JP2009032318A - Magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, magnetic recording apparatus, magnetic recording / reproducing method, magnetic recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A recording format is provided to stably secure an appropriate guard band between a plurality of tracks, which is a unit of signal processing for data detection, and to realize a required recording density and transfer rate. Provided is a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus that can be flexibly changed.
For each of a plurality of recording heads, whether to use as an erasing head or data recording is set, and recording for a plurality of tracks, which is one unit of signal processing for data detection Data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium by a recording head for data recording, and an erasure signal is recorded on the magnetic recording medium by a recording head for the erasing head so as to create a non-signal area as a guard band.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks as a unit of signal processing for data detection on a magnetic recording medium by a plurality of recording heads and reproducing a signal from the plurality of tracks by a plurality of reproducing heads. The present invention relates to a magnetic recording device, a magnetic recording / reproducing method, and a magnetic recording medium.

  In recent years, magnetic heads are required to have higher density recording in order to increase the capacity of magnetic recording media, and are suitable for narrowing the track width of tracks (hereinafter referred to as “narrowing”). Magnetic heads have been adopted. In general, improving the accuracy of the track servo is the key to narrowing the track.

  In a magnetic tape recording / reproducing apparatus, a so-called non-tracking system has been proposed as a countermeasure for making servo difficult as the width becomes narrower, and has been put into practical use (for example, Patent Documents 1-5). In this non-tracking method, the track that was recorded in double azimuth by helical scan is recorded in blocks for identification, so that the target track cannot be reproduced in a single trace. Can reconstruct data. With this non-tracking method, a margin of 4 times or more is allowed for track control within one track required by the conventional track servo.

  Further, the possibility of using non-tracking technology not only in helical scanning but also in linear recording has been studied (for example, Patent Documents 6 and 7).

  By the way, when a non-magnetic support having elasticity such as a polyester film is used for the magnetic recording medium substrate, even if double azimuth recording is performed, the allowable deformation amount is obtained by using a track servo. For example, when it is up to about twice the track width and further deformation occurs, the signal cannot be reproduced with a sufficient SN ratio. Also, in the case of recording without double azimuth, the width of the so-called guard band that does not cross the track is less than the amount of deformation of the tape so as not to deteriorate the reliability such as error rate even when the track servo is used. It was necessary to hold in

  Such a problem is caused by the fact that in the signal reproduction method that has been realized so far, the signal quality is significantly deteriorated when at least one reproduction head reads signals from a plurality of tracks simultaneously. In order to avoid this, it has been devised to perform guard band and double azimuth recording and to pick up only the signal from one track from the reproducing head.

  However, when the track density is further increased, the installation of the guard band first hinders the installation. Also, the effect of double azimuth recording, which can reduce interference from adjacent tracks during reproduction, is reduced when the width is narrowed.

  This is the same even in the non-tracking method, and the reproducing head seems to reproduce the signal across a plurality of tracks. However, when time division is performed, the signal being reproduced always corresponds to one track. It wasn't going to play multiple tracks at the same time.

  Also, when trying to cope with higher track density with the non-tracking method, noise is mixed in by picking up signals from the adjacent track of the target track, so the limit to narrowing the track is the limit. It is coming.

  In addition to the background technology of the magnetic head device, a technique for recording a plurality of data frames at a time as a method of arranging a plurality of heads in one block and forming the same azimuth block in order to improve recording density. (For example, Patent Document 8 and Patent Document 9).

  Since these known techniques require that the reproducing head width be about half the width of the track, there is a restriction that the output of the reproducing signal cannot be made large, which is disadvantageous, for example, in securing the SN ratio. It was not necessarily suitable for higher density recording.

  A MIMO (Multi-Input / Multi-Output) technique is widely known as one used for wireless communication (for example, Patent Document 10).

  In addition, a technique using a technique related to MIMO for magnetic recording is also known (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, for example, when a reproducing head having a width wider than that of a recorded track is used, problems that occur in practical use have not been solved.

In the present invention, as a magnetic recording method using MIMO, it is impossible to foresee from the prior art to realize the practical application of the MIMO technology to the magnetic recording / reproducing method, which could not be realized by the paper introduced in the previous section. The technical contents will be clarified.
Japanese Patent No. 1842057 Japanese Patent No. 1842058 Japanese Patent No. 1842059 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-370580 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-020788 JP-A-10-283620 JP 2003-132504 A JP 2003-338812 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-071014 Japanese Patent No. 3664993 Paper IEEE Trans.Mag.Vol.30.No.6 Nov.1994 5100 pages

  As described above, in the conventional magnetic recording / reproducing system, a method of narrowing the track width on the magnetic recording medium has been adopted to increase the recording density. However, if the track width is narrowed in pursuit of a high recording density as it is, there arises a problem that the track cannot be tracked during reproduction. Therefore, a non-tracking method has been proposed in which a signal can be read from the track even if the position of the reproducing head is slightly deviated from the track. However, in order to obtain a reproduction signal appropriately by the non-tracking method, severe restrictions are imposed on the setting of the reproduction head. From this aspect, there is a limit to increasing the recording density by narrowing the track width.

  Accordingly, the present inventors record a plurality of tracks, which are a unit of signal processing for data detection, on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head, and reproduce a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium. With a playback head that can handle multiple tracks, the signals for multiple tracks are played back in multiple different positions with respect to multiple tracks. A method of generating was proposed. According to this, the restriction for determining the width of the reproducing head is reduced, and the track width can be narrowed and the recording density can be increased.

