library. When data needs to be read, the tape in the tape library is taken out and inserted into the tape drive to read the data.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the tape drive may further include a tape;

[0063] The tape is fixedly installed in the tape drive and is a magnetic medium for providing data storage.

[0064] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the solution of fixing the tape in the tape drive is beneficial to protecting the tape from being soiled and protecting the data stored therein from being lost.

[0065] In the solution of fixing the tape in the tape drive, the tape library no longer stores tapes, but stores tape drives (the tape drives integrate tapes).

[0066] In the solution of fixing the tape in the tape drive, there is no need to take the tape out of the tape drive, and thus the robotic arm can be omitted, enabling more tape drives to be arranged in the tape library.

[0067] In a third aspect, a tape storage rack is provided. The tape storage rack includes a rack, a controller, and the tape drive described in the second aspect. The controller and the tape drive are both located in the rack;

[0068] The controller is configured to receive an access request from a user and, based on the access request, perform data access on the tape in the tape drive. The data access includes reading data and writing data.

[0069] Among them, the tape drive can be fixedly installed in the rack, or the tape drive can be located in a slot of the rack in a pluggable manner.

[0070] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, since the thickness of the tape drive is relatively thin, more tape drives can be stored in the cabinet, thereby increasing the tape storage density of the cabinet.

[0071] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the magnetic tape is fixed in the tape drive. In this solution, there is no need to remove the magnetic tape from the tape drive, thus eliminating the need for a robotic arm and enabling more tape drives to be arranged in the rack, further improving the tape storage density of the cabinet. Description of the Drawings

[0072] 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;

[0073] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including a single read / write area provided by the conventional solution for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0074] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0076] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0077] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0079] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas, and each read / write area includes a write head area and a read head area provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including a single read / write area, and the read / write area includes two write head areas and a read head area provided by the conventional solution for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0081] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head including two read / write areas, and the two read / write areas are the first type of read / write area and the second type of read / write area respectively provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0082] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head in which each read / write area includes two write head areas and a read head area provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for accessing data on the magnetic tape;

[0083] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is connected to a circuit through a simulation switch;

[0084] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which each read / write area includes two read head areas and one write head area;

[0085] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of a magnetic head provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which one read / write area includes two write head areas and one read head area, and the other read / write area includes two read head areas and one write head area;

[0086] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of a magnetic head provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is composed of two first magnetic strips spliced together.

[0087] Description of reference numerals

[0088] 10. Magnetic head; 20. Magnetic tape; 30. First magnetic tape reel; 40. Second magnetic tape reel.

[0089] 1. First magnetic strip; 2. Second magnetic strip; 3. Read / write area; 4. Simulation 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.

[0090] 21. First data band; 22. Second data band; 23. Third data band; 24. Fourth data band; 25. Fifth data band; 26. Sixth data band.

[0091] 31. Write head area; 311. Write head; 32. Read head area; 321. Read head. Detailed implementation manners

[0092] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] This embodiment relates to a magnetic head of a tape drive, and the tape drive can be, but is not limited to, a linear tape open (LTO) tape drive.

[0094] For ease of understanding, first, the terms involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0095] A magnetic tape is a magnetic medium with a magnetic layer and a ribbon shape, used to record sound, images, numbers, or other signals. The magnetic tape is usually divided into multiple data bands in its width direction. The magnetic tape corresponding to the current LTO tape drive is usually a 12.7-mm-wide magnetic tape, which is divided into four data bands in the width direction.

[0096] A head is a component that writes (i.e., records) data on a magnetic medium (such as a magnetic tape) and reads the data recorded on the magnetic medium through magnetic principles.

[0097] The 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.

[0098] The read-write area is further divided into a write head area and a read head area. The write head area is the area where multiple write heads are distributed, and the read head area is the area where multiple read heads are distributed.

[0099] A write head is a component located on the head that records data on the magnetic medium (such as a magnetic tape) by magnetizing and changing the magnetic field of the magnetic material on the magnetic medium.

[0100] A read head is a component located on the head that reads the data recorded on the magnetic medium (such as a magnetic tape) by sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic material on the magnetic medium.

[0101] The following introduces the structural principle of tape storage by a tape drive.

[0102] As Figure 1 shown in the top view schematic diagram of the tape drive, the tape drive includes a head 10 and a tape drive mechanism. The tape drive mechanism includes a first tape reel 30 and a second tape reel 40. One end of the magnetic tape 20 is wound around the first tape reel 30, and the other end is wound around the second tape reel 40. The magnetic tape 20 bypasses the head 10 and is in contact with the head 10. During the rotation of the first tape reel 30 and the second tape reel 40, the magnetic tape 20 moves relative to the head 10. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the first tape reel 30 and the second tape reel 40 rotate counterclockwise, and the magnetic tape 20 moves to the right relative to the head 10.

[0103] During the movement of the magnetic tape 20 relative to the head 10, the head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20.

[0104] As Figure 2 shown, it is a schematic diagram of a scenario where a head 10 accesses data on a magnetic tape 20 in a traditional solution. As Figure 2As shown, the magnetic tape 20 has a certain width, denoted as W1 for example.

[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic tape 20 is divided into multiple data bands along the width direction. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic tape 20 has four data bands, denoted as the first data band 21, the second data band 22, the third data band 23, and the fourth data band 24 respectively.

[0106] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic head 10 has a read / write area. The magnetic 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.

[0107] For example, Figure 2 As shown, when it is necessary to access data on the first data band 21, the magnetic head 10 needs to move to its read / write area to be opposite to the position of the first data band 21 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the magnetic head 10 at the fourth moment shown in Figure 2 ). Then, the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the magnetic head 10 to fill or read the first data band 21 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0108] When it is necessary to access data on the second data band 22, the magnetic head 10 needs to move to its read / write area to be opposite to the position of the second data band 22 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the magnetic head 10 at the third moment shown in Figure 2 ). Then, the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the magnetic head 10 to fill or read the second data band 22 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0109] When it is necessary to access data on the third data band 23, the magnetic head 10 needs to move to its read / write area to be opposite to the position of the third data band 23 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the magnetic head 10 at the second moment shown in Figure 2 ). Then, the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the magnetic head 10 to fill or read the third data band 23 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0110] When it is necessary to access data on the fourth data band 24, the magnetic head 10 needs to move to its read / write area to be opposite to the position of the fourth data band 24 of the magnetic tape 20 (refer to the position of the magnetic head 10 at the first moment shown in Figure 2 ). Then, the magnetic tape 20 moves left and right relative to the magnetic head 10 to fill or read the fourth data band 24 of the magnetic tape 20.

[0111] In this way, by moving the magnetic head 10 up and down relative to the magnetic tape 20, and moving the magnetic tape 20 left and right relative to the magnetic head 10, the entire magnetic tape 20 can be fully written or read.

[0112] It should be noted that Figure 2 in [reference], the magnetic head 10 only moves up and down along the width direction of the magnetic tape, and does not move left and right along the length direction of the magnetic tape 20 Figure 2 merely for the convenience of distinguishing and observing the positions where the magnetic head 10 stays at different times.

