17 Gb/in(2) areal density demonstration at 214 Mb/s

We have simultaneously demonstrated high areal density and high data rate, in an experiment that closely mimics the operation of disc drive products. The system involves thin-film media, GMR merged heads, broad bandwidth elec tronics, and an EPR4 channel with post-processing. The results presented re flect a statistical sample of components, rather than one-of-a-kind devices . In order to determine the areal density accomplished, we demanded that th e bit error rate performance be insensitive to significant deviations of th e head position from the recorded track center. We present a thorough descr iption of the components and the SNR budget. The areal density accomplished varies between 15.1 Gb/in(2) at 193 Mb/s, and 17.1 Gb/in(2) at 214 Mb/s, A series of areal density capability assessments was obtained by applying va rious margin conditions. This was done to demonstrate robust experimental r esults. The outcome of this work may be applied to product development.