Systems and methods for efficient data channel testing

A method for data processing, the method comprising:

• performing a data detection algorithm on a first data set to yield a detected output;
• generating a pseudo-random sequence by a pseudo-random sequence generating circuit;
• generating a second data set based upon a combination of the detected output and the pseudo-random sequence;
• performing a data decode algorithm on a derivative of the second data set to yield a third data set;
• re-generating the pseudo-random sequence by a pseudo-random sequence reconstitution circuit;
• generating a fourth data set based upon a combination of the a derivative of the third data set and the interim data sequence;
• and
• wherein performing the data detection algorithm on the first data set is guided by the fourth data set.

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 to digital converter circuit operable to sample an analog signal derived from the sensed signal to yield a series of digital samples;
• an equalizer circuit operable to equalize the digital samples to yield a first data set;
• a data detector circuit operable to apply a data detection algorithm to the first data set to yield a detected output;
• a pseudo-random sequence generator circuit operable to generate an interim data sequence and to generate a second data set based upon a combination of the detected output and the interim data sequence;
• a decoder circuit operable to apply a data decode algorithm to a derivative of the second data set to yield a third data set;
• and
• a pseudo-random sequence reconstitution circuit operable to generate the interim data sequence and to generate a fourth data set based upon a combination of the a derivative of the third data set and the interim data sequence.