Single Data Band Tape Storage with Embedded Servo Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic tape drives face challenges in maximizing data storage capacity due to the limitations of traditional shingled writing methods and the allocation of space for servo bands.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a tape head configuration with a single data band extending over most of the tape width, accompanied by a reduced number of servo bands. This configuration allows for increased element pitch and data storage capacity by optimizing the placement and width of servo bands and data sub-bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional shingled writing methods are used with multiple data bands and servo bands, then servo positioning accuracy is maintained, but data storage capacity is reduced due to space allocated to servo bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the servo function from dedicated servo bands and relocates it to the data band itself. Servo patterns are written within the data band area during normal data writing operations, eliminating the need for separate servo bands and thereby increasing data storage capacity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the embedded servo patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The data band is given dual functionality: it serves both as the primary data storage area and as the location for servo patterns. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to fulfill both data storage and positioning reference functions, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and positioning accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If the width of servo bands is reduced to increase data storage capacity, then more space is available for user data, but servo band functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The servo function is extracted from the servo band structure entirely and relocated to the data band. This extraction allows servo bands to be reduced in width or eliminated, increasing data storage capacity while maintaining servo functionality through the relocated patterns in the data band.
3Device complexity
If element pitch is increased to reduce the number of elements needed, then device complexity is reduced, but data storage density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data band performs dual functions as both data storage and servo reference. This allows the system to use fewer transducer elements since the same band provides both data and positioning information, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective storage density through the multi-functional use of the data band.
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 approach effectively increases data storage capacity by utilizing the space previously allocated to servo bands for user data within the single data band, while also reducing the width of remaining servo bands to enhance precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic recording write transducer then generates a magnetic field in a write bubble, which encodes the data into the magnetic media
Implementation Method 2
Data is read from the media by similarly positioning a magnetic reading transducer and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic media
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a computer program product, device, system, and method for single data band data storage. In one embodiment, a tape head module has an array of four servo transducer elements for each servo band of a tape and an array of reader/writer transducer elements extending over most of the width of the tape. In another embodiment, a data storage tape has a top servo band positioned adjacent a top edge guard band of the tape, a bottom servo band positioned adjacent a bottom edge guard band of the tape, and a single data band positioned between the top and bottom servo bands and configured to receive tracks of data written by a tape head wherein the single data band width extends over most of the tape width.