Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for implementing channel signal processing assist with an embedded contact sensor (ECS) in hard disk drives. An ECS signal is captured during write and idle operation of the hard disk drive. A read channel monitors changes in the ECS signal providing a clearance monitor function for insuring write integrity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for implementing magnetic defect location detection on-the-fly for hard disk drives. A magnetic media readback signal of a hard disk drive is demodulated to generate phase modulation (PM) and amplitude modulation (AM) signals. A new coordinate plane defined by a combined phase modulation (PM) and amplitude modulation (AM) phasor-defect detector calculation function used to locate magnetic defects on-the-fly.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for applying a data decode algorithm to different rotations or modifications of a decoder input as part of data processing.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit. The circuit includes a biasing circuit and an amplifier. The biasing circuit is configured to generate a bias voltage and a bias current based on a first resistor having a first resistance determined based on a second resistor. The amplifier is biased based on the bias voltage and bias current to generate an electrical signal that varies in response to a resistance change of the second resistor.

Abstract: Approaches for determining the timing latency of a communication path are described. Some embodiments involve a method for testing timing latency. A signal is driven on a first data path and is returned through a second data path through a loop back element. The timing latency of at least a portion of the communication path that includes the first data path and the second data path is tested using the signal returned on the second data path. The gain of the second data path is adjusted to a test value during the testing of the timing latency.

Abstract: A magnetic storage medium comprises a plurality of discrete magnetic elements and first and second adjoining servo sectors. Each of the servo sectors comprises first and second rows of the discrete magnetic elements extending in a track direction. The second row of the discrete magnetic elements are stacked relative to the discrete magnetic elements of the first row in a cross-track direction that is perpendicular to the track direction. The discrete magnetic elements of the first servo sector are staggered in the cross-track direction relative to the discrete magnetic elements of the second servo sector.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk has nondata regions that contain a group of first nondata islands with one area and a magnetization in one perpendicular direction, and a group of second nondata islands with a smaller area and a magnetization in the opposite direction. To magnetize the nondata islands with the proper magnetization directions, a DC magnetic field much greater than the coercive field of the magnetic recording layer is applied in one direction to the entire disk to magnetize all of the nondata islands in the same direction. Then the disk is heated to a predetermined temperature, and while the disk is at this temperature, a second DC magnetic field less than the first DC magnetic field is applied for a predetermined time in the opposite direction to the entire disk. This reverses the magnetization direction of the smaller islands without switching the magnetization of the larger islands.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide an interleaved sampler having N sample and hold circuits for sampling an input signal, and M multiplexers. Each multiplexer is adapted to couple all N of the plurality of sample and hold circuits to a respective output of the interleaved sampler. The interleaved sampler samples at a sample rate of fs, has an interleaved sampling period of M/fs, where M is greater than one and less than N. Because there are more sample and hold circuits than there are samples taken during an interleaved sampling period, different combinations of the sample and hold circuits are used from interleaved sample period to interleaved sample period. This reduces spurious tones generated from offset voltages when using interleaved sample and hold circuits. The order of the sample and hold circuits are clocked might be random, pseudorandom, or a fixed pattern longer than the interleaved sampling period.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: An asymmetry is determined of a signal generated by a read transducer in proximity to a changing magnetic field of a magnetic media. In response to determining the asymmetry of the signal, a current flowing through a heater of the read transducer is adjusted to cause a change to a magnetic field generated by the current. The change to the magnetic field generated by the current reduces the asymmetry of the signal.

Abstract: A hard disk drive or other disk-based storage device comprises a storage disk, a write head configured to write data to the disk, and control circuitry coupled to the write head. The control circuitry comprises a write driver and degauss circuitry associated with the write driver. The degauss circuitry is configured to generate a degauss signal to be applied to the write head by the write driver. The degauss signal has a waveform comprising a plurality of decay segments including at least one alternating current decay segment and at least one direct current decay segment. An initial decay segment of the plurality of decay segments may comprise an alternating current decay segment or a direct current decay segment, and may be immediately followed by a decay segment of the opposite type.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. Respective voltage sources are coupled to respective magnetic head components of a tape recording apparatus. Circuitry controls each voltage source independently in accordance with identity information for a magnetic tape, relative humidity within the tape recording apparatus, or other factors. Chemical migration from the tape, and/or plating or erosion of elements of the tape recording apparatus are substantially reduced or eliminated according to the present teachings.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a spindle motor for rotating the disk, and a spindle motor control system comprising a servo compensator operable to generate a control signal applied to the spindle motor, the servo compensator comprising a programmable gain term (PGT). The disk is spun at a first speed RPM—1 using a first value PGT—1 selected for the PGT, and the disk is spun at a second speed RPM—2 using a second value PGT—2 selected for the PGT, wherein the second value PGT—2 is generated in response to the first value PGT—1 scaled by a function of a ratio of RPM—2 to RPM—1.

