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US4203137A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Dual mode read preamplifier with electrical short detector

Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1978-08-17
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Granted: 1980-05-13
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Expires: 1998-08-17
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Abstract

Abstract Monitoring the performance of recording channels during the write mode is accomplished by available read preamplifier circuitry, and a write monitor channel. During the read mode, the read preamplifier functions conventionally. During the write mode, the write signal is attenuated and monitored. The monitor circuit senses failures in the write operation and can detect the absence of write current transitions. Isolation between the non-selected channels and the selected channel is effectively provided. A detection circuit is coupled to the preamplfier for detecting electrical shorts in the magnetic heads and wiring.

Inventors

  • 👤 John W. Beck
  • 👤 Donald P. McCown

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-27 12:42
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03F; H03F3/00; H03F3/72

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim 116 words
A dual mode read preamplifier for use in a data recording system comprising; a plurality of recording channels for operating during read and write modes; a monitor channel including first resistance means connected to each of said recording channels for operation during the write mode; first selection means for energizing any one of said recording channels for transducing operation; write driver and second selection means for supplying a write signal to a selected recording channel; and second resistance means coupled to the inputs of said recording channels and connected to said first resistance means for attenuating said write signal, and for providing isolation between a selected energized recording channel and the others of said recording channels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 116 words
A dual mode read preamplifier for use in a data recording system comprising; a plurality of recording channels for operating during read and write modes; a monitor channel including first resistance means connected to each of said recording channels for operation during the write mode; first selection means for energizing any one of said recording channels for transducing operation; write driver and second selection means for supplying a write signal to a selected recording channel; and second resistance means coupled to the inputs of said recording channels and connected to said first resistance means for attenuating said write signal, and for providing isolation between a selected energized recording channel and the others of said recording channels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 20 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 1 wherein said recording channels include at least one non-center-tapped recording head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 24 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 2, including a head short detector coupled to the output circuit of each of said channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 24 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 3, wherein the write signal sensed by said head short detector is a balanced differential signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 31 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 4, wherein said head short detector comprises a threshold detector for determining whether said differential signal is greater than a specified threshold voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 25 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 5, wherein said head short detector including said threshold detector senses the absence of write current transitions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 32 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 5, wherein said head short detector comprises a level detector for sensing the level of the processed write signal relative to a reference voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 35 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 7, wherein said head short detector comprises an integrator for integrating the currents supplied by said level detector and for providing a clamping function to prevent saturation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 34 words
A dual mode read preamplifier as in claim 1, wherein the value of said second resistance means is a high multiple of at least one hundred times of that of said first resistance means.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3479650A Cited
US3707707A Cited
US3810236A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1983-05-13 1983-11-12 1984-05-13 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1987-05-13 1987-11-12 1988-05-13 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1991-05-13 1991-11-12 1992-05-13 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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