Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, the head comprising a fly height actuator (FHA). A fly height of the head is measured, and a closed-loop fly height control signal is generated based on the measured fly height and a target fly height. The target fly height is adjusted based on a delta generated based on a change in an environmental condition, and an FHA control signal is applied to the FHA based on the closed-loop fly height control signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring actual position information from encoding on a magnetic medium, calculating estimated position information of the magnetic medium using a media thickness value, comparing the estimated position information with the position information acquired from encoding, determining whether an error between the estimated position information and the acquired position information is within a specified range, in response to determining that the error is within the specified range, storing the media thickness value to a memory, and in response to determining that the error is outside the specified range, changing the media thickness value. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a controller and logic integrated with and/or executable by the controller, the logic being configured to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method.

Abstract: A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a disk channel including a head actuated over a disk, the disk comprising a plurality of data sectors, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) comprising a plurality of memory segments. Write commands are received from a host, wherein the write commands comprise write data. When a frequency of the write data exceeds a threshold, an operating mode of the disk channel is changed to change a power consumption rate of the disk channel.

Abstract: A method according to another embodiment includes writing data on a tape medium in a direction from a first end toward a second end of the tape medium using a tape recording apparatus. The tape recording apparatus includes a magnetic head and is configured to record data on tape media. The method further includes wrap-turning the running direction of the tape medium before reaching the second end and writing a first portion of data remaining to be written when the data remaining to be written is smaller than a volume of the data to be written in one running of the tape medium so that an end of the data is written at a position close to the first end, and writing a second portion of data remaining to be written toward the first end.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk, a head actuated over the disk, an interface operable to receive a host supply voltage, and a capacitor. The host supply voltage is used to charge the capacitor to a capacitor voltage higher than the host supply voltage. During a power failure, the host supply voltage stops charging the capacitor, and a motor supply voltage is generated from the spindle motor. The capacitor voltage is used to operate control circuitry, and when the capacitor voltage decays below the motor supply voltage, the motor supply voltage charges the capacitor.

Abstract: A content data recording and reproducing apparatus including a content data output device, enabling the content to be reproduced to be determined while displaying a content list on an external output device, communicates with the output device, and controls the output device to output data.

Abstract: A method for communication between computing devices includes identifying the parameters of a data transfer between a source computing device and a target computing device and identifying communication paths between a source computing device and target computing device, in which at least one of the communications paths is a physical network. A communication path is selected for the data transfer. When a data transfer over the physical network is selected as a communication path, a nonvolatile memory (NVM) unit is removed from the source computing device and placed in a cartridge and the cartridge is programmed with transfer information. The NVM unit and cartridge are transported through the physical network to the target computing device according to the transfer information and the NVM unit is electrically connected to the target computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to provide a mechanical indicator to correlate magnetic disk drive IOP performance with features of mechanical and/or acoustic vibrational frequencies that are generated and captured or sensed outside of the disk drive itself. In one example, disk drive PES data may be collected concurrently with the capture of mechanical and/or acoustic vibrational data at different and progressive locations of vibration source, vibration path and vibration receiver in a disk drive operating environment, e.g., such as for disk drives installed within a server and/or storage chassis enclosure. In such case, PES threshold may be utilized to correlate performance of Drive IOP or drive servo-mechanical performance as a function of measured characteristics of vibration source/s that impart vibration to a disk drive.

