A maximum likelihood peak detecting channel

The authors describe state-of-the-art peak detection using maximum likelihood methods on variable pulse response targets. A peak detecting channel using maximum likelihood detection is described and results are shown to be up to 3 dB better than simple peak detection, consistent with the gain attributed to Viterbi detection. The peak detection technique is suitable for disk recording channel using run-length-limited (RLL) codes for data storage. The authors demonstrate the difference between modeled (1,7) RLL coded channels with fixed idealized target response and actual channel hardware. In particular, it is noted that while traditional modeling results suggest no benefit from using Viterbi-like algorithms in RLL coded channels, actual channel performance results do show measurable gains