We present advanced combinatorial techniques for constructing maximum runle
ngth-limited (RLL) block codes and maximum transition run (MTR) codes. Thes
e codes find widespread application in recording systems. The proposed tech
niques are used to construct a high-rate multipurpose modulation code for r
ecording systems. The code, a rate 16/17, (0, 3, 2, 2) MTR code, that also
fulfills (0, 15, 9, 9) RLL constraints is a high-rate distance-enhancing co
de with additional constraints for improving timing and gain control. The e
ncoder and decoder have a particularly efficient architecture and allow an
instantaneous translation of 16-bit source words into 17-bit codewords and
vice versa. The code has been implemented in Lucent read-channel chips and
has excellent performance.