Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and analyzing an error recovery procedure in a data storage device is disclosed. Error recovery procedures are initiated by the simulation of an injected error event onto a particular location of the storage device. The simulation is implemented by corrupting the differential read signal of the storage device prior to error detection and decoding by the storage device. The operation and control of the software error recovery analysis tool is administered through a software application offering a graphical and interactive environment for measurement and automation. The application, corruption device, and a circuit designed to operate the timing and control of the tool are linked such that communication between the components defines the invention as a whole. During the signal corruption, the application allows the monitoring of any responses to the simulated error events by the data storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing performance of a data handling system, such as a disc drive or computer network, is disclosed. The system includes a host computer for issuing commands for data blocks that are large enough to neutralize caching schemes that may otherwise mask the worst-case performance of the data handling system. Block service times for the commands are recorded and are compared to a maximum allowable service time threshold. This comparison is then used to generate a performance score for the data handling system. Other parameters may also be factored into the performance score such as the frequency and size of data quality errors.