Preamplifier and method for synchronization with bit patterned media

Abstract

A preamplifier and method writes data synchronized with the passing of a write head in a magnetic storage device over bit islands in discrete patterned recording media. The preamplifier contains a write pre-driver that conditions write data, a synchronization circuit that accepts a delay offset value and a write clock and produces a delayed clock, and a write output driver that is gated by the delayed clock to produce write pulses for magnetizing the bit islands. Gating the write output driver using the delayed clock results in more accurate synchronization than delaying the write data into the preamplifier due to the reduction of the overall length and variability of interconnects and transistors in the intervening circuitry. Write clock generation circuitry, as well as bit position sensor circuitry for use with bit position signals produced by a read head or by a separate bit position sensor, are optionally integrated into the preamplifier, close to the write output driver and write head, for further improvements in delay accuracy and stability. Write pulses produced by the preamplifier are thus well aligned with the bit islands, resulting in higher magnetization and an improved bit error rate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.