An evaluation of partial response polynomials for magnetic recording systems

The class of partial response polynomials of the form (1-D)(1+D)/sup n/ are evaluated in recording systems with both electronic noise and nonstationary media noise. The detector performance for each polynomial is evaluated versus normalized recording density for systems with 100% electronic noise, and then for systems with 100% media noise. Simple mathematical relations are developed that show how to convert these results into plots of detector performance for contours of constant areal density. In the case of 100% electronic noise, it is shown that with the proper choice of bit length and width EPR4 yields the lowest probability of error at any areal density. Finally, a technique for combining the above results is presented so that systems with arbitrary proportions of electronic and media noise can be evaluated.<>