Abstract: A process for identifying disks and automatically configuring a disk drive system to any one of a variety of disk patterns as embedded in firmware in a controller of a disk drive system. The process distinguishes between embedded servo and nonembedded servo disks by searching for servo patterns on the disk. Distinction between high and low density type disks is made by reading the disks at different data rates. After the type of disk is determined, a controller is enabled to set the disk drive system in the proper mode for that type of disk. The process also enables the controller to find the disk format values on the disk, or provides the standard values for the particular type of disk if the information is not located on the disk.

Abstract: A process allows a disk drive system to optimize head position in order to minimize the effects of track variations due to disk misclamping and imperfections. The process utilizes a transducer head having a width less than a track width. The small size of the transducer head allows it to be positioned within a stationary band which remains within the boundaries of the track for the complete revolution of the disk. Once the head is positioned within this band for one track of the disk, this track can be used as a reference for positioning the head within the bands of the other tracks.