Abstract: A method includes detecting a read error during a first read operation by a read sensor on a first track on a data storage medium. The method also includes, after the read error is detected, performing a second read operation by the read sensor on the first track, carrying out bit error value (BEV) measurements for the second read operation, and determining, from the BEV measurements, whether the read sensor produces a marginal BEV, which is between first and second predetermined BEV thresholds. In response to determining that the read sensor produces the marginal BEV, a third read operation by the read sensor on the first track is carried out, and BEV measurements for the third read operation are performed. When the BEV measurements from the second and third read operations meet at least one predetermined read sensor instability criterion, it is concluded that the read sensor is unstable.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for utilizing a head heater to test temperature stability of a head of a storage device and to prevent the head from operating in an unstable temperature condition. A temperature condition of a read/write head in a storage device is ascertained and it is determined whether the temperature condition is within a predetermined range of temperature conditions in which the read/write head exhibits instability. If the temperature condition of the read/write head is within the predetermined range, a power level of a head heater of the read/write head is adjusted to change the temperature condition of the read/write head to be outside of the predetermined range.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for utilizing a head heater to test temperature stability of a head of a storage device and to prevent the head from operating in an unstable temperature condition. A temperature condition of a read/write head in a storage device is ascertained and it is determined whether the temperature condition is within a predetermined range of temperature conditions in which the read/write head exhibits instability. If the temperature condition of the read/write head is within the predetermined range, a power level of a head heater of the read/write head is adjusted to change the temperature condition of the read/write head to be outside of the predetermined range.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for utilizing a head heater to test temperature stability of a head of a storage device and to prevent the head from operating in an unstable temperature condition. A first power level may be applied to a head heater of a head in a storage device, the first power level configured to simulate a temperature condition in the head. An instability of the head is determined and the temperature condition and the instability of the head are recorded in a memory. The process may be repeated to develop a range of temperature conditions in which the head exhibits instability. The range of temperature conditions and the head heater may then be utilized to prevent the head from operating in an unstable temperature condition during normal operation.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for recovering an instable head in a storage device using an internal head heater. An instability in the reader head may be detected, and, in response to detecting the instability, a thermal shock may be applied to the reader head utilizing the head heater to recover the head.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for recovering an instable head in a storage device using an internal head heater. An instability in the reader head may be detected, and, in response to detecting the instability, a thermal shock may be applied to the reader head utilizing the head heater to recover the head.

Abstract: A storage device having an automatic backup function, which is connected to a host apparatus to store user data, is provided. The storage device includes a storage medium which stores the user data, and a controller which controls data writing and reading of the storage medium. The controller backs up at least a portion of the user data stored in the storage medium in an available region of the storage medium when the storage device is in an idle mode.