Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An automatic track follower (ATF) system for accurately positioning the read/write head on the tracks of a magnetic tape comprises a pilot signal generator for generating pilot signals from tape pilot marks; a sample-and-hold circuit for sampling the pilot signals from the tracks immediately adjacent a track being read; a comparator for comparing the magnitudes of the pilot signals from adjacent tracks on both sides of the track being read; a correction circuit for centering the read/write head on the track being read; and a processor for digitally controlling the generator, sample-and-hold circuit, comparator, and correction circuit and their functions, the digital control being under programmable control. Three code bit fields are discriminated from the digital data to detect the beginning of the ATF field on the tape to derive the ATF logic, timing, and control functions.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim