Evaluation of Multiple Reader Location for TDMR R/W Channel

The two-dimensional magnetic recording (TDMR) by shingled magnetic recording needs two-dimensional (TD) signal processing using the multiple read-back waveforms. In this paper, to allocate dual readers (reader 1 and 2) for the intended tracks, we evaluate the bit error rate (BER) performance of a low-density parity-check coding and iterative decoding system with a TD-finite impulse response equalizer under TDMR R/W channel specifications of 4 Tb/in². Here, the TDMR R/W channel is modeled using a discretized granular medium and the writing process based on a slope model considering the media switching field angle given by the Stoner-Walfarth reversal mechanism. The result shows that to affect the good BER performance, the reader 1 should be placed slightly toward the next track from the center of the home track, and the reader 2 should be placed around the boundary between the home and following tracks.