High Density Magnetic Tape Recording by Non-Tracking Method

Conventional helical-scan magnetic recording requires precise head tracking, precise tape path and accurate servo control for them. We have developed a magnetic tape recording system based on a new concept, "Non-tracking Method" which requires less accuracy of them. By combining double track scanning and data rearrangement through a memory divice, all data can be reproduced in correct order without precise head tracking. When track pitch is 9.8μm, the non-tracking method expands the tolerance on head tracking to plus and minus 100μm, while the head tracking tolerance of plus and minus 5μm is needed in conventional recording. Using the non-tracking method, a newly developed rotary head drum loading system which is called "non-tape-loading" and also a newly developed metal-evaporated tape, we have developed a extremely high density digital audio tape recording system, including a stamp-sized tape cassette and a tiny digital audio recorder. Two hours stereo digital recording is realized with the tiny cassette.