Magnetic data storage can be viewed as a data communication system. This is not a sUlprising view, considering that data storage is essentially the transfer of data between different times. The past decade has indeed seen rapidly growing interest in applying improved coding and detection techniques to magnetic data storage, a traditional approach to enhance performance of communication channels. Since its inception in the 1930's, the magnetic recording industry has achieved impressive progress in data capacity. This has been made possible mainly by innovations and advances in heads and media design. However, as the demand for higher storage capacity continues in the modem information era, a need arises to explore other possibilities to help meet the ever-growing demand. Advanced coding and detection are one such possibility, providing an efficient, cost-effective means to increase data capacity. In fact, with the advent of modem Ie technology which has enabled real-time implementation of increasingly complex signal processing algorithms, advanced coding and detection are rapidly becoming a major issue in the development of improved data storage products. While there have been remarkable advances in recent years in the areas of both coding and detection for data storage, this book focuses only on data detection, or the processing of readback waveforms to reproduce stored data, in conjunction with the traditional modulation coding method called run length-limited or (d,k) coding.

With the massive amount of data produced and stored each year, reliable storage and retrieval of information is more crucial than ever. Robust coding and decoding techniques are critical for correcting errors and maintaining data integrity. Comprising chapters thoughtfully selected from the highly popular Coding and Signal Processing for Magnetic Recording Systems, Advanced Error Control Techniques for Data Storage Systems is a finely focused reference to the state-of-the-art error control and modulation techniques used in storage devices. The book begins with an introduction to error control codes, explaining the theory and basic concepts underlying the codes. Building on these concepts, the discussion turns to modulation codes, paying special attention to run-length limited sequences, followed by maximum transition run (MTR) and spectrum shaping codes. It examines the relationship between constrained codes and error control and correction systems from both code-design and architectural perspectives as well as techniques based on convolution codes. With a focus on increasing data density, the book also explores multi-track systems, soft decision decoding, and iteratively decodable codes such as Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) Codes, Turbo codes, and Turbo Product Codes. Advanced Error Control Techniques for Data Storage Systems offers a comprehensive collection of theory and techniques that is ideal for specialists working in the field of data storage systems.