Abstract: In a storage device, before activating a spindle motor (SPM) or continuously from activation until the SPM is stabilized at a target number of rotations, a voltage and temperature monitoring unit monitors the temperature in a disk enclosure unit and the voltage to be applied to an SPM driver. A current-amount limiting value calculating unit calculates an optimum current-amount limiting value not exceeding a rated current of the SPM driver, and a motor controlling unit controls the SPM driver and changes the current to be applied to the SPM so that the current does not exceed this optimum current-amount limiting value.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device includes a patterned media magnetic recording medium where multiple tracks are arranged for radial direction in a concentric manner, the tracks each being formed by arranging multiple recording dots. The recording dots are each made of an isolated magnetic material and arranged in a rotational direction. The magnetic recording device further includes a magnetic head. The magnetic head includes: a main magnetic pole that faces the magnetic recording medium; a magnetic field generation coil that generates magnetic field to be transmitted to the magnetic recording medium through the main magnetic pole; a return yoke that receives the magnetic flux transmitted to the magnetic recording medium from the main magnetic pole and returns the magnetic flux thus received to the magnetic field generation coil; and a search coil that detects a change in magnetic flux passing through the return yoke.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a measuring module measures the dynamic flying height of a head. A change calculation module calculates a change ?DFHPt in a reference power optimal for setting a first dynamic flying height, based on the difference between a second dynamic flying height, which has a value measured by the measuring module while the reference power is being supplied to a adjusting element, and the first dynamic flying height. A controller changes the power to be supplied to the adjusting element, by the change ?DFHPt calculated by the change calculation module.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus includes: a driving section for moving a magnetic head recoding and reproducing information in a magnetic disk; and a controller for controlling the driving section. The controller includes: a position-error feedback control system having an integrator and a phase lead compensator and obtaining a position command based on difference between target position and detection position of the magnetic head to perform feedback control of the driving section; and a two-freedom-degree control system inputting a target move distance of the magnetic head and outputting a current command to the driving section by using a mathematic model of the driving section. The controller providing the driving section with an output of the integrator and therewith updating the mathematical model by using an output of the phase lead compensator, in each of the times of positioning control and seek of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A hard disk drive is provided. The hard disk drive comprises a plant configured to drive the hard disk drive, a main controller configured to control the plant, and an additional controller connected in parallel with the main controller. A response function in consideration of the plant and the main controller is referred to as a main response function, and a response function in consideration of the plant and the additional controller is referred to as a first response function. The first response function cancels a function value corresponding to a section of the main response function that is associated with disturbance. The response function of the additional controller may be designed using the first response function. The hard disk drive removes a portion of the main response function to minimize the influence of the disturbance.

Abstract: A method of forming a reference pattern. The method includes: determining whether a boundary point of an initial reference pattern is located at an inner diameter region of a disk, which is inside an outermost circumferential track; and if the boundary point of the initial reference pattern is located at the inner diameter region of the disk, additionally forming a compensated reference pattern integrally with the initial reference pattern so that a final reference pattern extends in the direction of an outer diameter of the disk. The method allows compensation for a defective reference pattern into an effective reference pattern by extending the initial reference pattern according to whether the boundary point of the initial reference pattern is located inside the outermost circumferential track of the disk.

Abstract: Extracting transducer position information from bit patterned magnetic media includes providing a magnetic storage medium having at least one data array with multiple discrete and separated recording bits and providing the transducer adjacent the data array. A readback signal dependent upon the multiple recording bits is generated with the transducer. Determining the transducer position information further includes generating at least a first position signal and a second position signal from the readback signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hard disc apparatus comprises a disc, wherein areas between neighboring servo areas are allocated to data areas including data sectors, a head module, and a storage module configured to store head alignment data, wherein the head alignment data are defined for the data areas, and includes information indicating an interval from the servo area to a first data sector, information indicating a data area in one track, a first data sector which is a start sector of the track, and information indicating the presence/absence of a defective sector including a primary defect, and the start sector of a track including the defective sector is a data sector next to the defective sector.

