Automated 2D/3D scanning and evaluation of written data on spinstand

In this paper we present an automated technique of extracting the 2D readback waveforms from the spinstand especially for the evaluation of the servo pattern. The setup is tested with commercial media mounted on a Guzik spinstand. The raw readback data is acquired, processed and averaged to get the image of the servo region with high signal to noise ratio (SNR). Based on the 2D readback signal captured on the setup, the defects of the servo pattern can be identified. As compared to MFM, this is a non-destructive method, larger area signals can be acquired more quickly and conveniently, and higher SNR ratio can be obtained. This setup provides an alternative low cost solution to the media scanning function of the Guzik D5000 digital analyzer.