Abstract
A mechanics modeling is presented in this paper with focus given to understanding effect of flexible printed circuit cable's dynamic effect on tape head actuator's lateral motion in advanced, high capacity tape drives. The flexible printed circuit cable which connects the actuator to printed circuit board is first examined through establishment of analytical model to predict its profile with considerations of boundary conditions and mechanical design parameters. Secondly, equivalent stiffness produced by the flexible printed circuit cable when the linear tape head actuator is positioned along its lateral positions is examined. Finally, effect of tape head actuator's voice coil motor is studied and modeled as a magnetic suspension, contributing to stability and controllability of the actuator lateral motion dynamics. Validated by calibrated laboratory experiments, the work presented in this paper can add to the literature regarding dynamics and control of LTM in modern LTO drives. © Springer-Verlag 2012.