Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamically adjusting parameters used during a read operation to reduce stress on a read head. In certain embodiments, an apparatus may comprise a read head configured to read data stored to a data storage medium, and a control circuit that controls a parameter of the read head influencing the read head's ability to accurately read data. The control circuit may be configured to extend the working lifespan of the read head by monitoring a read performance of the read head, and adjusting the parameter to reduce the read performance when the read performance is greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: Devices including at least one storage disc having a recording surface segmented into a plurality of radial zones, each radial zone having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, each of the plurality of zones having a plurality of concentric tracks; and a track density ramp ratio assigned to each of the plurality of zones, where the track density ramp ratio describes an increase in the track density from the inner diameter of the zone to the outer diameter of the zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving performance in data storage devices, particularly devices employing shingled magnetic recording. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a data storage medium having multiple tracks with multiple track pitches. In another embodiment, a method may comprise formatting a data storage memory with a first track having a first track pitch, and formatting the data storage memory with a second track having a second track pitch. The method may further comprise formatting the computer readable data storage memory with a set of tracks including the first track arranged to store data in a shingled manner where one track at least partially overlaps an adjacent track, and the second track separating the set of tracks from a third track.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing band rewrites on shingled storage media based on error scan counts. In one embodiment, a device may comprise a data storage medium including a first band and a processor. The first band may include a plurality of tracks storing data in a shingled manner where a first track at least partially overlaps a second track. The processor may be configured to receive a write command directed to the first band, increment a first rewrite count of the first band based on the write command, and when the first rewrite count exceeds a first rewrite threshold, perform a read-modify-write (RMW) operation for all of the first band. In some embodiments, a device may maintain write counts for sections of a band, and perform RMW operations on less than all of the band.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for positioning of a reader element in a data storage device employing shingled recording. In an embodiment, a system may comprise a data storage medium configured to store data in a shingled manner where at least one track is partially overlapped by an adjacent track, a read element to read data from the data storage medium, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a read command to retrieve data from the data storage medium, and when the data is stored to a shingled portion of the data storage medium, adjust a position of the read element according to a squeeze offset value based on an amount of overwrite of a shingled data track by an adjacent data track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for off-track write error recovery. A storage medium is provided with at least first and second tracks, and a write protected status is assigned to the second track to inhibit subsequent writing of data thereto in relation to a position error detected during writing of data to the first track. Preferably, a third track is disposed between the first and second tracks. The position error is preferably characterized as a first position error, and a write fault condition is declared during the writing of data to the first track in relation to a second position error different from the first position error. Data write operations are preferably performed on additional tracks while the write protected status of the second track is maintained. In this way, dual-sided encroachment or other track squeezing effects are reduced.

Abstract: A preamplifier that includes an input configured to receive a preamplifier control signal and a fault detection circuit configured to monitor the preamplifier control signal received at the input is provided. The fault detection circuit is further configured to identify a fault condition triggered by an improper temperature control signal provided by the preamplifier.