Patent ID: 6078463
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for producing a position error signal for positioning a magneto-resistive (MR) data transfer head in a magnetic recording system, comprising the steps of:providing a magnetic recording medium having a longitudinal extent and having adjacent servo data tracks recorded thereon each containing identical information formed by a series of longitudinally spaced magnetic transitions, said magnetic transitions in the two servo tracks being respectively oppositely polarized, and said two servo data tracks bordering each other at a servo line;nominally positioning an MR data transfer head over said two servo tracks and dividing said MR data transfer head into two 1/2 MR elements with a common sense center tap and generating respective voltage signals with said two 1/2 MR elements dependent on resistance changes produced by said magnetic transitions; andgenerating a position error signal, for controlling a position of said MR data transfer head relative to said servo line, dependent on said respective voltage signals without reference to any predetermined pattern of magnetic transitions.