Modulation Decoding Based on K-Means Algorithm for Bit-Patterned Media Recording

Abstract

In bit-patterned media recording (BPMR) systems, the readback signal is affected by neighboring islands that are characterized by intersymbol interference (ISI) and intertrack interference (ITI). Since increasing the areal density encourages the influence of ISI and ITI, it is more difficult to detect the data. Modulation coding can prevent the occurrence of specific data patterns that can cause severe ISI and ITI. In this study, we propose a modulation decoding method based on the K-means algorithm for a BPMR system to improve decoding capabilities. As the K-means algorithm helps understand data patterns and characteristics, the K-means decoder shows the best performance.