Abstract: A disk drive stores overhead information corresponding to multiple servo sectors within a dedicated data sector in a customer data region of a data storage disk. The overhead information includes servo data for which the information content does not depend upon the physical location of the data on the disk surface. During a data storage operation, the overhead data is read from the dedicated data sector and stored in a buffer memory within the disk drive. A portion of the overhead data is then retrieved from the buffer memory for each servo sector subsequently traversed by the transducer for use in performing a data processing task related to the servo sector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for restricting electrical connection to an electrical contact in a hard disk drive. A hard disk drive is provided which includes an electrical interface having a plurality of electrical contacts, and a restricting member. Access to at least one of the electrical contacts is restricted through the restricting member such that an electrical connection between the restricted contact and another electrical contact is avoided. The restricting member may be a shroud associated with the restricted electrical contact. The shroud includes an access passage which allows for an electrical connection between the restricted electrical contact and a contact on a self test rack. The shroud also prevents a shorting jumper from being placed on the restricted electrical contact, thus reducing the possibility of an inadvertent electrical connection between the restricted electrical contact and another electrical contact.

Abstract: A disk drive stores overhead information corresponding to multiple servo sectors within a dedicated data sector in a customer data region of a data storage disk. The overhead information includes servo data for which the information content does not depend upon the physical location of the data on the disk surface. During a data storage operation, the overhead data is read from the dedicated data sector and stored in a buffer memory within the disk drive. A portion of the overhead data is then retrieved from the buffer memory for each servo sector subsequently traversed by the transducer for use in performing a data processing task related to the servo sector.