  By the way, in the case of adopting the same method, as one of technical problems for obtaining a more stable reproduction signal, there is an installation of an appropriate guard band.

  That is, in the above magnetic recording / reproducing method, one unit of signal processing for data detection is recorded as a plurality of tracks. Hereinafter, one unit of signal processing for data detection is referred to as a “unit”. As shown in FIG. 15, when recording is performed over a plurality of units 51 (units # 1- # s), a non-signal area is guard band 52 between units 51 so that tracks between adjacent units 51 do not interfere with each other. It is necessary to provide as. For this reason, a method capable of stably providing an appropriate guard band 52 has been demanded.

  In the above magnetic recording / reproducing system, it is necessary to select the number of tracks constituting the unit in accordance with the required recording density and transfer rate. In order to increase the recording density, it is beneficial to increase the number of tracks constituting the unit while reducing the number of units arranged in parallel in the track width direction of the magnetic recording medium. That is, the smaller the number of units arranged side by side in the track width direction of the magnetic recording medium, the smaller the number of guard bands required between the units, and the higher the density recording becomes possible. However, if the number of tracks constituting the unit is increased, the number of channel matrices used for channel estimation calculation increases, the calculation time increases, and the transfer rate decreases.

  However, in order to change the number of tracks constituting a unit, it is necessary to change the design itself, such as changing the number of recording heads of the magnetic head array, and flexibly to change the required recording density and transfer rate. There was a problem that could not be handled.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention can stably secure an appropriate guard band between a plurality of tracks, which is a unit of signal processing for data detection, as well as required recording density and transfer. An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, a magnetic recording apparatus, a magnetic recording / reproducing method, and a magnetic recording medium capable of flexibly changing a recording format so as to realize a rate.

  In order to solve the above problems, a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of recording heads for recording signals on a magnetic recording medium, and recording for a plurality of tracks, which is a unit of signal processing for data detection. A recording data generating unit for generating data, an erasing signal generating unit for generating an erasing signal, and an input for each recording head can be switched between an output of the recording data generating unit and an output of the erasing signal generating unit. A plurality of switches, a switch setting unit for setting the plurality of switches so as to create a no-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing in the magnetic recording medium as a guard band, and the magnetic recording medium With the reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across the plurality of tracks, signals for the plurality of tracks are transmitted to the plurality of tracks. A plurality of playback at the position relation of, collectively reproduced signal to said one unit, by performing signal processing, and a reproduction section for generating a reproduced signal of each of the tracks.

  According to the present invention, an appropriate guard band is created by recording an erasure signal on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head and creating a no-signal area for separating one unit of signal processing as a guard band. It is possible to prevent the interference between adjacent units and perform good recording / reproduction, and use each recording head as an erasing head or use it for data recording. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly change the recording format so as to realize the required recording density and transfer rate. Further, the width of the guard band can be selected with a high degree of freedom by selecting the number of continuous recording heads used for the erasing head.

  The reproduction unit obtains channel estimation information corresponding to position information of the reproduction head with respect to the plurality of tracks by the signal processing, and the channel estimation information and the plurality of tracks are reproduced with different positional relationships. A reproduction signal for each track may be obtained based on the signal.

  The recording data generating unit has a recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength at a unique position for each track so that the reproducing unit can generate position information of the reproducing head for the plurality of tracks. Recording data including a signal as a separation pattern may be generated, and the reproduction unit may obtain the channel estimation information by the signal processing based on the reproduction signal of the separation pattern.

  The erasure signal generator may generate a repetitive signal having a recording wavelength equal to or shorter than the shortest recording wavelength as the erasure signal. Alternatively, the erase signal generator may generate a direct current signal as the erase signal. As a result, a no-signal area can be reliably created on the magnetic recording medium.

  The switch setting unit may periodically switch the selection of the output of the recording data generation unit and the selection of the output of the erasure signal generation unit for the predetermined switch. As a result, data recording and reproduction can be performed using a larger number of tracks than the number of recording heads as a unit of signal processing for data detection.

  The cycle for switching between the output of the recording data generation unit and the output of the erasure signal generation unit may correspond to an integral multiple of the rotation cycle of the rotating drum. As a result, in the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing method, data can be recorded and reproduced by using a larger number of tracks than the number of recording heads as a unit of signal processing for data detection.

  Moreover, you may make it further comprise the control part which changes the setting of these switches by the said switch setting part so that track density may be changed. Thereby, the track density can be flexibly changed.

  In addition, a magnetic recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention generates a plurality of recording heads for recording signals on a magnetic recording medium and recording data for a plurality of tracks, which is a unit of signal processing for data detection. A plurality of recording data generating units, an erasing signal generating unit for generating an erasing signal, and a plurality of recording heads capable of switching input between the output of the recording data generating unit and the output of the erasing signal generating unit. A switch setting unit configured to set the plurality of switches so as to create a no-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing as a guard band in the magnetic recording medium;

  According to the magnetic recording apparatus of the present invention, an erasure signal is recorded on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head, and a no-signal area for separating one unit of signal processing is created as a guard band. Bands can be created, and it becomes possible to perform recording and reproduction well by preventing interference between adjacent units, and for each recording head, this can be used as an erasing head or data recording Therefore, it is possible to flexibly change the recording format so as to realize the required recording density and transfer rate. Further, the width of the guard band can be selected with a high degree of freedom by selecting the number of continuous recording heads used for the erasing head.