Abstract: A system for storing data includes a rack, one or more data storage drive assemblies coupled to the rack, and a data control module coupled to the rack. The data storage drive assemblies include one or more drive mechanical modules configured to store data and one or more drive control modules coupled to the drive mechanical modules. The drive control modules control mechanical operations in the drive mechanical modules. The drive mechanical modules and the associated drive control modules are separable from one another without removing the other module from the at least one data storage drive assembly.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a plurality of logical libraries configured to store sequential access media therein, a plurality of shuttle cars, and one or more shuttle pathways for the shuttle cars. The shuttle cars are for transporting a sequential access medium between the plurality of logical libraries. Each of the logical libraries comprises at least one local station for sending and/or receiving shuttle cars to and/or from the plurality of logical libraries. The one or more shuttle pathways connect the stations in a multi-drop arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for media drive operational data retrieval in a storage library in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to other drive-related communications. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a robotic assembly that ferries media cartridges between media slots and media drives to fulfill requests by host systems. The media drives can communicate with a drive controller over a control path and with host systems over a data path. The drive controller can retrieve operational data from the media drive while the drive is effectively idle, and can communicate the retrieved operational data over the control path to the library. Accordingly, retrieval and communication of the drive operational data can be performed via the control path in a manner that is asynchronous with respect to data path and/or other drive-related communications.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present disclosure generally includes a recording head, circuitry, a thermal sensor, and a detector. The recording head has an electromagnetic attraction to a recording medium. The circuitry is configured to oscillate the electromagnetic attraction between the recording head and the recording medium. The oscillating electromagnetic attraction produces a corresponding oscillating clearance between the recording head and the recording medium. The thermal sensor, located in or near the recording head, senses an oscillating temperature that is induced by the oscillating clearance and produces a sensor signal that is representative of the sensed temperature. The detector is coupled to the thermal sensor and is configured to detect at least one of head-medium contact and clearance using the sensor signal and the electromagnetic attraction.

Abstract: A data storage device that includes a magnetic storage device and a non-magnetic nonvolatile storage device that measures a hit rate of read/write commands that result in accesses to the non-magnetic nonvolatile storage device, and adjusts a length of a time period, such as an idle time, based on the hit rate. The duration of the time period can be set each time the magnetic storage device is accessed. Upon expiration of the time period, if the magnetic storage device has not yet been accessed, the magnetic storage device is changed from a higher power consumption state to a lower power consumption state.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of servo tracks, wherein each servo track comprises a plurality of servo sectors. A position of the head is measured based on the servo sectors, and a compensated position of the head is generated based on the measured position of the head and a fly height of the head. The head is actuated over the disk based on the compensated position of the head.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk, and a ramp near an outer periphery of the disk. When an emergency condition is detected, the head is unloaded onto the ramp, and failure analysis data identifying a cause of the emergency condition is logged.

Abstract: A data storage device that includes a magnetic storage device and a non-magnetic nonvolatile storage device that measures a hit rate of read/write commands that result in accesses to the non-magnetic nonvolatile storage device, and adjusts a length of a time period, such as an idle time, based on the hit rate. The duration of the time period can be set each time the magnetic storage device is accessed. Upon expiration of the time period, if the magnetic storage device has not yet been accessed, the magnetic storage device is changed from a higher power consumption state to a lower power consumption state.

Abstract: A spindle motor of a disk drive includes a stator with windings and a rotor configured to rotate a disk of the disk drive. It is determined whether the disk drive is in a falling state while the disk rotates, and when the disk drive is in the falling state, a negative torque is applied to the rotor to reduce an angular velocity of the disk. When the angular velocity of the disk reaches a threshold angular velocity, an electrical short is caused across the windings of the stator to further reduce the angular velocity of the disk.

Abstract: A library device in which, even if the relation between the number of pulses of a stepping motor and an encoder count number changes, a movement distance of a medium transfer means can be verified by an encoder count number counted by an encoder sensor is provided. A control means (2) determines a proof factor used when calculating an assumed encoder count number assumed based on the number of pulses according to a movement distance of a medium transfer means (5). When a movement distance of the medium transfer means (5) is verified, an assumed encoder count number, which is assumed based on the above-mentioned determined proof factor and the number of pulses according to the movement distance of the medium transfer means (5), and an actual encoder count number, which is counted by an encoder sensor when a stepping motor is driven by the number of pulses according to the movement distance of medium transfer means (5), are compared.

Abstract: In a Spin Torque Oscillator (STO) comprising an underlayer, a first magnetic layer disposed on the underlayer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer disposed on the first magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer disposed on the non-magnetic intermediate layer, the non-magnetic intermediate layer is a non-magnetic alloy containing 50 at % or more of at least one kind of element selected from a first group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au, and further at least 0.1 at % or more in total of at least one kind of element selected from a second group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, Cr, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Ru, Os, Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ir that does not overlap with the element from the first group.

