Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include data storage system with a servo system with a VGA feedback loop that corrects gain errors for servo bursts arising from track phase misalignment and difference in frequencies between AGC and servo bursts for seamed and seamless servo patterns. After the servo fields have been written as part of the manufacturing process, in one embodiment measurements of phase misalignment are made and recorded in nonvolatile memory for use during normal operation of the drive. One embodiment includes measuring misalignment using relative signal magnitudes from test bursts with various linear densities written in a data area during the self-servo writing process. In an alternative embodiment the measurements of phase misalignment can be made real-time during normal operation of the drive.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a data storage device are provided for implementing data track pitch adjustment for data written on a recordable surface of a storage device under operational vibration conditions. An operational vibration disturbance spectrum is detected during a write operation and the data track pitch is selectively adjusted based on the detected operational vibration disturbance spectrum. The adjusted track pitch information is saved and used during a read operation.

Abstract: A magnetic data storage system having a magnetic disk having burst patterns for providing a position error signal (PES) wherein each magnetic burst pattern is offset from an adjacent burst pattern by ¼ track pitch. All of the magnetic bits of the burst patterns can be unipolar magnetized, and the bits of each burst pattern can be aligned with one another in radial and circumferential direction. The magnetic media can be a bit patterned media wherein the magnetic bits of the burst patterns are magnetically isolated portions separated by non-magnetic spaces or non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A disk drive and a method for operating the disk drive compensates for rotational vibration (RV) by adaptively modifying the gains of two separate linear vibration sensors so the sensor gains are optimal under any given condition. The two sensors provide two signals S1, S2, respectively, to the disk drive's servo control processor that generates the control signal to the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that controls the positioning of the read/write head. The processor uses S1, S2 and the head position error signal (PES) as inputs to run an adaptive RV feedforward (RVFF) algorithm. The adaptive RVFF algorithm takes the PES and sensor outputs S1 and S2 as inputs, mathematically determines the required correction to the sensor gain factors k1 and k2, respectively, and then adjusts the gain factors k1 and k2 accordingly. Each signal S1, S2 is then modified by its adjusted gain factor k1, k2, respectively.

Abstract: Patterned magnetic media are described in which the servo sectors include at least two PES offset segments that can be used for the position error signal (PES) and identification of local track position. The two PES offset segments deviate from the track centerline in opposite directions. The lengths of the offset PES offset segments are systematically varied in a repeating pattern to provide a unique servo signal pattern for each track in a local group of adjacent tracks. The locally unique servo sector pattern allows the servo system to use the pattern of the signals generated from the offset and non-offset segments to determine the local track position, which is similar to information provided by the low order Gray code bits in prior art designs. Therefore, the number of bits in the track ID code can be reduced.

Abstract: Patterned magnetic media are described in which the servo sectors include at least two PES offset segments that can be used for the position error signal (PES) and identification of local track position. The two PES offset segments deviate from the track centerline in opposite directions. The lengths of the offset PES offset segments are systematically varied in a repeating pattern to provide a unique servo signal pattern for each track in a local group of adjacent tracks. The locally unique servo sector pattern allows the servo system to use the pattern of the signals generated from the offset and non-offset segments to determine the local track position, which is similar to information provided by the low order Gray code bits in prior art designs. Therefore, the number of bits in the track ID code can be reduced.

Abstract: A HDD comprising a temperature sensor disposed inside the HDD configured to periodically measure temperature inside of said hard disk drive; a magnetic disk; a read head; a write head; memory for storing RWO data. The RWO data is a function of a distance between the read head and the write head. The HDD also includes a RWO data adjustor configured to adjust the RWO data in response to a change in temperature of the HDD to compensate for a change in the distance between the read head and the write head based on the change in temperature.

Abstract: A hard disk drive control module has a feed-forward signal input port communicatively coupled with a reference model. The hard disk drive control module has a tracking error signal input port communicatively coupled with a magnetic transducer of the hard disk drive. The hard disk drive control module has an error calculator module configured for determining a difference between an estimated tracking error signal in response to a first feed-forward signal and an actual tracking error signal of the magnetic transducer in response to the first feed-forward signal. The hard disk drive control module has a feed-forward signal adjuster module configured for adjusting a gain and a phase for a second feed-forward signal based on the difference between the estimated tracking error signal in response to the first feed-forward signal and the actual tracking error signal of the magnetic transducer.

Abstract: A hard disk drive control module has a feed-forward signal input port communicatively coupled with a reference model. The hard disk drive control module has a tracking error signal input port communicatively coupled with a magnetic transducer of the hard disk drive. The hard disk drive control module has an error calculator module configured for determining a difference between an estimated tracking error signal in response to a first feed-forward signal and an actual tracking error signal of the magnetic transducer in response to the first feed-forward signal. The hard disk drive control module has a feed-forward signal adjuster module configured for adjusting a gain and a phase for a second feed-forward signal based on the difference between the estimated tracking error signal in response to the first feed-forward signal and the actual tracking error signal of the magnetic transducer.

Abstract: A disk drive and a method for operating the disk drive compensates for rotational vibration (RV) by adaptively modifying the gains of two separate linear vibration sensors so the sensor gains are optimal under any given condition. The two sensors provide two signals S1, S2, respectively, to the disk drive's servo control processor that generates the control signal to the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that controls the positioning of the read/write head. The processor uses S1, S2 and the head position error signal (PES) as inputs to run an adaptive RV feedforward (RVFF) algorithm. The adaptive RVFF algorithm takes the PES and sensor outputs S1 and S2 as inputs, mathematically determines the required correction to the sensor gain factors k1 and k2, respectively, and then adjusts the gain factors k1 and k2 accordingly. Each signal S1, S2 is then modified by its adjusted gain factor k1, k2, respectively.