  Furthermore, a magnetic recording / reproducing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of setting whether to use each of a plurality of recording heads as an erasing head or data recording, and for data detection. The recording data for a plurality of tracks, which is one unit of the signal processing, is recorded on a magnetic recording medium by the recording head for data recording, and a non-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing is a guard band. A step of recording an erasure signal on the magnetic recording medium by a recording head for the erasing head so as to create the signal, and a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium, A plurality of signals for the plurality of tracks are reproduced in different positional relations with respect to the plurality of tracks, and these reproduced signals are reproduced. The summarized in one unit, by performing signal processing, and a step of generating a reproduced signal of each of the tracks.

  According to the magnetic recording / reproducing method of the present invention, an erasing signal is recorded on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head, and a no-signal area for separating one unit of signal processing is created as a guard band. A guard band can be created, and it becomes possible to perform recording and reproduction satisfactorily by preventing interference between adjacent units, and for each recording head, it can be used as an erasing head or data Since it can be set whether to use for recording, the recording format can be flexibly changed to realize the required recording density and transfer rate. Further, the width of the guard band can be selected with a high degree of freedom by selecting the number of continuous recording heads used for the erasing head.

  In addition, a magnetic recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of recording heads that can be switched between an erasing head and a data recording. A track and a guard band which is a non-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing are recorded.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to stably secure an appropriate guard band between a plurality of tracks, which is a unit of signal processing for data detection, and realize a required recording density and transfer rate. Thus, the recording format can be flexibly changed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 100 in a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 100 includes a multitracking unit 110, a multitrack recording encoding unit 120, a multitrack preamble adding unit 130, a multitrack recording unit 140, a recording head array 150, An erasing signal generation unit 160, a switch setting unit 170, and a control unit 180 are provided.

  The recording head array 150 has M (for example, 16) recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 that record signals on the magnetic recording medium 2. The azimuth directions of a plurality of tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording head array 150 are the same.

  The multitrack unit 110 includes a data distributor 111 that distributes the recording data 1 into data corresponding to the number of effective channels for multitracking.

  The multitrack recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2,..., 121-16 that encode the recording data distributed by the data distributor 111. .

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 includes M preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2,... 131-16 for adding a preamble to the encoded recording data.

  The multi-track recording unit 140 includes M output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2,..., 141-16 that give a desired timing to the recording data to which the preamble is added, and M that performs recording compensation processing. , 144-16 and the recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 are input to the recording compensation units 144 by a selection signal from the switch setting unit 170. M switches (SW) 146-1, 146-2,... That can be switched between the outputs of -1, 144-2,. 146-16 and M recordings that drive the individual recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 based on the signals selected by the switches 146-1, 146-2,. Amplifier 47-1,147-2,147 ..., and a 147-16.

  As described above, the recording apparatus 100 is provided with a recording system for a total of 16 channels, of which at least one channel is used for erasing.

  The erasure signal generator 160 generates a predetermined erasure signal to be given to one selection terminal of the switches 146-1, 146-2,. As an erasing method, AC erasure with magnetization reversal using a repetitive signal having a wavelength shorter than the shortest recording wavelength (1T) used in a magnetic recording system as an erasure signal, or magnetization reversal using a DC erase signal No DC erasure etc. are adopted.

  The switch setting unit 170 selects the switch 146 for each channel in order to select whether the recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150 are used for data recording or erasing heads. The selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are output to 1,146-2,.

  The control unit 180 controls each part necessary for performing recording using a part of the recording heads provided in the recording head array 150 as an erasing head and the other recording heads for data recording, for example, switch setting. , 141-16, preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2,..., 131-16, output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2,. Do.

  Note that, in the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the multi-tracking unit 110, the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, the multi-track preamble adding unit 130, and the output timing setting units 141-1 and 141 in the multi-track recording unit 140 are used. -1,..., 141-16 and the recording compensators 144-1, 144-2,..., 144-16 are used for signal processing for data detection according to claim 1 of the present invention. This corresponds to a recording data generation unit that generates recording data for a plurality of tracks as one unit.

  Next, the operation of the recording apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S from the switch setting unit 170 to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. Through -16, it is selected whether the recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150 are individually used for data recording or erasing (step S11). That is, the switch setting unit 170 outputs a selection signal of “erase” as a selection signal to the switch corresponding to the one or more channels in order to use the recording head of one or more channels determined in advance as the erase head. In order to use the recording heads of other channels for data recording, a “recording” selection signal is output as a selection signal to a switch corresponding to the other channel. Control for causing the switch setting unit 170 to output selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 for each channel is performed based on control information C0 from the control unit 180.

  In addition, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying the data distributor 111 of a channel effective for data recording, and also includes preamble addition units 131-1, 131-2, ..., 131-16. Control information C2-1, C2-2,... Necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to recording data for each track. C2-16 is output. Further, the control unit 180 controls the control information C3-1 for output timing control with respect to the output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2,..., 141-16 corresponding to the channels effective for data recording. , C3-2,..., C3-16 are output.

  In the following description, among the M switches 146-1, 146-2,..., 146-16, the symbol that collectively refers to the switches corresponding to the channels effective for data recording will be referred to as “146-w”. For example, the symbol corresponding to the channel effective for data recording is given a symbol “w”, such as “146-e”, which is a generic symbol for the switch corresponding to the channel for the erasing head. When generically referring to the channel, the symbol “e” is given.

  Thereafter, the recording data 1 is input to the data distributor 111 of the multitrack unit 110. The data distributor 111 converts the input recording data 1 into data corresponding to the number of channels (for each track) based on information on channels effective for data recording designated by the control information C1 from the control unit 180. Data) and sent to the recording encoder 121-w corresponding to the channels effective for data recording (step S12).

