Abstract: A method for selecting a write current for a disk drive including writing a test track on a magnetic media at one of a plurality of write current levels, and writing signals to the magnetic media at positions adjacent to the test track at substantially the same write current level as used on the test track. The method also includes reading the signals from the magnetic media at positions adjacent to the test track, and monitoring a parameter associated with the signals read from the adjacent test track, and selecting one of the write current levels based on the monitored parameter.

Abstract: A method of determining defects on a media of an information storage device includes reading information representing data from a magnetized portion of the media, processing the read signal with discrete time signal processing, and detecting a phase shift in the read signal over a selected threshold. The method also includes sending an indication of a defect in the media in response to detecting the phase shift over the selected threshold, determining the location of the media of the defect, and storing the location of the defect in memory.

Abstract: A method for estimating a rate of errors written to a magnetic media includes writing a selected number of signals representing information to a track on the magnetic media, and adjusting a programmable portion of an error correction code module for correcting a selected number of errors in a portion of data to a level where the track having the selected number of signals can be read and corrected. The method also includes correlating the level of the programmable portion of the error correction code module to the number of errors in the selected number of signals written to the track.