Data transducer position control system for data transfer apparatus

Abstract

A disklike record medium such as a magnetic data storage disk, and a closed-loop servo control system for positioning a transducer such as a magnetic read/write head on any of a multiplicity of concentric tracks on the record medium. The tracks on the record medium are divided into a plurality of groups, and each track of each group has a different code character prerecorded thereon as in the form of discretely magnetized regions. All the groups of tracks have the same set of code characters assigned thereto for the simplicity of the code characters. Read by the transducer, the code characters enable the control system to individually identify all the tracks of all the groups. In response to an externally supplied track command indicative of a destination track on which the transducer is to be positioned, and to internally supplied track code data, the control system causes translation of the transducer from a departure track to the destination track during track seek operations.