In high density perpendicular magnetic recording channels, nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) is one of the distortions that can degrade the system performance. Write precompensation is a standard method used to combat the negative effect of NLTS. In this paper, we present an analysis of the bit-error-rate (BER) for perpendicular recording systems with NLTS and write precompensation. Media jitter noise and additive white Gaussian noise are also considered in the model. A BER lower bound is derived, as well as a more easily computed estimate of the bound. The write precompensation values that numerically minimize the estimate of the BER lower bound prove to be very close to those found using Monte-Carlo channel simulation. We then apply these methods to the design of multilevel precompensation schemes, for which the optimization of precompensation values by Monte-Carlo channel simulation is computationally infeasible. The results show that for higher recording densities subject to increased ISI and noise, the use of more complex precompensation schemes does not significantly improve the system performance.

The read-write process in perpendicular magnetic recording channels includes a number of nonlinear effects. Nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) arising from previously written transitions is one of these. The signal distortion induced by NLTS is reduced by use of write precompensation during data recording. In this paper, we numerically evaluate the effect of NLTS on the read-back signal by using the model proposed by Bertram and Nakamoto. By means of computer simulation, we examine the effectiveness of two write precompensation schemes in combating NLTS effects in a channel characterized by both transition jitter noise and additive white Gaussian electronics noise. We numerically optimize the precompensation schemes according to channel bit-error-rate, as well as more computationally tractable criteria. Our results suggest that a write-precompensation technique with as few as two adjustable parameters can be very effective against NLTS effects.

The basic phenomena associated with the recording and reproduction of signals on magnetic recording media are described. Fields due to magnetized media and heads are reviewed along with their Fourier transforms. The playback-isolated voltage pulse and square-wave voltage spectrum are discussed in detail for various magnetization orientations. Descriptive models of the recording process are given for both longitudinal and vertical recording.