To provide a data reading and writing device allowable for defects on a magnetic layer at the time of reading and writing data by arranging and arraying a plurality of tracks for reading/writing operations between two servo bands operating as two servo elements.
Reading/writing elements and servo elements are arranged so that four reading/writing elements 30, 32, 34, 36 are arrayed between two servo elements 38, 40. Also, reading/writing elements 44, 46, 48, 50 and servo elements 52, 54 of a second bump 42 are arranged so that the four reading/ writing elements 44, 46, 48, 50 of the second bump 42 are arrayed between the two servo elements 52, 54 of the second bump 42. The servo elements 52, 54 each of the second bump 42 have a same physical configuration as each of the reading/writing elements 44, 46, 48, 50. It is possible to cope with defects on the tape by using two servo elements reading/writing from two servo bands.
FASEN DONALD J
BARNDT RICHARD D
