Abstract: High level commands for a disk drive are processed by a task manager program that parses them into low level subcommands (e.g., SCSI commands). The low level subcommands are. then presented to the command execution means of the disk drive for execution. The parsing or sub tasking of a high level command into a number of low level commands permits the efficient handling of subcommands that must be deferred until other subcommands are executed and of third party XOR operations.

Abstract: A disk drive that is enabled by information contained in a mode page and in a command to access data blocks of either a small size (e.g., 512 bytes) or of a large size (e.g., 4,096 bytes). This allows legacy application software written for 512 byte sized blocks to run without change. By turning on the 4,096 byte sized block flag in the command, new software written to obtain improved performance benefits may also be used with the disk drive. The dual block capability is implemented in software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a least recently used item of a set or group of items is disclosed. In accordance the method, a count value is associated with each item. A first count value is assigned to an oldest item, a second count value is assigned to a newest item, and items having an age between the oldest and newest are assigned successive count values between the first and second count values in accordance with the age of the item. When an item is accessed, a pivot count value associated with the accessed item is determined. Each count value between the pivot count value and second count value is incremented in the direction of the first count value. The count value associated with the accessed item is then reset to the second count value. The least recently used item is identified as that item associated the first count value. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop implemented in all-digital components uses a stochastic approach to detect errors in phase position and relative velocity. Using a history circuit and an adjustment-intensity selection circuit appropriate corrections in phase and frequency are made. The history circuit keeps a running record of a series of binary results (0 or 1) as received from a phase comparator. History components collected include the number of consecutive oscillator periods in which the phase offset (0 or 1) has remained the same and the number of oscillator periods in which the phase offset count has not exceeded 1.

Abstract: An optical system is provided in which flare is prevented and, when the light reflected from a reflection component is modulated by a photoelastic phenomenon, the effect of the modulation on the measurement of the intensity of the reflected light can be eliminated, and, further, a flying height tester for a magnetic head is provided using such optical system. A multilambda plate is provided in the flare-prevention optical system for allowing the light reaching a reflection component and the light reflected from the reflection component to pass, and for allowing the phase difference between the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray to vary by 2.pi. or more depending on the wavelength of light. Since the light passed through the multilambda plate only varies in the peak position and the peak height varies little even if the light has experienced modulation, no error occurs in the spectrum intensity of the light. A depolarizer may be substituted for the multilambda plate.