Abstract: A temperature sensor of a head transducer measures temperature near or at the close point. The measured temperature varies in response to changes in spacing between the head transducer and a magnetic recording medium. A detector is coupled to the temperature sensor and is configured to detect a change in a DC component of the measured temperature indicative of onset of contact between the head transducer and the medium. Another head transducer configuration includes a sensor having a sensing element with a high temperature coefficient of resistance to interact with asperities of the medium. Electrically conductive leads are connected to the sensing element and have a low temperature coefficient of resistance relative to that of the sensing element, such thermally induced resistance changes in the leads have a negligible effect on a response of the sensing element to contact with the asperities.

Abstract: A disk drive comprising a head for accessing a disk, an actuator for moving the head in the radial direction of the disk and a controller. The controller for servo control of the actuator based on servo data read out from the disk by the head. The controller is configured for maintaining a width of the adaptive chasing notch filter below a specified value in servo system control and estimating an oscillation frequency of the actuator.

Abstract: A data storage medium has first and second data sectors of a track, a pre-servo gap being proximate the first data sector. The data storage medium also includes a servo wedge that stores servo data for the track. A start of the servo wedge is proximate to the pre-servo-gap and an end of the servo wedge is proximate to the second data sector. A repeatable runout field is included in the pre-servo gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a hard disk drive, comprising: a selectable notch filter with a selectable notch frequency; a shock sensor of the hard disk drive, coupled to the selectable notch filter, the shock sensor having at least one resonance frequency; a flip flop coupled to an output of the notch filter and an output of the shock sensor; a calibration logic coupled to an output of the flip flop, wherein an output of the calibration logic is coupled to a selection input of the selectable notch filter.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head, and control circuitry comprising a servo control system operable to actuate the head over the disk. A plurality of disturbance signals is generated in response to a vibration. A plurality of correlations is generated in response to each disturbance signal and an error signal of the servo control system. At least one of the disturbance signals is selected in response to the correlations. A feed-forward compensation value is generated in response to the selected disturbance signal, and the feed-forward compensation value is applied to the servo control system to compensate for the vibration.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a method is provided for sensing linear vibration and rotational vibration. The method includes generating a combined linear vibration and rotational vibration signal. The combined linear vibration and rotational vibration signal may then be processed with an adaptive filter.

Abstract: A disk rotating motor is provided with: a stator including a stator core and a bracket for fixing the stator core; a rotor that can be rotated with respect to the stator and includes a shaft; and a bearing that rotatably supports the rotary shaft on the outer diameter side of the rotary shaft. The bracket includes a cylindrical portion extending along the shaft and a folded portion formed by folding the upper end of the cylindrical portion onto the outer diameter side. The bearing is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion whereas the stator core is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the folded portion.

Abstract: There are provided a motor and a hard disk drive including the same. The motor includes: a sleeve supporting a shaft with a lubricating fluid; and a rotor fixed to the shaft, rotating together therewith, and having a surface facing the sleeve, wherein one surface of the surface of the rotor facing the sleeve and a surface of the sleeve facing the rotor is provided with a thrust dynamic pressure groove, and the other surface of the surface of the rotor facing the sleeve and the surface of the sleeve facing the rotor is provided with an extension groove extended to the outside of the thrust dynamic pressure groove so as to partially face the thrust dynamic pressure groove.

Abstract: A spindle motor of a disk drive apparatus includes a base unit, a stator core, a covered cylindrical rotor hub, a rotor magnet, and a bearing mechanism. The height of the stator core in an axial direction is about 50% or more and about 70% or less of the height of the stator. A torque constant Kt of torque generated between a stator and a rotor magnet is about 4 mN·m/A or more and about 6 mN·m/A or less. A motor constant Km is about 2 mN·m/(A·??) or more and about 4 mN·m/(A·??) or less.