[0113] Since 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 scratching the magnetic tape 20 at the edge position of the magnetic head 10, referring to Figure 2 as shown, no matter which position the magnetic head 10 moves to, 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, where the height direction of the magnetic head 10 is consistent with the width direction of the magnetic tape 20.

[0114] For example, when the magnetic head 10 moves to the upper end closest to the upper edge of the magnetic tape 20, referring to Figure 2 as shown, when the magnetic head 10 moves to a position where its reading and writing area is opposite to the fourth data band 24, the length by which the upper end of the magnetic head 10 extends beyond the upper edge of the magnetic tape 20 is d. When the magnetic head 10 moves to the lower end closest to the lower edge of the magnetic tape 20, referring to Figure 2 as shown, when the magnetic head 10 moves to a position where its reading and writing area is opposite to the first data band 21, the length by which the lower end of the magnetic head 10 extends beyond the lower edge of the magnetic tape 20 is d.

[0115] 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, referring to Figure 2 as shown, the height of the magnetic head 10 itself will be relatively large. Additionally, since the magnetic head 10 needs to move up and down in the tape drive, there needs to be enough space in the tape drive for the magnetic head 10 to move up and down.

[0116] Continuing to refer to Figure 2 as shown, in the tape drive, the sum of the height of the magnetic head 10 itself and the up and down movement stroke of the magnetic head (which can be denoted as the magnetic head stroke height) is at least H1. Referring to Figure 2 as shown, H1 = W1 + 6h + 2d, where h is the height of the reading and writing area 3, which is approximately the width of a single data band.

[0117] However, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20 as shown in Figure 2 there are at least the following problems.

[0118] First of all, the magnetic head stroke height H1 is relatively large, resulting in a relatively thick tape drive.

[0119] For example, the width W1 of the magnetic tape 20 is about 12.7 mm, and the width of each data band is about 3 mm. Then, the height of the head 10 itself needs to be about 27 mm, the travel height of the tape drive is about 9 mm, and the head travel height H1 of the head 10 is about 36 mm. Adding the thickness of the upper and lower housings of the tape drive (2×2 mm), the thickness of the tape drive is at least greater than 40 mm.

[0120] 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 low storage capacity density of the tape drive.

[0121] For example, for a 40-mm-thick tape drive, the tape width is only 12.7 mm, and the storage capacity density of the tape drive is less than 31.75%. The storage capacity density, which can also be called 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.

[0122] This embodiment provides a head. The moving stroke of the head 10 is relatively small, which can shorten the height of the head 10 itself. Once the stroke of the head 10 is small and the height of the head itself is small, the head travel height can be reduced, thereby thinning the thickness of the tape drive. When the thickness of the tape drive is thinned and the tape width remains unchanged, the storage capacity density of the tape drive is also increased. Moreover, when the thickness of the tape drive is thinned, the cabinet for storing the tape drive can accommodate more tape drives.

[0123] Moreover, the head 10 shown in this embodiment only needs to be spliced by two magnetic strips. Compared with the traditional head that needs to be spliced by three magnetic strips, one magnetic strip is less, saving the material cost of the head 10 and thus reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the head. Also, since the height of the head itself is shortened, the height of the magnetic strips spliced into the head is also shortened. Furthermore, on the same area of the wafer, more magnetic strips can be produced, further reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the head 10.

[0124] Moreover, for a head including two read / write areas, compared with a head including a larger number of read / write areas, the two magnetic strips used by the head are the same magnetic strip with the same structure and material. Then, when processing the magnetic strips, only one type of wafer needs to be produced, further reducing the processing and manufacturing cost of the head 10.

[0125] The features of the head shown in this embodiment will be introduced below.

[0126] Since the orientation terms up / down and left / right will be involved in the introduction of this embodiment, refer to Figure 3As shown, the vertical direction can be the width direction of the magnetic tape 20, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the width direction. The movement of the magnetic tape 20 means moving left or right.

[0127] Among them, the height direction of the magnetic head 10 is the same as the width direction of the magnetic tape 20, both being the vertical direction, and the width direction of the magnetic head 10 is the same as the length direction of the magnetic tape 20, both being the horizontal direction.

[0128] Reference Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic head 10 includes a plurality of read / write areas 3. The plurality of read / write areas 3 are arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head 10, and there is a gap between two adjacent read / write areas 3. Among them, Figure 3 In the example of two read / write areas 3, the two read / write areas 3 are respectively denoted as read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b for distinction.

[0129] Among them, the gap can match the gap between two adjacent data bands of the magnetic tape (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown), and the gap can also match the width of one or more data bands of the magnetic tape (refer to Figure 3 shown).

[0130] Since the magnetic head 10 includes a plurality of read / write areas 3 in the height direction, then, when accessing data on a plurality of data bands of the magnetic tape, the following nearest access principle can be followed:

[0131] When it is necessary to access data on a certain data band (denoted as the target data band), if there is a read / write area (denoted as the target read / write area) opposite to the position of the target data band among the plurality of read / write areas 3, the magnetic head does not need to move. If there is no read / write area opposite to the position of the target data band among the plurality of read / write areas, the magnetic head needs to move, and the magnetic head only needs to move to make the read / write area closest to the target data band be directly opposite to the position of the target data band and become the target read / write area. After the target read / write area is opposite to the position of the target data band, the target read / write area can access data on the target data band.

[0132] Among them, the data band being opposite to the position of the read / write area can also be said that the read / write area is above the data band, and the orthographic projection of the read / write area on the magnetic tape covers the data band.

[0133] It should be noted that "nearest" is a basic principle in this embodiment. However, there are exceptions to this principle in some cases. For example, when the distances of two read / write areas from the target band are close, either of the two read / write areas can be selected to access the target data band; when the nearest read / write area to the target band cannot access the target band due to structural or other limitations, the farther read / write area is used to access the target band; when the nearest read / write area to the target band fails, the farther read / write area is used to access 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.

[0134] It can be seen that, compared with a head having only one read / write area, when accessing a tape of the same width, such as a tape including four data bands, when the heads with multiple read / write areas access data in these four data bands according to the above-mentioned nearest principle, the travel distance of the head is less than that of a head with only one read / write area when accessing data in these four data bands.

[0135] Therefore, due to including multiple read / write areas, the head in this embodiment can reduce the up-and-down travel distance of the head 10. Once the travel distance of the head 10 is reduced, the height of the head 10 itself can be shortened, and thus the head travel height (where the head travel height is the sum of the head travel distance and the height of the head itself) can be reduced.

[0136] For example, as shown in Figure 3 the head travel height is H2, H2 = W1 + 2h + 2d, approximately 24 mm. Obviously, compared with the solution shown in Figure 2 the head travel height is reduced by 4h, such as 12 mm, and the thickness of the tape drive can be reduced to 26 mm. Then, the tape storage density of the tape drive is approximately 48.85%.

[0137] Next, the arrangement method and quantity of the multiple read / write areas 3 are introduced.