  In each recording encoding unit 121-w corresponding to an effective channel for data recording, the recording data for each track given from the data distributor 111 is converted into a code word string in consideration of the recording / reproducing characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2. Are output to the subsequent preamble adding unit 131-w. Next, each preamble adding unit 131-w corresponding to an effective channel adds a preamble code to a predetermined position of the encoded sequence to obtain a recording code sequence (step S14). This preamble code includes a separation pattern, an automatic gain adjustment, and / or a separation pattern used for separating a plurality of signals read from a track for one unit by a reproducing head into a signal for each track by predetermined signal processing. Or a learning signal pattern for detecting bit synchronization, etc., and taking into account the rules of the code word sequence generated by the recording encoding unit 121-w, for example, a recording wavelength equal to or higher than the minimum recording wavelength. It is created by signals. A sync signal pattern used for detecting the position of the separation pattern is also arranged before the separation pattern.

  The recording code string for each track, to which the preamble code is added by the preamble adding unit 131-w, is given a desired timing by the output timing setting unit 141-w, and then is recorded by the recording compensation unit 144-w. A recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the recording medium 2 is performed (step S15).

  The recording code string for each track subjected to recording compensation is a switch set to select recording data by selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 from the switch setting unit 170, respectively. It is input to the recording amplifier 147-w via 146-w, converted from voltage to current, and recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording head Ww. On the other hand, the switch 146-e set to select the erase signal by the selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 from the switch setting unit 170 is generated by the erase signal generation unit 160. Is selected and sent to the recording amplifier 147-e of the corresponding channel. The erase signal converted from voltage to current by the recording amplifier 147-e is recorded as a guard band on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording head We of the corresponding channel (step S16).

  Next, a reproducing apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the playback apparatus 200.

  As shown in the figure, the reproducing apparatus 200 includes a reproducing head array 210, a channel reproducing unit 220, a signal separation processing unit 230, a multitrack demodulation unit 240, and a restoration unit 260.

  The reproducing head array 210 has N (for example, 16) reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 that read signals from the tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies signals reproduced by the N reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 mounted on the reproducing head array 210. The N reproducing amplifiers 221-1, 221-2,. .., 221-16 and AGCs 224-1 and 224 for controlling the gain so that the amplitude levels of the outputs of the N reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2,. -2,... 224-16 and A / D converters 225-1 and 225 for quantizing the outputs of AGCs 224-1, 244-2,. -2, ..., 225-16.

  Note that a low-pass filter for removing unnecessary high-frequency components may be provided immediately before the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. Further, AGCs 224-1, 224-2,..., 224-16 are installed in the subsequent stage of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. You may do it.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 detects a synchronization pattern for detecting the start position of the separation pattern from the outputs of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, ..., 225-16. The start position of the separation pattern is specified based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detector 231, and the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed using the separation pattern, thereby a plurality of reproducing heads R1. , R2,..., R16, and a signal separation calculation unit 232 that separates the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal for one unit.

  The multitrack demodulator 240 includes N equalizers 241-1, 241-2,..., 241-16 that perform equalization processing on a reproduction signal separated for each track, and an equalizer 241-1, 241-2,..., 241-16 and N PLLs 242-1, 242-2,. .., 242-16 are used to binarize the reproduction signal for each track using the bit synchronization signal generated to generate a code word string, for example, N detectors 243-1, 243 such as a Viterbi detector -2,..., 243-16, and a synchronizing signal on the codeword string is detected from the binarized reproduction signals output from the detectors 243-1, 243-2,. N subsequent-stage synchronization signal detectors 244-1 and 244 2,... 244-16 and the synchronization signal in the data area detected by the subsequent synchronization signal detectors 244-1, 244-2,. N decoders 245-1, 245-2,..., 245-16 for decoding a data string from a code word string.

  The restoration unit 260 restores the reproduction data 3 by connecting the data of each track output from the N decoders 245-1, 245-2,... The data combiner 261 is provided.

  In the reproducing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 4, first, a signal is reproduced from each track of the magnetic recording medium 2 by N reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 (step S21). Next, after the amplitude levels of the outputs of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-16 are adjusted by the AGCs 224-1, 224-2, ..., 224-16, The outputs of AGCs 224-1, 244-2,..., 224-16 are converted into digital values by A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. (Step S22). The synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern from the outputs of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, ..., 225-16 (step S23).

  The signal separation processing unit 230 specifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the detected synchronization pattern, and performs a predetermined channel estimation calculation using the separation pattern (step S24). . Further, the signal separation calculation unit 232 performs a process of generating a reproduction signal for each track from the result of the channel estimation calculation and the reproduction signal for one unit (step S25). In this embodiment, signal separation processing is performed for each unit, with three consecutive tracks as one unit, which is one unit of signal processing for data detection. That is, a single signal separation process is performed on signals reproduced by four reproducing heads continuous from a track for one unit, and is repeated for each unit.

  The channel estimation information corresponds to position information in the track width direction of each reproducing head in each of a plurality of tracks constituting the unit. In other words, in this embodiment, the channel estimation information indicates, for example, at what rate each track in the unit overlaps four consecutive playback heads such as R1, R2, R3, and R4. Information.

  As an example of the signal separation calculation, for example, a method of obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for a channel estimation matrix that is channel estimation information can be cited. A method for obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for this channel estimation matrix is generally called a zero-forcing method. It is also possible to use a matrix other than a square matrix.

