WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150339319 | FILE MANAGEMENT AMONG DIFFERENT ZONES OF STORAGE MEDIA - Apparatus and methods for managing files among different zones of storage media in at least one non-volatile storage device. At least a first zone is associated with a first type of storage media and a second zone is associated with a second type of storage media. A file having at least one attribute is accepted with the at least one attribute describing a characteristic of the file. It is determined whether the at least one attribute meets an attribute criteria and the file is stored in the first zone and/or the second zone based on the determination of whether the at least one attribute meets the attribute criteria. | 11-26-2015 |
20150331669 | FIFO BUFFER CLEAN-UP - Systems and methods are disclosed for managing data entry buffers in a data storage device. A memory of the data storage device includes one or more data input ports. The device further includes a controller configured to receive a data entry over one of the data input ports and store the data entry in a first data structure (e.g., a FIFO data structure). The data entry is stored in the first data structure among other data entries received over various data input ports. The controller stores a data entry corresponding to the data entry stored in the first data structure in a second data structure. Entries in the second data structure include a valid bit field and one or more condition fields. The controller indicates, using a valid bit field of the second data structure data entry, that the corresponding data entry stored in the first data structure is valid. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331637 | VIBRATION MITIGATION FOR A DATA STORAGE DEVICE - Vibration mitigation for a Data Storage Device (DSD) including a disk for storing data and a solid-state memory for storing data. An input is received indicating a vibration condition for the DSD and a write command is received from a host to store data in the DSD. At least a portion of the data for the write command is stored in a dedicated segment of the solid-state memory based on the received input indicating the vibration condition. | 11-19-2015 |
20150311650 | COMMUNICATIONS CABLE WITH STATUS INDICATOR FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An electronic device system can include an electronic device. The electronic device can include a receptacle, and a device logic driving status unit configured to generate a status signal indicating activity of the electronic device, and a communications cable. The communications cable can include a first plug configured to connect to the receptacle and receive the status signal, wherein the first plug includes a status indicator configured to indicate activity of the electronic device based on the status signal. | 10-29-2015 |
20150286412 | DISTRIBUTED REMOTE DATA STORAGE ACCESS - Systems and methods are disclosed for accessing data over a distributed data storage network. A network-attached storage device (NAS) includes a non-volatile memory module comprising a first portion of data storage for storing local user data associated with a host computing device and a second shared portion of data storage for storing third-party data. The NAS includes a controller configured to provide copies of a portion of the user data to one or more other NAS's for storage therein, receive third-party data from each of the one or more other NAS's, and store the received third-party data in the second portion of data storage. The NAS is configured to upload at least a portion of the user data to the host computing device and upload at least a portion of the third-party data to at least one of the one or more other NAS. | 10-08-2015 |
20150277805 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HOST AND A SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICE - Communication between a host and a data storage device (DSD) including a first media for storing data and a second media for storing data. In one embodiment, a first controller of the DSD is configured to control operation of the first media and a second controller of the DSD is configured to control operation of the second media. The first controller receives a key data block of a monitoring system from the host with the key data block including a task file. The key data block is evaluated to determine if the key data block is directed to the second media, and if it is determined that the key data block is directed to the second media, the task file of the key data block is sent from the first controller to the second controller. | 10-01-2015 |
20150269964 | DATA MANAGEMENT FOR A DATA STORAGE DEVICE USING A LAST RESORT ZONE - A data storage device (DSD) includes a non-volatile memory (NVM) media for storing data. A last resort zone of the NVM media is associated with a higher risk of data loss or data corruption than other portions of the NVM media and is reserved as unavailable for storing data. It is determined whether a current data storage capacity and/or an environmental condition for the NVM media has reached a threshold. The last resort zone is set as available for storing data if it is determined that the threshold has been reached and data is written in the last resort zone. | 09-24-2015 |
20150268873 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRICTING WRITES TO SOLID STATE MEMORY WHEN AN END-OF-LIFE CONDITION IS REACHED - A data storage device including a solid state memory comprising logical block addresses (“LBAs”) corresponding to boot data accessed by a host during a boot process, and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine the LBAs corresponding to the boot data, and determine whether the solid state memory has reached an end-of-life condition. Upon determining that solid state memory has reached an end-of-life condition, the controller can restrict the host to write to the LBAs corresponding to the boot data during a boot process, and set the solid state memory into a read only mode when the boot process is complete. | 09-24-2015 |