[0138] The arrangement methods of the multiple read / write areas 3 can be summarized into two types: as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 one is that the multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 matches the interval between two adjacent data bands;

[0139] the other is that the multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged along the height direction of the head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 matches the width of one or more data bands.

[0140] Next, the specific layout and quantity of the read / write area 3 will be introduced for the above two layout methods respectively.

[0141] (1) Multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged in sequence 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.

[0142] Among them, the matching of the two intervals means that the two intervals are equal or approximately equal. In this embodiment, when two values match, without special indication, they are both equal or approximately equal.

[0143] For example, if the interval between two adjacent data bands is greater than or equal to 0 and less than the width of a single data band, then the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is also greater than or equal to 0 and less than the width of a single data band.

[0144] As an example, if the interval between two adjacent data bands is 0, then the interval between two adjacent read / write areas is also 0. In this case, these multiple read / write areas are connected end to end and can also be regarded as a single read / write area, which can be manufactured as a single read / write area during processing.

[0145] Because the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is relatively small, much smaller than the width of a single data band, the quantity of the read / write areas 3 is less than or equal to the quantity of the data bands.

[0146] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 are schematic diagrams of the arrangement of multiple read / write areas 3 along the height direction of the magnetic head. Figure 4 and Figure 5 both take the tape 20 having four data bands as an example.

[0147] Referring to Figure 4 shown, the quantity of the read / write areas 3 is equal to the quantity of the data bands. Multiple read / write areas 3 are arranged one by one along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is equal or approximately equal to the interval between two adjacent data bands. Among them, Figure 4 takes four data bands as an example, then the quantity of the read / write areas 3 is also four. For the convenience of distinction, they are respectively denoted as read / write area 3a, read / write area 3b, read / write area 3c, and read / write area 3d.

[0148] Referring to Figure 5As shown, the number of read / write areas 3 is less than the number of data bands. A plurality of read / write areas are arranged one by one along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is equal to or approximately equal to the interval between two adjacent data bands. Among them, Figure 5 Four data bands and two read / write areas are taken as an example. The two read / write areas are respectively denoted as read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b for distinction.

[0149] Continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, a plurality of read / write areas 3 of the magnetic head 10 and a plurality of data bands of the magnetic tape 20 are in relative positions one by one.

[0150] Therefore, as Figure 4 shown, the magnetic head 10 only needs to move a very small stroke in the up and down direction (that is, the magnetic head 10 finely adjusts its position up and down), and it can access data on all the data bands of the magnetic tape 20. Among them, this moving stroke is much smaller than the width of a single data band. In this scheme, the height of the magnetic head stroke is H3, H3 = W1 + 2d, about 18 mm. The thickness of the tape drive is slightly larger than the width of the magnetic tape. Then, the tape drive is relatively thin and the storage capacity of the tape drive is relatively large.

[0151] In the 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 small number of times (compared with the Figure 2 scheme shown), and each time it moves the width of one or more data bands, it can access data on all the data bands of the magnetic tape 20.

[0152] Refer to Figure 5 As shown, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, the magnetic head 20 only needs to move once, and the moving stroke is the width of 2 data bands, and it can access data on the four data bands of the magnetic tape 20. In this scheme, the height of the magnetic head stroke is H4, H4 = W1 + 4h + 2d, about 30 mm. Obviously, compared with the Figure 2 scheme shown, the height of the magnetic head stroke is reduced by 2h, such as 6 mm.

[0153] (2) A plurality of 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.

[0154] For example, a plurality of read / write areas 3 are arranged along the height direction of the magnetic head, and the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 is equal to or approximately equal to the width of one data band.

[0155] In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, between two adjacent read / write areas 3, there is a data band of the magnetic tape 20 in between. In the scheme where there is a data band between two adjacent read / write areas 3, when the magnetic head 10 moves once and the moving stroke is the width of a single data band, data can be accessed on all the data bands of the magnetic tape 20, and the moving stroke of the magnetic head 10 can be reduced.

[0156] For another example, 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 is equal to or approximately equal to the width of multiple data bands.

[0157] In this way, when the magnetic head 10 accesses data on the magnetic tape 20, between two adjacent read / write areas 3, there are multiple data bands of the magnetic tape 20 in between. In the scheme where there are multiple data bands between two adjacent read / write areas 3, both the number of movements of the magnetic head 10 and the number of read / write areas are taken into account, so that the number of movements of the magnetic head 10 is less and the number of read / write areas is also less. Among them, fewer movements can reduce the moving stroke, and fewer read / write areas can reduce the processing cost of the magnetic head and reduce the number of outgoing wires of the magnetic head (there are a large number of read heads and write heads in the read / write area, and both the read heads and the write heads need to lead out signal wires).

[0158] Among them, the above-mentioned "interval is equal to or approximately equal to the width of multiple data bands" means that this interval is approximately equal to the sum of the widths of multiple data bands. And if there is a gap greater than 0 between two adjacent data bands, as shown in Figure 6 it is shown, then this interval is approximately equal to the sum of the widths of multiple data bands and the gaps between multiple data bands.

[0159] Since the interval between two adjacent read / write areas 3 matches the width of at least one data band, the number of read / write areas 3 is less than the number of data bands.

[0160] Among them, the number of read / write areas 3 can be set according to simulation results and test results. For example, based on the stroke height of the magnetic head and the number of outgoing wires of the magnetic head, the number of read / write areas 3 is selected. The following example shows the arrangement of two read / write areas 3 when the magnetic tape 20 has more than two data bands.

[0161] (1) The magnetic tape 20 has 2n data bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0162] That is to say, the magnetic tape 20 has an even number of data bands, such as 4, 6, or even more.

[0163] The interval between the two read / write areas 3 can match 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.

[0164] Furthermore, one read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on n consecutive data bands, and the other read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on the remaining n consecutive data bands.

[0165] For an even number of read / write areas 3, in the above arrangement and based on the above-mentioned principle of the most recent access, the magnetic head can access all data bands with the minimum movement stroke.

[0166] For example, as Figure 3 shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W1, and it has four data bands, namely the first data band 21, the second data band 22, the third data band 23, and the fourth data band 24. There is 1 data band between the two read / write areas 3. As Figure 3 shown in the scheme, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the principle of the most recent access, the head stroke height of the magnetic head is H2, and H2 = W1 + 2h + 2d.

[0167] Again, for example, as Figure 6 shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W2, and it has six data bands, namely the first data band 21, the second data band 22, the third data band 23, the fourth data band 24, the fifth data band 25, and the sixth data band 26. There are 2 data bands between the two read / write areas 3 (i.e., between read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b). As Figure 6 shown in the scheme, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the principle of the most recent access, the head stroke height of the magnetic head is H5, and H5 = W2 + 4h + 2d.

[0168] (2) The magnetic tape 20 has 2n - 1 data bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0169] That is to say, the magnetic tape 20 has an odd number of data bands, such as 3, 5, or even more.

[0170] The gap between the two read / write areas 3 can match 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.

