Side reading study of recording heads

A time-domain method for characterizing the side reading of recording heads from simulated adjacent tracks is described. The method provides information such as the side-reading signal and its data-pattern dependence as well as readback-signal distortions, not obtainable from track or microtrack profiles traditionally used. The side reading of narrow-track MIG (metal-in-gap) and thin-film inductive heads produces a distinct shoulder on the readback signal, thereby increasing the noise-to-signal ratio and degrading the error-rate performance. It is observed that the side reading strongly depends on data patterns written on adjacent tracks, and certain data patterns causing large side reading can be constructed.<>