  Thereafter, equalization processing is performed on the reproduction signal separated for each track by each equalizer 241-1, 241-2,..., 241-16 of the multitrack demodulator 240. , PLL 242-1, 242-2,..., 24-16 using the bit synchronization signals generated by the detectors 243-1, 243-2,. By performing binarization of the signal, a code word string for each track is generated. Further, the synchronization signal detectors 244-1, 244-2,..., 244-16 in the subsequent stage detect the synchronization signal on the code word string for each track, and the decoders 245-1, 245-2, .., 245-16, the data string is decoded from the code word string for each track (step S26). Then, the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to obtain reproduction data (step S27).

  Next, in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment, a part of the recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150 is used as an erasing head, and the others are used for data recording. The operation when recording is performed and the operation of reproduction will be described.

  In the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment, various recordings are performed depending on the number and position of recording heads used for the erasing head among the recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150. A format can be selected. Thus, several recording methods with different recording formats will be exemplified below.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, this recording method is an example in which data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a linear method. In this recording method, a total of four units 51-1, 51-2, 51-3, 51-, with three tracks 50-1, 50-2, 50-3 as one unit by one head scan. 4 and one guard band 52-1, 52-2, 52-3, 52-4 on the outside of one end in the track width direction of each unit 51-1, 51-2, 51-3, 51-4. Is a method for recording.

  In this recording method, the switch setting unit 170 uses W1, W5, W9, and W13 among 16 recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 as erasing heads, and the other as data recording heads. As shown, selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. That is, the switch setting unit 170 sets “Erase” to the four switches 146-1, 146-5, 146-9, and 146-13 as the selection signals S-1, S-5, S-9, and S-13. The selection signal is output, and the other switches 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 146-6, 146-7, 146-8, 146-10, 146-11, 146-12, 146-14, 146 -15, 146-16 and selection signals S-2, S-3, S-4, S-6, S-7, S-8, S-10, S-11, S-12, S-14, S A selection signal of “record” is output as −15 and S-16.

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a channel effective for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and corresponds to a channel effective for data recording. Control information C2-w necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to the recording data for each track is output to the preamble adding unit 131-w. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When reproducing 4 units of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 as shown in FIG. 5 with the reproducing apparatus 200, the 16 reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 of the reproducing head array 210 are reproduced. The data reproduced for each track is separated by performing channel estimation computation and signal separation computation for each unit.

  That is, for each signal reproduced by the reproduction heads R1 to R4, the data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation, and subsequently reproduced by the reproduction heads R5 to R8. Similarly, the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed on the received signals, and the data for each track is separated. Then, the channel reproduction calculation and the signal separation are similarly performed on the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R9 to R12. The data for each track is separated by performing an operation, and finally, the data for each track is also obtained by performing the channel estimation operation and the signal separation operation for the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R13 to R16. To separate. Thereby, the data of a total of 12 tracks are reproduced.

  Next, a second example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of this recording method. As shown in the figure, this recording method is also an example in which data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a linear method. In this recording method, seven heads 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, 50-5, 50-6, and 50-7 are combined into one unit by one head scan. In this method, the guard bands 52-1 and 52-2 are recorded one by one at a position outside one end in the track width direction of each unit 51-1 and 51-2.

  In this recording method, the switch setting unit 170 uses W1 and W9 among the 16 recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 as erasing heads, and the other as data recording heads. Selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. That is, the switch setting unit 170 outputs “erase” selection signals as selection signals S-1 and S-9 to the two switches 146-1 and 146-9, and the other switches 146-2,. , 146-8, 146-10,..., 146-16, selection signals S-2,..., S-8, S-10,. Output.

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a channel effective for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and corresponds to a channel effective for data recording. Control information C2-w necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to the recording data for each track is output to the preamble adding unit 131-w. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When reproducing two units of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 as shown in FIG. 6 by the reproducing apparatus 200, the sixteen reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 of the reproducing head array 210 are used. The data reproduced for each track is separated by performing channel estimation computation and signal separation computation for each unit.

  That is, for each signal reproduced by the reproduction heads R1 to R8, the data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation, and subsequently reproduced by the reproduction heads R9 to R16. Similarly, the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed on the received signals to separate the data for each track. Thereby, the data of a total of 14 tracks are reproduced.

  According to this recording method, since the number of tracks that can be recorded at one time is larger than in the previous recording method, the track density can be further increased.

  Next, a third example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of this recording method. As shown in the figure, this recording method is also an example in which data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a linear method. In this recording method, 15 tracks 50-1, 50-2,..., 50-15 are set as one unit 51-1, and this unit 51-1, and this unit 51 are obtained by one head scan. In this method, one guard band 52-1 is recorded outside one end in the track width direction of -1.

  In this recording method, the switch setting unit 170 uses each of the 16 recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 so that W1 is used as an erasing head and the other is used as a data recording head. Selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are output to 146-1, 146-2,. That is, the switch setting unit 170 outputs the selection signal “Erase” as the selection signal S-1 to the switch 146-1, and selects the selection signal S-2 to the other switches 146-2,. ,..., S-16 outputs a “record” selection signal.

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a channel effective for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and corresponds to a channel effective for data recording. Control information C2-w necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to the recording data for each track is output to the preamble adding unit 131-w. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When data for one unit recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 is reproduced by the reproducing apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. 7, the 16 reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 of the reproducing head array 210 are reproduced. The data for each track is separated by performing the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation on the signal reproduced by. Thereby, the data of a total of 15 tracks are reproduced.