[0171] Furthermore, one read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on n - 1 continuously - positioned data bands, and the other read / write area 3 is responsible for accessing data on the remaining n continuously - positioned data bands.

[0172] With an odd number of read / write areas 3, under the above - mentioned arrangement method and based on the above - mentioned principle of the most recent access, the magnetic head can access all data bands with the minimum movement stroke.

[0173] For example, as Figure 7 shown, the width of the magnetic tape 20 is W3, which has five data bands: the first data band 21, the second data band 22, the third data band 23, the fourth data band 24, and the fifth data band 25. Between the two read / write areas 3 (i.e., between the read / write area 3a and the read / write area 3b), there can be a gap of 2 or 1 data band, where Figure 7 taking the example of a gap of 2 data bands. In the scheme shown as Figure 7 shown, when the magnetic head accesses the magnetic tape according to the principle of the most recent access, the head - stroke height of the magnetic head is H6, and H6 = W3 + 4h + 2d.

[0174] Combining the above and referring to Figures 2 to 7 shown, under the same conditions, that is, when the width W of the magnetic tape is the same, the size d of the magnetic - head end protruding from the edge of the magnetic tape is the same, and the height of the read / write area is the same, the scheme of the magnetic head including multiple read / write areas can reduce the movement stroke of the magnetic head in its height direction compared with the traditional scheme with only a single read / write area.

[0175] After the movement stroke of the magnetic head is reduced, the height of the magnetic head itself can also be shortened. Since the thickness of the tape drive is related to the movement stroke of the magnetic head and the height of the magnetic head itself, once the thickness of the tape drive is thinned, when the thinned tape drive is applied to the magnetic - tape storage rack, more tape drives can be accommodated under the condition that the rack size remains unchanged, improving the magnetic - tape storage density of the rack.

[0176] The head 10 is formed by splicing multiple magnetic strips, and the magnetic strips are usually fabricated on a wafer (wafe). Since the height of the head 10 itself is reduced and the head is at the same height as the magnetic strip, the height of the magnetic strip is also reduced. Furthermore, compared with the heads in the traditional solution, on a wafer of the same area, more magnetic strips can be fabricated, and more heads can be fabricated, thereby reducing the processing cost of the heads.

[0177] As can be seen from the above analysis, the more the number of read / write areas 3 included in the head 10, the smaller the moving stroke of the head 10 in the up and down direction, and the smaller the head stroke height. If the number of read / write areas 3 is equal to the number of data bands, the head 10 does not need to move, and the moving stroke is close to 0. However, if the number of read / write areas 3 is too large, other problems will arise, as described below.

[0178] As Figure 8 shown, it is a schematic diagram of the head 10 including three read / write areas 3. Among these three read / write areas, two of them are the first type of read / write areas 3A, and the other one is the second type of read / write area 3B. Figure 8 Among them, the two first type of read / write areas 3A are respectively denoted as the first type of read / write area 3A-1 and the first type of read / write area 3A-2 for distinction. Among them, Figure 8 Among them, for the convenience of distinguishing each write head and each read head, these multiple write heads are represented by reference numerals 311 to 316, and these multiple read heads are represented by reference numerals 321 to 326.

[0179] Referring to Figure 8 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 head 10, where the width direction of the head 10 is perpendicular to the height direction of the head, and the height direction of the head is the same as the width direction of the magnetic tape.

[0180] For example, referring to Figure 8 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. Among them, the write head area 31 does not include read heads, and the read head area 32 does not include write heads.

[0181] Referring to Figure 12 shown, each write head area 31 also includes two servo heads, and multiple write heads 311 are located between the two servo heads. Among them, the servo heads are used to make the multiple write heads 311 correspond one by one to multiple tracks in a data band of the magnetic tape. Continuing to refer to Figure 12 shown, each read head area 32 also includes two servo heads, and multiple read heads 321 are located between the two servo heads. The servo heads are used to make the multiple read heads 321 correspond one by one to multiple tracks in a data band of the magnetic tape.

[0182] 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).

[0183] It can be seen that the more the number of read / write areas 3, the more the number of access heads of the magnetic head 10. The access heads include write heads, read heads, and servo heads. Then, the more the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head 10, the more complex the circuit layout of the tape drive.

[0184] Moreover, usually, the magnetic head 10 is connected to the circuit through a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the number of signal lines carried by the flexible printed circuit is limited.

[0185] However, the magnetic head shown in this embodiment, although including multiple read / write areas 3, can control the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head.

[0186] The following introduces the solution for controlling the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head.

[0187] (1) Each read / write area 3 of the magnetic head in this embodiment includes a write head area 31 and a read head area 32, a total of two areas. Compared with the traditional read / write area that includes three areas: write head area - read head area - write head area, it has one less write head area. Compared with the traditional read / write area that includes three areas: read head area - write head area - read head area, it has one less read head area. In short, the read / write area of this embodiment has one less "write head area" or "read head area" compared with the traditional read / write area, and thus can control the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head.

[0188] The following introduces the reasons why the traditional read / write area is write head area - read head area - write head area or read head area - write head area - read head area, and the reasons why the read / write area of this embodiment can include one write head area and one read head area.

[0189] (1) The reasons why the traditional read / write area is write head area - read head area - write head area or read head area - write head area - read head area.

[0190] In tape storage technology, it is usually required that when the tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic head 10 can access data on the tape 20, and when the tape 20 rotates backward, the magnetic head 10 can also access data on the tape 20. Among them, when the tape 20 rotates forward, it can be that the tape 20 moves to the right relative to the magnetic head 10, and when the tape 20 rotates backward, it can be that the tape 20 moves to the left relative to the magnetic head 10.

[0191] Based on the fact that after data is written in the write head area, the read head area is required to verify whether the written data is correct.

[0192] Therefore, for a solution with exactly one read-write area, if the read-write area only includes one write head area and one read head area, such as the only read-write area being the write head area - read head area. Then, when the tape rotates forward, the tape is equivalent to the head moving to the right. The tape first passes through the write head area. When the tape passes through the write head area, data is written by the write head area. The tape continues to move to the right. When it passes through the read head area, the read head area checks whether the written data is correct. It can be seen that when the tape rotates forward, the only read-write area can access data normally. When the tape rotates backward, the tape moves to the left relative to the head. The tape first passes through the read head area. The read head area can only read data and cannot write data. The tape continues to move to the left. When it passes through the write head area, although data can be written by the write head area, the data written by the write head area cannot be checked for correctness. It can be seen that when the tape rotates backward, the only read-write area cannot access data normally.

[0193] For a solution with exactly one read-write area, such as the read-write area being the write head area - read head area - write head area, refer to Figure 9 As shown, for the convenience of introduction, one of the two write head areas is denoted as 1#, and the other is denoted as 2#.

[0194] Refer to Figure 9 As shown, a schematic diagram of the head writing data on the tape. When the tape 20 rotates forward, the tape 20 moves to the right relative to the head 10. The 1# write head area 31 of the only read-write area 3 writes data on the second data band 22, and the read head area 32 checks whether the data written on the second data band 22 is correct. When the tape 20 rotates backward, the tape 20 moves to the left relative to the head 10. The 2# write head area 31 of the only read-write area 3 writes data on the second data band 22, and the read head area 32 checks whether the data written on the second data band 22 is correct. It can be seen that when the tape rotates forward and backward, the only read-write area can access data on the tape.

