Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing disc drive reliability by applying reduced read bias levels to read elements of a disc drive during an idle mode of operation. A preamplifier driver circuit applies an operational read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude to the read element to transduce data from a recording surface during an active mode. Once a predetermined period of inactivity occurs during which host data transfer commands are not processed, the disc drive enters the idle mode and the preamplifier reduces the read bias signal magnitude. The reduced bias level during the idle mode reduces thermal stress and electromigration within the read element while still allowing data to be transduced from the recording surface as the drive performs a dithering operation to move the head to different tracks on the recording surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring data between a host device and a data storage device having a first memory space and a second memory space. The host issues access commands to store and retrieve data. The device stores write data associated with write commands in the first memory space pending transfer to the second memory space. An interface circuit evaluates relative proximity of first and second sets of LBAs associated with pending first and second write commands, and forms an adaptive bi-directional write skip mask when the sets of LBAs fit within a predetermined mask interval. The mask is preferably slidably adjustable to encompass both sets of LBAs and is preferably expandable to accommodate additional sets of LBAs. The data within the mask are treated as a combined write command and are thereafter written in an order corresponding to an order in which the data appear in the mask.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring data between a host device and a data storage device having a first memory space and a second memory space. The host issues access commands to store and retrieve data. The device stores write data associated with write commands in the first memory space pending transfer to the second memory space. An interface circuit evaluates relative proximity of first and second sets of LBAs associated with pending first and second write commands, and forms an adaptive bidirectional write skip mask when the sets of LBAs fit within a predetermined mask interval. The mask is preferably slidably adjustable to encompass both sets of LBAs and is preferably expandable to accommodate additional sets of LBAs. The data within the mask are treated as a combined write command and are thereafter written in an order corresponding to an order in which the data appear in the mask.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing disc drive reliability by applying reduced read bias levels to read elements of a disc drive during an idle mode of operation. A preamplifier driver circuit applies an operational read bias signal of selected, nonzero magnitude to the read element to transduce data from a recording surface during an active mode. Once a predetermined period of inactivity occurs during which host data transfer commands are not processed, the disc drive enters the idle mode and the preamplifier reduces the read bias signal magnitude. The reduced bias level during the idle mode reduces thermal stress and electromigration within the read element while still allowing data to be transduced from the recording surface as the drive performs a dithering operation to move the head to different tracks on the recording surface.