  According to this recording method, since the number of tracks that can be recorded at one time is larger than in the previous recording method, the track density can be further increased.

  Next, a fourth example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fourth example of this recording method. As shown in the figure, this recording method is also an example in which data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a linear method. In this recording method, a total of five units 51-1, 51-2, 51-3, 51-4, and 51, each having two tracks 50-1 and 50-2 as one unit, by one head scan. -5 and one guard band 52-1, 52-2, 52- one outside the one end in the track width direction of each unit 51-1, 51-2, 51-3, 51-4, 51-5. 3, 52-4 and 52-5 are recorded, and one guard band 52-6 is also recorded outside the other end of the unit 51-5 in the track width direction.

  In this recording method, the switch setting unit 170 uses W1, W4, W7, W10, W13, and W16 as erasing heads among the 16 recording heads W1, W2,. , S-16 are output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,..., 146-16, respectively. That is, the switch setting unit 170 supplies selection signals S-1, S-4, S-7, and 6-6 to 146-1, 146-4, 146-7, 146-10, 146-13, and 146-16. The “Erase” selection signal is output as S-10, S-13, and S-16, and the other switches 146-2, 146-3, 146-5, 146-6, 146-11, 146-12, 146 -14, 146-15, selection signals S-2, S-3, S-5, S-6, S-11, S-12, S-14, and S-15 are outputted as "record" selection signals. .

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a channel effective for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and corresponds to a channel effective for data recording. Control information C2-w necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to the recording data for each track is output to the preamble adding unit 131-w. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When reproducing 5 units of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 as shown in FIG. 8 by the reproducing apparatus 200, the 16 reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 of the reproducing head array 210 are reproduced. The data reproduced for each track is separated by performing channel estimation computation and signal separation computation for each unit.

  That is, for each signal reproduced by the reproduction heads R1 to R3, the data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation, and subsequently reproduced by the reproduction heads R4 to R6. Similarly, the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed on the received signals to separate the data for each track. In the same manner, the channel estimation is performed sequentially for the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R7 to R9, the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R10 to R12, and the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R13 to R16. Data for each track is separated by performing computation and signal separation computation. As a result, the data of a total of 10 tracks is reproduced.

  According to this recording method, the number of channel matrices per unit is 3 × 3, and the number of channel matrices can be minimized as compared with the recording methods described so far. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the time required to calculate the inverse matrix and to improve the reproduction speed.

  Next, a fifth example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a fifth example of this recording method. As shown in the figure, this recording method is also an example in which data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a linear method. In this recording method, a total of two units 51-1 and 51-2 having six tracks 50-1, 50-2,. In this system, two guard bands 52-1, 52-2, 52-3, and 52-4 are recorded on the outside of one end in the track width direction of each unit 51-1, 51-2.

  In this recording method, the switch setting unit 170 uses W1, W2, W9, and W10 among the 16 recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 as erasing heads and the other as data recording heads. As shown, selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. That is, the switch setting unit 170 sets “Erase” to the four switches 146-1, 146-2, 146-9, and 146-10 as the selection signals S-1, S-2, S-9, and S-10. A selection signal is output, and selection signals S-3,... S-8, S-11 are output to the other switches 146-3,..., 146-8, 146-11,. ..., a recording signal is output as S-16.

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a valid channel for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and also adds a preamble to be added to the recording data for each track. Control information C2-w required for code generation is output. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When two units of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 are reproduced by the reproducing apparatus 200 as shown in FIG. 9, the sixteen reproducing heads R1, R2,. For each unit, the data reproduced for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation for each unit.

  That is, for each signal reproduced by the reproduction heads R1 to R8, the data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation, and subsequently reproduced by the reproduction heads R9 to R16. Similarly, the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed on the received signals to separate the data for each track. Thereby, the data of a total of 14 tracks are reproduced.

  According to this recording method, the guard band can be made wider with a higher degree of freedom than in the previous recording method, so that the width of the reproducing head is larger than the width of the recording head or the track width direction of the magnetic recording medium 2 Even when there is a large variation in deviation, it is possible to prevent the reproducing head from reproducing a signal from the track of the adjacent unit.

  Next, a case where data is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the helical scan method will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the recording head and the reproducing head in the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus and the position of the recording head used as an erasing head. As shown in the figure, the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with a rotating drum 40 that rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow 41. 16 recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 and 16 reproducing heads R1, R2,..., R16 are mounted on the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 40. Then, four recording heads and four reproduction heads are arranged in four regions obtained by dividing the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 40 by 90 degrees. The magnetic recording medium 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow 42 in the figure (from left to right).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a recording method based on a helical scan method as a sixth example of the recording method. As shown in the figure, in this recording method, a total of four units 51-1, each comprising three tracks 50-1, 50-2, and 50-3 as a single unit by one rotation of the rotary drum 40. , 51-2, 51-3, 51-4 [Utsunomiya 1] and one guard band 52-on the outside of the tape end side of each unit 51-1, 51-2, 51-3, 51-4. 1, 52-2, 52-3, and 52-4.

  In this recording method, as shown in FIG. 10, the switch setting unit 170 uses W1, W5, W9, and W13 among the 16 recording heads W1, W2,. The selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 are respectively applied to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. Output. That is, the switch setting unit 170 sets “Erase” to the four switches 146-1, 146-5, 146-9, and 146-13 as the selection signals S-1, S-5, S-9, and S-13. The selection signal is output, and the other switches 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 146-6, 146-7, 146-8, 146-10, 146-11, 146-12, 146-14, 146 -15, 146-16 and selection signals S-2, S-3, S-4, S-6, S-7, S-8, S-10, S-11, S-12, S-14, S A selection signal of “record” is output as −15 and S-16.