[0195] Similarly, for a solution with exactly one read-write area, such as the read-write area being the 1# read head area - write head area - 2# read head area, when the tape rotates forward, the tape moves to the right, the write head area writes data, and the 2# read head area checks whether the written data is correct. When the tape rotates backward, the tape moves to the left, the write head area writes data, and the 1# read head area checks whether the written data is correct.

[0196] Therefore, for a head including one read-write area, the only read-write area is either the write head area - read head area - write head area or the read head area - write head area - read head area.

[0197] (2) The reason why each read-write area can include one write head area and one read head area in a solution with multiple read-write areas.

[0198] Such as Figure 8As shown, since the number of read / write areas is multiple, then these multiple read / write areas 3 can be divided into two major types of read / write areas according to the arrangement order of the write head area and the read head area, and are respectively denoted as the first type of read / write area 3A and the second type of read / write area 3B. Among them, the first type of read / write area 3A can be arranged as write head area 31 - read head area 32, and the second type of read / write area 3B can be arranged as read head area 32 - write head area 31. In the same magnetic head, there can be only one first type of read head area and one second type of read head area. It can also include a larger number of first type of read head areas and a larger number of second type of read / write areas.

[0199] Then, when the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. Refer to Figure 8 As shown, it can be any one of the read / write areas 3 in the first type of read / write area 3A to access data on the magnetic tape, or it can be that multiple read / write areas 3 in the first type of read / write area 3A all access data on the magnetic tape. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates in reverse, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. Refer to Figure 8 As shown, it can be any one of the read / write areas in the second type of read / write area 3B to access data on the magnetic tape, or it can be that multiple read / write areas 3 in the second type of read / write area 3B all access data on the magnetic tape.

[0200] For example, as Figure 10 shown, taking the number of read / write areas 3 as two examples, one of which is the first type of read / write area 3A and the other is the second type of read / write area 3B. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. The 1# write head area 31 in the first type of read / write area 3A writes data on the second data band 22, and the 1# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates in reverse, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. The 2# write head area 31 in the second type of read / write area 3B writes data on the fourth data band 24, and the 2# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct.

[0201] Therefore, for a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas, since the multiple read / write areas include the first type of read / write area and the second type of read / write area with opposite arrangements of the write head area and the read head area, although each read / write area only includes one write head area and one read head area, it can still achieve that the magnetic head can access data on the magnetic tape both when the magnetic tape rotates forward and when it rotates in reverse.

[0202] It should be noted that in the solution where the number of read / write areas is multiple, each read / write area can also be write head area - read head area - write head area, or read head area - write head area - read head area. As Figure 11 shown, taking the number of read / write areas as two, and each read / write area being write head area - read head area - write head area as an example. Refer to Figure 11As shown, when the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. It can be that the 1# write head area 31 writes data on the second data band 22, and the 1# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates forward, the magnetic tape moves to the right relative to the magnetic head. It can also be that the 3# write head area 31 writes data on the fourth data band 24, and the 2# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct.

[0203] When the magnetic tape 20 rotates backward, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. It can be that the 2# write head area 31 writes data on the second data band 22, and the 1# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct. When the magnetic tape 20 rotates backward, the magnetic tape moves to the left relative to the magnetic head. It can also be that the 4# write head area 31 writes data on the fourth data band 24, and the 2# read head area 32 checks whether the written data is correct.

[0204] It should be noted that in the solution where the number of read-write areas is multiple, it can also be that a part of the read-write areas are write head area - read head area - write head area, and another part of the read-write areas are read head area - write head area - read head area.

[0205] It should be noted that a single write head area 31 is a continuous area and is not divided by the read head area 32, and a single read head area 32 is a continuous area and is not divided by the write head area.

[0206] (2) Control the number of outgoing lines of the magnetic head through an analog switch.

[0207] As Figure 12 shown is a schematic structural diagram of the magnetic head 10 including two read-write areas 3.

[0208] Refer to Figure 12 shown. Each read-write area 3 includes multiple access heads. The access head can be a write head 311, or a read head 321, or a servo head. k access heads located in different read-write areas 3 are connected to the circuit where the tape drive is located through the same analog switch 4.

[0209] Among them, the analog switch is used to connect the circuits of a part of the k access heads and disconnect the circuits of the remaining part of the access heads.

[0210] Among them, k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the total number of read-write areas 3. Moreover, the value of k is related to the type of the analog switch 4. For example, if the analog switch 4 is a single-pole double-throw switch, then k is 2; if the analog switch is a single-pole triple-throw switch, then k is 3.

[0211] Among them, the k access heads can be k write heads 311, or k read heads 321, or can also include write heads 311 and read heads 321, and the sum of the numbers of write heads 311 and read heads 321 is k.

[0212] Then, k write heads 311 located in different read / write areas 3 are connected to the circuit where the tape drive is located through the same analog switch 4. For another example, k read heads 321 located in different read / write areas 3 are connected to the circuit where the tape drive is located through the analog switch 4. For another example, as shown in Figure 8 Shown, the write heads 311 and read heads 321 located in different read / write areas 3 are connected to the circuit where the tape drive is located through the analog switch 4.

[0213] The k access heads in different read / write areas 3 are connected to the circuit through an analog switch. For example, the k access heads are connected to the k outgoing terminals of the analog switch, and one incoming terminal of the analog switch is connected to the circuit of the tape drive. For example, one incoming 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 connect it to the circuit of the tape drive, thereby reducing the number of signal lines connected to the circuit.

[0214] For example, as Figure 12 Shown, the magnetic head includes two read / write areas 3, and the analog switch is a single-pole double-throw switch. Then, compared with the Figure 11 Shown scheme, the number of signal lines is reduced by half, and thus the outgoing line quantity of the magnetic head can be controlled.

[0215] In one example, the analog switch can be processed by semiconductor technology and co-packaged (i.e., packaged together) with the magnetic head 10 to achieve the integration of the magnetic head and the analog switch.

[0216] In one example, the analog switch can be applied to the magnetic head 10 including multiple read / write areas 3. For example, the analog switch can be applied to a scheme where the number of read / write areas 3 is multiple, and each read / write area 3 includes a write head area 31 and a read head area 32. For another example, the analog switch can also be applied to a scheme where the number of read / write areas 3 is multiple, and each read / write area 3 includes two write head areas 31 and a read head area 32. For another example, the analog switch can also be applied to a scheme where the number of read / write areas 3 is multiple, and each read / write area 3 includes a write head area 31 and two read head areas 32. For another example, the analog switch can also be applied to a scheme where the number of read / write areas 3 is multiple, a part of the read / write areas 3 includes two write head areas 31 and a read head area 32, and the remaining part of the read / write areas 3 includes a write head area 31 and two read head areas 32.