Abstract: A spindle motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion including a rotor hub, and includes a recording disk and a clamper mounted thereon. The rotor hub includes a hub circular plate portion whose outer circumferential portion includes a hub slanting surface, and a hub cylindrical portion whose outer circumferential portion includes a hub screw portion. The hub screw portion, to which the clamper is screwed, includes at least a first hub screw groove, a first hub screw thread arranged to be adjacent to the first hub screw groove, and upper and lower flanks arranged to together define the first hub screw thread. The hub slanting surface connects with the first hub screw groove. The length of the hub slanting surface is longer than the length of the upper flank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle motor that comprises a stationary motor component having a shaft and an annular stopper part disposed at a free end of the shaft as well as a rotatable motor component that is rotatably supported by means of a fluid dynamic bearing system with respect to the stationary motor component. The rotatable motor component is driven by an electromagnetic drive system. A housing cover covers the spindle motor. The invention is characterized in that the shaft has a step on which a stopper part rests, the end face of the stopper part projecting axially beyond the end face of the shaft, and the housing cover resting only on the end face of the stopper part but not on the end face of the shaft.

Abstract: A suspension circuit board comprises a metal support board, a first insulation layer disposed on the metal support board a conductive layer disposed on the first insulation layer, the conductive layer forming a wire; and a second insulation layer disposed on the first insulation layer and the conductive layer. The suspension circuit board is configured that, upon applying a load in a thickness direction to the conductive layer at a position corresponding to the first insulation opening, F1<F2, when a stress generated in the conductive layer at a position corresponding to a periphery of the first insulation opening is represented as a first stress F1 and a stress generated in the conductive layer at a position corresponding to a periphery of the metal support board opening is represented as a second stress F2.

Abstract: A terminal structure includes an insulating layer hole formed through an insulating layer, a ground via that passes through the insulating layer hole and electrically connects a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer and a metal layer formed under the insulating layer to each other, and a terminal face defined on a surface of the metal layer and bonded through a conductive adhesive to an electrode of a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A multilayer film includes a magnetic film and a non-magnetic film. The magnetic film and the non-magnetic film are alternately stacked. The magnetic film contains Fe, Ni and P but has Fe or Ni as a main component. The non-magnetic film contains Fe, Ni and P but has Ni as a main component.

Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a stack capable of reading magnetic data bits. Such a stack can have a non-magnetic spacer layer disposed between a magnetically free layer and a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) where the SAF is configured with an anisotropy tuned to a non-normal direction with respect to an air bearing surface (ABS).

Abstract: A power supply employing a compensated threshold signal for overcurrent protection and a method for generating the compensated threshold signal are disclosed herein. Additionally, a self-adjusting overcurrent threshold circuit is provided. In one embodiment, the self-adjusting overcurrent threshold circuit includes: (1) a fixed threshold source configured to provide a constant threshold signal for the overcurrent protection circuit, (2) an analog signal processor, coupled to the fixed threshold source, configured to monitor designated parameters of the converter and generate a threshold adjustment signal based thereon and (3) a combiner configured to combine the constant threshold signal with the threshold adjustment signal to provide the compensated threshold signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a frameless shutter assembly disposed in the front cover portion or in a separator member between the receptacle openings and the receptacle terminals. The frameless shutter assembly comprises a first shutter member and a second shutter member configured to move from a closed position to an open position when the hot and neutral blades of a plug blade set are simultaneously inserted into the receptacle openings to engage a set of receptacle terminals and remain closed otherwise. The front cover member and/or the at least one separator includes a first stop member disposed proximate the first shutter member and a second stop member being disposed proximate the second shutter member.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging cord set includes a housing containing an interrupting device therein and a first cord provided at one end with a plug connectable to an outlet installed on a wall surface of a building and at the other end connected to one of the terminal units of the interrupting device. An electric vehicle charging cord set further includes a second cord provided at one end with a connector connectable to an inlet of an electric vehicle and at the other end connected to the other of the terminal units of the interrupting device. The housing includes a storage unit for extendibly storing the second cord, a stand for placing the housing on a ground surface and a transportation handle. The storage unit includes a drum rotatably attached to the housing. The second cord is wound on the outer circumferential surface of the drum.

