Detecting fly height of a head over a storage medium

A data storage system comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head;
• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• a head controller adapted to control the distance between the head and the storage medium based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A data storage system comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head;
• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• a head controller adapted to control the distance between the head and the storage medium based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head;
• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• a head controller adapted to control the distance between the head and the storage medium based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head;
• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• a head controller adapted to control the distance between the head and the storage medium based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• a storage medium;
• a head;
• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• a head controller adapted to control the distance between the head and the storage medium based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a pulse circuit adapted to generate a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• a measurement circuit adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• a measurement circuit
• adapted to receive a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• adapted to determine a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• a calculation circuit adapted to provide a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of the data are stored on the storage medium means;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse, and wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of the data are stored on the storage medium means;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse, and wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of the data are stored on the storage medium means;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A data storage system comprising:

• storage medium means for storing data;
• head means for reading the data from the storage medium means;
• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head means over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium means;
• measurement circuit determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing a distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• and
• head controller means for controlling the distance between the head means and the storage medium means based on the signal provided by the calculation circuit means,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of the data are stored on the storage medium means;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An apparatus for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the apparatus comprising:

• pulse circuit means for generating a pulse in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium;
• measurement circuit means for determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit means takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

An integrated circuit for determining a distance between a head and a storage medium, the integrated circuit comprising:

• measurement circuit means for receiving a pulse from the head in response to a transition of the head over a predetermined pattern on the storage medium, and
• determining a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculation circuit means for providing a signal representing the distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium;
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes;
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, further comprising:
• taking samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, further comprising:
• taking samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, further comprising
• taking samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, further comprising
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein the function of the first and second amplitudes is a logarithm of a ratio of the first amplitude to a sum of at least two second amplitudes.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, and wherein the method further comprises:
• taking samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, and wherein the method further comprises:
• taking samples of the pulse at a baud rate of the symbols of the data;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• an immediately previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• an immediately succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, and wherein the method further comprises:
• taking samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.

A computer program embodying instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable by a computer to perform a method comprising:

• receiving a pulse generated in response to a transition of a head over a predetermined pattern on a storage medium;
• measuring a first amplitude of the pulse at a first predetermined time and one or more second amplitudes of the pulse at respective second predetermined times;
• and
• calculating a distance between the head and the storage medium based on a function of the first and second amplitudes,
• wherein a plurality of symbols of data are stored on the storage medium, and wherein the method further comprises:
• wherein the measurement circuit takes samples of the pulse at n times the baud rate of the symbols of the data, where n is an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the first amplitude is determined from the one of the samples nearest a maximum amplitude of the pulse;
• and
• wherein the second amplitudes comprise
• a previous amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately preceding the n−1 of the samples immediately preceding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse, and
• a succeeding amplitude determined from the one of the samples immediately succeeding the n−1 of the samples immediately succeeding the one of the samples nearest the maximum amplitude of the pulse.