[0217] The above is the strategy for controlling the outgoing line quantity of the magnetic head including multiple read / write areas 3.

[0218] Next, the characteristics and quantity of the magnetic strips included in the magnetic head 10 are introduced.

[0219] Among them, the magnetic head 10 is formed by splicing multiple magnetic strips along the width direction. For example, multiple magnetic strips are fixed by glue in the horizontal direction to form the magnetic head.

[0220] Among them, the horizontal direction of the magnetic strip is also the width direction of the magnetic strip. As Figure 8 shown, it is the left - right direction. The longitudinal direction of the magnetic strip is also the height direction of the magnetic strip. 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 Figure 8 shown, they are all the up - down direction.

[0221] In the traditional scheme including a single read - write area, since the read - write area is arranged in the order of write - head area - read - head area - write - head area in the horizontal direction, it includes three areas in the horizontal direction. And one area in the horizontal direction occupies one magnetic strip. Therefore, the traditional magnetic head needs to use three magnetic strips. Refer to Figure 9 shown.

[0222] Taking Figure 9 the magnetic head example shown, referring to Figure 9 shown, for the magnetic head 10 with only one read - write area 3, its 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. And one "area" in the horizontal direction occupies one magnetic strip. Then, the magnetic head 10 needs to include three magnetic strips in the horizontal direction.

[0223] Therefore, as Figure 9 shown, in the scheme with only one read - write area 3, the magnetic head includes one fifth magnetic strip 7 and two fourth magnetic strips 6. Among them, Figure 9 the two fourth magnetic strips 6 are respectively denoted as the fourth magnetic strip 6a and the fourth magnetic strip 6b for distinction. Continuing to refer to Figure 9 shown, the read - head area 32 is distributed on the fifth magnetic strip 7, the write - head area 31 is distributed on the fourth magnetic strip 6, and the fifth magnetic strip 7 is sandwiched between the two fourth magnetic strips 6 to form the magnetic head 10, and then a read - write area arranged in the order of write - head area - read - head area - write - head area is formed in the horizontal direction.

[0224] For the scheme including multiple read - write areas, since each read - write area can only include one write - head area and one read - head area in the horizontal direction, there are only two areas in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the magnetic head only needs two magnetic strips. Refer to Figure 8 shown.

[0225] Therefore, the magnetic head of this embodiment can have one less magnetic strip compared with the traditional magnetic head, saving materials and being beneficial to reducing the processing cost of the magnetic head.

[0226] For the scheme of processing the magnetic head using two magnetic strips, the following several examples can be included.

[0227] Example 1, referring to Figure 8As shown, the magnetic head 10 includes a second magnetic strip 2 and a third magnetic strip 5. The second magnetic strip 2 includes a write head regions 31 and b read head regions 32. These a write head regions 31 and b read head regions 32 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the second magnetic strip 2. The third magnetic strip 5 includes a read head regions 32 and b write head regions 31. These a read head regions 32 and b write head regions 31 are arranged in sequence along the height direction of the third magnetic strip 5. Here, both a and b are integers greater than or equal to 1. Among them Figure 8 a = 2 and b = 1 are taken as examples.

[0228] Among them, the arrangement mode of the a write head regions of the second magnetic strip 2 is exactly the same as the arrangement mode of the a read / write regions of the third magnetic strip 5. The arrangement mode of the b read head regions of the second magnetic strip 2 is exactly the same as the arrangement mode of the b write head regions of the third magnetic strip 5.

[0229] In this way, the second magnetic strip 2 and the third magnetic strip 5 are spliced along the width direction, and the a write head regions 31 of the second magnetic strip 2 are spliced with the a read head regions 32 of the third magnetic strip 5 in the width direction to form a first type of read / write regions 3A. The b read head regions 32 of the second magnetic strip 2 are spliced with the b write head regions 31 of the third magnetic strip 5 in the width direction to form b second type of read / write regions 3B.

[0230] Solution two, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the magnetic head 10 includes two first magnetic strips 1. Among them Figure 10 the two first magnetic strips 1 are respectively denoted as the first magnetic strip 1a and the first magnetic strip 1b for distinction. Continuing to refer to Figure 10 As shown, each first magnetic strip 1 includes m write head regions 31 and m read head regions 32 distributed along the height direction. These two first magnetic strips 1 are spliced along the width direction, and the write head regions 31 and read head regions 32 that are not on the same first magnetic strip 1 are spliced in the width direction, m first type of read / write regions 3A arranged in the order of write head region - read head region, and m second type of read / write regions 3B arranged in the order of read head region - write head region. Here, m is greater than or equal to 1. Figure 10 m = 1 is taken as an example.

[0231] In this solution, one of the first magnetic strips 1 can become the other first magnetic strip 1 after rotating 180 degrees. For example, as Figure 10 shown, the first magnetic strip 1b becomes the first magnetic strip 1a after rotating 180 degrees.

[0232] For example, taking m = 1 as an example, each first magnetic strip 1 only includes one write head region and one read head region longitudinally. If the write head region of one of the first magnetic strips 1 is on the top and the read head region is on the bottom, and the read head region of the other first magnetic strip 1 is on the top and the write head region is on the bottom. Then, one of the first magnetic strips 1 becomes the other first magnetic strip 1 after rotating 180 degrees.

[0233] It should be noted that in Solution 2, the two first magnetic strips 1 are not necessarily of the same height. As long as when the two first magnetic strips 1 are horizontally spliced, a writing head area of one of the first magnetic strips 1 is horizontally opposite to a reading head area of the other first magnetic strip 1, forming a reading and writing area.

[0234] Solution 3: For Solution 1, if a = b, and the position where the writing head area 31 of the second magnetic strip 2 is located and the position where the reading head area 32 of the second magnetic strip 2 is located are symmetrically distributed one by one with respect to the horizontal center line of the second magnetic strip 2, and the position where the reading head area 32 of the third magnetic strip 5 is located and the position where the writing head area 31 of the third magnetic strip 5 is located are symmetrically distributed one by one with respect to the horizontal center line of the third magnetic strip 5, then after the second magnetic strip 2 rotates 180 degrees, it is mirror-symmetric to the third magnetic strip 5, and it can also be realized that after the second magnetic strip 2 rotates 180 degrees, it becomes the third magnetic strip 5.

[0235] It should be noted that in Solution 3, the second magnetic strip 2 and the third magnetic strip 5 are of the same height.

[0236] In the above Solution 2, the magnetic head 10 includes two reading and writing areas 3. The manufacturing process of using two first magnetic strips 1 to be spliced into the magnetic head 10 can be referred to as follows.

[0237] As Figure 15 shown is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of splicing two first magnetic strips 1 into the magnetic head 10.

[0238] Referring to Figure 15 shown, first, a wafer (wafe) including a writing head area and a reading head area is processed. Figure 15 The partial area of the wafer is shown in [reference]. A complete wafer is generally circular. Then, the wafer is cut to cut out a large number of magnetic strips, and these magnetic strips are called the first magnetic strips 1. For the convenience of description, letters a, b, c, d... are added after the reference numerals for distinction. Figure 15 In [reference], an example of cutting out four first magnetic strips 1 is given for illustration.

