Abstract: An improved magnetic read/write head actuator assembly for use within a storage disk system that provides reduced average access time. The actuator assembly includes an actuator arm mounted on a pivotal E-block structure. A read/write head is supported at a distal end of the actuator arm such that the head is positioned in close proximity to a rotating magnetic storage disk. An actuator motor cooperates with the E-block structure to provide pivotal motion to the actuator arm about a central pivot axis. The actuator motor includes a pair of rotor windings connected to the E-block structure at an end opposite the actuator arm and stator magnet structure that is statically mounted in close proximity to the rotor windings. The actuator motor further includes a flux conductive member for forming a closed magnetic flux path through the windings and the stator magnets. The pair of rotor winding are oriented in a plane normal to the plane defined by the pivotal angular motion of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A cable detection method is provided for detecting the existence of an 80-conductor cable used in connecting a host device to peripheral devices of a computer system. An 80-conductor cable is required for Ultra-ATA to function at data transfer rates of modes 3 or 4. In compliance with ATA/ATAPI standards and requirement, the cable detection method includes the placement of a capacitor on the PDIAG- signal at the host. A device would assert the PDIAG- signal to a low state for a predetermined length of time to discharge the capacitor, release the signal then measure the state of the signal within a window of time, thereby assuring a high state for an 80 conductor cable and a low state for a non-80 conductor cable.

Abstract: A synchronous DMA burst transfer method is provided for transferring data between a host device and a peripheral drive device connected by an ATA bus. The method provides synchronous data transfer capability in an asynchronous system by having one device in charge of both a strobe signal and a data signal. When a host read or write command is delivered to the peripheral drive device, the peripheral device decides when to start the synchronous DMA burst. For a read command, the peripheral device requests the synchronous DMA burst then drives a data word onto the ATA bus after the host acknowledges that it is ready to begin the burst. After allowing time for the data signal to settle, the peripheral device toggles a strobe signal from a high state to a low state. The host sees the edge of the strobe signal at which time the host latches the data word on the bus. Additional data words can be driven on the bus and the strobe signal can be retoggled to latch the additional data words into the host.