Abstract: A disk drive provides head position information as position status variables to a host. The position status variables are derived from information formatted on a disk and processed by a media controller for storage in a position register set. The position information includes both radial and circumferential position references. The disk drive is connected to the host over a host interface which enables the position information to be stored automatically in a host memory so that the host can scan the position information to determine an optimum order of data transfer commands to be sent to the disk drive. A method for selecting a next command to transmit to a disk drive employs the position variables to optimize the command selection. In an alternative method, a host selects a command to be executed by one of an array of disk drives and then determines the disk drive to receive the command based on position information variables which have been stored and updated by the disk drives in the array.

Abstract: An RW offset setting method which includes recording a test pattern by a write head, reading the test pattern by a read head, measuring an amplitude of a read back signal at each tracking position, finding an approximate expression of a profile of the measured amplitude, finding a tracking position, and finding a RW offset based on this tracking position, setting a RW offset for all tracks in the disk device based on the RW offsets about the plurality of tracks to be measured. A read data error recovery method that includes the steps of determining an off-track direction where the amplitude increases, searching an off-track position where the amplitude becomes a local maximum, measuring the amplitude at each off-track position reading data recorded in the data sector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a head-positioning method and device for positioning the head, that reads a disk medium, to a specified position. A disk device having a head, actuator and control circuit comprises: a demodulation unit for demodulating the demodulated position from the head output, a calculation unit for calculating the error between the demodulated position and target position, and a gain-correction unit for correcting the error with a gain. Since a relative position is used, it is possible to accurately detect the position error, for which the non-linear characteristics of the head sensitivity distribution have been corrected, at each offset position.

Abstract: A disk drive stores data within a single track of a data storage disk at two different lateral positions with respect to the track centerline. The radial distance between the two lateral positions is preferably equal to the lateral offset between the read and write elements of a corresponding dual element transducer for the particular track. In a preferred approach, some of the data sectors within selected tracks are designated to be offset sectors. Data is written to these sectors at the offset position rather than the standard write position for the disk drive. Data can then be moved within a single track of the disk drive without having to perform a microjog operation by reading from a data sector in the standard location and then writing to an offset sector location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microactuator comprising a movable structure having a symmetric axis about which the movable structure are divided into two parts which can produce the same movement but in opposite directions; two active arms built with piezoelectric material; two stationary structures to connect the two active arms at their two ends, respectively. The invention also relates to a disk drive suspension which is incorporated with the microactuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensating actuator arm oscillation induced by resonance mode excitation during a seek in a disc drive data handling system. The actuator arm supports a head adjacent a recording surface, and a servo loop controls the position of the actuator arm. A frequency of actuator arm oscillation is identified, after which a seek is initiated to move the head from an initial track to a destination track on the recording surface. A position error signal (PES) is generated to indicate position of the head relative to the destination track, and a compensation signal is generated by a filter based on the PES and the frequency of oscillation of the actuator arm. The compensation signal is adapted to remove a component of the PES arising from the actuator arm oscillation, and is applied to the servo loop as the head is settled onto the destination track.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively limiting an off-track recovery displacement of a recording head during an off-track data recovery operation. A head disk assembly (HDA) includes an actuator that positions the recording head in accordance with an actuator control signal. First, an off-track recover displacement threshold is determined utilizing an off-track data field which overlays an on-track data field. The recording head is displaced with respect to the track center until the on-track data field is read. The relative displacement required to retrieve the on-track data is utilized as the threshold. In response to a failed read attempt, a data recovery procedure commences whereby the recording head is incrementally displaced from the track center while attempting to recover the data. During the DRP, the predetermined off-track recovery threshold is utilized to limit the head displacement such that the input/output (I/O) data integrity of the off-track recovery is ensured.