Abstract: A target location for an actuator of a disk drive is determined for prepositioning the actuator before receiving a command from a host. The target location is determined based on at least one of a characteristic of the disk drive, recent command activity of the host, and information provided by the host. The actuator is moved toward the target location to preposition the actuator.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) configured to actuate a head over a disk. The VCM is controlled to seek the head over the disk during a first seek, and a back electromotive force (BEMF) voltage generated by the VCM during the first seek is measured. Feed-forward compensation is generated based on the measured BEMF voltage, and the VCM is controlled to seek the head over the disk during a second seek using the feed-forward compensation while writing servo data to the disk.

Abstract: Techniques for image copying optimization are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for image copying optimization comprising receiving a request to copy a plurality of images, copying one or more of the plurality of images, deferring synchronization for each of the one or more of the plurality of images, receiving an indication to stop deferring synchronization, and synchronizing the one or more copied images of the plurality of images.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments for utilizing stored write environment conditions for read error recovery. A tape drive measures read environment conditions as a result of receiving a read command to read data from a portion of tape and compares the read environment conditions to the write environment conditions stored for that portion of tape. If the read environment conditions are not within the predetermined range of the write environment conditions, then the handling of the tape is altered to improve read element placement on the tape by accounting for expansion and contraction of the tape based on the stored write environment conditions. The handling of the tape is altered by at least one of increasing or decreasing the tension of the tape, offsetting the tape head up or down laterally with respect to the tape, and slowing down the movement of tape across the tape head.

Abstract: A hard disk drive assembly (HDA) operable with a host computer that comprises a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a system on a chip (SOC). The HDA including a plurality of disks configured to store data, a plurality of heads configured to read and write data stored on the plurality of disks, a flex circuit board including a preamplifier, and configured to couple to the plurality of heads and the SOC, a flex circuit cable coupled to the flex circuit board, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) located in the HDA. The NVSM is configured to store configuration data for read and write operations of the HDA, wherein the configuration data is to be retrieved by the SOC for controlling the read and write operations of the HDA, and the NVSM is coupled to at least one of the flex circuit cable, the flex circuit board, or the preamplifier.

Abstract: A disk array unit connected to a host unit to give information thereto and receive information therefrom. The disk unit includes a plurality of disk units for storing information transmitted from the host unit and a management information recording device, formed by utilizing information storage areas in the disk units, for causing information relating to a logical unit for storing information from the host unit to correspond to information relating to the units. The invention further includes a control unit, when there is no access from the host unit to the logical unit for a predetermined time, for determining the disk units corresponding to the logical unit based on information recorded in the management information recording device and performing power saving of power supply for the disk units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with protecting data during cold excursions are provided. A method for preventing unreliable data operations at cold temperatures may include determining whether a first internal temperature of a hard disk drive (HDD) is below a threshold temperature. The method may also include initiating an artificial seek operation if the first internal temperature is below the threshold temperature.

Abstract: Multiple signals are read, respectively, from multiple different cross-track positions of a track of a magnetic medium. Weighting coefficients for each of the multiple signals are determined. The weighting coefficients are applied to the respective signals to form weighted signals. The weighted signals are combined and the combined signal is used to recover data stored in the track.

Abstract: A cell stores a plurality of magnetic tapes. A conveyance mechanism manages movement of the magnetic tapes stored in the cell. An interlock switch cam moves in a predetermined direction when a pressing force from an inner door claw is removed. An interlock switch shuts off power supply to the conveyance mechanism when the interlock switch cam moves in the predetermined direction. A disabling button moves on a moving path of the interlock switch cam by receiving an instruction from an operator and prevents the interlock switch cam from moving in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: Detecting an impact of an electronic device, such as a data storage device (DSD). An acceleration input is received indicating an acceleration of the electronic device and it is determined whether an acceleration change value based on the acceleration input is greater than an absolute threshold. If so, an acceleration change ratio is calculated using the acceleration change value and an average of acceleration change values. The acceleration change ratio is compared to a relative threshold and it is determined that an impact of the electronic device has been detected if the acceleration change ratio is greater than the relative threshold.