Abstract: A device for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is described which includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), a mechanism for triggering the SCR, and a pair of contact regions of opposing conductivity type distinct from regions of the SCR that are interposed between the cathodic and anodic regions of the SCR. The contact regions are configured to collect charge generated by the SCR. In some embodiments, the device may include a transistor and the cathodic region of the SCR may dually serve as a source contact region of the transistor. A circuit is described which includes an ESD protection device coupled between high and low voltage power supply bus bars, wherein the ESD protection device includes an SCR as well as a pair of contact regions of opposing conductivity type distinct from the SCR and interposed between the cathodic and anodic regions of the SCR.

Abstract: Methods for responding to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event on a voltage rail, ESD protection circuits, and design structures for an ESD protection circuit. An RC network of the ESD protection circuit includes a capacitor coupled to a field effect transistor at a node. The node of the RC network is coupled with an input of the inverter. The field-effect transistor is coupled with an output of the inverter. In response to an ESD event, a trigger signal is supplied from the RC network to the input of the inverter, which drives a clamp device to discharge current from the ESD event from the voltage rail. An RC time constant of the RC network is increased in response to the ESD event to sustain the discharge of the current by the clamp device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, comprises a power supply node being connectable to a voltage supply (Vdd); a ground node connectable to ground (GND); and an electrostatic discharge protection structure for diverting an electrostatic discharge away from protected parts of the integrated circuit. A gated domain is present which is supply gated and/or ground gated with respect to the power supply node and/or the ground node, as well as a gating switch for gating the gated domain relative to the power supply node and/or the ground node. The gating switch enables in a connecting state, and in a disconnecting state inhibits, an electrical connection between the gated domain and at least one of: the power supply node and the ground node. The integrated circuit includes ESD gating control circuitry for controlling in case of an electrostatic discharge event the gated domain to be electrically connected to the power supply node and/or the ground node.

Abstract: A power distribution system includes a first circuit protection device and a second circuit protection device coupled to the first circuit protection device downstream of the first circuit protection device. The second circuit protection device includes a trip mechanism configured to interrupt a current flowing through the second circuit protection device, and a trip unit operatively coupled to the trip mechanism. The trip mechanism is configured to determine, for the second circuit protection device, a protective threshold and a blocking threshold that is lower than the protective threshold, transmit a forward blocking signal to the first circuit protection device upon a determination that the current exceeds the blocking threshold, and generate a reverse blocking signal upon a determination that the current exceeds the protective threshold.

Abstract: During charging of a cell module in which a plurality of cells are connected in series, a voltage is applied in forward polarity to a switch element even when a current interrupting switch provided to the cell module is open, thereby shorting an anti-fuse element, and the switch element is thereby opened. A voltage monitoring circuit and a vehicle equipped with the voltage monitoring circuit are thereby provided in which a high voltage is not applied even when the cell module is charging when the current interrupting switch is open.

Abstract: A current limit circuit and a method for limiting current flow. The current limit circuit includes a transistor having a control electrode and current carrying electrodes. A wire is coupled to one of the current carrying electrodes. An output of a comparator is coupled to the control electrode of the transistor through a charge pump. One input of the comparator is coupled to the current carrying electrode of the transistor that is coupled to the wire and the other input of the comparator is coupled for receiving a voltage. Preferably the wire is a bond wire. The current flowing through the wire sets the input voltage appearing at the input of the comparator coupled to the current carrying electrode of the transistor. In response to the comparison of the voltages at the input of the comparator, the transistor remains turned-on or it is turned-off.

Abstract: A miniature circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a processor having a routine, a plurality of sensors sensing power circuit information operatively associated with the separable contacts, and a non-volatile memory accessible by the processor. The routine of the processor is structured to input the sensed power circuit information, determine and store trip information for each of a plurality of trip cycles in the non-volatile memory, store the sensed power circuit information in the non-volatile memory for each of a plurality of line half-cycles, and determine and store circuit breaker information in the non-volatile memory for the operating life span of the miniature circuit breaker.

Abstract: A method determines a change in the activation state of an electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.

