Patent ID: 6594103
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A read channel chip for use with a data storage unit storing data signals according to an encoding scheme, the data storage unit characterized by a controlled variable, the read channel chip for use with a control system operative with an observable variable having an absolute value functional relationship to the controlled variable, the read channel chip comprising:a signal line providing a signal stream representative of data stored on the data storage unit; a data estimation circuit, the data estimation circuit assigning values to samples derived from the signal stream and assigning an error measure to the samples; and a data output terminal outputting data at a data rate and an error measure output terminal outputting a signal representative of the error measure, wherein signals are provided concurrently on the data output terminal and the error measure output terminal outputting the signal representative of the error measure at a rate sufficient to allow the signal to be used in the control system for servo control of the controlled variable.