Abstract: A modulated signal of a predetermined frequency is applied to a capacitive sensor of a magnetic head. The capacitive sensor is located proximate to a media-facing surface of the magnetic head. A clearance between the magnetic head and a magnetic medium is determined using a response to the modulated signal at the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a control unit, a cache unit, a head unit, a platter unit, a spindle motor unit, a power supply unit, a switch unit, and an interface. When the switch unit is turned on, the power supply unit converts voltages of external power supplies received from the interface through the switch unit into operation voltages of the control unit, the cache unit, the head unit, the platter unit, and the spindle motor unit, and supplies the operation voltages to the control unit, the cache unit, the head unit, the platter unit, and the spindle motor unit. When the switch unit is turned off by the control unit, the voltages of the external power supplies cannot be transmitted to the power supply unit through the switch unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods (e.g., “utilities”) of measuring errors in the positioning of tape head assembly data write and read elements of a tape drive and utilizing obtained calibration data to accurately align the data write elements with a desired position while writing data tracks and data read elements while reading previously written and aligned data tracks. The disclosed utilities independently determine a degree to which a tape drive write head is to be offset from a nominal write position of the write head over a tape and independently determine a degree to which a tape drive read head is to be offset from a nominal center position of previously written data track of the tape, each to collectively account for the various types of non-idealities in the write or read head of the tape drive (e.g., positioning errors between the data write/read elements and servo readers, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for throughput optimization of a hard disk drive (HDD) using position error signaling (PES) that includes determining a PES for a HDD mounted in a chassis based on a dynamic disturbance. The method also includes calculating a critical parameter of the PES. The method further includes indicating a mechanical design modification of the HDD or the chassis if the critical parameter of the PES exceeds a pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: Data is stored in a hybrid drive that includes a magnetic storage medium and a non-volatile solid-state device using a temperature-defined data-storage policy. According to the temperature-defined data storage policy, the drive can perform operations for modulating the temperature of the drive, minimizing increased wear on memory cells in the non-volatile solid-state device, and/or preventing data stored in the non-volatile solid-state device from being lost.

Abstract: A transducer is configured to interact with a magnetic storage medium, a first channel comprises a first sensor and first circuitry configured to adjust a plurality of first channel parameters, and a second channel comprises a second sensor and second circuitry configured to adjust a plurality of second channel parameters. The first and second channel parameters are independently adjustable by the first and second circuitry, respectively. A detector is coupled to the first and second channels, and configured to detect a head-medium interface event.

Abstract: Determining a polarity of a piezoelectric (PZT) actuator of a disk drive including a disk for storing data and a head for reading and writing data. A test signal is injected into the PZT actuator and a position signal is received which indicates a position of the head over the disk resulting from the test signal. A test compensation signal is generated based on the received position signal and the polarity of the PZT actuator is determined based on a phase of the generated test compensation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for automatic unthreading and storage of storage media helps prevent damage to the media, which can otherwise occur when the storage media is left threaded in a storage media drive over an extended period or under adverse conditions. A sensing device may generate a signal or a detector may receive a signal indicating that a predetermined period of time has lapsed or that some other criteria has been met indicating that the storage media should be removed from the storage media drive. An unthread module in the storage media drive receives the signal and automatically unthreads and stores the storage media. A location on the storage media can be marked by the unthread module prior to unthreading such that the media may be returned to the location upon rethreading.

Abstract: Techniques to determine particular bad tapes or tape drives. All tape and tape drive combinations within a system may be obtained. A read error or a write error that occurs with each tape and tape drive combination may be detected, and the read error, the write error, or a parameter may be analyzed to determine the particular tape or the particular tape drive that is bad.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of normal servo tracks each comprising a plurality of normal servo sectors storing head position information, and a fly height calibration servo track comprising fly height calibration servo sectors, each fly height calibration servo sector comprising head position information and a spacing pattern. After positioning the head over the fly height calibration servo track, the head is servoed over the fly height calibration servo track in response to the fly height calibration servo sectors. A dynamic fly height (DFH) setting is calibrated for the DFH actuator in response to the spacing pattern in the fly height calibration servo sectors. After calibrating the DFH setting, the control circuitry seeks the head to a data track defined by at least one of the normal servo tracks, and startup data is read from the data track.

