Abstract: Disclosed is a disk drive having a disk, a masked read-only memory (ROM) device, a reprogrammable nonvolatile memory device, and a microprocessor for executing program code. The disk has a magnetic data storage surface with embedded servo wedges for defining data storage tracks including reserve tracks. The masked ROM device stores program code for implementing a spindle motor controller, program code for implementing a portion of a servo controller for track following along a data storage track, and program code for implementing a portion of a disk controller for controlling writing disk data to and reading disk data from the reserve tracks. The reprogrammable nonvolatile memory device stores data parameters relating to the disk drive's configuration. The reserve tracks store program code for implementing a cache control system for controlling caching of disk data in a cache memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating control inputs for a disc drive dual stage actuator having primary and secondary actuator motors used to maintain a head adjacent a rotatable disc surface. An h-infinity hardware controller generates the control inputs in relation to an actual position signal, a desired position signal and a unique set of coefficients for each selected head. The coefficients are selected by obtaining an output response for each head, selecting the coefficients in relation to the output response for each head, and storing the coefficients in a nonvolatile memory location of the disc drive. The appropriate set of coefficients are thereafter loaded as each head is selected in turn during normal drive operation.

Abstract: A non-volatile write cache using an alternate power source is implemented in a disc drive to maintain the integrity of cached write commands during a standard disc drive power loss, and to further recover and execute outstanding cached write commands when standard disc drive power is restored. The disc drive includes an internal or external alternate power source, control circuitry to switch between normal and low-power modes, memory control circuitry to, when in low-power mode, maintain the refresh of the cache, and firmware to recover and execute cached write commands once power is restored.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for electrical connection is disclosed. The system comprises a leaf-spring connector member having a leaf-spring connector housing and a plurality of leaf-spring elements for carrying electrical signals, and a pad connector member having a base and a plurality of electrically conductive pad elements aligned to be pressed against the plurality of leaf-spring elements. The leaf-spring elements are pre-loaded to exert increased spring forces when compressed by the electrically conductive pad elements, resulting in decreased ohmic resistance between the leaf-spring elements and the electrically conductive pad elements.

Abstract: A female connector system for engaging, a matching male 3-in-1 IDE connector has, in certain embodiments, three alternatively usable, different length female connectors formed for mating with all or selected portions of the male connector. These include a set of data pin-receptacles, a set of jumper pin-receptacles, and a set of power pin-receptacles. To provide swift and secure engagement of the female connector to a 3-in-1 male connector, the female connector has a number of surface features. These include two locating projections that aid in properly locating the female connector with respect to the 3-in-1 male connector. A fitting portion and a groove are provided in one of the planar surfaces of the female connector and further aid in proper location and mating.

Abstract: A pair of mating electronic connectors each have non-conductive housings with portions thereof configured to properly align the connectors when one is inserted into the other to provide an electrical connection between respective electronic components. A first electronic connector includes a pin supporting wall and a plurality of conductive pins extending perpendicularly from an outboard side of the wall. A second electronic connector includes a plurality of mating guides which extend outwardly from a front side thereof, that slidably engage corresponding portions of the first electronic connector housing to properly align the connectors prior to inserting the conductive pins into pin receiving apertures of the second electronic connector. The mating connectors include corresponding keys and slots or channels that ensure proper alignment of the connectors when one is inserted into the other.

Abstract: In a computing system, an in-system programmer includes control logic embedded into the target microprocessor bus address decoder logic, and a memory module in the form of an external device that consists of one or more non-volatile memory chips. With the memory module attached, the microprocessor is led to believe that the in-system programmer is its main memory and the microprocessor turns over control of the computer system to the in-system programmer in an orderly fashion. Program execution comes directly from the in-system memory module. In a stand alone mode the in-system programmer does not require firmware to function. The stand mode is useful in executing temporary firmware without having to alter the target system memory. With embedded programming firmware the in-system programmer is capable of cloning itself in targets that use reprogrammable memory.

Abstract: A disk array includes a mainframe chassis conforming to standard SCSI disk drive mechanical form factors, and a mother board and a RAID controller within the chassis. The chassis includes a pivotable access door shock absorber mounted on an inside surface of the door which permits electronic modules to be placed within the chassis, and which helps to control mechanical shock between the chassis and the enclosed electronic modules. The mother board interconnects electrical signals between the electronic modules, at least some of which comprise disk drives forming a redundant array of independent, or inexpensive, disks (RAID). One of the electronic modules is a secondary power supply module which is connectable to the mother board.