Abstract: Oil-retaining configuration in partially filled or fully filled dynamic-pressure bearing system for miniaturized, low-profile spindle motor. A radial bearing section and a magnetically balanced thrust bearing section compose the bearing system. An oil taper seal is configured in between the rotor and the sleeve, radially beyond the radial bearing section, and not axially beyond the thrust bearing section. The taper-seal gap slopes radially inward, flaring with further separation from the rotor undersurface, in a configuration that lengthens the tapered space functioning as, and enlarges the capacity within, the taper-seal area, and that sets up the oil boundary surface oriented sloping radially inward. Centrifugal force during rotation thus acts pressing in on the oil boundary surface, fortifying the sealing strength. The oil-retaining configuration allows for span, between twin constituents provided as the radial bearing section, sufficient for increased conical stiffness even in a reduced-profile structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a disc drive includes a disc and a transducer supported by an actuator assembly that is accelerated by controlling current in a voice coil. The disc drive controls a position of the transducer over a present track on the disc in a track-and-follow mode, generates an estimated bias current to be applied to the voice coil to balance a bias on the actuator assembly when the transducer is over the present track, starts a movement of the transducer toward a target track in a seek mode, enters the estimated bias current into a bias table if an immediately preceding movement of the transducer in the seek mode was longer than a seek length boundary such that nonlinear friction in a pivot in the actuator assembly is less substantial, and applies a bias current to the voice coil calculated based on a bias current entry in the bias table during the seek mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for canceling nonrepeatable runout position error in a disc drive. Pursuant to the method, a frequency of a specified nonrepeatable runout disturbance is determined. A position error signal indicative of a position of a read/write head relative to a track is received. A signal is generated based upon the frequency of the specified nonrepeatable runout disturbance and the received position error signal. The generated signal is applied to the servo loop. Applying the generated signal to the servo loop cancels a component of the position error signal arising from the specified nonrepeatable runout disturbance. In an illustrative embodiment, applying the generated signal to the servo loop produces a notch in an error sensitivity function relating the position error signal to a general nonrepeatable runout disturbance, the notch being centered at the frequency of the specified nonrepeatable runout disturbance.

Abstract: The magnitude and frequency of runout due to vibration of the cage of the spindle motor is detected. A plurality of servo patterns are written to a reference track having a clock pattern on the disc, and the plurality of servo patterns are then read over a plurality of revolutions of the disc using a clock head. The magnitude of position error of the clock head relative to the reference track is identified for each of the read servo patterns. The magnitude and frequency of runout due to cage vibration is identified from the position errors. Servo patterns are written to user tracks on the disc by identifying periods of low magnitude runout due to cage vibration, and writing the servo patterns to the user track during those periods of low magnitude runout.

Abstract: A number of data pairs, each data pair comprises a write-to-read track misregistration (WRTMR) value and an average position error margin (APE) value, are determined for a data storage device. Each of the data pairs is associated with a unique predetermined non-repeatable runout (NRRO) error in the data storage device. Each of the predetermined NRRO errors is caused by subjecting the data storage device to a unique NRRO error stimulus. An ideal APE margin is then determined for the data storage device by using the data pairs to extrapolate an APE margin corresponding to a WRTMR value of zero.

Abstract: A head actuator includes a head slider for carrying a head for recording information to or reproducing information from a recording medium; and a head supporting member for supporting the head slider. The head supporting member includes a substrate and a driving element provided on at least one surface of the substrate for generating an expanding and contracting force in a longitudinal direction in accordance with an external signal, wherein the external signal is applied to the driving element so as to expand or contract the head supporting member in the longitudinal direction and to position the head in a radial direction of the recording medium. The head supporting member includes a first area on which the head slider is provided, a second area on which the driving element is provided, and a third area for connecting the first area and the second area. The driving element has a geometrically central face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for writing servo patterns on a data recording disk of a disk drive device. A read/write head is stopped at a reference position on the data recording disk, then the read/write head is moved along a radial direction of the data recording disk from the reference position, then a determination is made as to whether the data recording disk has a sufficient width along the radial direction to write a predetermined number of servo tracks, or not, then the servo patterns are written on the servo tracks if the data recording a disk has the sufficient width.

