Multitrack RLL codes for the storage channel with immunity to intertrack interference

Abstract

Multitrack codes that have been proposed for the magnetic storage channel promise larger capacities than conventional run-length limited (RLL) single-track codes. While recent research has approached the intertrack interference (ITI) problem as one or signal detection, we address this issue and mitigate its effect by proper code design. We propose new multitrack RLL codes with immunity to ITI in high density magnetic storage channels. We also enumerate the total number of unique sequences satisfying the minimum run-length constraint for each track in conjunction with the minimum run-length constraint between tracks, and the maximum run-length constraint satisfied by at least one track.