Systems and methods for dual binary and non-binary decoding processing

A method, the method comprising:

• applying a non-binary data decode algorithm to a decoder input to yield a non-binary decoded output;
• applying a binary data decode algorithm to the decoder input to yield a binary decoded output;
• determining a first number of unsatisfied checks corresponding to the non-binary decoded output;
• determining a second number of unsatisfied checks corresponding to the binary decoded output;
• and
• selecting one of the binary decoded output and the non-binary decoded output as a selected decoding result based at least in part on the first number of unsatisfied checks and the second number of unsatisfied checks.

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 sample buffer operable to maintain the sample set;
• a data decoder circuit operable to:
• apply a non-binary data decode algorithm to a decoder input derived from the sample set to yield a non-binary decoded output;
• apply a binary data decode algorithm to the decoder input to yield a binary decoded output;
• determine a first number of unsatisfied checks corresponding to the non-binary decoded output;
• determine a second number of unsatisfied checks corresponding to the binary decoded output;
• select one of the binary decoded output and the non-binary decoded output as a selected decoding result based at least in part on the first number of unsatisfied checks and the second number of unsatisfied checks.