Correlation of Tape Dropouts with Data Quality

Abstract

When recording and reproducing telemetry data, signal dropouts are a prime concern to most tape users. The effect of particular depths and lengths of dropouts on data quality must be known before the acceptability of a tape for a specific application can be determined. This paper discusses the correlation of tape dropouts with data quality when recording predetection and post-detection telemetry data and IRIG timing on wideband instrumentation tape, as well as methods of reducing dropouts.