20150268872 | LIFETIME EXTENSION OF NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY FOR DATA STORAGE DEVICE - Lifetime extension of a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) for a data storage device (DSD) includes determining a write amplification factor based on an amount of data previously written to the NVSM and at least one of an amount of data previously requested to be written to the DSD, and an amount of data previously requested to be written to the NVSM. At least a portion of the amount of data to be written to the NVSM is directed or redirected to the disk based on the determined write amplification factor. | 09-24-2015 |
20150264159 | CONTENT MATCHING SYSTEM FOR A NETWORKED MEDIA PLAYER - Embodiments of a content selection system are disclosed, wherein the system is configured to obtain location information from a plurality of computing devices. The content selection system identifies a selection of computing devices that are within a set distance (e.g., within viewing and/or listening distance) from a networked, media playback device. The content selection system determines media content preferences of users associated with the selection of computing devices. The content selection system select a first media content for playback on the networked media player based at least partly on the media content preferences of the users. | 09-17-2015 |
20150255099 | DISK DRIVE EMPLOYING MULTIPLE READ ELEMENTS TO INCREASE RADIAL BAND FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL MAGNETIC RECORDING - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, and a head comprising at least three read elements including a first read element, a second read element, and a third read element. When the head is within a first radial band of the disk, data recorded on the disk is detected using the first read element and the second read element. When the head is within a second radial band of the disk different from the first radial band, data recorded on the disk is detected using the first read element and the third read element. The first read element is substantially aligned down-track with the third read element when the head is over a first radial location of the disk. | 09-10-2015 |
20150242640 | ENCRYPTION KEY SELECTION - Systems and methods are disclosed for encrypting and/or decrypting data in a data storage environment. A data storage device controller is configured to extract parameters from host memory access commands and use key selection circuitry to select an encryption model based on the parameters. Key selection is determined by the selected encryption model. | 08-27-2015 |
20150234447 | DEVICE OPTIMIZED POWER MANAGEMENT - A data storage system including memory configured to store content, a host configured to determine time to next data information based on the content stored in the memory, and a data storage device including a controller. The controller can be configured to receive the time to next data information from the host, select a power mode for the data storage device from a plurality of power modes for the data storage device based on the time to next data information, and place the data storage device in the selected power mode. The host can be configured to transmit the time to next data information to the data storage device. | 08-20-2015 |
20150220403 | BACKUP OF BASELINE INSTALLATION - A method of backing up a computing device comprises storing in the computing device, prior to any first backup of the computing device, a selected pre-populated Reference File that comprises one or more references to at least some of the data blocks stored in the computing device. A first backup may then be initiated. The first back may cause references to data blocks in the computing device that are unrepresented in the pre-populated Reference File to be added to the Reference File. The data blocks corresponding to the added references may then be sent to a backup server over a computer network. | 08-06-2015 |
20150197053 | INJECTION MOLDING PART WITH "ZERO DRAFT" DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING METHODOLOGIES - A method may comprise generating a first electronic model of a workpiece to be manufactured using an injection-molding process. The first electronic model may then be analyzed and the workpiece in the first electronic model may then be selectively distorted according to the analysis. A second electronic model of the distorted workpiece may then be generated. The workpiece may then be injection-molded within a mold generated using the second electronic model. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cooled such that the injection-molded workpiece gradually assumes the shape or substantially the shape of the workpiece in the first electronic model. | 07-16-2015 |
20150162034 | DISK DRIVE HEAD SUSPENSION TAIL WITH STIFFENED EDGE ALIGNMENT FEATURES - A head gimbal assembly for a disk drive includes a flexure tail terminal region having flexure bond pads in electrical communication with the head. Each of the flexure bond pads includes a widened region of a corresponding one of a plurality of electrical traces in a conductive layer, and a discontinuous bond pad backing island in a structural layer that overlaps the widened region. The flexure tail terminal region also includes a plurality of discontinuous edge stiffener islands in the structural layer that do not overlap the widened region of any flexure bond pad, and that are disposed no more than 50 microns from one of the two opposing longitudinal outer edges of the flexure tail terminal region. At least one of the plurality of discontinuous bond pad backing islands is disposed no more than 50 microns from one of the two opposing longitudinal outer edges. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161001 | MISPROGRAMMING PREVENTION IN SOLID-STATE MEMORY - Systems and methods for programming data in a non-volatile memory array are disclosed. Certain embodiments provide a controller configured to program a lower page of a plurality of memory cells of the non-volatile memory array. The controller may submit the programmed lower page to an error correction module and receive correction data relating to the lower page from the error correction module. The correction data is used to program an upper page of the plurality of memory cells in order to at least partially reduce upper page misprogramming events. | 06-11-2015 |
