TDMR Tape Head Offset Read Heads Shingled Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tape heads face challenges in reading shingled data tracks without reducing the signal-to-noise ratio due to the asymmetrical nature of trimmed data tracks caused by overlapping write operations, leading to potential read errors.
Innovation Solution
A tape head design featuring a first and second module head assembly with data heads that include a write head and offset read heads in both cross-track and down-track directions, allowing simultaneous reading from shingled data tracks and enabling dynamic tilting to align with curved track edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the read head is narrowed to read trimmed data tracks, then the track reading capability is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second read head offset in both cross-track and down-track directions from the first read head, adding spatial dimensionality to the reading process. This allows the system to read the same data track from multiple positions simultaneously, maintaining adequate read head width for sufficient signal strength while still capturing the trimmed data track information through geometric arrangement of multiple read elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines signals from multiple read heads (first read head and second read head offset in cross-track and down-track directions) to read the same data track simultaneously. By merging the reading capability across multiple spatial positions, the system achieves both adequate signal-to-noise ratio through combined signal strength and proper tracking of trimmed tracks through geometric arrangement
2Productivity
If the writer width is greater than the track pitch, then the writing efficiency is improved, but the track edge curvature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the second read head in both cross-track direction and down-track direction from the first read head, creating a two-dimensional spatial arrangement. This multi-dimensional reading geometry enables the system to accommodate and read curved track edges effectively by capturing data from multiple positions along the track curvature, thus tolerating the track edge curvature caused by shingled writing without compromising read accuracy
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 design enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and improves data read reliability by allowing the read heads to overlap and read from the same data track simultaneously, reducing the need for narrower read heads and mitigating read errors, while also accommodating curved track edges.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic write 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
The present disclosure is generally related to a tape drive including a tape head configured to read shingled data tracks on a tape. The tape head comprises a first module head assembly aligned with a second module head assembly. Both the first and second module head assemblies comprises one or more servo heads and a plurality of data heads. Each data head comprises a write head, a first read head aligned with the write head, and a second read head offset from the first read head in both a cross-track direction and a down-track direction. The first read heads and the second read heads are configured to read data from a shingled data track of the tape simultaneously. In some embodiments, the tape head is able to be dynamically tilted in order to tilt the first and second reads heads when reading curved portions of shingled data tracks.