Method and system for encoding data for high performance error control

Abstract

A method and apparatus for encoding a plurality of successive m-bit binary data words to produce a plurality of successive of n-bit binary code words, where n and m are positive integers and n is greater than m, for supply to a magnetic recording channel. Each m-bit binary data word is partitioned into a plurality of blocks of bits, and at least one said blocks of bits in each m-bit binary data word is encoded in accordance with a finite-state coding scheme to produce a plurality of successive n-bit binary code words. At least one stage of violation correction which transforms the plurality of successive n-bit binary code words. Violation correction includes detecting the occurrence of any of a plurality of prohibited bit patterns at one or more predetermined locations within each n-bit binary coded word, and replacing any prohibited bit pattern so detected by a corresponding substitute bit pattern. The finite-state coding scheme, the prohibited bit patterns, and corresponding substitute bit patterns are predetermined such that in a serial bit-steam comprising the successive n-bit binary code words, the maximum number of consecutive bits of a first value is limited to a first predetermined number j, where b greater or equal to 2, and the maximum number of consecutive bits of the a second value is limited to a second predetermined number k.