Method and apparatus for implementing maximum transition run codes

Apparatus for encoding m-bit binary datawords into n-bit binary codewords, in a recorded waveform, where m and n are preselected positive integers such that n is greater than m, comprising:

• receiver means for receiving the dataword;
• encoder means coupled to the receiver means, for producing sequences of fixed length codewords;
• means for imposing a pair of constraints (j;k) on the encoded waveform wherein the j constraint is defined as the maximum number of consecutive transitions allowed on consecutive clock periods in the encoded waveform to facilitate the reduction of a probability of a detection error in said receiver means;
• said sequences generating no more than j consecutive transitions in the recorded waveform such that j is an integer equal to or greater than 2;
• and
• said sequences generating no more than k consecutive sample periods without a transition in the recorded waveform.