Abstract: A disk drive uses a hybrid analog-digital acceleration feedforward control system and method for cancellation of rotational disturbances. A rotational vibration (RV) sensor is used with an analog circuit to generate an analog feedforward signal that is summed with the analog actuator control signal from the servo control processor. The analog feedforward signal is also converted to a digital feedforward signal and input to the processor. When the actuator gain deviates from its design value, the processor retrieves the appropriate actuator gain value from a lookup table. The processor uses the actuator gain value and the digital feedforward signal to calculate a modified feedforward signal, which is a fraction of the digital feedforward signal. The processor also calculates a feedback control value from the servo positioning information and a feedback controller.

Abstract: A data recording disk drive has one or more capacitive sensors for sensing out-of-plane vibration of the disk or disks. The sensors are attached to a support structure that is attached to the disk drive housing. Each sensor is associated with a disk and faces a surface of the disk near the outer perimeter of the disk and close to the recording head. The support structure can be made of a metal or a high-strength plastic and can be a separate structure mounted to the housing, or integrated as part of the single-piece housing casting. If it is metallic, as would be the case if it were integrated with the housing, then layers of insulating material separate the sensors from the support structure. A support structure that serves other functions in the disk drive, such as a support for air dams that extend between the disks, can also function as the support structure for the capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A method of reducing the effect of vibrations associated with seek operations is disclosed. A feedforward filter is adjusted. A cancellation signal is then generated utilizing an adjusted feedforward filter, wherein the cancellation signal models a resonance of a vibration mode. The cancellation signal is provided at an actuator control signal, thereby inducing a force applied to an actuator such that the force holds the actuator at a track center position while vibrations occur during hard disk drive operations.

Abstract: A method of minimizing a mechanical mode excitation is disclosed. A seed position trajectory is generated utilizing a third order time polynomial, wherein the third order time polynomial is segmented for constant velocity, and deceleration. A reference position is generated by applying a first infinite impulse response filter to the seed position trajectory. A reference acceleration is then generated by applying a second infinite impulse response filter to the reference position. Then, the reference position and the reference acceleration are fed forward to a servo loop such that an actuator follows a desired seek trajectory, thereby reducing a position error signal at the seek settling.

Abstract: In seek control for a head of a rotary recorder/reproducer, the seek time is reduced with noise reduced while utilizing a driving force of an actuator effectively. In one embodiment, when a microprocessor generates a control signal for a drive current given to an actuator for head seek, a signal generator generates a prespecified acceleration allowing for the allowable maximum acceleration when the actuator is accelerated, a prespecified deceleration signal allowing for the allowable maximum deceleration when the actuator is decelerated, and a zero level signal when the actuator is settled. Switching from deceleration to settling is performed at a point of time computed by the microprocessor as a time point when settling is to be started so that the head may reach a target position within the shortest period of time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing read/write head track misregistration are described. According to one embodiment, a first signal is received from a first capacitive sensor that faces a surface of a disk associated with a disk drive. A second signal is received from a second capacitive sensor that faces the surface of the disk. A determination is made as to whether the disk is being moved along its axis of rotation or whether the disk is tilting. Read/write head track misregistration is reduced based on the determination of whether the disk drive is being moved along an axis of rotation or whether the disk is tilting.

Abstract: A data recording disk drive has one or more capacitive sensors for sensing out-of-plane vibration of the disk or disks. The sensors are attached to a support structure that is attached to the disk drive housing. Each sensor is associated with a disk and faces a surface of the disk near the outer perimeter of the disk and close to the recording head. The support structure can be made of a metal or a high-strength plastic and can be a separate structure mounted to the housing, or integrated as part of the single-piece housing casting. If it is metallic, as would be the case if it were integrated with the housing, then layers of insulating material separate the sensors from the support structure. A support structure that serves other functions in the disk drive, such as support for disk damping plates, can also function as the support structure for the capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A disk drive uses a hybrid analog-digital acceleration feedforward control system and method for cancellation of rotational disturbances. A rotational vibration (RV) sensor is used with an analog circuit to generate an analog feedforward signal that is summed with the analog actuator control signal from the servo control processor. The analog feedforward signal is also converted to a digital feedforward signal and input to the processor. When the actuator gain deviates from its design value, the processor retrieves the appropriate actuator gain value from a lookup table. The processor uses the actuator gain value and the digital feedforward signal to calculate a modified feedforward signal, which is a fraction of the digital feedforward signal. The processor also calculates a feedback control value from the servo positioning information and a feedback controller.

Abstract: A disk drive has multiple feedforward controllers for handling external disturbances, such as rotational vibration (RV), that have different external disturbance frequency spectra. Each feedforward controller is designed to be optimal for a canceling a specific associated RV spectrum. The actual RV spectrum acting on the disk drive is determined and the proper feedforward controller is then selected and used to generate a compensation signal for canceling the RV. Each feedforward controller may be tested when the disk drive is experiencing the RV, and the resulting compensation signal and PES measured. The feedforward controller that produces the best external disturbance cancellation is then selected as the feedforward controller. A signal from a RV sensor may be used to detect the peak frequency of the actual RV spectrum.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk drive has a disturbance sensor and a disturbance frequency identifier that are used to adjust the frequency of a peak filter as the disturbance frequency changes. The sensor and the frequency identifier are separate from the servo control loop and thus do not rely on the head position error signal (PES) to predict the disturbance frequency. The adjustable peak filter is coupled in parallel with the servo feedback controller. The peak filter modifies the open loop transfer function and the error rejection function of the servo control loop to provide a higher rejection at the identified frequency. The peak filter may be switched out of or uncoupled from the servo feedback controller during track-seeking or as desired, depending on the amplitude of the sensor signal or the amplitude of the PES.