Magnetic Head Array With Plural Read Sensors For Narrow Effective Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic head arrays with single read sensors face limitations in achieving high recording density due to the width of the read heads, which restricts the number of data tracks that can be stored on a disk surface, and are prone to inter-track interference and edge alignment errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a plurality of read sensors with different widths, where signals from these sensors are combined to generate a resulting signal that defines an effective read width narrower than any individual sensor, mitigating inter-track interference and edge alignment errors through alignment and signal processing techniques, including dual stage actuators for skew control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the width of read heads is decreased to increase recording density, then more data tracks can be stored on the disk surface, but the read head becomes more susceptible to inter-track interference and edge alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single read head into multiple segmented read sensors (first read sensor, second read sensor, third read sensor) arranged in an array. Each sensor has a specific width and position, allowing the system to segment the reading function across multiple elements. This segmentation enables selective combination of sensor signals to achieve an effective read width narrower than any individual sensor, thereby increasing recording density while maintaining read accuracy through differential signal processing that eliminates inter-track interference.
2Productivity
If narrower read heads are used to increase the number of tracks per disk surface, then recording density increases, but edge alignment errors and inter-track interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple read sensor signals through a combining circuit that processes the outputs of the first, second, and third read sensors. By combining these signals in a specific manner (such as differential combination), the system achieves an effective read width that is narrower than any individual sensor width. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high track density while the combined signal processing compensates for edge alignment errors and eliminates inter-track interference.
3Measurement precision
If multiple read sensors with different widths are combined to create a narrower effective read width, then cross-track resolution and areal density improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different widths and positions to different read sensors in the array. The first read sensor, second read sensor, and third read sensor each have specific local characteristics (different widths, different positions relative to track centers). This local differentiation allows each sensor to capture specific portions of the magnetic field, and their combination produces a narrow effective read width with high cross-track resolution. The local quality variation among sensors enables the system to achieve high measurement precision while managing complexity through functional specialization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach enables higher cross-track resolution and increased areal density by creating a virtual read sensor with a narrower effective read width than physical sensors, improving data storage capacity and reducing read errors.
Implementation Method 1
Each read sensor of the plurality of read sensors is configured to sense a magnetic field of the magnetic medium and to generate a signal based on the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reading data from a magnetic medium are provided. A system for reading data from a magnetic medium includes an electromagnetic head array, where the electromagnetic head array includes a plurality of read sensors. Each read sensor of the plurality of read sensors is configured to sense a magnetic field of the magnetic medium and to generate a signal based on the magnetic field. Circuitry is configured to combine the signals of the plurality of read sensors to generate a resulting signal. The resulting signal defines an effective read width of the electromagnetic head array, where the effective read width is narrower than a read width of any of the plurality of read sensors.