20150146506 | DISK DRIVE COMPRISING LASER TRANSMISSION LINE OPTIMIZED FOR HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk and a head comprising a laser configured to heat the disk while writing to the disk. At least one transmission line couples a laser driver to the laser. Data is written to the disk by pulsing the laser driver, wherein the transmission line comprises an impedance that results in a target pulse shape of optical power output by the laser. | 05-28-2015 |
20150146319 | DISK DRIVE SLIDER WITH SENSE AMPLIFIER FOR COUPLING TO A PREAMP THROUGH A SUPPLY/BIAS LINE AND A READ SIGNAL LINE - A disk drive slider is disclosed comprising a first read element for generating a first read signal, and a first sense amplifier comprising a first input terminal coupled to the first read element, a first output terminal coupled to a first output line, and a first supply terminal coupled to a supply line. The first sense amplifier is for amplifying the first read signal to generate a first amplified read signal, the first output line is for transmitting the first amplified read signal to a preamp, and the supply line is for coupling to the preamp in order to supply power to the first sense amplifier and supply a first bias to the first read element. | 05-28-2015 |
20150120995 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE STARTUP - When a read command is received from a host requesting data stored on a disk of a Data Storage Device (DSD), it is determined whether the DSD is in a startup period and whether the requested data is stored in a solid state memory of the DSD. The requested data is designated for storage in the solid state memory if it is determined that the DSD is in the startup period and the requested data is not stored in the solid state memory. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120770 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE SUPPORTING ACCELERATED DATABASE OPERATIONS - Disclosed herein are data storage device embodiments for accelerating database operations and associated methods. In one embodiment, the data storage device includes a controller; an array of one or more solid-state memory storage devices; a first memory for storing processor executable instructions associated with database operations; and a second memory for storing data related to the database operations; wherein the controller is configured to execute the instructions to: cause data to be read from the solid-state memory storage devices into the second memory; determine whether the data match a query specified by the instructions; and perform a database operation based on the query match determination. | 04-30-2015 |
20150117113 | PROGRAMMING SCHEME FOR IMPROVED VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION IN SOLID-STATE MEMORY - Systems and methods are disclosed for reducing programming interference in solid-state memory using a program suspend command. A data storage system includes a non-volatile memory array including a plurality of non-volatile memory devices and a controller configured to partially program a first cell coupled to a first word line. When a programming criterion associated with the first cell is met, the controller executes a program suspend command after which a second cell coupled to the first word line is at least partially programmed. Programming of the first cell is resumed following said at least partial programming of the second cell. | 04-30-2015 |
20150113197 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE COMPRISING MULTIPLE STORAGE UNITS - A data storage device including a first storage unit comprising a first media of a first type and an enclosure defining an aperture, a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) located below the first storage unit, wherein the PCBA comprises a bridge unit and a host interface for connecting the data storage device to a host, and a second storage unit located above the first storage unit and comprising a second media of a second type different than the first type and a communications interface configured to be connected to the bridge unit through the aperture. | 04-23-2015 |
20150109701 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WITH MEDIA PREPARATION MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - An apparatus includes: a media; a head over the media; and control circuitry configured to cause the head to: write a first precondition track with a preconditioning pattern on the media, and write a data track on the media at a first inter-track spacing with the head positioned in a first direction from the first precondition track. | 04-23-2015 |
20150106846 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device including a peripheral device connection unit configured to connect to a display interface of a peripheral device and to receive identification data for the peripheral device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine configuration information, wherein the configuration information is based at least on one of the identification data for the peripheral device or geographic location data for the electronic device, obtain a user interface selected from a plurality of user interfaces based at least partly on the configuration information, and automatically configure the electronic device based on the obtained user interface. | 04-16-2015 |