Abstract: This disclosure provides (a) methods of making an oxide layer (e.g., a dielectric layer) based on titanium oxide, to suppress the formation of anatase-phase titanium oxide and (b) related devices and structures. A metal-insulator-metal (“MIM”) stack is formed using an ozone pretreatment process of a bottom electrode (or other substrate) followed by an ALD process to form a TiO2 dielectric, rooted in the use of an amide-containing precursor. Following the ALD process, an oxidizing anneal process is applied in a manner is hot enough to heal defects in the TiO2 dielectric and reduce interface states between TiO2 and electrode; the anneal temperature is selected so as to not be so hot as to disrupt BEL surface roughness. Further process variants may include doping the titanium oxide, pedestal heating during the ALD process to 275-300 degrees Celsius, use of platinum or ruthenium for the BEL, and plural reagent pulses of ozone for each ALD process cycle.

Abstract: There are provided a ceramic electronic component and a method of manufacturing the same. The ceramic electronic component includes: a ceramic element; and an internal electrode layer formed within the ceramic element, having a thickness of 0.5 ?m or less, and including a non-electrode region formed therein, wherein an area ratio of the non-electrode region to an electrode region of the internal electrode layer, in a cross section of the internal electrode layer is between 0.1% and 10%, and the non-electrode region includes a ceramic component.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer based super capacitor capable of operation at MILSPEC temperatures, with electroactive polymers acting as the charge storage layers, and a mixture of electrolytes enabling operation down to ?60° C.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel polar solvents and novel electrolytic compositions comprising such solvents, and having a high range of stability, as required for applications in the field of electrochemistry. The present solvents have a highly polar amide function, and preferably combine with a salt soluble in the solvent and having an anion with a delocalized charge, and at least one polymer, to form an electrolytic composition.

Abstract: A pseudocapacitor employs plates having an active material of a nanoparticles sized ceramic mixed ionic-electronic conductor such as may have the nominal formula of ABO3, A2BO4, AB2O4, and AO2, where A and B are metals. The active material may be prepared to promote sublattice vacancies to provide for the storage of additional charge.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a capacitor element, a collector plate joined to an electrode of the capacitor element, and a case accommodating the capacitor element and the collector plate. An inner surface of a bottom plate of the case has a contacting portion contacting the collector plate and a junction portion facing the collector plate. The junction portion of the inner surface of the bottom plate has a joining point joined to the collector plate and a separation part facing the collector plate around the joining point by a gap between the junction portion and the collector plate. The collector plate is located away from the contacting portion.

Abstract: Provided is a terminal box for a solar cell module that has excellent heat radiation. The terminal box (10) is provided with multiple terminal boards (21), a reverse load bypass diode (22) that is connected to two corresponding terminal boards (21), a primary resin layer (23) that is attached to the diode (22) and covers the area around the diode (22), and a secondary resin layer (41) that is made from a resin different to that of the primary resin layer (23) and is adhered to parts other than the diode (22) and does not cover the area around the diode (22).

Abstract: A sealed electrical enclosure for housing an electrical component is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the sealed electrical enclosure includes a housing, a first and second electrical connector, an actuator, and a terminal. The housing has a sealed interior when a top portion is coupled to a bottom portion. The first electrical connector extends from the sealed interior through the bottom of the housing and is electrically coupled to the electrical component. The actuator extends from the sealed interior through the housing and is configured to manipulate the electrical component. The terminal is electrically coupled to the second electrical connector. The second electrical connector is configured to mate with the first electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors are configured to be connected and disconnected to attach and remove the housing to and from the terminal.

Abstract: A moving module and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a second body, and the moving module disposed between the first and second bodies. The moving module includes a rail, a moving element, and an elastic element. The moving element is in contact with the rail. The elastic element is connected between the moving element and the first body. When the moving element moves from a first end of the rail to a curved portion of the rail, a force exerted on the elastic element by the moving element is gradually increased. When the moving element passes the curved portion, an elastic restoration force of the elastic element drives the moving element to move toward a second end of the rail. When the moving element reaches the first end or the second end, the first body and the second body interfere with each other.

Abstract: An electronic device housing includes a bottom housing, a support frame, and a plastic side frame. The support frame is fixed on the bottom housing to form a receiving groove between the bottom housing and the plastic side frame. The plastic side frame is integrally formed by injecting a plastic material in the receiving groove. A manufacturing method for an electronic device housing is also provided.