Abstract: A disk drive internal temperature control system is disclosed. The internal temperature control system includes a disk drive temperature monitor for determining a temperature of the disk drive and for providing a measure of the temperature of the disk drive and a disk drive temperature manager for managing the temperature of the disk drive based on the measure of the temperature of the disk drive. A temperature control component controls the temperature of the disk drive.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges wherein each of the tape cartridges possesses an auxiliary radio frequency memory device in which auxiliary digital data is stored. The library also includes at least one drive disposed substantially within the library capable of transferring user data to and from one of the tapes. The library further includes at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that capable of reading the auxiliary digital data and transmitting the auxiliary digital data to at least one designated location, the reader is independent of the at least one drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method related to reading from memory an indicia that is dedicated to identifying a first portion less than an entirety of an addressable storage medium, the first portion having previously been subjected to a certification scrutiny. In relation to results of the reading, a second portion less than the entirety of the addressable storage medium is selected for subsequently subjecting the second portion to the certification scrutiny.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a library manager for communicating with a plurality of logical libraries having data organized therein and stored on sequential access media therein, wherein the library manager controls movement operations of a plurality of shuttle cars along one or more shuttle pathways, wherein each of the shuttle cars are for transporting a sequential access medium between any of the plurality of logical libraries, wherein each of the logical libraries comprises at least one local station for sending and/or receiving shuttle cars to and/or from the plurality of logical libraries, wherein the one or more shuttle pathways connect the stations in a multi-drop arrangement, wherein each destination station is represented by a unique export-only address, and wherein all source stations are represented by a common import-only address. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A first magnetic head is used to record or reproduce data on or from the first disk surface and includes a first two-terminal element including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal. A second magnetic head is used to record or reproduce data on or from the second disk surface and includes a second two-terminal element including a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal. Ae current control unit includes a first current terminal which is commonly connected to the first positive terminal and the second negative terminal and a second current terminal that is commonly connected to the first negative terminal and the second positive terminal and can switch a current polarity between the first current terminal and the second current terminal.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern a tape library that can initiate an action. One example method may include controlling a tape library to perform a media scanning operation associated with an extended data life management policy. The extended data life management operation may be associated with an application representation of tape drives, slots, and tapes on the tape library. The method may include determining a result of the media scanning operation and selectively controlling the tape library to either provide status or to issue a command based on the result. In one example, conventional status may be returned when a media scan operation result (e.g., tape scan) indicates the tape is fine while a command may be issued when the result indicates the tape may need to be fixed, copied, or replaced.

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 hard disk drive or other storage device comprises a storage medium, a read head configured to read data from the storage medium, and control circuitry coupled to the read head and configured to process data received from the read head. The control circuitry comprises read channel circuitry that includes a low-density parity check decoder or other type of decoder. Power management circuitry associated with the read channel circuitry is configured to detect a power control condition of the read channel circuitry and to control insertion of idle clock cycles in a clock signal supplied to the decoder responsive to the detected power control condition. For example, the read channel circuitry may comprise a clock generator configured to gate the clock signal responsive to a control signal from the power management circuitry.

Abstract: A dummy hard disk drive (HDD) includes an HDD interface, a control module, and a heat-generation unit. The HDD interface is used to receive a voltage. The control module is connected to the HDD interface and includes a number of branch circuits connected in parallel. Each branch circuit includes a current limiting resistor and a switch connected in series. The heat-generation unit is connected between the control module and ground to generate heat based on current flowing through the heat-generation unit.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a plurality of disk surfaces, and a head actuated over each disk surface. When a write command is received, the data is written to a selected disk surface in response to a measured environmental condition. For example, the heads may exhibit different write performance based on the ambient temperature, and therefore the head to write data may be selected based on a measured ambient temperature at the time of the write operation.