Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a position of a writer supported by a multi-stage actuator. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a multi-stage actuator which supports a transducer adjacent a data recording surface. The multi-stage actuator has a coarse actuator and a microactuator. The transducer includes a write element and a read element. A controller is adapted to determine a position of a write element of the transducer with respect to the data recording surface responsive to a position of a read element of the transducer and a displacement distance of the microactuator away from a neutral position.

Abstract: A dual purpose piezoelectric element utilized in a disk drive for fine positioning of the head assembly relative to the surface of a disk and for sensing shocks and other vibrations. When a shock is sensed by the piezoelectric element that exceeds a predetermined threshold value, write operations are halted to prevent a write operation occurring at an incorrect location on the disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a computer hard disk drive transducer head are provided. According to the invention, an initial value compensation scheme is applied to a signal derived from available states of the transducer head when the control mode of the disk drive switches from a track seek mode to a settling mode. In particular, at least portions of a the compensation signal are provided to both a coarse actuator and a microactuator associated with the transducer head. According to one embodiment of the present invention, high frequency components of the compensation signal are generally provided to the microactuator, while low frequency components of the compensation signal are generally provided to the coarse actuator. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide a computer hard disk drive having improved performance due to reduced settling times and improved audible characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a computer hard disk drive transducer head are provided. According to the invention, an initial value compensation scheme is applied to a signal derived from available states of the transducer head when the control mode of the disk drive switches from a track seek mode to a settling mode. In particular, at least portions of a the compensation signal are provided to both a coarse actuator and a microactuator associated with the transducer head. According to one embodiment of the present invention, high frequency components of the compensation signal are generally provided to the microactuator, while low frequency components of the compensation signal are generally provided to the coarse actuator. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide a computer hard disk drive having improved performance due to reduced settling times and improved audible characteristics.