  Further, the control unit 180 outputs control information C1 for notifying a channel effective for data recording to the data distributor 111 in the multitracking unit 110, and corresponds to a channel effective for data recording. Control information C2-w necessary for generating a preamble code to be added to the recording data for each track is output to the preamble adding unit 131-w. Furthermore, the control unit 180 outputs control information C3-w for output timing control to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to a channel effective for data recording.

  When reproducing 4 units of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the helical scan method as shown in FIG. 11, the reproduction apparatus 200 reproduces the 16 reproduction heads R1, R2, and 16 of the reproduction head array 210. ..., data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation for each unit on the signal reproduced by R16.

  That is, for each signal reproduced by the reproduction heads R1 to R4, the data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation calculation and signal separation calculation, and subsequently reproduced by the reproduction heads R5 to R8. Similarly, the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed on the received signals to separate the data for each track. In the same manner, the channel estimation is performed sequentially for the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R7 to R9, the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R10 to R12, and the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R13 to R16. Data for each track is separated by performing computation and signal separation computation. Thereby, the data of a total of 12 tracks are reproduced.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied not only to the linear method but also to the helical scan method.

  Next, a modified example of the sixth example will be described as a seventh example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the recording head and the reproducing head and the position of the recording head used as the erasing head in the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. The arrangement of the recording head and the reproducing head is the same as that of the sixth example shown in FIG. 10, but in the sixth example shown in FIG. 10, there are 16 recording heads W1, W2,. Of these, W1, W5, W9, and W13 were used as erasing heads, whereas in the seventh example shown in FIG. 12, one of 16 recording heads W1, W2,. The recording head, for example, the recording head W1, is used by periodically switching between data recording and erasing head. For example, each time the rotating drum 40 makes one rotation, the recording head W1 is switched between data recording and erasing head.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a recording method using a helical scan method as a seventh example of the recording method. As shown in the figure, in this recording method, when the rotary drum 40 is rotated an odd number of times, the switch setting unit 170 is configured based on the control information C0 from the control unit 180 so that the 16 recording heads W1, W2,. ... Of W16, the recording head of W1 is used as the erasing head, the other is used as the head for data recording, and the switch setting unit 170 has all 16 recording heads W1, W2, etc. at the time of even-numbered rotation. .., W16 are used as data recording heads so that the selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S are sent to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. -16 is output respectively. That is, the switch setting unit 170 outputs an “erase” selection signal as the selection signal S-1 to the switch 146-1 when the rotary drum 40 is rotated an odd number of times, and the other switches 146-2,. .., S-16 are output to 146-16, and when the rotating drum 40 is rotated an even number of times, all the switches 146-1, 146-2,. The selection signal S-1, S-2,..., S-16 is output to 146-16 as a “record” selection signal.

  The control unit 180 also notifies the data distributor 111 in the multi-tracking unit 110 of a channel effective for data recording during each of the odd and even rotations of the rotating drum 40. C1 is output. Further, the control unit 180 applies the preamble to be added to the recording data for each track to the preamble adding unit 131-w corresponding to the channel effective for data recording, respectively, when the rotating drum 40 rotates at an odd number and an even number. The control information C2-w necessary for code generation is output, and the control information C3-w for output timing control is output to the output timing setting unit 141-w corresponding to the channel effective for data recording. .

  As a result, 31 continuous tracks 50-1, 50-2,..., 50-31 are defined as a unit 52-1, and the unit 52-1 and the outside of the tape end side of the unit 51-1 are disposed outside. One guard band 52-1 is recorded.

  When reproducing one unit of data recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the helical scan method as shown in FIG. 12 on the reproducing apparatus 200, the reproducing head array 210 is operated while the rotating drum 40 is rotated twice. Data for each track is separated by performing channel estimation computation and signal separation computation on the signals reproduced by the 16 reproduction heads R1, R2,..., R16. Thereby, the data of a total of 31 tracks are reproduced.

  In this example of the recording method, one recording head is switched between the erasing head and the data recording. However, a plurality of continuous recording heads, such as the recording heads W1 and W2, are erased together. It may be switched between the head and the data recording.

  Further, in this example of the recording method, the predetermined recording head is switched between the erasing head and the data recording for each rotation of the rotating drum 40. A predetermined recording head may be switched between the erasing head and the data recording at a cycle corresponding to an integral multiple of the rotation cycle of the rotary drum 40.

  Next, as an eighth example of the recording method by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment, a recording method in which the track density can be changed will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an eighth example of this recording method. In this example, by switching the two recording heads W5 and W13 to the data recording and erasing heads, one guard band is recorded every three tracks, and one is recorded every seven tracks. This shows a case of switching between the guard band recording method.

  The control unit 180 has a storage unit such as a ROM that stores the relationship between the track density and the information on the number and position of the recording heads used as the erasing head as fixed information. For example, when a track density is designated by a user or the like, the control unit 180 reads information on the number and position of recording heads used as an erasing head corresponding to the designated track density from the storage unit, and stores this information. Based on the selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 to be output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. For example, when another track density is designated by the user or the like, the control unit 180 reads information on the number and position of the recording heads used as the erasing head corresponding to the designated other track density from the storage unit. The selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S-16 output to the switches 146-1, 146-2,. As a result, the track density is changed.

