Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a controller to read data from and write data to a first storage medium. The controller is adapted to monitor logical block addresses (LBAs) of each read operation from the first storage medium and to selectively store files associated with the monitored LBAs that are less than a predetermined length at a second storage medium to enhance performance of applications associated with the LBAs.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a controller to read data from and write data to a first storage medium. The controller is adapted to monitor logical block addresses (LBAs) of each read operation from the first storage medium and to selectively store files associated with the monitored LBAs that are less than a predetermined length at a second storage medium to enhance performance of applications associated with the LBAs.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a controller to read data from and write data to a first storage medium. The controller is adapted to monitor logical block addresses (LBAs) of each read operation from the first storage medium and to selectively store files associated with the monitored LBAs that are less than a predetermined length at a second storage medium to enhance performance of applications associated with the LBAs.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a controller to read data from and write data to a first storage medium. The controller is adapted to monitor logical block addresses (LBAs) of each read operation from the first storage medium and to selectively store files associated with the monitored LBAs that are less than a predetermined length at a second storage medium to enhance performance of applications associated with the LBAs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing disc drive reliability by applying reduced read bias levels to read elements of a disc drive during an idle mode of operation. A preamplifier driver circuit applies an operational read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude to the read element to transduce data from a recording surface during an active mode. Once a predetermined period of inactivity occurs during which host data transfer commands are not processed, the disc drive enters the idle mode and the preamplifier reduces the read bias signal magnitude. The reduced bias level during the idle mode reduces thermal stress and electromigration within the read element while still allowing data to be transduced from the recording surface as the drive performs a dithering operation to move the head to different tracks on the recording surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing disc drive reliability by applying reduced read bias levels to read elements of a disc drive during an idle mode of operation. A preamplifier driver circuit applies an operational read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude to the read element to transduce data from a recording surface during an active mode. Once a predetermined period of inactivity occurs during which host data transfer commands are not processed, the disc drive enters the idle mode and the preamplifier reduces the read bias signal magnitude. The reduced bias level during the idle mode reduces thermal stress and electromigration within the read element while still allowing data to be transduced from the recording surface as the drive performs a dithering operation to move the head to different tracks on the recording surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for predicting future failure of a disc drive head from degradation in a head readback response characteristic, such as electrical resistance, readback signal amplitude, asymmetry or nonlinearity. During manufacturing, the disc drive determines and store a baseline level for a selected readback response characteristic of the head indicative of head performance as data are read back from a disc. During subsequent data processing use, the disc drive subsequently periodically determines a subsequent level for the readback response characteristic of the head. The possibility of a future failure of the drive is next predicted in relation to a difference between the baseline level and the subsequent level for the readback response characteristic of the head. An indication of the possibility of the future failure is provided to allow a host device to reallocate data stored on the disc before the failure of the head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for optimizing operational performance of a disc drive through temperature dependent parametric configuration. A plurality of parameter sets corresponding to a plurality of predefined contiguous operational temperature ranges of the disc drive are initially established. During operation of the disc drive, a temperature sensor is used to periodically measure the temperature of the drive. The operational temperature range in which the measured temperature falls is identified, and the disc drive utilizes the parameter set corresponding to the identified operational temperature range.