Tri-bit encoding for disk drive servo track id information

Abstract

A format for embedded servo track identification fields in rotating disk data storage units such as magnetic disk drives. The present invention uses the concept of tri-bits (i.e., three code bits per logical bit) to encode track identification information in servo wedges of embedded servo disk drive systems. More specifically, two particular sets (and their equivalents) of tri-bit codes have been discovered to have optimum characteristics for providing a phase coherent encoding of a Gray code that is simple to translate into straight binary code. The properties of such tri-bit encoding limit error propagation to a single bit, which allows for very reliable track identification during movement of a head transducer across tracks (i.e., 'seeks'). A full range of Gray scale codes is available since more than two consecutive logical '0's can be reliably decoded when encoded using such tri-bits. The properties of such tri-bit encoding also allow for relatively high servo channel rates, which results in a reduction in servo field length. Accordingly, a counter-intuitive result of increasing the length of the encoding symbols for track identification fields is to decrease the overall length of the servo field, thereby permitting an increase in areal density.