Thermomagnetic writing of pulse sequences of controlled magnitude and variably controlled duration

A device for writing information onto an information carrier, which device comprises:

• conversion means for converting symbols in an information signal into pulse sequences in a control signal;
• and
• a transducer for generating a physically detectable pattern on the information carrier in response to the control signal,
• and wherein:
• the conversion means include assignment means for assigning properties of the pulse sequences to symbols in the information signal,
• the properties include the duration and the magnitude of pulses in the pulse sequences,
• the conversion means further include at least one counter for supplying a count signal after expiry of a time interval, which counter is coupled to the assignment means,
• the conversion means further include a controllable delay line coupled:
• to the at least one counter, for delaying the count signal, and to the assignment means,
• the delay line includes a chain of delay elements and a multiplexer, which multiplexer has signal inputs which are each coupled to a respective one of the outputs of the delay elements, and
• the comparison means further include a calibration circuit comprising a ring oscillator including a chain of delay elements, the delay elements of the delay line and of the chain of the ring oscillator having a delay which is controllable by a calibration signal, the calibration circuit further including error-signal generating means, for generating an error signal from an output signal of the ring oscillator and a reference signal, and including means for generating the calibration signal from the error signal.