Ultra high track density adaptive head core track pitch control
View Patent ↗Apparatuses and methods for adjusting the track pitches of the tracks on a data storage tape. In one variation, the method comprises adjusting the observed pitch between the tracks by applying variable amounts of pressure on the surface of the tape. In another variation, the pressure is applied to a localized region on the tape. The pressure can be modulated to induces a change in the physical characteristic of the tape in and around the area where pressure is applied. In another aspect, an apparatus is configured with a magnetic read-head for detecting written tracks on a magnetic tape, and an actuator is provided to apply pressure on the tape to control the track pitch of the written tracks.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a cluster of magnetic transducers, wherein the magnetic transducers are operable to read data on a magnetic tape; and
an actuator, wherein the actuator is operable to apply a pressure in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the tape to a localized area on the magnetic tape that is adjacent to a contact area between the actuator and the magnetic tape to adjust distances between a plurality of tracks within the localized area on the magnetic tape.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a controller, wherein the controller is operable to detect a first set of track pitches of the tracks on the magnetic tape, and further operable to vary the pressure on the magnetic tape based on the first set of track pitches such that a second set of track pitches is achieved on the tracks.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second set of track pitches corresponds to the distances between the magnetic transducers.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising:
a motor adapted to pass the tape under the magnetic transducers.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a roller.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein as the actuator is configured such that, as the actuator increases the pressure on the tape, the distances between the plurality of track on the magnetic tape increases.
7. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the controller is further operable to detect a servo track on the magnetic tape and modify a position of the magnetic tape laterally relative to the cluster of magnetic transducers.
8. An apparatus, comprising:
a cluster of magnetic transducers operable to read data on the a magnetic tape;
a controller operable to continuously monitor track pitch or track position information from the magnetic transducers and control pressure applied to the magnetic tape for adjusting track pitch of the magnetic tape based on the track pitch or track position information; and
an actuator operable to adjust the lateral width of the magnetic tape by applying a variable pressure gradient to a localize region of the magnetic tape that is adjacent to a contact area between the actuator and the magnetic tape, wherein the variable pressure is controlled by the controller.