Abstract: A disk drive system is disclosed that includes a disk device coupled to control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a read channel with a detector that detects a bit sequence associated with Gray codes and delays indications of the bit sequence detection to handle phase shifts. The detector generates a Gray code detection signal in response to the delayed indications. The control circuitry processes the Gray code in response to the Gray code detection signal.

Abstract: In a disk drive, since high-frequency repeatable runout (RRO) components own low correlative relationships between adjoining tracks, a servo control system of a magnetic head is followed to the high-frequency RRO components, and thus, in the worst case, there is a possibility that data which have been previously recorded on these tracks are destroyed. To avoid this problem, both a tracking type repetitive control unit which is followed to low-frequency RRO components, and a rejection type repetitive control unit which cancels the high-frequency RRO components are provided in a following control loop in order that the following control system is not unnecessarily followed to the high-frequency RRO.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive system having a write head Hw and a read head Hr which can move over a magnetic disk in a radial direction of the disk and are arranged at a distance from each other. At a predetermined write start timing tWG, it writes measurement information by the write head in a specific sector at a first timing tW, then reads the information by the read head, detects predetermined positional information included in the information, and produces a second timing tDA. The system subtracts the interval between the second timing and the start timing from the interval between the first timing and second timing to measure the write/read head distance time difference in the track direction of the magnetic head unit. The write/read head distance information is used for correction and control of the operation of the magnetic head unit.

Abstract: The invention eliminates relative and absolute track shape errors by writing zero acceleration path (ZAP) correction factors into the servo sectors during track propagation. A servo track guide zone is written to the disc. ZAP correction factors are written to the guide zone and self-propagating servo writing commences. The ZAP correction factors are determined in only two disc revolutions per track. The read element follows track k, a previously written track, and the write element writes servo marks for track k+1 during a write revolution. The position signal is monitored and recorded in order to estimate the shape of track k+1 according to the inverse transformation method during a correction revolution.

Abstract: A head carriage assembly drive system has a head carriage assembly having a head, a head carriage for moving the head in a radial direction of a rotating disk, a first drive unit for generating the power to rotate the head carriage and a second drive unit having a torque constant smaller than the torque constant of the first drive unit. Mainly the first drive unit is operated in a low-frequency band and mainly the second drive unit is operated in a high-frequency band, thereby reducing overall power consumption during tracking.

Abstract: A disc drive is provided which incorporates a rotatable actuator which is mounted to a base of the disc drive through a pivot mechanism. The actuator positioning is controlled by a servo system and during track following operations, the actuator arm is caused to move. In one embodiment, the servo tracks incorporated in the disc drive are distorted when written in by the injection of a sinusoidal signal. In another form, the disc containing the servo information is caused to rotate about an axis which is offset from the disc axis. A method of creating a servo track is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data storage system capable of removing disk surface irregularities and/or contaminant particles on disk surfaces that may cause thermal asperities in the transducer output is provided. The data storage system provides selective in-situ operation between a normal read/write operation and a disk surface burnishing operation. One embodiment provides a data storage system, including: a data storage disk connected to a rotating actuator; a suspension load beam movably disposed above the data storage disk; and an air bearing slider assembly pivotally attached to the suspension load beam, the air bearing slider assembly including: a slider having an air bearing surface; a transducer disposed in a distal portion of the slider; a burnishing element disposed on the air bearing surface; and a pitch angle control assembly disposed in connection with the slider to control a pitch angle of the air bearing surface.