Abstract: The information reproducing method manages an average magnetization state of each sector on a bit-patterned recording medium as sector management information and sets an information reproduction condition for the sector on the bit-patterned recording medium, based on the sector management information.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a suspension, a suspension has first and second opposing surfaces and includes a flexure, a load beam, a mounting arm, and traces. The flexure is coupled to a proximal end of the load beam, and the mounting arm is coupled to a distal end of the load beam. The traces are coupled to the flexure. A suspension property to be altered is identified. A value of the unaltered suspension property is measured. An altered value of the suspension property is determined. The flexure, the load beam, or the mounting arm of the suspension, or a combination thereof, is coated with at least one layer of at least one film to alter the identified suspension property from the measured value to the predetermined altered value.

Abstract: A method of reducing flux leakage between a main pole and a wrap around shield (WAS) is provided. A gap underneath a main pole is etched. Magnetic material is deposited in the gap. A layer of nonmagnetic material is deposited on the magnetic material, wherein the layer of nonmagnetic material reduces flux leakage between the main pole and the WAS.

Abstract: This application discloses and claims disk drives including a Phase Change Material (PCM) with a target temperature, where the PCM releases heat in response to an outside ambient temperature declining below the target, and the PCM absorbs heat in response to the ambient temperature rising above the target temperature. The disk drive may be a ferromagnetic disk drive, a ferroelectric disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID), or a solid state disk drive. This patent application discloses a disk base and/or disk cover and/or any assembled circuit board containing PCM. Making the disk drive, the disk base, the disk cover and the assembled circuit board are disclosed and claimed as well.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system actively cancels vibrations in a computer system. During operation, the system monitors vibrations in the computer system. Next, the system analyzes the vibrations to identify one or more harmonics in the vibrations. The system then actively cancels one or more of the identified harmonics.

Abstract: A hard disk drive with a spindle motor that rotates a disk. When the disk drive is exposed to low temperatures a current can be provided to the spindle motor to heat the motor. For example, a DC current can be provided to the spindle motor. The current flowing through the spindle motor coil generates heat. The current can be provided for a predetermined time interval to sufficiently heat the spindle motor so that the fluid bearings of the motor can operate. The current is terminated and then an AC current is provided to the spindle motor to cause motor rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help allow accurate control of the magnetization reversal in a magnetic recording layer in small reversal units, whereby high-density recording can be achieved. According to one embodiment, by forming an intermediate layer having a granular structure similar to that of the magnetic recording layer below the magnetic recording layer, a continuous crystal grain boundary is formed at the interface between the magnetic recording layer and the intermediate layer, thereby preventing incomplete formation of the crystal grain boundary found in the initial growth layer of the magnetic recording layer. The intermediate layer comprises a non-magnetic alloy comprising Co and Cr as its main components and an oxide such as Al, Cr, Hf. Mg, Nb, Si, Ta, Ti and Zr. Further, the average content of the oxygen element in the intermediate layer is in the range from 6 at % to 20 at %.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a patterned magnetic recording media has a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer formed on a substrate, in which the magnetic recording layer including a magnetic material patterned in tracks and a nonmagnetic material filled in between the tracks in a data area, and has a recessed portion formed in an area within 1 mm from an outer media end and extending to the media end. The recessed portion being formed 1 to 50 nm deeper than the data area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable hard-disk structure without screws at least comprising a housing, a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm and a removable component. The housing having a placing space is connected to an opening end to enable the hard disk be placed into the placing space, and a door plate is further installed at the opening end to avoid the hard disk departing from the housing. The first and the second elastic arms are installed at the top surface and two side surfaces respectively, and these elastic arms are cantilever type and extend a pressing end into the placing space, which holds and presses the hard disk, and the hard disk is correctly being placed into the placing space. The removable component has a connecting end which is connected into the placing space, as the hard disk is placed in the placing space, the removable component fits the hard disk, and thus the hard disk can be easily removed by applying force on the removable end of the removable component.

