Abstract: An actuator for supporting data transfer elements includes an arm, a flexible circuit assembly and a sensor. The flexible circuit assembly includes a stiffener having a mount feature and a turnaround feature. The flexible circuit assembly also includes a flexible cable having a plurality of conductive traces for electrically connecting the data transfer elements to circuitry. The flexible cable has a service loop portion, a mounting portion coupled to the mount feature of the stiffener and a turnaround portion coupled to the turnaround feature of the stiffener. The turnaround portion is configured to couple the mounting portion to the service loop portion. The sensor is in contact with a surface of the arm and is electrically coupled to the flexible cable.

Abstract: While a microactuator is controlled to cause a head to follow a track on a disk surface, one or more other microactuators are separately controlled to offset other heads away from locations of thermal asperities on other associated disk surfaces.

Abstract: While a microactuator is controlled to cause a head to follow a track on a disk surface, one or more other microactuators are separately controlled to offset other heads away from locations of thermal asperities on other associated disk surfaces.

Abstract: An actuator for supporting data transfer elements includes an arm, a flexible circuit assembly and a sensor. The flexible circuit assembly includes a stiffener having a mount feature and a turnaround feature. The flexible circuit assembly also includes a flexible cable having a plurality of conductive traces for electrically connecting the data transfer elements to circuitry. The flexible cable has a service loop portion, a mounting portion coupled to the mount feature of the stiffener and a turnaround portion coupled to the turnaround feature of the stiffener. The turnaround portion is configured to couple the mounting portion to the service loop portion. The sensor is in contact with a surface of the arm and is electrically coupled to the flexible cable.

Abstract: A FOS is provided for electrically connecting a data transfer head with a PCCA. The FOS comprises a polymeric layer supporting an electrical trace. The electrical trace comprises an uninsulated pad surface configured for electrically engaging a solder interconnect of the PCCA. The polymeric layer comprises a continuous portion covering the pad and opposing the pad surface. A method is provided comprising providing the FOS comprising the electrical trace and the polymeric covering, contactingly engaging the pad surface portion of the trace with the solder interconnect portion of the PCCA, and conducting heat through the polymeric covering to reflow the solder interconnect, thereby electrically connecting the FOS to the PCCA.

Abstract: A motor control circuit controls a motor in a disc drive. The motor control circuit includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) providing a commutation timing signal. A commutation circuit is operably coupled to the VCO and provides commutation signals to the motor based on the commutation timing signal. A phase locked feedback circuit is operably coupled to the commutation circuit and provides a feedback signal to the VCO based on a sensed commutation phase to control a frequency of the commutation timing signal. A modulator is operably coupled to the phase locked feedback circuit and modulates the feedback signal. A method is also provided in which the commutation timing signal is modulated so as to spread a frequency spectrum of the commutation signals.