20150100722 | UTILIZING DESTRUCTIVE FEATURES AS RAM CODE FOR A STORAGE DEVICE - A host including a controller configured to be connected to a storage device separate from the host. The controller is configured to maintain random access memory (RAM) code on the host, the RAM code configured to provide a destructive function, temporarily load the RAM code onto a volatile memory in the storage device during a manufacturing process, wherein the loaded RAM code, when executed by a processor in the storage device, is configured to cause the processor in the storage device to perform a destructive function on the storage device, and remove the loaded RAM code from the volatile memory after the manufacturing process, wherein the destructive function is unable to be performed by the processor when the loaded RAM code is removed from the volatile memory. | 04-09-2015 |
20150095904 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPEDITED LOADING OF AN IMAGE ONTO A STORAGE DEVICE - Embodiments of an image loading system are disclosed for installing testing software on a storage device. In one embodiment, the system includes a network storage that stores testing software for storage devices, a software loader operating on a storage device, and a testing manager. In an embodiment, the testing manager is configured to broadcast at least one packet containing a specific code on a network, wherein receipt of the specific code causes the software loader to request a location of the testing software and transmit a location of the network storage to the software loader, thereby causing the software loader to obtain the testing software from the network storage and load the testing software on the storage device. | 04-02-2015 |
20150095776 | VIRTUAL MANIFESTATION OF A NAS OR OTHER DEVICES AND USER INTERACTION THEREWITH - A device may comprise a display interface and a processor coupled to the display interface. The processor may be configured to couple to a remote network-connected device over a computer network; generate a graphic representation of the network-connected device on the display and send the generated graphic representation to the display interface. A status of the network-connected device may then be received over the computer network and cause, responsive to receiving the status of the network-connected device, the graphic representation of the network-connected device to change appearance depending upon the received state the network-connected device. | 04-02-2015 |
20150074358 | HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM PROVIDING SELECTIVE MERGING OF DATAFRAME SEGMENTS IN HARDWARE - A method of writing data to a range of logical blocks in a storage medium includes: receiving a command including a starting logical block address, a value indicating a range of logical block addresses to be written, and a logical block of data; storing the logical block in a first temporary storage; generating a logical page by duplicating the logical block a plurality of times corresponding to a number of logical blocks in a logical page and transporting the generated logical page to a second temporary storage and storing the generated logical page in the second temporary storage; writing the generated logical page from the second temporary storage into the storage medium beginning from the starting logical block address; and performing a read-modify-write operation if the first write operation does not begin on a logical page boundary or the last write operation does not end on a logical page boundary. | 03-12-2015 |
20150067049 | REDISCOVERY OF PAST DATA - According to one embodiment, a user's past content (e.g., pictures, movies, audio recordings) may be retrieved and pushed to the user's mobile device in a real-time and in a contextually-relevant manner. The pushed content may also include contextually-relevant content of others with whom the user has established a relationship to share such content. | 03-05-2015 |
20150062800 | HARD DRIVE MOUNTING AND SHOCK SYSTEM - A mounting system can be used in a storage device or other electrical device to mount a component, such as a drive, while also providing at least some shock absorption. The mounting system can include a deflection arm, a protrusion and a hole. The protrusion and hole can be configured to engage one another. One of either the hole or the protrusion can be on the deflection arm and the other can be on the component being mounted. The mounting system can also include a locking tab configured to move to a position behind the deflection arm. The locking tab can decrease the amount of deflection that can be experienced by the deflection arm to prevent the component from becoming prematurely dislodged from the mounting system. | 03-05-2015 |
20150062743 | DATA MIGRATION FOR DATA STORAGE DEVICE - Migration of data in a data storage device (DSD). A spindle motor of the DSD is controlled to rotate a disk of the DSD to perform at least one operation on the disk and an operational activity level is determined for performing the at least one operation. It is determined whether the operational activity level is greater than a target level, and if it is determined that the operational activity level is not greater than the target level, data is transferred between a solid state memory of the DSD and the disk while the disk rotates. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061475 | LATCH SYSTEM - A deflection or snap fit type latch system can resist separation in at least three axes. The snap fit type latch system can include a first member and a second member that when engaged are configured to form a snap fit connection, at least one of the members comprising a deflecting arm. A tee feature on the first member can include a stem and a head. A slot on the second member can slidingly receive the stem of the tee feature as the first and second members engage such that the second member is sandwiched between the first member and the head of the tee feature. The snap fit connection can resist separation in a first axis and the combined tee feature and slot resist separation in two additional axes. The snap fit type latch system can be part of an enclosure, such as a storage device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150058499 | STORAGE DEVICE SUPPORTING PERIODIC WRITES WHILE IN A LOW POWER MODE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A storage device including a non-volatile memory configured to store data from a host, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect when the host is in a low power periodic update mode, the detecting based at least on part on a timing of a communication from the host, and place the storage device in a power up in standby mode when the host is in the low power periodic update mode. | 02-26-2015 |