Abstract: Embodiments provide unique and novel systems and methods for deleting data on removable disk drives. In embodiments, the removable disk drives store data that may be erased such that the data is considered destroyed but that allows the removable disk drive to be reused. The archiving system can determine which data should be erased. Then, the data is digitally shredded on sector boundaries of the removable disk drives such that the reclaimed memory cannot be read to decipher the erased data. In alternative embodiments, data is written across sector boundaries such that two or more files may occupy a single sector. A journal area, in embodiments, allows for copying the data in a sector with two or more files, digitally shredding the sectors in the removable disk drive, and rewriting the data that was not to be digitally shredded to the original location of the data.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus includes a non-volatile memory for saving read data and write data transmitted from a host. The magnetic disk apparatus includes a non-volatile memory that saves read data and write data transmitted from a host. The non-volatile memory has a host designated data area that saves host designated data designated by the host, and an independent data area that independently saves data other than the host designated data wherein the independent data area comprises a read data area that saves read data based on a read request command transmitted from the host and a write data area that saves write data based on a write request command.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a discrete track recording medium includes forming protruded magnetic patterns on a substrate, and repeating processes of depositing a nonmagnetic material so as to be filled in recesses between the magnetic patterns and etching back the nonmagnetic material two or more times with rotating the substrate in a plane thereof by an angle less than one revolution.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment comprises a slider having an air bearing surface side and a flex side, the flex side being positioned on an opposite side of the slider as the air bearing surface side; electrical pads on the flex side of the slider; and a heating device in electrical communication with the electrical pads, where the heating device comprises a least one optical element A method according to one embodiment comprises positioning pads of a heating device towards pads on a slider; detecting an impedance in a circuit including the pads of the heating device; moving the heating device relative to the slider to minimize the impedance; and coupling the heating device to the slider. Additional systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a head suspension assembly for mounting a head slider on a suspension includes an irradiating light step, acquiring position information step and head slider mounting step. The irradiating light step is the step of irradiating light on a protective film and a marker at an incidence angle ?. The acquiring position information step is the step of acquiring position information of the marker by measuring reflected light from the protective film and that of the marker. The head slider mounting step is the step of mounting the head slider at a predetermined position of the suspension by using the difference of the intensity of reflected light from the protective film and that of the marker.

Abstract: Estimating methods and apparatus are disclosed for the patterned flying height of an air bearing surface over a patterned surface from the flying height over a smooth surface minus a flying height delta based upon the patterned surface. A hard disk drive is disclosed including the air bearing surface over a rotating disk surface that at least partly includes a patterned surface. A slider with the air bearing surface is disclosed for use over the patterned disk surface. Also disclosed: a head gimbal assembly including the slider and a head stack assembly coupling through the head gimbal assembly to position the slider.

Abstract: A head assembly for writing or reading information to or from a recording medium. The head assembly includes a suspension having an electrode pad; a mounting member placed on the suspension; a head mounted on the mounting member and having an electrode, for writing or reading information; and a first bonding member made of a hot-melt adhesive and fixing the electrode to the electrode pad.

Abstract: A spring member manufacturing device that manufactures the spring member by laser irradiation includes a laser irradiation unit including a plurality of laser irradiation devices that perform predetermined laser irradiation with respect to the spring member. In the spring member manufacturing device, the laser irradiation devices are configured so that laser irradiated conditions different from each other are preset for the respective laser irradiation devices, and are arranged so that the respective irradiated positions do not overlap each other. The laser irradiation apparatus is constituted by combining laser irradiation devices having laser irradiation conditions being 2 to the (n?1)th power, n being a positive integer,of predetermined minimum adjustment amount for adjusting load on the spring member. The combination of the laser irradiation devices are selected in accordance with load adjusting amount required for the spring member.

