MULTI-LEVEL MAPPING OF TAPE ERROR RECOVERIES

Method and apparatus are provided for presenting various levels of detail about successful error recoveries and background hardware optimizations during the recording and retrieval of digital information on magnetic tape. A first, Band Summary, report presents a high-level summary of recovery methods by data band and wrap. A second, Detail Summary, report presents a mid-level summary of recovery methods by track and longitudinal position (LPOS) region within one wrap of a band on the tape. A third, ERP Summary, report presents a low-level summary of errors and specific recovery methods and optimizations by LPOS region within each wrap. Such “telescoping” views permit pattern analysis to be performed at different resolutions. Thus, correlations of possible interactions between hardware and microcode activities that result in changes of the nominal operating point of the drive may be identified. Possible failure patterns may also be identified and fed back to design personnel and incorporated in microcode design changes for more effective ERP.