Magnetic data storage apparatus for use with linear recording media having a reduced servo band width

A magnetic data storage apparatus, comprising:

• a magnetic head having:
• at least one group of N≧2 servo readers configured to read a servo pattern of a linear magnetic recording medium, wherein each servo reader is positioned apart from one another by a distance substantially equal to a servo band width b in a main direction of the magnetic head, which in operation is transverse to a longitudinal tape length;
• and one or more groups of data read/write transducers spaced apart a distance B in the main direction of the head, wherein B corresponds to a distance between data transducers of the magnetic head in a direction transverse to a longitudinal length of the tape;
• a drive mechanism for passing the linear magnetic recording medium over the magnetic head;
• and
• a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head for controlling operation of the magnetic head.

A magnetic data storage apparatus, comprising:

• a magnetic head having one or more groups of at least two servo readers, the magnetic head also having one or more groups of data read/write transducers spaced apart a distance B in the main direction of the head;
• a drive mechanism for passing a linear magnetic recording medium over the magnetic head;
• and
• a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head for controlling operation of the magnetic head,
• the controller being configured to position a first servo reader of the one or more groups of servo readers of the magnetic head in a first lateral medium region of a servo band having width b that is less than or equal to about 1.2 B/N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and B corresponds to a distance between adjacent ones of the data read/write transducers of the magnetic head in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the medium relative to the head,
• the controller being configured to cause performance of a first read and/or write operation on a portion of a data band,
• the controller being configured to adjust a position of the magnetic head during the first read and/or write operation based on signals from the first servo reader reading the servo band,
• the controller being configured to position a second servo reader of the group of servo readers of the magnetic head in a second lateral medium region of the servo band,
• the controller being configured to cause performance of a second read and/or write operation on another portion of the data band,
• the controller being configured to adjust a position of the magnetic head during the second read and/or write operation based on signals from the second servo reader reading the servo band.