  The timing for switching the track density may be switched periodically such as the odd-numbered rotation and the even-numbered rotation of the rotary drum 40, or may be switched based on any timing designated by the user, or may be designated in advance. The recording data volume may be switched based on the reference.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a part of the plurality of recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150 is used for the erasing head, and the magnetic recording medium 2 is used. By recording the erasure signal, an appropriate guard band can be created outside the unit, and it becomes possible to perform good recording and reproduction by preventing interference between adjacent units.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the plurality of recording heads W1, W2,..., W16 provided in the recording head array 150 are individually switched between being used for data recording and used as an erasing head. Therefore, the recording format can be flexibly changed so as to realize the required recording density and transfer rate.

  The recording method for changing the track density during data recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 can be applied not only to the helical scan method but also to the linear method. In the example of FIG. 14, the two recording heads are switched to the data recording and erasing heads. However, as long as the track density can be changed, any number of recording heads can be switched to the data recording and erasing heads. . In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, a recording method in which one recording head is switched between a data recording and an erasing head according to the rotation cycle of the rotary drum 40 and a switching method determined without switching according to the rotation cycle of the rotary drum 40. The track density may be changed by switching the recording method using the recorded head for the erasing head.

  The present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various updates can be added without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a recording operation by the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a reproduction operation by the reproduction apparatus of FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of recording heads and reproducing heads and the position of a recording head used as an erasing head in a helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a recording method by the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of FIG. 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of recording heads and reproducing heads and the position of a recording head used as an erasing head in a helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the recording method by the helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of FIG. 12. It is a figure which shows the recording system which can change track density as an 8th example of the recording system by the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the guard band which isolate | separates between the unit which is one unit of the signal processing for data detection, and units.

Explanation of symbols

2 Magnetic recording medium 50 track 51 unit 52 guard band 100 recording device 110 multi-tracking unit 120 multi-track recording encoding unit 130 multi-track preamble adding unit 140 multi-track recording unit 146-1, 146-2, ..., 146 -16 switch 150 recording head array 160 erasure signal generation unit 170 switch setting unit 180 control unit 200 reproduction device 210 reproduction head array 220 channel reproduction unit 230 signal separation processing unit 240 multitrack demodulation unit 260 restoration unit W1, W2,. , W16 Recording head R1, R2,..., R16 Playback head

Claims (12)

A plurality of recording heads for recording signals on a magnetic recording medium;
A recording data generation unit that generates recording data for a plurality of tracks, which is one unit of signal processing for data detection;
An erase signal generator for generating an erase signal;
A plurality of switches capable of switching the input for each recording head between the output of the recording data generation unit and the output of the erasure signal generation unit;
A switch setting unit for setting the plurality of switches so as to create a no-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing in the magnetic recording medium as a guard band;
A reproduction head capable of reproducing a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium reproduces a plurality of signals for the plurality of tracks with different positional relationships with respect to the plurality of tracks, and these reproduction signals A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a reproducing unit that generates a reproduction signal for each track by performing signal processing on the unit as a unit. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
The reproduction unit obtains channel estimation information corresponding to position information of the reproduction head with respect to the plurality of tracks by the signal processing, and the channel estimation information and the plurality of tracks are reproduced with different positional relationships. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein a reproduction signal for each track is obtained based on a signal. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The recording data generation unit
Recording including a signal having a recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength as a separation pattern at a unique position for each track so that the reproducing unit can generate position information of the reproducing head for the plurality of tracks. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized in that data is generated, and the reproduction unit obtains the channel estimation information by the signal processing based on a reproduction signal of the separation pattern. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that the erasure signal generator generates a repetitive signal having a recording wavelength equal to or shorter than the shortest recording wavelength as the erasure signal. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erase signal generator generates a direct current signal as the erase signal. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the plurality of tracks have the same azimuth direction. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that the switch setting unit periodically switches the selection of the output of the recording data generation unit and the selection of the output of the erasure signal generation unit for the predetermined switch. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7,
Further comprising a rotating drum equipped with the plurality of recording heads,
2. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cycle for switching between output of the recording data generation unit and output of the erasure signal generation unit corresponds to an integral multiple of a rotation cycle of the rotary drum. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,
A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, further comprising a control unit configured to change the setting of the plurality of switches by the switch setting unit so as to change a track density. A plurality of recording heads for recording signals on a magnetic recording medium;
A recording data generation unit that generates recording data for a plurality of tracks, which is one unit of signal processing for data detection;
An erase signal generator for generating an erase signal;
A plurality of switches capable of switching the input for each recording head between the output of the recording data generation unit and the output of the erasure signal generation unit;
And a switch setting unit for setting the plurality of switches so as to create a no-signal area for separating one unit of the signal processing as a guard band in the magnetic recording medium. . For each of a plurality of recording heads, setting whether to use as an erasing head or for data recording; and
Recording data for a plurality of tracks, which is one unit of signal processing for data detection, on a magnetic recording medium by the recording head for data recording, and no signal for separating one unit of the signal processing Recording an erasure signal on the magnetic recording medium by a recording head for the erasing head so as to create an area as a guard band;
A reproduction head capable of reproducing a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium reproduces a plurality of signals for the plurality of tracks with different positional relationships with respect to the plurality of tracks, and these reproduction signals Generating the reproduction signal for each of the tracks by performing signal processing on the unit and performing signal processing.   A plurality of recording heads that can be switched between an erasing head and a data recording unit to separate a plurality of tracks, which are a unit of signal processing for data detection, from one unit of the signal processing. A magnetic recording medium on which a guard band, which is a no-signal area, is recorded.

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