Magnetic Tape Data Track Format with Shared Preamble
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tape drive storage systems are inefficient due to the use of dedicated beginning and ending preamble fields and gaps between data sectors, which lead to suboptimal format efficiency and timing recovery issues during read operations.
Innovation Solution
A data track format is introduced where data sectors are written contiguously using a sync/preamble/sync sequence, allowing a single preamble to synchronize timing recovery for both forward and reverse reads, and incorporating techniques like interpolated timing recovery to manage potential discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated beginning and ending preamble fields and gaps are used between data sectors, then timing recovery can be facilitated, but format efficiency deteriorates and read operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beginning and ending preamble fields into a single shared preamble field that serves both purposes. This eliminates the need for separate beginning and ending preambles, thereby improving format efficiency while still providing necessary timing recovery information for both forward and reverse read operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single preamble field is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides timing recovery information for forward reads, for reverse reads, and eliminates the need for separate synchronization markers. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by reducing redundancy while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If gaps are inserted between data sectors, then timing recovery is simplified, but storage density decreases and format efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the gap between data sectors by merging the timing recovery function into the shared preamble field. This allows continuous data storage without gaps, maximizing storage density while the preamble field continues to provide necessary timing recovery information through its specialized signal pattern.
3Reliability
If multiple preamble fields are used for forward and reverse reads, then synchronization is ensured, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple preamble fields into a single shared preamble that contains embedded synchronization information for both forward and reverse directions. This reduces the number of fields that need to be processed, thereby reducing operation time while the embedded sync information ensures reliable synchronization in both read directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared preamble field is designed in advance to contain pre-computed synchronization information that can be used for both forward and reverse reads. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate sync fields, reducing processing time while ensuring synchronization reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device is disclosed comprising at least one head configured to access a magnetic tape. The head is used to write contiguously to the magnetic tape a first preamble, followed by a first sync mark, followed by symbols of a first data sector, followed by a second sync mark, followed by a second preamble, followed by a third sync mark, followed by symbols of a second data sector.