Read Write Head Skew Tuning for High Density Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
As storage mediums increase in capacity and density, the track density of storage devices leads to challenges in accurately tuning the skew between read and write heads, resulting in potential read errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to set a center value for a track based on its density, writing data with a specific pattern to target and adjacent tracks, reading the data using various off-track values, and detecting the off-track value with the minimum error occurrence as the optimum off-track value for skew tuning between the read and write heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If track density is increased to enhance storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but skew tuning accuracy between read head and write head deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary skew tuning before normal data operations by writing test patterns with specific characteristics to target tracks and adjacent tracks, then measuring read errors at different off-track values to determine optimal skew settings in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from read error measurements to adjust skew tuning. By measuring read errors at multiple off-track values and selecting the value with minimum errors, the system iteratively refines the skew parameter to achieve optimal performance
2Device complexity
If conventional skew tuning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but data reading accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of off-track value during tuning by systematically varying this parameter across multiple measurements. By identifying the off-track value that produces minimum read errors, the system determines the optimal skew parameter without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures
3Measurement precision
If off-track values are tested across a wide range, then skew tuning accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing the off-track value testing on a localized range around the center value rather than testing across the entire possible range. By concentrating measurements where they matter most, the system achieves high accuracy with reduced time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Tuning a skew between a read head and a write head, may include setting a center value of a track according to a track density of a storage medium; writing data having a certain pattern to at least one target track and at least two tracks adjacent to the target track, while following the center value of the track; reading the data having a certain pattern from the target track by using a plurality of off track values in an off track range based on the center value of the track; and detecting an off track value having a minimum error occurrence number among error occurrence numbers with respect to the read data having a certain pattern corresponding to each of the plurality of off tracks, as an optimum off track value of the target track.