Abstract: A computing system includes a processing system, at least a first register, and a control system. The processing system generates a first instruction set and a first address for storing a first completion status for the first instruction set. The first register receives the first address from the processing system. The control system communicates the first instruction set received from the processing system to an external device. The control system receives the first completion status from the external device, accesses the first register to determine the first address for the first instruction set, and stores the first completion status in the determined first address.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a dual element magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The MR head has first and second MR elements. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce first and second thermal responses in the MR elements. A controller is coupled to the MR head and controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the first and second thermal responses in the MR elements.

Abstract: A shock-resistant actuator assembly for use in a data storage system is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes an actuator body, fabricated from a first type of metal, having a central aperture for pivoting on an actuator shaft. The actuator body includes at least one composite actuator arm extending outwardly from the actuator body. The composite actuator arm includes a primary arm member, also fabricated from the first type of metal, and a plating of a second type of metal having a thickness of at least 20 microns disposed on an upper and lower surface of the primary arm member. In one embodiment, the primary arm member is fabricated from aluminum and subjected to an electroless nickel plating process to deposit a sufficient thickness of nickel thereon to appreciably increase the stiffness of the primary arm member. In another embodiment, an actuator comb assembly includes a plurality of integral composite actuator arms for supporting a plurality of head suspension assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce a thermal response in the MR head. A controller controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the thermal response induced in the MR head.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and system for correcting for offset in a position error signal. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the readback signals dependent upon a read sensitivity profile of a read head are generated by moving the read head over a correction track. Using the readback signals, a characteristic value of the read sensitivity profile is determined. The characteristic value of the read sensitivity profile is used to adjust raw position error signals generated using the read head. The characteristic value may, for example, be determined from one or more data points from a cumulative sum data set. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a storage device is provided. The storage device includes a read head and a storage medium which includes a correction track and which is mounted to allow relative movement between the read head and the storage medium. The storage device further includes a servo control system.

Abstract: A disk storage device in which two or more discrete disk velocities are used is disclosed. The disk velocity is selected using operating environmental conditions. Various types of sensors may be used to detect the environmental conditions or the environmental conditions may be input by a user. The allocation of track locations on a disk into zones reduces the number of zone bit frequencies the storage device must handle when multiple frequency zones are used in connection with the various spindle speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a dual element magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The MR head has first and second MR elements. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce first and second thermal responses in the MR elements. A controller is coupled to the MR head and controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the first and second thermal responses in the MR elements.

Abstract: A control system for minimizing and controlling the current slew rate of an output device by using inductance to directly measure the current slew rate is provided. The control system may, for example, be used to control and minimize the current slew rate through signal drivers and allow for faster drivers and/or larger numbers of drivers on integrated circuit chips. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an inductor is serially coupled with an output device. A predriver is coupled to the gate of the output device for providing a voltage slew rate at the output device gate. A comparator is coupled to the inductor for sensing a voltage indicative of a current slew rate through the inductor and outputing a signal indicating whether the current slew rate exceeds or falls below a desired level.

Abstract: A electronic apparatus and a process for its manufacture are disclosed. The apparatus includes a planar card for accommodating an electronics module package having protruding solder columns and solder joints to mechanically mount and electrically connect the solder columns of the module to the planar card. The planar card includes a first side and a second side, a plurality of wiring lines forming a wiring pattern, and a plurality of vias extending at least partially through the card. Each of the vias includes at least one recessed area extending from one or both sides of the card. The recessed areas extending to a depth within the planar card sufficient to wick the solder joints, and the each of the recessed areas are shaped to provide surface tension to mechanically retain the solder joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which introduces a relative skew between a servo pattern and a magneto-resistive (MR) head in order to reduce interference introduced by inductive reading of shields formed as part of the MR head. The relative skew may be accomplished by introducing a skew angle directly on the head or by skewing the servo pattern formed on the magnetic medium relative to the head. Various skewed patterns may be used to reduce the overall interference.

Abstract: A disk storage device in which two or more discrete disk velocities are used is disclosed. The disk velocity is selected using operating environmental conditions. Various types of sensors may be used to detect the environmental conditions or the environmental conditions may be input by a user. The allocation of track locations on a disk into zones reduces the number of zone bit frequencies the storage device must handle when multiple frequency zones are used in connection with the various spindle speeds.

Abstract: A dual latch apparatus disposed in a direct access storage device for restraining a rotatably mounted actuator in a parked orientation in the presence of relatively low, moderate, and high levels of externally induced actuator acceleration is disclosed. An inertial latch assembly in preferably employed to prevent unrestrained actuator rotation from the parked orientation that would otherwise result from elevated levels of externally induced actuator acceleration. A separate magnetic latch assembly, or, alternatively, an electromagnetic latch assembly, is employed in tandem with the inertial latch assembly to prevent unrestrained actuator rotation and movement from the parked orientation in the presence of relatively low and moderate levels of externally induced actuator acceleration. The novel dual actuator latch apparatus is amenable for installation in standard form factor DASDs, and is particularly well-suited for incorporation in small and very small form factor DASDs.