Low-complexity multi-head detection for multi-track partial response and two-dimensional recording channels

In this paper, we first investigate the performance of optimum multi-head multi-track detection systems for the two-dimensional recording channels and compare their performance for various intertrack interference levels in terms of minimum-distance parameters. Then we propose a low-complexity multi-head data detection algorithm for multi-track partial response and two-dimensional recording channels based on the ordered successive interference algorithm but it is different in the way that the detection order is pre-defined according to channel conditions and the data at successive time instants are simultaneously estimated by using group receivers. Compared with the optimal MLSD approach based on the multi-dimensional Viterbi algorithm, the complexity of the proposed algorithm is only linearly proportional to the number of tracks at an expense of small performance degradation. © 2005 IEEE