Method and system for track skew tolerant acquistion burst sequence

Abstract

A method and system for detecting and validating multibit acquisition burst sequences which precede and follow each data block in a multitrack data storage system. An acquisition sequence pattern detection circuit is utilized to provide an indication of acquisition burst sequence detection in response to an occurrence of an accurate sequence of a selected number of acquisition burst sequence bits. A latch is utilized to store the pattern criteria indication for each associated track and the latch outputs are then combined in a logic circuit to provide a composite burst pattern error indication signal. An acquisition burst sequence quality detection circuit is also utilized to provide a quality criteria indication for each track in response to an occurrence of an accurate sequence of a larger number of acquisition burst sequence bits than is normally required for acquisition which ensures that subsequent detection of the acquisition burst sequence will be successful, despite increased skew among the multiple tracks. An occurrence of an acquisition burst sequence is then validated during selected modes of operation only in response to a detection of an acquisition burst sequence and an indication of sufficient quality of the acquisition burst sequence within a predetermined number of tracks.