Adaptive sector seeking method for reducing disk drive power consumption

Abstract

Method of reducing power consumption in a disk drive system by controlling movement time of a read/write head from a present track and present sector to a target track and target sector. The method includes the steps of determining a first variable indicative of a first time period in which to move the actuator head from the present track to the target track along a radial arc traced by the movement of the actuator head and determining a second variable indicative of a second time period measured from the present servo sector to when the target servo sector advances to the radial arc. The actuator head is moved at a first rate substantially equal to the first time period if the first variable and the second variable are equal. The actuator head is moved at a second, slower rate if the first variable and the second variable are not equal. Moving the actuator head at a slower rate reduces power consumption and increases battery life.