High-Density PCM Tape Recording

The search for a reliable encoding and decoding process for pulse-code modulation (PCM) data streams is discussed with application in both the serial and parallel mode employing standard IRIG wide-band (2.0 MHz at 120 in/s) longitudinal magnetic tape recorder/reproducer. Serial and parallel PCM data at 4.0 and 3.0 Mbit/s/track, respectively, may be handled by the Sangamo Electric Company instrumentation systems with PCM channels in both portable and laboratory configurations. Not only was a method identified to utilze the maximum bandwidth available in conjunction with acceptable data error rates, but definite advantages and disadvantages were verified for all the standard PCM formats.