Abstract: Non-linearity in a position error signal (PES) for a data storage device is precisely characterized during a calibration phase in the manufacturing process. From this characterization of the PES non-linearity, the data storage device can be programmed with the necessary data to perform accurate, real-time linearization calculations of the PES in order to compensate for non-linearity in the PES during operation. The sequence of calibration steps includes a PES gain calibration, a first servo loop gain calibration, a PES linearization calibration, and an optional second servo loop gain calibration.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information, which reproduces servo information being recorded on a medium and conducts a tracking operation based on the servo information, a power save part conducts a power save operation by reducing an operation clock frequency in accordance with a predetermined process during a tracking operation, during a seek operation, and/or during spindle motor startup.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for more accurate track following. Control circuitry rotates a data storage surface containing thousands of annular tracks. A “measured” subset of the tracks is selected so as to be interspersed with an “unmeasured” subset. The calibration profile is derived based on position error signals each obtained by reading from the measured subset and not from the unmeasured subset. Data from the unmeasured subset of tracks is ignored, in generating and/or updating the profile.

Abstract: A system and method for attenuating the effect of rotational vibration on the positioning of the read/write head in a disc drive. The rotational acceleration of the disc drive body is sensed and applied to an adaptive filter that produces a feedforward signal designed to offset the effects of the rotational vibration. The adaptive filter adjusts its parameters based on the rotational acceleration signal, the position error signal of the servo system, and a transfer function relating the actual position signal to the feedforward signal. The plant estimate of the transfer function relating the actual position signal to the feedforward signal is determined off-line and stored for use by the adaptive filter in adjusting its parameters during operation.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording device, a control element placed on a flexible wiring board between a control device and first actuators includes a plurality of actuator-driving-signal connecting terminals connected to a plurality of second actuators, an actuator-driving-signal input terminal to which driving voltage for the second actuators is input from the control device, connecting wires for connecting the actuator-driving-signal input terminal to the actuator-driving-signal connecting terminals, signal selection elements incorporated in the connecting wires, and a decoder for selecting one of the signal selection elements so that a specific actuator-driving-signal connecting terminal is connected to the actuator-driving-signal input terminal.

Abstract: A magnetic head supporting mechanism includes a fixing member, a piezoelectric element supported by the fixing member, and a head supporting member provided on the piezoelectric element, a magnetic head being supported by the head supporting member. An acceleration sensor is formed by the head supporting member and the piezoelectric element so as to be incorporated into the mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a settling check based on a single time point is described. A settling criterion for head oscillations in a disc drive is calculated using head position data. The settling criterion is used to determine when the head position data remains within a predetermined limit based on head position data values at a single point in time. The apparatus includes an actuator in a disc drive system including a head coupled to the actuator to generate a head position signal and a servo controller to receive the head position signal to determine when the head position signal remains within a threshold. The settling criterion could either be an elliptical settling criterion in one embodiment, or a triangular settling criterion in another embodiment.

Abstract: In order to provide an information recording and reproducing apparatus having a high track density and a high recording density in each of tracks, in which a seeking time is short, a control circuit 21 performs a calculation required for a seeking operation upon receipt of a command of the seeking operation, and then, sets, to (f=fs), a drive pulse frequency f for a tracking control to be supplied to a piezoelectric element based on the calculation result. A drive circuit 23 outputs a drive pulse of the frequency f corresponding to the input drive pulse to an actuator 12, so that a recording and reproducing head 16 is moved near a target track, whereby the seeking operation is completed. In contrast, the control circuit 21 performs a calculation required for a following operation upon receipt of a command of the following operation, and then, sets, to (f=ft, wherein fs>ft), the drive pulse frequency f to be supplied to the piezoelectric element based on the calculation result.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method and apparatus for writing servo information on disks to be used in a hard disk drive assembly. In one embodiment, servo information is pre-written onto a disk using an offline servo track writer which employs a fluid dynamic bearing spindle to rotate the disk(s) during read/write operations. In another embodiment, servo information is written onto a disk by a method of track following on a reference disk using an offline servo track writer.

