Servo pattern architecture and method using same to improve LPOS encoding efficiency

A sequential data storage medium, such as for example and without limitation a magnetic tape, comprising a sequence of plurality of servo patterns encoded therein, which provide lateral position information and LPOS information. Each servo pattern comprises a first burst comprising a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, a fourth pulse and a fifth pulse and a second burst comprising a sixth pulse, a seventh pulse, an eighth pulse, a ninth pulse and a tent pulse. The widths of the plurality of pulses, in combination with the spacings between the plurality of pulses, encode two bits of data.