Abstract: A suspension interconnect of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) includes a ground layer; a base layer formed of a dielectric material and disposed on the ground layer; a pair of read traces and a pair of write traces which are formed of a conductive material, disposed on the base layer to extend so as not to short each other; and a cover layer which are formed of a dielectric material, disposed on the base layer and the traces and are to seal the traces, wherein the cover layer includes a read cover layer which is to seal the read traces, and a write cover layer which is separated from the read cover layer and to seal the write traces.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting a dynamic fly height (DFH) control setting for a head in a disk drive, the disk drive comprising a plurality of disk surfaces and plurality of respective heads. The method comprises servoing a first head over a first disk surface in response to servo data recorded on the first disk surface, adjusting a DFH control setting for a second head, and while servoing the first head over the first disk surface, detecting whether the second head has contacted a second disk surface.

Abstract: An actuator latch apparatus for a disk drive, having a notch positioned at a first end portion of the swing arm, a latch lever rotatably installed in a base member, a first core provided on a second end portion of the swing arm, and a second core provided at a counterbalance of the latch lever. The first and second cores apply a torque to the swing arm and latch lever, respectively, in a first direction by a magnetic force of the magnet. The latch lever has a latch pivot, a latch arm provided at a first side of the latch pivot and having a hook to be caught by the notch when the actuator is locked, and the counterbalance provided on a second side of the latch pivot. The latch arm of the latch lever is elastically deformed when contacted by the swing arm during parking of the head.

Abstract: A PZT micro-actuator for a head gimbal assembly includes a pair of separate PZT elements and each PZT element has a body and a plurality of electrical pads. The body has at least two electrode-piezoelectric combination layers laminated together. The at least two electrode-piezoelectric combination layers are physically connected with but electrically isolated from each other. Each electrode-piezoelectric combination layer has at least two of the electrical pads thereon. The electrical pads extend out from the body of the corresponding PZT element. All the electrical pads of each PZT element are offset a predetermined distance therebetween to be electrically isolated. The present invention also discloses a head gimbal assembly (HGA) with the PZT micro-actuator, an assembling method for the head gimbal assembly and a disk drive unit having such HGA.

Abstract: A Lorentz Magnetoresistive sensor having an ultrathin trapping layer disposed between a quantum well structure and a surface of the sensor. The trapping layer prevents charge carriers from the surface of the sensor from affecting the quantum well structure. This allows the quantum well structure to be formed much closer to the surface of the sensor, and therefore, much closer to the magnetic field source, greatly improving sensor performance. A Lorentz Magnetoresistive sensor having a top gate electrode to hinder surface charge carriers diffusing into the quantum well, said top gate electrode being either a highly conductive ultrathin patterned metal layer or a patterned monoatomic layer of graphene.

Abstract: In the magnetic head, terminal sections for mutually electrically connecting layers in the multilayer structure can be formed without forming raising layers. The magnetic head having a multilayer structure comprises: an upper shielding layer; a lower shielding layer; a magnetoresistance effect element section provided between the shielding layers; a magnetic pole; terminal sections mutually electrically connecting layers of the multilayer structure; and a first low-thermal expansion material layer composed of an insulating material, and each of the terminal sections has a multilayer structure comprising: a second low-thermal expansion material layer composed of a material which is the same as that of the first low-thermal expansion material layer; and a plurality of electrically conductive layers.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor with increased sensitivity, lower noise, and improved frequency response is described. The sensor's free layer is ribbon shaped and is closely flanked at each long edge by a ribbon of magnetically soft, high permeability material. This side pattern absorbs external field flux, concentrating it to flow into the sensor's edges to promote larger MR sensor magnetization rotation.

