Multichannel Magnetic Recording Head With Scaled Reader Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of concurrent channels in magnetic heads to enhance data rate per unit of tape speed is hindered by issues such as crosstalk, increased writer coil resistance, and misregistration due to tape dimensional instability and lateral expansion/contraction.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of an inner array of data transducers with two outer arrays, where the widths of outermost data transducers are less than those of the innermost, allows for simultaneous data transduction across multiple data bands, reducing misregistration and congestion, and enabling backward compatibility with legacy formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of concurrent channels is increased to enhance data rate, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane transducer array to a three-dimensional configuration with inner and outer arrays positioned at different radial distances from the tape center. This spatial dimensionality change allows channels to be distributed across multiple planes, reducing congestion and crosstalk while increasing the number of concurrent channels available for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independent inner and outer arrays, each capable of operating as separate channels. This segmentation allows for increased channel capacity without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual channel structures, as each segment can be independently optimized and managed.
2Quantity of substance
If transducer pitch is reduced to fit more channels, then quantity of channels is improved, but crosstalk and writer coil resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning transducers in both inner and outer arrays at different radial distances, the patent creates additional spatial separation between channels. This dimensional arrangement increases the effective pitch between adjacent channels without reducing the physical footprint, thereby reducing crosstalk while maintaining high channel density.
3Measurement precision
If reader width is increased to improve signal strength, then measurement precision is improved, but misregistration due to tape expansion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable reader widths where inner array readers have different widths than outer array readers. This local differentiation allows optimization of reader width based on position: inner readers can be wider for stronger signal, while outer readers are narrower to maintain registration accuracy at the tape edges where expansion effects are more pronounced.
4Productivity
If transducer density is increased to improve data rate, then productivity is improved, but operating temperature and coil resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transducer array into multiple inner and outer arrays, the patent distributes the thermal load across spatially separated groups. This segmentation allows for better thermal management as heat generated in one segment does not directly affect adjacent segments, enabling higher overall transducer density without proportionally increasing operating temperature.
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
This configuration effectively doubles the data rate while maintaining backward compatibility and reducing misregistration and congestion issues, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in increasing data density and speed.
Implementation Method 1
Data is read from the media by similarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic media
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field, which encodes the data into the magnetic media
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, includes an inner array of data transducers on a module, the data transducers of the inner array being aligned along a common axis that extends between distal ends of the module. Two outer arrays of data transducers are positioned to sandwich the inner array therebetween. Inner servo readers are positioned between the inner array and the outer arrays. Outer servo readers are positioned toward outer ends of the outer arrays. Widths of at least some of the outermost data transducers in the inner array are less than widths of at least some of the innermost data transducers in the inner array.