20150052275 | I/O CARD ARCHITECTURE BASED ON A COMMON CONTROLLER - The embodiments provide a backplane for a storage device that is readily extensible to accommodate a range storage media. In some embodiments, the controller is provided on a motherboard. In order to support a different numbers of bays, various management riser cards are provided on the motherboard to expand the capacity of the backplane while still using the same controller. The backplane supports a serial addressing scheme and shift registers to identify ports connected to the storage device controller to allow for different numbers of storage media to be connected to the motherboard. This allows the storage device controller to use the same addressing protocol and software for any number of drive bays. | 02-19-2015 |
20150033067 | AUTOMATIC RAID MIRRORING WHEN ADDING A SECOND BOOT DRIVE - A storage system including a first boot drive configured to store an operating system, one or more data drives configured to store user data, the one or more data drives distinct from the first boot drive, and a controller configured to detect when a second boot drive is added to the storage system, and automatically configure the first boot drive and the second boot drive in a redundant array of independent disks (“RAID”) configuration when the controller detects that the second boot drive is added to the storage system. | 01-29-2015 |
20150033057 | POWER CONSERVATION BASED ON CACHING - The present invention relates to a method and device that conserves power. In some embodiments, the device is a battery powered storage device. The invention employs a large cache and aggressive caching algorithm to serve data from the storage media (hard disk or SSD) or write data to the storage media. The cache provides an efficient location from which to serve data, especially multi-media. In one embodiment, the algorithm determines when to place the drive into a lower power state, such as idle, or standby, based on the amount of anticipated idle time provided by the large cache. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032407 | FALLING STATE DETERMINATION FOR DATA STORAGE DEVICE - Determination of when an electronic device such as a data storage device (DSD) is falling. An input is received indicating an acceleration of the electronic device during a time period. A classifier function is calculated using the input and it is determined whether the electronic device is falling based on a calculated value of the classifier function. During a calibration process, acceleration values are recorded representing a plurality of actual falls and a plurality of false falls of the electronic device. Weight values are set for a weighted classifier function using the recorded acceleration values and the weighted classifier function is stored in a memory of the electronic device. | 01-29-2015 |
20150029808 | POWER FAIL PROTECTION AND RECOVERY USING LOW POWER STATES IN A DATA STORAGE DEVICE/SYSTEM - Systems and methods for early warnings of power loss in solid state storage drives are disclosed. Early warnings of power loss can be used to power the drive to force the drive into a low power states before the energy in backup power sources, such as backup capacitors, is used. The low power states can allow for the reduction of power use by the drive which can provide cost savings and reduction in the risk that the drive will be rendered reconfigurable by a power failure event. | 01-29-2015 |
20140380067 | BACKUP POWER FOR REDUCING HOST CURRENT TRANSIENTS - A data storage device (DSD) includes a power supply from a host and a charge storage element. A current transient is detected on the power supply from the host and it is determined whether the current transient exceeds a current threshold. When the current transient exceeds the current threshold, power is drawn from the charge storage element to reduce power drawn from the host. | 12-25-2014 |
20140369002 | FAN PLATE - A fan plate system can include a fan plate and may or may not include the fan. The fan plate can include one or more surfaces. The fan plate can also include a grill configured to allow air to flow into or from a fan through the grill. The one or more surfaces can be configured to connect to a first end of an outer housing of the fan. The one or more surfaces can also provide a gap between the first end of the fan outer housing and the grill when the fan outer housing is connected to the fan plate. In some embodiments, an electronic device can include a fan plate system. | 12-18-2014 |
20140365785 | MIGRATION OF ENCRYPTED DATA FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for compression, formatting, and migration of data for data storage systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, data repacking can be used in any situation where embedded metadata needs to be accessed, such as during data migration, and where the underlying data is encrypted. In some embodiments, performance is increased because encrypted data is repacked without first performing decryption. In addition, data may also be compressed and repacking can be performed without performing decompression. Advantageously, there is no need to retrieve or wait for the availability of encryption key (or keys) or expand resources in decrypting (and decompressing) data before repacking it and encrypting repacked data. Available capacity for storing user data, reliability, and performance of the data storage system can be increased. | 12-11-2014 |
