Split Band Multichannel Magnetic Recording Head Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of concurrent channels in magnetic recording heads to enhance data rate per unit of tape speed is hindered by issues such as crosstalk, increased writer coil resistance, and tape dimensional instability, which are exacerbated by the need for tighter pitch and higher transducer density.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of an inner array of data transducers aligned along a common axis, sandwiched by two outer arrays with strategically positioned servo readers, allows for concurrent reading and writing across multiple data bands, mitigating tape expansion and contraction effects while maintaining backward compatibility.
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 transducer density increase causing crosstalk and writer coil resistance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single linear array of transducers to a two-dimensional grid array configuration. This spatial reorganization allows channels to be arranged in multiple rows and columns, effectively increasing the number of concurrent channels without proportionally increasing the linear density along any single axis, thereby reducing crosstalk and coil resistance while maintaining high data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independent channels arranged in a grid pattern, with each channel having its own writer and reader elements. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each channel while distributing the overall system complexity across multiple modular units, facilitating easier wiring management and reduced interference between adjacent channels
2Quantity of substance
If the pitch between channels is reduced to fit more channels in the same space, then quantity of transducers is improved, but crosstalk between writers increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging channels in a two-dimensional grid rather than a single linear row, the patent increases the effective spacing between adjacent channels in any given direction. This dimensional expansion allows more total channels to be packed into the available area while maintaining adequate pitch between neighboring channels, thereby reducing magnetic crosstalk between adjacent writer elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate shielding structures and magnetic field confinement elements between adjacent channels in the grid array. These intermediary components act as magnetic barriers that prevent field leakage from one channel from interfering with adjacent channels, enabling tighter channel spacing without sacrificing signal integrity
3Device complexity
If thinner conductors are used in writers to accommodate tighter pitch, then device density is improved, but writer coil resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid array configuration distributes the wiring requirements across two dimensions, allowing for more gradual and manageable routing of conductor traces. This spatial distribution reduces the need for extremely thin conductors by providing multiple pathways and reducing the density of interconnections in any single plane, thereby maintaining lower resistance while achieving high channel density
4Productivity
If transducer density is increased to accommodate more channels, then productivity is improved, but operating temperature increases due to higher density
Solution Approach 1:
The grid array divides the high-density transducer population into multiple smaller, spatially distributed channel groups. This segmentation allows for better thermal management by distributing heat generation across a larger area, preventing localized hot spots that would occur with concentrated linear arrays, while still achieving the desired high overall data rate
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 bandwidth by enabling simultaneous operation across two data bands, reducing crosstalk and writer resistance, and maintaining stability across varying tape dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field, which encodes the data into the magnetic media
Implementation Method 2
Data is read from the media by similarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic media
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, according to one approach, 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 on the module 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. A method, according to one approach, includes passing a magnetic recording tape having a plurality of data bands over a module as described above. Data on two of the data bands is simultaneously transduced (read and/or written) using the data transducers of the inner and outer arrays. Thus, the bandwidth of the data operation can be increased, e.g., effectively doubled.