Abstract: Apparatus for dissipating heat during the operation of a device. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus compares spaced-apart first and second heat sources. A thermally conductive plate is disposed between the first and second heat sources. A thermal interface layer is contactingly disposed between the plate and the first heat source, and has a relatively higher thermal conductivity so that heat generated by the first heat source passes through the thermal interface layer and to the plate. A thermal barrier layer is contactingly disposed between the plate and the second heat source to mechanically support the plate relative to the second heat source. The thermal barrier layer has a relatively lower thermal conductivity to thermally isolate the conductive plate from the second heat source.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method of using a trimmed imprinted resist and chemical contrast pattern to guide a directed self-assembly (DSA) of a predetermined lamellar block copolymer (BCP), creating chromium (Cr) lamellar guiding lines using the BCP and DSA in a dry Cr lift-off process and etching the Cr lamellar guiding line patterns into a substrate to fabricate the imprint template.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adding storage capacity to an object storage system. In accordance with some embodiments, a first set of data storage devices store data objects in accordance with a first map structure. A management module detects a second set of data storage devices added to the first set and, in response thereto, generates a second map structure and migrates a portion of the data objects from the first set to the second set based on the second map structure to balance the first and second sets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detection and decoding in flash memories with selective binary and non-binary decoding. Data from a flash memory device is processed by obtaining one or more read values for a plurality of bits from one or more pages of the flash memory device; converting; the one or more read values for the plurality of bits to a non-binary log likelihood ratio based on a probability that a given data pattern was written to the plurality of bits when a particular pattern was read from the plurality of bits; and jointly decoding the plurality of bits using the non-binary log likelihood ratio, wherein the pages are encoded independently.

Abstract: A hijack-protected, secure storage device requires proof that the user has actual physical access to the device before protected commands are executed. Examples of protected commands include attempts to change storage device security credentials of the device, erasure of protected portions of the device, and attempts to format, sanitize, and trim the device. Various techniques for proving the actual physical possession include manipulating a magnet to control a magnetic reed switch located within the device, operating a momentary switch located within the device, altering light reaching a light sensor located within the device (such as by opening or shutting a laptop cover to change ambient light reaching the sensor), and manipulating a radio-transmitting device (such as a cell phone) near the storage device for detection of the manipulation by a compatible radio receiver located within the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that implement asymmetrical write fault thresholds. A data storage device may apply a different write fault threshold to each side of a target track, allowing a write head to deviate from a track center more in one direction than in the other direction. In some embodiments, the asymmetrical write fault thresholds may be applied to shingled tracks, allowing a lower write fault threshold to be applied in the direction of previously written shingled tracks, and a higher write fault threshold to be applied in the direction of tracks which are not yet written.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating a random number that utilizes a magnetic tunnel junction are disclosed. An AC current source can be in electrical connection to a magnetic tunnel junction to provide an AC current to the magnetic tunnel junction. A read circuit can be used to determine a bit based on a state of the magnetic tunnel junction. A rate of production of the bits can be adjusted, such as by adjusting a frequency or amplitude of the AC current. A probability of obtaining a “0” or “1” bit can be managed, such as by an addition of DC biasing to the AC current.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for migrating data within an object storage system using available storage system bandwidth. In accordance with some embodiments, a server communicates with users of the object storage system over a network. A plurality of data storage devices are grouped into zones, with each zone corresponding to a different physical location within the object storage system. A controller direct transfers of data objects between the server and the data storage devices of a selected zone. A rebalancing module directs migration of sets of data objects between zones in relation to an available bandwidth of the server.

Abstract: A magnetic element can be constructed by forming a write pole with a tip portion that continuously extends from an air bearing surface (ABS) along a plane orthogonal to the ABS to a body portion that continuously extends from the tip portion distal the ABS. A first write gap layer can then be deposited in contact with the write pole before a processing layer is deposited in contact with the first write gap layer. A magnetic shield may then be formed atop the processing layer with the magnetic shield being separated from the write pole by a first gap distance on the ABS throughout the tip portion and by a second gap distance distal the ABS along the plane orthogonal to the ABS along the body portion. The first and second gap distances can be measured parallel to the ABS with the second gap distance being greater than the first gap distance.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for adaptive spread-spectrum clocking to limit interference in a target band. Interference in the target band may be reduced by changing the frequency of the clock signal at a higher modulation rate for clock frequencies that interfere with, or are correlated to, the target band and changing the frequency of the clock signal at a lower modulation rate for the clock frequencies that are not correlated to the target band.

