A high performance digital read channel for hard disk drives using PRML techniques

The author describes a novel PRML (partial-response maximum-likelihood) read channel which combines ZDR (zoned density recording) with digital pulse qualification and an enhanced encode/decode scheme to achieve increased linear bit densities. The read channel´s functional blocks are described along with the process technology requirements and their key performance attributes which affect data throughput. The benefits of this approach include higher areal density, higher data throughput rates, improved pulse qualification, and the application of digital signal recovery which will lead to improved drive manufacturability and lower costs per megabyte