Nec Corporation

Quantum Corporation

Other

Daniel E Barnard

Ronald R Moon

Bruce R Peterson

Clifford M Gold

Michael G Machado

Gregg J Uhlendorf

James H Do

William G Moon

Michael R Hatch

Thomas A Tacklind

Robert P Cloutier

Robert J Kobliska

Klaus-Peter Deyring

Thomas J Huber

James A McDonald, Iii

Bryan T Silbermann

Philip L Steiner

A programmable data sequencer transfers fixed length data blocks between variable length storage segments of a magnetic storage disk and a buffer memory within a data storage device. The data sequencer includes a stack memory for holding user byte count values read from a header field preceding each data sector having variable length split storage segments. Each byte count value indicates respective length of a following variable length storage segment, so that the storage capacity of each segment is dynamically determined by the data sequencer in real time by popping the user byte count value from the stack into a storage segment length counter and by counting down the count value within the segment length counter.

Miniature disk drive having embedded sector servo with split data fields

A method and apparatus are provided for recovering servo information in a disk drive for positioning a data transducer head relative to concentric data tracks wherein the head reads user data encoded in a predetermined data code and reads servo information within plural servo sectors embedded in each data track defined on a storage surface of a rotating disk. The data tracks are arranged in plural groups of concentric tracks within concentric zones wherein each zone has a user data transfer rate selected in relation to disk radius, the servo information being recorded in at least three patterns within each embedded servo sector: a servo sync pattern, a user data code violating pattern, and a servo data bit pattern. A servo data recovery circuit implements the method comprising the steps of:

Servo data recovery circuit for disk drive having digital embedded

A servo system for use in a magnetic recording media is disclosed, with the system utilizing short and long address tracks in a predetermined pattern to increase the usable data storage space on the media. A special pattern is utilized following the A and B BURST patterns for each track on the disk to assist in calibration of the drive. In addition, a special pattern is provided preceding the track address portion of the sectors to identify the associated track address as being a long address, a short address or as the origin sector.

Servo system for providing increased recording density and improved

A hard disk drive for a computer system including a head disk assembly with a disk platter of approximately one-and-eight-tenths-inch in diameter capable of storing more than forty megabytes. In an embodiment, data tracks on each data surface of the platter are spaced at approximately 2,558 tracks per inch and each data track has approximately 36,000 flux changes per inch. An actuator positions a pair of read/write heads on each platter surface using a voice coil motor to position the heads over a cylinder. A magnetic actuator latch attaches to another magnet on the actuator and locks the heads in a parked position at the innermost diameter of the platter. A spindle motor rotates the platter at approximately 5,400 revolutions per minute. A base plate, with a gasketed surface and a raised lip, hermetically seals with a cover to the base plate such that the platter, the actuator, the actuator latch, and the spindle motor are all contained within. The cover carries a breather filter and recirculating air filter. The raised lip on the base plate prevents direct electrical interference from passing between the base plate and the cover.

Micro miniature hard disk drive

A miniature disk drive achieves storage densities of at least approximately 1700 tracks per inch per storage surface of a storage disk defining a series of radially extensive servo sectors embedded within circumferential zones of data tracks. The sectors are recorded at a constant data transfer rate while each zone has a data transfer rate adapted to disk radius. The drive includes a head and head positioner, a read preamplifier for amplifying analog signals read from, and for amplifying signals to be written to, a storage surface. A circuit board carries drive electronics including a read channel, a servo processing circuit for recovering head location information from the servo sectors, a data block sequencer for sequencing data blocks between a buffer and the storage surface, a buffer memory controller for controlling the buffer, a bus level interface circuit for transferring data blocks between the buffer and a host computer, and a programmed digital controller which functions within a head position servo loop and which also controls the sequencer, buffer controller and bus level interface circuit. As one feature, the servo sectors split data blocks into segments. Segment byte counts in each data block header are used by the sequencer automatically to assemble the segments into data blocks during read and to divide the blocks into segments during write. A single VLSI circuit including the sequencer, servo processing circuit, memory controller and an interface to the microcontroller is disclosed.

High capacity submicro-winchester fixed disk drive

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Daniel E Barnard