Systems and Methods for Multi-Stage Decoding Processing

A method, the method comprising:

• applying a data detection algorithm to a data input to yield a first detected output;
• applying a first data decoding algorithm to the first detected output to yield a first decoded output;
• re-applying the data detection algorithm to the data input guided by the first decoded output to yield a second detected output;
• determining that a number of applications of the data detection algorithm to the data input is greater than a threshold;
• based at least in part on the determination that the number of applications of the data detection algorithm to the data input is greater than the threshold, applying a second data decoding algorithm to the second detected output to yield a second decoded output.

A storage device, the storage device comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head assembly disposed in relation to the storage medium and operable to provide a sensed signal corresponding to information on the storage medium;
• a read channel circuit including:
• an analog front end circuit operable to provide an analog signal corresponding to the sensed signal;
• an analog to digital converter circuit operable to sample the analog signal to yield a series of digital samples;
• an equalizer circuit operable to equalize the digital samples to yield a sample set;
• a data detector circuit operable to apply a data detection algorithm to the sample set to yield a first detected output, and to apply the data detection algorithm to the sample set guided by a first decoded output to yield a second detected output;
• and
• a data decoder circuit operable to:
• apply a first data decoding algorithm to the first detected output to yield the first decoded output;
• and
• apply a second data decoding algorithm to the second detected output to yield a second decoded output.