Abstract: A magnetic element can be configured with a write pole that continuously extends from an air bearing surface along a plane orthogonal to the air bearing surface. A magnetic shield can be separated from the write pole by a first gap distance on the air bearing surface throughout a tip portion of the write pole and by a second gap distance distal the air bearing surface along the plane orthogonal to the air bearing surface along a body portion of the write pole with the first and second gap distances measured parallel to the air bearing surface and the second gap distance being greater than the first gap distance.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a tunneling magneto-resistive (TMR) sensor includes a sensor stack positioned between a seed layer and a cap layer. The seed layer includes a first buffer layer that includes a non-magnetic nickel alloy. In certain embodiments, a sensor stack includes a top and bottom shield and a seed layer positioned adjacent to the bottom shield. The seed layer has a first buffer layer that includes a nickel alloy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detection and decoding in flash memories with error correlations for a plurality of bits within a sliding window. Data from a flash memory device is processed by obtaining one or more read values for a plurality of bits from one or more pages of the flash memory device; converting the one or more read values for the plurality of bits to a non-binary log likelihood ratio based on a probability that a given data pattern was written to the plurality of bits when a particular pattern was read from the plurality of bits; and decoding the plurality of bits using a binary decoder. The non-binary log likelihood ratio captures one or more of intra-page correlations and/or intra-cell correlations. A least significant bit and a most significant bit of a given cell can be independently converted and/or jointly converted to the non-binary log likelihood ratio.

Abstract: A system includes a control processor, a non-volatile memory device interface, and a micro-sequencer. The control processor may be configured to receive commands and send responses via a command interface. The non-volatile memory device interface may be configured to couple the system to one or more non-volatile memory devices. The micro-sequencer is generally coupled to (i) the control processor and (ii) the non-volatile memory device interface. The micro-sequencer includes a control store readable by the micro-sequencer and writable by the control processor. In response to receiving a particular one of the commands, the control processor is enabled to cause the micro-sequencer to begin executing at a location in the control store according to the particular command and the micro-sequencer is enabled to perform at least a portion of the particular command according to a protocol of the one or more non-volatile memory devices coupled to the non-volatile memory device interface.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method of fabricating servo integrated templates including depositing a protective layer on servo zone resist layer patterns, patterning integrated data zone features into a substrate, depositing a protective layer on data zones and removing the servo zone protective layer and patterning integrated servo zone features into the substrate and removing the data zone protective layer creating a substrate template used in fabricating data and servo zone integrated patterned stacks.

Abstract: A disc caddy and associated method for handling is characterized by a disc cassette having opposing longitudinal side walls joined to opposing lateral end walls forming a substantially rectangular structure defining open first and second ends. A first removable cover is provided for closing the first end, and a second removable cover is provided for closing the second end. The second removable cover defines barb members that latchingly engage respective strikes defined by the first removable cover that extend substantially parallel to the end walls. The disc cassette has protuberant features defining reference hold-down surfaces, and the first removable cover defines clearance apertures through which the hold-down surfaces extend.

Abstract: Various embodiments may configure a data storage device with at least a magnetic element having a magnetic stack that is configured with an air bearing surface (ABS) and is separated from a side shield. The side shield can be biased by a biasing layer that contacts the side shield and is separated from the ABS.

Abstract: A magnetic shield may be capable of enhancing magnetic writing, particularly in transducing elements accessing data bits from data tracks. At least one magnetic shield is adjacent a write pole. The shield has a flux concentration feature on an air bearing surface (ABS) capable of enhancing magnetic undershoot between the shield and the write pole.

Abstract: An airflow module for being received in a module bay of a data storage device enclosure is disclosed. The airflow module comprises a body having: a first face having a first opening therein; a second face having a second opening therein, the first face being adjacent to the second face; and, an airflow channel between the first opening and the second opening so as to allow the passage of air between the first opening and the second opening. The first and second openings are arranged to co-operate with airflow openings in modules positioned in adjacent bays of a said data storage device enclosure to direct a cooling stream of air between said modules in use. The airflow channel is free from components that generate substantial amounts of heat in their normal operation.

Abstract: A waveguide has an input end near a top of a slider coupled to receive light from an energy source. The waveguide delivers the light at an output end of the waveguide near a bottom of the slider. The apparatus includes light blocking members on respective first and second cross track sides of the waveguide. The light blocking members are configured to block stray light away from a light path. The light blocking members are at a location along a length of the waveguide between the top and the bottom of the slider. Confinement of light within the waveguide is near a maximum at the location.