Media limitations on achievement of maximum detection window

The recording performance of a digital recording system is primarily dependent upon the isolated half pulse width (T
50
), signal amplitude, intersymbol interference (ISI), signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the horizontal detection window margin (T
m
). These characteristics are related to the thickness and magnetic properties of the media, as well as the head/media interface. This paper addresses the relationship of the media characteristics in longitudinal digital magnetic recording for both particulate and thin film media to the overall recording system performance. The results are shown to proceed from further development of the quasi-optimum time containment filter analysis for media noise dominant and electronic (white) noise dominant recording channels [1], [2].