20140365704 | USING DUAL PHYS TO SUPPORT MULTIPLE PCIE LINK WIDTHS - Systems described herein enable PCIe device components to be used with multiple PCIe topologies and with host systems of varying configurations. In some cases, a number of varying PHYs and PCIe cores are utilized to increase the number of applications and/or specifications that may be satisfied with a host interface design. Further, some systems described herein may include a number of synchronizers, clock multiplier units, and selectors to create a host interface that can be configured for a number of applications. Despite increasing the flexibility of the usage of systems disclosed herein, costs can be reduced by using the systems of the present disclosure for PCIe based devices. | 12-11-2014 |
20140362516 | COMPONENT PLACEMENT WITHIN A SOLID STATE DRIVE - A component mount for a data storage device (DSD). The component mount includes a flexible member or printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a pad for electrically connecting to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the DSD. At least one capacitor is mounted on the flexible member or PCBA, and is electrically connected with the pad. | 12-11-2014 |
20140344653 | HIGH PERFORMANCE READ-MODIFY-WRITE SYSTEM PROVIDING LINE-RATE MERGING OF DATAFRAME SEGMENTS IN HARDWARE - A method of merging data frames includes: receiving a first data frame having a plurality of sectors; receiving a second data frame having a plurality of sectors; generating a merged output data frame by merging, using a plurality of data paths including a plurality of multiplexers, sectors of the second data frame with sectors of the first data frame; and performing an error check on at least one check-data frame having sectors corresponding to those in the first data frame or the second data frame, where at least some of the sectors in the check-data frame are transmitted on a subset of the plurality of data paths that transmits sectors of the merged output data frame, and where the error check verifies the merged output data frame. | 11-20-2014 |
20140335376 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE UNDERLAYER TO GROW FEPT GRANULAR MEDIA WITH (001) TEXTURE ON GLASS SUBSTRATES - A perpendicular magnetic recording medium, comprising: a substrate; a buffer layer deposited in a first orientation on top of the substrate; an underlayer deposited in a second orientation on top of the buffer layer, the underlayer comprising an electrically conductive oxide; and a magnetic recording layer deposited on top of the underlayer and having an axis of magnetic anisotropy substantially perpendicular to the surface thereof. | 11-13-2014 |
20140334038 | DISK DRIVE READ CIRCUIT COMPRISING AN AC COUPLED SENSE AMPLIFIER FOR AMPLIFYING A READ SIGNAL - A disk drive read circuit is disclosed comprising a read element for generating a read signal, and a sense amplifier comprising an input terminal coupled through a first capacitor to the read element and an output terminal coupled through a second capacitor to a transmission line, wherein the sense amplifier is for amplifying the read signal. | 11-13-2014 |
20140320999 | DISK DRIVE MINIMIZING INITIAL SEEK DISTANCE AFTER LOAD OPERATION - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising tracks defined by servo sectors, a head, and control circuitry comprising a servo control system operable to actuate the head over the disk in response to the servo sectors. The head is loaded over the disk during a load operation, and a radial velocity of the head is determined during the load operation. A target track is generated based on the determined radial velocity of the head, and the servo control system seeks the head to the target track. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320998 | DISK DRIVE WITH IMPROVED SPIN-UP CONTROL - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk. The spindle motor operates according to a plurality of electrical cycles over a single revolution of the spindle motor, where each electrical cycle spans a cycle period. A plurality of the cycle periods are measured, at least two of the cycle periods are combined, and a rotation speed of the spindle motor is measured based on the combined cycle periods. | 10-30-2014 |
20140306335 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT FOR SOLID-STATE DRIVE - An electronic device including a printed circuit board (PCB) including a thermal conduction plane and at least one heat generating component mounted on the PCB and connected to the thermal conduction plane. A frame is connected to the PCB so as to define a first thermally conductive path between at least a portion of the frame and the at least one heat generating component. The electronic device further includes at least one thermally conductive layer between the frame and the at least one heat generating component so as to define a second thermally conductive path between at least a portion of the frame and the at least one heat generating component. | 10-16-2014 |
20140300989 | STORAGE DEVICE WITH A COVER SUPPORTING PORTION - A disk drive assembly having a base, a cover, a post extending from the base toward the cover, and a latch movably mounted on the post such that the post extends there through, wherein the post comprises a cover supporting portion configured to support the cover, and prevent the cover from compressing the latch and causing the latch from contacting both the cover and the base simultaneously when a load is applied to a portion of the cover above the latch. | 10-09-2014 |