Abstract: Transformers, like series reactors, have the quality to limit the short-circuit currents to values determined by the transformer's impedance which consist of the resistance and the inductive reactance. Disclosed are a device and a method, that under the short-circuit conditions of secondary windings, with applied rated voltage to primary windings of a step-down transformer or with turns ratio 1:1, is the way of significant reducing of short-circuit currents in primary and secondary windings, as well in any output circuits connected to the transformer. Disclosed is, a discovery of a self loss of a reactive impedance of the transformer windings, when the secondary windings of the transformer are short circuited, and a method of reducing of the short-circuit current of a short-circuited or ground-faulted transformer.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit includes a shunt circuit adapted for connection to at least one circuit node to be protected from an overvoltage condition and a voltage generator coupled to the shunt circuit. The shunt circuit is selectively activated as a function of a control signal supplied to the shunt circuit. The voltage generator is operative to generate the control signal for activating the shunt circuit during the overvoltage condition. The control signal has a level which varies in a manner that at least partially changes offsets in activation threshold of the shunt circuit.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device (61, 71), coupled across input-output (I/O) (22) and common (23) terminals of a core circuit (24) that it is intended to protect from ESD events, comprises, multiple serially coupled ESD clamp stages (41, 41?), each stage (41, 41?) comprising an interior node (52, 52?) and first (32, 32?) and second terminal (42, 42?) nodes wherein the first terminal node (42) of the first clamp stage (41) is coupled to the common terminal (23) and the second terminal node (42?) of the last clamp stages (41?) is coupled to the I/O terminals (22). A resistance-capacitance ladder (60) is provided in parallel with some of the clamp stages (41, 41?), with a resistance (R1, R2, R3 etc.) coupled to each of the nodes (32, 52, 65 (42; 32?)) of one of the ESD clamp stages (41, 41?) by first terminals thereof and capacitors (C1, C2, etc.) are coupled between second terminals of the resistances (R1, R2, R3 etc.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the adverse effects of electrostatic discharge events occurring in a handheld device. The invention involves the steps of enabling a detector for detection of an electrostatic discharge event in the handheld device, detecting the electrostatic discharge event which has affected the handheld device, generating an event signal in response to the electrostatic discharge event, and applying the event signal to the detector, retrieving status information from circuits and components in the handheld device, analysing the event signal and the status information, and taking an action based on the analysis to mitigate any adverse effects of the detected electrostatic discharge event.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit provides efficient electrostatic discharge protection to an RFIC. The circuit includes several parts such as an inductor coupled from a first rail to an internal node. A power amplifier transistor having a transconductance control node is coupled to internal circuitry, a first terminal coupled to a second rail, and a second terminal coupled to an internal node. The circuit also comprises a pad coupled to an internal node, and this pad is capable of being coupled to off chip systems such as an antenna. The power amplifier transistor serves as the active device for an RF power amplifier. The inductor serves as one of either a bias inductor or a tank inductor for the RF power amplifier. Additionally the inductor acts as a low impedance path to the first rail to protect the power amplifier transistor during an ESD pulse.

Abstract: A protective circuit connected between a terminal of a semiconductor integrated circuit and ground (GND), comprises: a first diode having an anode connected to the terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit; a second diode having an anode connected to GND and a cathode connected to the cathode of the first diode; a transistor having a collector or drain connected to the terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and an emitter or source connected to GND; and at least one third diode connected in series in a forward direction from the cathode of the first diode toward the base or gate of the transistor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a starting substrate wafer for semiconductor engineering having electrical wafer through connections (140; 192). It comprises providing a wafer (110; 150) having a front side and a back side and having a base of low resistivity silicon and a layer of high resistivity material on the front side. On the wafer there are islands of low resistivity material in the layer of high resistivity material. The islands are in contact with the silicon base material. Trenches are etched from the back side of the wafer but not all the way through the wafer to provide insulating enclosures defining the wafer through connections (140; 192). The trenches are filled with insulating material. Then the front side of the wafer is grinded to expose the insulating material to create the wafer through connections.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with an electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes a first power pad, a second power pad, at least a circuit module, and a power clamp circuit. The circuit module includes a signal pad, an internal circuit and a first bipolar transistor. A first parasitical resistance is coupled between a collector of the first bipolar transistor and the second power pad. There is at least a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor and at least a first parasitical bipolar transistor included within the power clamp circuit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a network communication processing apparatus capable of processing the cable discharge event. The network communication processing apparatus comprises an electrostatic protection circuit coupled between two signal pins used for transmitting/receiving the network signal on a cable. When the cable discharge event occurred on the cable, the electrostatic protection circuit will be turned on so that the two signal pins are short together to discharge back the electrostatic signal to the cable.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit having a triggering device, an ESD device and a circuit device coupled between the triggering device and the circuit device such that the circuit device conducts current only in one direction between the ESD device and the triggering device so the ESD device is in an active state for duration longer than time constant of the triggering device.

