Performance evaluation of LDPC codes for patterned media

This paper examines the application of low-density-parity-check (LDPC) codes to patterned media storage systems. An advanced model of the read channel that allows the investigation of data recovery techniques applicable to patterned media systems is developed. The paper also investigates what BER gain can be achieve by utilizing a soft-input-soft-output (SISO) run-length-limited (RLL) decoder as opposed to the conventional hard output RLL decoder. A final aim of this paper is to analyze the types of errors that occur in the system in relation to the convergence of the iterative decoder.