Abstract: Apparatus and method for executing controller memory buffer (CMB) based data transfer commands in a distributed data processing environment. In some embodiments, a storage device having a device controller and a main non-volatile memory (NVM) is coupled to a client device via an interface. The client device respectively issues normal data transfer commands and bypass data transfer commands to the storage device. The normal data transfer commands include read and write commands that result in transfer of data between the NVM and the client device using a normal data path through the storage device. The bypass data transfer commands involve an allocated CMB of the storage device directly controlled and accessed by the client device. In this way, write data are directly placed into the CMB for writing to the NVM, and readback data from the NVM are directly recovered from the CMB by the client device.

Abstract: A programmable controller and method for correcting operation of a read/write head in a disc drive having an embedded servo system in which the head is not reading correctly operates by applying a write current to the failed head only after the head is positioned over an area of a disc that does not have useful data thereon. Movement and position of the head that is not reading correctly is determined from a signal from an adjacent head. The adjacent head is used to read servo information. After the adjacent head has provided servo information and the controller repositions the adjacent head in a safe area, a write current is applied to the failed head to realign the head without the potential of adversely impacting data stored in adjacent tracks.

Abstract: The present invention uses temperature readings obtained aperiodically, on demand. Rather than merely obtaining temperature readings on each expiration of a fixed timer, operating parameters are updated in response to a fault detected in the data path. Data handling systems of the present invention each include at least one data path having a thermal range within which it operates best. Applicant notes that some “key” operating parameters typically have a substantial effect on this thermal range. Temperature sensors positioned near the transducers provide a temperature reading to control circuits, which update “key” operating parameter values in response to indications of faults in a primary data path. This reduces the need for more frequent temperature monitoring and calculation-intensive recalibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for optimizing operational performance of a disc drive. The disc drive is provided with an integrated temperature measurement circuit which provides a temperature measurement signal indicative of operational temperature of the disc drive. The integrated temperature measurement circuit is formed as part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) housing additional circuitry used by the disc drive during operation. A parametric configuration circuit, operably coupled to the integrated temperature measurement circuit, identifies selected parameters for use by the disc drive to optimize disc drive performance, the parameters arranged as a plurality of parameter sets corresponding to a plurality of predefined operational temperature ranges.