A PRML equalizer for hard disk drives with low sensitivity to sampling phase variation

This work presents a new architecture for the realization of Hard Disk Drive Read Channels, using EPR-IV equalization. The pre-equalization is realized as a sampled-data system in order to have precise pulse shaping and simply tunable bandwidth. The equalization is then completed by a fractionally spaced equalizer, which ensures low sensitivity to sampling phase variation. The system complexity is reduced with respect to typical solutions, while the performances are within the usual specs in every operating condition, as confirmed by careful simulations. The architecture was designed to be integrated in a standard CMOS IC.