Encoded servo track configurations, servo writer and systems/method regarding same

摘要

A servo track recording tape includes a plurality of data tracks and a servo band dedicated for servo information. The servo band includes substantially uniformly written servo carrier information across a predetermined servo carrier width along the length of the tape with at least one encoded track pitch defined therein. Each encoded track pitch has alternating erased and non-erased portions along the length of the tape for defining servo tracks. The alternating erased and non-erased portions of the at least one encoded track pitch include encoded information provided by varying the length of one or more of the erased portions. The encoded information may be representative of tape locations along the length of the tape. The servo band may include two or more encoded track pitches defined in the substantially uniformly written servo carrier information with each encoded track pitch defining corresponding servo tracks. The alternating erased and non-erased portions of each of the two or more encoded track pitches may include encoded information uniquely identifying the corresponding servo tracks. Another servo tracking data recording tape includes a servo band including at least one single frequency servo track written in an erased width of the servo band along the length of the tape. The single frequency servo track includes encoded blocks of information along the length of the tape representative of at least one characteristic of the tape. Systems, head assemblies and encoding methods for use in providing such encoded servo track recording tape configurations are also described.