Patent ID: 6771441
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for measuring a track mis-registration operating performance of a data storage device with a plurality of information tracks for use in predicting a functional capability of the data storage device comprising steps of:(a) performing a DC erase on three adjacent information tracks selected from the plurality of information tracks; (b) writing a predetermined bit pattern on a middle track of the three adjacent information tracks; (c) reading the predetermined bit pattern from the middle track to provide a first signal to a variable gain amplifier to generate a first value of the variable gain amplifier; (d) performing DC erases on each information track adjacent the middle track; (e) re-reading the bit pattern from the middle track to provide a second signal to the variable gain amplifier to generate a second value of the variable gain amplifier; and (f) operating on the first and second values of the variable gain amplifier to provide a track mis-registration value for use with a predetermined threshold value to determine the functional capability of the data storage device.