Abstract: A system for protecting against reverse current flow in an output module of an Industrial Process Control System includes a transistor that is driven by a control signal and a current monitor arranged to monitor a current through the transistor. The system includes a processor that is arranged to receive the monitored current and to generate the control signal in dependence upon the monitored current. The processor is configured to turn off the transistor if a reverse current is detected in the transistor. Extension of the system provides a power feed combiner that is protected against reverse current flow.

Abstract: A power IC with an over-current protection receives an input voltage and converts the input voltage into an output voltage to a load. The present invention controls a power transistor to provide an output current to the load, and uses the output control unit to control the power transistor. Furthermore, the over-current protection circuit has a constant current limit threshold and a fold-back current limit threshold for controlling the power transistor. When the output current is larger than the constant current limit threshold, the output current is clamped to a constant current value to descend the output voltage to a rated value. When the output current is larger than the fold-back current limit threshold, the output current is limited to a low current value to descend the output voltage to zero. Thereby, the inner circuit of the power IC and the load are protected.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a peak current limiting apparatus of the present disclosure comprising a trigger element serially connected between a power supply source and the load, diverting a fault current to other paths connected in parallel when the fault current exceeding a threshold is generated, a main contact switch serially connected between the trigger element and a load, a driving coil connected in parallel with the trigger element, and generating a repulsive force in response to the fault current to detach a contact point of the main contact switch, and a peak limiting impedance element serially connected between a connection node between the trigger element and the main contact switch and the driving coil, and limiting a first peak level of the fault current flowing through the driving coil to a predetermined level.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for lightning protection for a vessel or structure operated on a fluid such as water. In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, a sailboat mast or lightning rod serves to collect the lightning charge and a flexible conductive wire is attached to the mast or lightning rod which goes down over the side of the vessel and to the water level. A grounding electrode is at the end of the wire and has a buoyant material on or near the grounding electrode such that the grounding electrode is substantially kept at the surface of the water. The grounding electrode and buoyancy may also serve to allow the grounding electrode to hydrodynamic plane at the water surface if the vessel or structure is moving through the water.

Abstract: A fine arrestor having a body with a bore there through, an inner conductor within the bore, an inner conductor capacitor within the bore coupled between a surge portion of the inner conductor and a protected portion of the inner conductor, and an inner conductor inductor within the bore coupled electrically in parallel with the inner conductor capacitor. A first shorting portion coupled between the surge portion of the inner conductor and the body and a second shorting portion coupled between the protected portion of the inner conductor and the body, for conducting a surge to ground. Also, other coaxial in-line assemblies may be formed incorporating the inner conductor cavity for isolation of enclosed electrical components.

Abstract: A power capacitor is described herein. The power capacitor includes a housing and at least one capacitor winding. The power capacitor also includes at least one mechanical spring clement between the housing and the at least one capacitor winding.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for varactor linearization are provided. In this regard, a relationship between control voltage and capacitance of a variable capacitor may be controlled utilizing a plurality of bias voltages communicatively coupled to a corresponding plurality of bias terminals of said variable capacitor. The variable capacitor may comprise a plurality of two-terminal unit varactors and a first terminal of each unit varactor may be coupled to an RF terminal of the variable capacitor, a second terminal of one of the unit varactors may be coupled to the control voltage, and a second terminal of each of the remaining unit varactors may be coupled to one of the bias voltages. The bias voltages may be generated via a resistor ladder and/or via the resistive nature of a portion of semiconductor substrate. The bias voltages may linearize the relationship between the control voltage and the capacitance.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a display device exposed by the housing, an input device for receiving user-input, a plurality of sensors on the housing for detecting touches on the portable electronic device, and functional components housed in the housing. The functional components include a memory device and a processor operably connected to the sensors, the display device the input device, and the memory device.