[0239] After that, multiple first magnetic strips 1 are grouped in pairs of two first magnetic strips to obtain multiple groups of magnetic strips. Figure 15 In [reference], an example of using four first magnetic strips 1 to obtain two groups of magnetic strips is given. The two groups of magnetic strips are respectively denoted as the first group of magnetic strips A and the second group of magnetic strips B for distinction.

[0240] Continuing to refer to Figure 15 shown, after the first magnetic strip 1b in the first group of magnetic strips A rotates 180 degrees and then is horizontally spliced with the first magnetic strip 1a, a magnetic head 10 including two reading and writing areas 3 can be obtained, denoted as the magnetic head 10a.

[0241] Similarly, referring to Figure 15As shown, after the first magnetic stripe 1d in the second set of magnetic stripes A rotates 180 degrees and then is spliced horizontally with the first magnetic stripe 1c, another magnetic head 10 including two read / write areas 3 can be obtained, denoted as magnetic head 10b.

[0242] By analogy, multiple magnetic heads 10 can be obtained from one wafer.

[0243] It can be seen that in the solution including two first magnetic stripes 1, only one type of wafer needs to be processed. Compared with the prior art where two types of wafers, or even three types of wafers, need to be processed, obviously this solution can save processing costs.

[0244] The above is about a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas, which is spliced by two magnetic stripes. A magnetic head including multiple read / write areas can also be spliced by three magnetic stripes. The following introduces several implementation solutions.

[0245] Example 1: For a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas 3, the read / write areas 3 can also be read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area. Then, referring to Figure 11 As shown, the magnetic head 10 needs to include two sixth magnetic stripes 8 and one seventh magnetic stripe 9. Figure 11 Among them, the two sixth magnetic stripes 8 are respectively denoted as sixth magnetic stripe 8a and sixth magnetic stripe 8b for distinction.

[0246] Continue to refer to Figure 11 As shown, the sixth magnetic stripe 8 has p write head areas 31 distributed longitudinally ( Figure 11 illustrated with p = 2 in Figure 11 ), so the sixth magnetic stripe 8 can be denoted as a write magnetic stripe. The seventh magnetic stripe 9 has p read head areas 32 distributed longitudinally ( Figure 11 illustrated with q = 2 in

[0247] ), so the seventh magnetic stripe 9 can be denoted as a read magnetic stripe. Among them, the arrangement mode of the p write head areas 31 longitudinally is the same as that of the p read head areas longitudinally. In this way, the seventh magnetic stripe 9 is sandwiched between the two sixth magnetic stripes 8 to be spliced into a magnetic head including p read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area. Among them, p is an integer greater than or equal to 2, Figure 11 illustrated with p being 2 in

[0247] Example 2: For a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas 3, the read / write areas 3 can also be read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area. Then, as Figure 13 shown, the magnetic head 10 needs to include one sixth magnetic stripe 8 (i.e., a write magnetic stripe) and two seventh magnetic stripes 9 (i.e., read magnetic stripes). Figure 13 Among them, the two seventh magnetic stripes 9 are respectively denoted 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 to be spliced into a magnetic head including p read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area.Figure 13 Taking p as 2 as an example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the magnetic head 10 forms two read / write areas, denoted as read / write area 3a and read / write area 3b respectively for distinction.

[0248] Example 3: For a magnetic head including multiple read / write areas 3, a part of the read / write areas can be read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area, and another part of the read / write areas can be read / write areas arranged horizontally in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area. Taking the number of read / write areas as 2, one is a read / write area arranged in the order of write head area - read head area - write head area, and the other is a read / write area arranged in the order of read head area - write head area - read head area as an example. Then, as Figure 14 shown, the magnetic head includes two eighth magnetic strips 11 and one ninth magnetic strip 12. Figure 14 Among them, 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 Figure 14 shown, the eighth magnetic strip 11 includes a write head area 31 and a read head area 32 longitudinally. The arrangement can be that the write head area 31 is on the top and the read head area 32 is on the bottom. The ninth magnetic strip 12 includes a write head area 31 and a read head area 32 longitudinally. The arrangement can be that the read head area 32 is on the top and the write head area 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 areas 3. One of the two read / write areas is a read / write area 3a arranged in the order of write head area 31 - read head area 32 - write head area 31, and the other is a read / write area 3b arranged in the order of read head area 32 - write head area 31 - read head area 32.

[0249] Continuing to refer to Figure 14 shown, it can be seen that the structures of the eighth magnetic strip 11 and the ninth magnetic strip 12 are actually exactly the same. Rotating the eighth magnetic strip 11 180 degrees along its own center becomes the ninth magnetic strip 12. Therefore, the magnetic head manufacturer only needs to produce one specification of magnetic strip. Compared with the scheme of producing different specifications of magnetic strips to form a magnetic head, the process is simplified. In this scheme, although three magnetic strips are used, these three magnetic strips are the same magnetic strip and are made of one type of wafer. It should be noted that the above introduction takes the eighth magnetic strip 11 and the ninth magnetic strip 12 both including only one read head area and one write head area as an example. When the magnetic head includes more than 2 read / write areas, the magnetic strips forming the magnetic head also conform to this symmetric rule and also have the effect of simplifying the process. On the contrary, in the prior art, the multiple magnetic strips forming the magnetic head are different, so the magnetic head manufacturer has to produce multiple specifications of magnetic strips.

[0250] Among them, Figure 14 For the manufacturing process of the magnetic head, reference can be made to Figure 15 shown, except that in the manufacturing Figure 14In the magnetic head shown, three magnetic strips are required as a group. One of the magnetic strips in each group is rotated 180 degrees and spliced with the other two magnetic strips to obtain the magnetic head as shown in Figure 14 the magnetic head shown.

[0251] Based on the above, the magnetic head shown in this embodiment includes multiple read / write areas 3. Compared with a magnetic head that only includes one read / write area, when accessing a tape of the same width, such as accessing a tape that includes four data bands, when accessing data in these four data bands, according to the principle of the nearest access, the travel distance of the magnetic head is less than the travel distance of a magnetic head with one read / write area when accessing data in these four data bands.

[0252] Once the travel distance of the magnetic head is reduced, the height of the magnetic head itself can also be shortened. The thickness of the tape drive is positively correlated with the travel distance of the magnetic head and also positively correlated with the height of the magnetic head itself. Therefore, once the travel distance of the magnetic head is reduced and the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened, the thickness of the tape drive can also be thinned.

[0253] Once the thickness of the tape drive is thinned, when the thinned tape drive is applied to a tape storage rack, more tape drives can be accommodated without changing the size of the rack. Furthermore, the tape storage density of the rack can be improved.

[0254] Since the height of the magnetic head itself is shortened and the magnetic strips for splicing the magnetic head are of the same height as the magnetic head, the height of the magnetic strips is also shortened. And the magnetic strips are fabricated on a wafer. Therefore, on a wafer of the same area, more magnetic strips can be fabricated and more magnetic heads can be spliced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0255] Also, since each read / write area can only include one write head area and one read head area, only two magnetic strips are required to splice the magnetic head, saving materials and further reducing the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head.

