Abstract: Systems and methods for integrated thermal management of storage drives are described. In one embodiment, the storage system device may include a storage enclosure, a plurality of storage drives enclosed in the storage enclosure, and one or more processors in each of the plurality of storage drives. In some cases, the plurality of storage drives may include a first storage drive and a second storage drive. In some embodiments, the one or more processors of the first storage drive may be configured to activate a drive temperature monitor of the first storage drive in response to a manufacturer specific command, detect a temperature event of the first storage drive, and send a notification to the storage enclosure upon detecting the temperature event, the notification indicating the temperature event.

Abstract: A heat generating component of a slider is energized at a predetermined frequency. The heat generating component changes a spacing between a medium and the slider. A temperature response proximate a media-facing surface of the slider is measured while the heating element is energized. Based on the measured temperature response, a determination is made as to whether the media-facing surface is contaminated. In response to determining that the media-facing surface is contaminated, remedial action is taken.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an orientation control bias point coupled to a magnetic index mark and having a bias point offset set at predetermined coordinates configured to substantially prevent concentricity run-out.

Abstract: The application discloses a data storage device including one or more data storage media adapted to store data. The data storage device is connected to and powered by a power source of the host system. In the event of a loss of power from the host system, an auxiliary power source is used to power components of the data storage device. For example, an illustrative auxiliary power source uses back electromotive force EMF from a spindle motor of the data storage device. As disclosed, the device includes test circuitry to test a capacity of the auxiliary power source to store data in the event of the loss of power from the host system.

Abstract: A disc drive includes a base plate and a structural cover removably attached to the base plate to form an internal environment within the disc drive that is filled with a low density gas such as helium. A sealing cover is permanently attached to the base plate and the structural cover to form a hermetic seal for the low density gas. A first seal secured between the base plate and the removable structural cover permits short term operation of the disc drive with minimal leakage of the low density gas so that the drive can be tested prior to permanent attachment of the sealing cover.

Abstract: A method and fly-height tester include a moving medium and a slider mount that holds a slider in proximity with the medium so that the slider flies relative to the medium. At least one light emitting diode generates a light that is directed by optics so that it reflects off the medium and the slider. The reflected light is directed by second optics to at least one detector, where each detector is capable of generating an electrical signal based on the amplitude of at least one wavelength of light in the reflected light. A distance calculator then determines the distance from the slider to the medium based on the at least one electrical signal.

Abstract: A contact start/stop architecture for disk drives overcomes problems introduced by low flying MR (magnets resistive) heads and textured landing zones. Takeoff velocity for heads vary from the textured landing zone to the data zone. Contact start/stop operations are controlled relative to a critical takeoff velocity between takeoff velocity in the data zone and takeoff velocity in the landing zone, which critical velocity is less than that required to achieve negligible contact between the head and disk surface while the head is within the landing zone, but greater than takeoff velocity within the data zone. An initial seek from the landing zone begins at critical takeoff velocity. The head drags along the disk surface in the landing zone, since it has not reached takeoff velocity within the landing zone, but will immediately be at fly height as soon as the head reaches the data zone, minimizing the total drag distance of the head in the landing zone.

Abstract: A cable connector includes a connector housing mounted to an edge of a circuit board so that the connector is electrically connected to circuits on the circuit board. The circuit board and cable connector are mountable to a disc drive housing. The cable connector housing has an external configuration conforming to at least a portion of the disc drive housing. A plurality of contacts are supported by the connector housing for receiving a connector electrically connected to external circuits.