27 Feb
2023
27 Feb
'23
4:12 p.m.
On 2/27/23 15:50, Fred Cisin via cctalk wrote:
Could you explain [in dumbed down form], the
differences between "tunnel
erase" and "straddle erase"? Is it solely that the erase head(s) are
behind, VS alongside the R/W head?
How about ChatGPT's explanation? (Is this a first for CCTalk?):
When recording signals on magnetic media, erasing the previous data from
the media is an important step in preparing it for new data. Tunnel
erase and straddle erase are two different methods used for this
purpose, and they differ in how they erase the previous data from the media.
Tunnel erase is a method of erasing the previous data by applying a
magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the recording tracks.
This magnetic field is strong enough to create a "tunneling effect" that
causes the magnetic particles on the media to lose their magnetic
orientation, effectively erasing the previous data. This method is
called "tunnel erase" because the magnetic field creates a tunnel
through which the magnetic particles lose their orientation.
On the other hand, straddle erase is a method of erasing the previous
data by applying a magnetic field that is parallel to the direction of
the recording tracks. The magnetic field is applied by two or more
magnetic heads placed on either side of the recording tracks, creating a
"straddle" configuration. The magnetic field from the heads is strong
enough to erase the previous data by realigning the magnetic particles
on the media in a uniform direction.
In summary, tunnel erase and straddle erase are two different methods of
erasing the previous data from magnetic media. Tunnel erase uses a
perpendicular magnetic field to erase the previous data, while straddle
erase uses a parallel magnetic field created by multiple magnetic heads.
-Chuck