[0256] Furthermore, for the solution where the magnetic head is spliced by two magnetic strips and one of the magnetic strips becomes the other magnetic strip after rotating 180 degrees, since these two magnetic strips are of the same structure and the same material, only one type of wafer is needed to fabricate these two magnetic strips, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the magnetic head.

[0257] In addition, fabricating the two magnetic strips of the magnetic head with one type of wafer reduces the manufacturing cost of the magnetic head compared to fabricating the two magnetic strips of the magnetic head with two types of wafers.

[0258] In addition, the read / write area can only include one write head area and one read head area, which is beneficial to controlling the number of outgoing wires of the magnetic head so that the number of outgoing wires of the magnetic head will not be too many.

[0259] This embodiment also provides a tape drive, which includes the above-mentioned magnetic head 10 and a motor for driving the movement of the magnetic head 10.

[0260] In one example, the tape drive may not include a tape, but the tape drive has a tape port for inserting and removing the tape. The above-mentioned tape 20 can be inserted into the tape port of the tape drive in a pluggable manner. Here, the tape 20 is a magnetic medium for storing data.

[0261] For example, an empty tape can be inserted into the tape port of the tape drive, and data can be stored on the tape. The tape full of data can be taken out from the tape port of the tape drive, placed in a tape library, and then an empty tape can be inserted into the tape drive to continue storing data. When the user needs to access the tape in the tape library, only need to take out the tape from the tape library and insert it into the tape port of the tape drive, and the tape drive reads the data on the tape.

[0262] Among them, inserting the tape into the tape drive, taking the tape out of the tape drive, inserting the tape into the tape library, and taking the tape out of the tape library can all be performed by a robotic arm.

[0263] Among them, the tape library can be a rack for storing tapes. For example, tapes and tape drives are arranged in different racks. Some racks are used to store tapes (these racks are the tape libraries), and some racks are used to arrange tape drives. The tape library can also be the slots in the rack for storing tapes. For example, tapes and tape drives are arranged in the same rack. A part of the slots in the rack are used to install tape drives, and another part of the slots are used to insert tapes (these slots are the tape libraries).

[0264] In another example, the tape drive may also include the above-mentioned tape 20. The tape 20 is fixedly installed in the housing of the tape drive, making the tape drive an integrated tape drive, and the tape cannot be taken out of the tape drive. This integrated tape drive is beneficial to protecting the tape from being soiled and protecting the data stored on it from being lost.

[0265] In the solution where the tape is fixed in the tape drive, the tape library no longer stores tapes, but stores tape drives, including tape drives full of data, tape drives storing data, and tape drives that have not stored data yet.

[0266] In the solution where the tape is fixed in the tape drive, there is no need to take the tape out of the tape drive, and thus the robotic arm can be omitted, enabling more tape drives to be arranged in the tape library.

[0267] A solution for fixing a magnetic tape in a tape drive. The shape of the tape drive is similar to that of a hard disk drive (HDD), and it can be called a "tape disk". Since the thickness of the tape drive is relatively thin, the tape drive can be deployed in the form of a 3.5-inch HDD.

[0268] This embodiment also provides a magnetic tape storage rack, which includes a rack, a controller, and the above-mentioned tape drive. Both the controller and the tape drive are located in the slots of the rack.

[0269] Among them, the controller can be a control single board, which is used to receive the access request of the user, and based on the access request, access the magnetic tape in the tape drive. Among them, the access can be writing data or reading data. Among them, writing data means storing data in the magnetic tape.

[0270] In one example, the tape drive can be located in the slot of the rack in a pluggable manner, or the tape drive is fixedly located in the slot of the rack.

[0271] In one example, since the thickness of the tape drive is relatively thin, more tape drives can be stored in the cabinet, thereby improving the tape storage density of the cabinet.

[0272] In one example, the tape drive can be an integrated tape drive, and the magnetic tape is integrated in the tape drive. Then, there is no need for a robotic arm to operate the magnetic tape, and the robotic arm can be omitted in the cabinet. The space occupied by the robotic arm can be used to arrange tape drives, so that more tape drives can be stored in the cabinet, further improving the tape storage density of the cabinet.

Claims

1. A magnetic head (10), characterized in that, The magnetic head (10) includes a plurality of read / write regions (3), the plurality of read / write regions (3) are arranged in the height direction of the magnetic head (10), and there is a gap between the plurality of read / write regions (3); Each of the plurality of read / write regions (3) includes a write head region (31) and a read head region (32) arranged along the width direction of the magnetic head (10). The write head region (31) includes a write head (311) for writing data to the magnetic tape (20), and the read head region (32) includes a read head (321) for reading data from the magnetic tape (20); When data access to a target data band of the magnetic tape (20) is required, the target data band is accessed by the read / write region (3) closest to the target data band.

2. The magnetic head (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of read / write regions (3) includes a write head region (31) and a read head region (32). The plurality of read / write regions (3) include a first type of read / write region (3A) and a second type of read / write region (3B). The arrangement order of the write head region (31) and the read head region (32) in the first type of read / write region (3A) is opposite to the arrangement order of the write head region (31) and the read head region (32) in the second type of read / write region (3B).

3. The magnetic head (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic head (10) is used for: When the magnetic tape (20) moves in the first direction, data access is performed on a data band of the magnetic tape (20) through the first type of read / write region (3A); When the magnetic tape (20) moves in the second direction, data access is performed on another data band of the data tape (20) through the second type of read / write region (3B), where 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) includes two first magnetic strips (1), each first magnetic strip (1) includes m write head regions (31) and m read head regions (32) distributed along the height direction, and m is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The two first magnetic strips (1) are spliced along the width direction, and the m write head regions (31) of one first magnetic strip (1) and the m read head regions (32) of the other first magnetic strip (1) form m first type of read / write regions (3A), and the m read head regions (32) of one first magnetic strip (1) and the m write head regions (31) of the other first magnetic strip (1) form m second type of read / write regions (3B).

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

6. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each read / write region (3) includes a plurality of access heads, and the access heads are write heads (311) or read heads (312). The k access heads located in different read / write regions (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 some of the k access heads and disconnect the circuits of the remaining access heads. The k is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to the number of read / write regions (3).

7. The magnetic head (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, There is a gap between two adjacent read / write regions (3), and the gap matches the width of one or more data bands of the magnetic tape (20).

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

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

10. The tape drive according to claim 9, characterized in that, The tape drive further includes a magnetic tape (20); The magnetic tape (20) is fixedly installed in the tape drive, and the magnetic tape (20) is a magnetic medium for storing data.

11. A tape storage rack, characterized in that, The magnetic tape storage rack includes a rack, a controller, and the tape drive according to claim 9 or 10, and both the controller and the tape drive are located in the rack; The controller is configured to receive an access request from a user, and based on the access request, perform data access on the magnetic tape (20) in the tape drive, and the data access includes reading data and writing data.

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