Abstract: Defect management for automatic track processing without an ID field, processes defect information for a track on a magnetic media within a disk drive system. A system which uses any method of defect management including linear replacement, sector slipping, cylinder slipping or segment slipping, can be supported. A physical sector number for each sector is translated to a logical sector number relating to the order of data on a track. This translation of the physical sector number to a logical sector number for automatic track processing can be accomplished using any one of three methods: 1) a track defect table can be built in the buffer RAM; 2) the defect information can be written in the header of every sector; or 3) a system FIFO, located in the onboard logic, can be used to manage the defect list. In the second method, the header subfield comprises four defect records.

Abstract: An equalization filter for counteracting the effects of unwanted resonance modes and noise in the VCM plant. The filter comprises a transfer function derived from a function of the actual VCM plant response and an ideal response, for which the servo controller is designed. The response of the combined equalization filter and the actual VCM plant response substantially adheres to the ideal response. The disc drive includes firmware operable to generate one or more equalization filters for each of one or more heads.

Abstract: A method of writing a tracking servo signal pattern for a magnetic disc device includes the steps of recording only a first burst signal and a second burst signal with a servo track writer for writing tracking servo signals, followed thereafter by reproducing the first burst signal and the second burst signal with a magnetic head equipped in the magnetic disc device, and recording a third burst signal and a fourth burst signal with the magnetic head of the magnetic disc device, while controlling a position of the magnetic head in such a manner that a ratio in level of both of the reproduced signals becomes equal to a predetermined proportion.

Abstract: A filter for attenuating a resonance mode without substantial phase margin loss. The filter comprises a transfer function having an additional pole, such that the phase of the input signal is advanced. The phase-advanced filter substantially attenuates all frequencies above a selected center frequency while avoiding substantial phase margin loss.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and correcting for undesirable vibrations impacting the servo systems in data storage devices. A detection technique is provided wherein a detection filter is configured to scan a position signal of the servo system across a range of frequencies, and, at each respective scanned frequency, record an amplitude associated therewith. The recorded amplitudes are examined to determine whether any exceed a threshold, thereby locating a peak frequency of the vibration. Using the detected peak frequency of the vibration, a corrective filter is configured to operate about the peak frequency of vibration, thereby reducing its impact on the position signal in the servo system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resolving a “continuity” problem that occurs when modes are switched in the head positioning control process, and a contradiction exists between a short seek and a long seek.

Abstract: A data storage device that can perform a track following process even when vibrations are produced by a wide range of frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in a method, and related apparatus, for determining a repeatable runout (RRO) compensation value set for a track on a disk in a disk drive, wherein the disk drive is initially manufactured and then shipped for installation in a host system. The track comprises a plurality of embedded servo sectors that define a circumferential path having RRO which requires compensation during track following. The method comprises determining a first RRO compensation value set for the track to a first desired learning level by measuring the RRO for the track based on a first predetermined number of disk rotations during the initial manufacturing of the disk drive.

Abstract: An actuator arm assembly is provided in a disc drive. The disc drive includes a disc with a surface for storing information and a first actuator for moving the actuator arm assembly relative to the surface of the disc. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm coupled to the first actuator, a load beam coupled to the actuator arm, a suspension coupled to the load beam and an air bearing coupled to the suspension. A transducer is mounted on the air bearing and positioned to access the surface of the disc. A second actuator is coupled to the air bearing and the load beam and is controllable to move the air bearing relative to the surface of the disc and relative to the load beam.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head, and an actuator, responsive to an adjusted control effort signal, for actuating the head radially over a disk. An adaptive feed-forward signal is generated in response to a vibration affecting the disk drive and combined with a nominal control effort signal to generate the adjusted control effort signal. During a normal read operation the feed-forward signal is substantially removed from the adjusted control effort signal, and during a retry read operation the feed-forward signal is included in the adjusted control effort signal.

