Disk drive system employing adaptive read/write channel controls and

Abstract

The read/write channel is programmatically adaptable to the media used for storing data in response to data signals and the read/write head used to transfer the data signals to and from the media. Adaptability is provided by progammable signal processing elements in the read/write channel. The programmable elements include a read threshold element for determining whether data signals transferred from the media exceed a data discrimination level determined by a first programmable value, and a data window element for determining whether data signals transferred from the media occur within a data signal window whose timing, relative to a data clock signal, is determined by the second programmable value. Additional programmable elements include an amplifier element that is programmed to provide a corresponding level of write current and a precompensation block for providing data signal precompensation. The programmable values are deterined by the disk drive uniquely for the media, read/write head and the read/write data channel.