High frequency lateral tape motion and the dynamics of tape edge contact

Lateral motion of magnetic tape is investigated on roller and porous air-bearing type tape drives. The lateral tape motion signal is high-pass filtered and the spectral components are analyzed. Time-frequency analysis is also performed. The effect of dynamic tension changes during high frequency lateral motion events is examined, and the tension difference across the tape head is found to be correlated to the lateral motion of tape near the head. The effect of lateral motion of tape on tape pack winding is investigated and the frequencies observed during edge contact are analyzed.