Abstract: A head-controlling device of a disk apparatus is provided that can precisely move a head stepwise to the position of each track on a recording surface of a disk. When detection output values A1 and B1 of phases A and B that are out of phase satisfy a relational value, a determination is made that a magnetic head is aligned with the position of a track. The calculation of the relational value of the phase A and the phase B detection values makes it possible to reliably align the head with each track position even when the phase difference of the two phases is not correct.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a read/write head in a hard disk drive. The method comprises providing a disk having a at least one side with a plurality of tracks, where each of the tracks has a servo field with servo bits. The servo bits are read to provide a position signal for positioning a read/write head. The method determines a difference in position between an initial and a subsequent position of the read/write head on a track, where the subsequent location occurs after the read/write head has moved one revolution from the initial position on the track. The initial and subsequent positions are offset laterally. The method generates a compensation signal based on the initial position, the subsequent position and the difference. The position signal and the compensation signal are combined to provide a compensated position signal for positioning the read/write head. Various embodiments are described.

Abstract: A disk drive system, includes a head, a controller for controlling an operation of the head, at least one feedback filter coupled in relation to the controller, and a mechanism for keeping a function of the at least one of the feedback filter active during any of an absence of a valid position error signal (PES) and a position error signal being unavailable due to a defect during an operation of the head.

Abstract: A head (130) for a disk storage device having a plurality of tracks (117) divided into memory cells (234), including a magnetic circuit (205, 230a, 230b, 250a, 250b) for reading the memory cells (234) in succession, the magnetic circuit (205, 230a, 230b, 250a, 250b) for reading the memory cells (234) including at least two partial reading components (206a, 230a, 250a; 206b, 230b, 250b) each for reading a portion (234a; 234b) of each memory cell (234), the portions (234a; 234b) being arranged transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (233) of the corresponding track (117).

Abstract: In order to position a rotary actuator, a positioning device is coupled to the actuator. The positioning device has a coupling shaft and springs which respectively surround top and bottom portions of the shaft and are coupled thereto by respective coupling rings. The springs apply oppositely directed torques to the shaft such that one spring urges the shaft in a clockwise direction towards a stop position and the other spring urges the shaft in a anticlockwise direction towards that stop position. The stop position corresponds to an intermediate rotary position of the actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing track follow and seeking at quarter track positions that uses a non-conventional ordering of the servo fields at the quarter track positions, wherein C−A or D−B is used to track follow at−¼ track positions and A—D or B—C is used to track follow at +¼ track positions, for even and odd tracks, respectively. A position error signal is derived from relative amplitudes of the servo bursts and the read/write head is positioned over the quarter track position in accordance with the position error signal. The servo bursts are read in a time-displaced manner and the position error signal is determined from the relative amplitudes of the servo bursts.

Abstract: A power driver for driving a signal on a load using voltage-mode driver. A system processor generates commands indicating a programmed drive signal desired from the voltage-mode driver. A VBEMF compensator determines a compensated command to compensate for the back electromotive force voltage produced by the load. The compensated commands are coupled to the voltage-mode driver, such that the voltage-mode driver generates a voltage output based upon the compensated command.

Abstract: A position error signal amplitude indicative of the distance between an expected position of a magnetic head relative to the track centerline of a magnetic data storage and retrieval system and an actual position of the magnetic head relative to the track centerline is detected and filtered. The signal is filtered to generate a sway mode signal amplitude indicative of an oscillation of the actual position of the magnetic head relative to the track centerline in the frequency range of the filter. The absolute value of the sway mode signal amplitude is then determined. If the absolute value of the sway mode signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value that correlates to a high probability of impending a head-disk crash, a warning signal is propagated.

Abstract: A positioning control system for a disk drive can reduce static friction of the sliding type actuator to be a cause of degradation of low order spindle rotation synchronization run-out.

Abstract: The effective resolution of a Position Error Signal (PES) in a disk drive servo is increased by synchronously dithering the analog PES while sampling it with an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). For each cycle of a burst field signal on a servo sector, a DC offset is added to the analog PES before sampling. The offset is changed periodically during the sampling of the burst field signal. The set of all DC offsets used is evenly spread over a range which is substantially equal to the size of the least significant bit of the ADC multiplied by a positive integer.