20140298117 | DETECTION OF USER BEHAVIOR USING TIME SERIES MODELING - The embodiments provide a way to predict when a storage device will be accessed. In order to enhance performance, the storage device may proactively prepare for the access operation, and thus, minimize the access-time response of the storage device. The user behavior is recorded over time and collected into a dataset. In one embodiment, the intervals between the data points in the dataset are calculated and arranged into a matrix. Patterns in the matrix are recognized and used to recognize the next likely access by the user. The storage device may then take various actions, such as drive spin up, in anticipation of the next predicted access to minimize access-time response. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297688 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRIVILEGED EXECUTION SUPPORT FOR FILE SYSTEM COMMANDS ON A STORAGE DEVICE - The present invention relates to a storage device that is able to execute higher level commands, such as network-level, file-system commands, with privileged access to various resources, such as the storage media, hardware, memory, firmware, etc. In one embodiment, the storage device is configured to receive and execute network-level file-system commands, such as Server-Message-Block protocol commands. In particular, the storage device comprises a drive having a storage media and a communications interface, such as a network interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to interpret and execute network-level, file-system commands received from the communications interface on data stored on the storage media. Accordingly, the storage device can service the network-level, file-system commands more efficiently and without the need for user-space applications. | 10-02-2014 |
20140281302 | MULTIPLE STREAM COMPRESSION AND FORMATTING OF DATA FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Embodiments of multiple stream compression and formatting of data for data storage systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a data storage system can compress multiple streams of fixed sized host data before storing it on a media and format obtained variable sized compressed data for storing on the media that typically has fixed size storage granularity. One or more modules compress the incoming host data and create multiple output streams of fixed sized storage units that contain compressed data. The storage units are stored on the media. Capacity, reliability, and performance are thereby increased. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281218 | STORAGE DEVICE POWERED BY A COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE - A storage device including a communications interface configured to receive data and power, a plurality of disk drives configured to be powered only by the power received by the communications interface, a controller configured to configure the plurality of disk drives as a redundant array of independent disks, a power regulator configured to transmit the received power from the communications interface to the plurality of disk drives, and a peak current reduction circuit configured to reduce peak current usage by the plurality of disk drives. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281146 | COMPRESSION AND FORMATTING OF DATA FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Embodiments of compression and formatting of data for data storage systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a data storage system can compress fixed sized data before storing it on a media and format obtained variable sized compressed data for storing on the media that typically has fixed size storage granularity. One or more modules compress the incoming host data and create an output stream of fixed sized storage units that contain compressed data. The storage units are stored on the media. Capacity, reliability, and performance are thereby increased. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281145 | ATOMIC WRITE COMMAND SUPPORT IN A SOLID STATE DRIVE - A method of performing an atomic write command in a data storage device comprising a volatile memory and a plurality of non-volatile memory devices configured to store a plurality of physical pages. The method may comprise storing data in a plurality of logical pages (L-Pages), each associated with a logical address. A logical-to-physical address translation map may be maintained in the volatile memory, and may be configured to enable determination of a physical location, within one or more of the physical pages, of the data referenced by each logical address. The data specified by a received atomic write command may be stored one or more L-Pages. Updates to the entry or entries in the translation map associated with the L-Page(s) storing the data specified by the atomic write command may be deferred until all L-Pages storing data specified by the atomic write command have been written in a power-safe manner. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281128 | DECODING DATA STORED IN SOLID-STATE MEMORY - Embodiments of decoding data stored in solid-state memory arrays are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple read operations are performed while taking inter-cell interference (ICI) into account. Soft-decision information, such as log-likelihood ratios (LLRs), is determined by using known data and its corresponding multi-read output. Soft-decision information is provided to a detector. Reliability is improved and performance is increased. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280010 | SHARED MEDIA CRAWLER DATABASE METHOD AND SYSTEM - The embodiments relate to transcoding, cataloging, and extracting metadata about files stored in a storage device. In one embodiment, a crawler runs on the storage device and maintains a database that is stored in the volume with the data that has been cataloged by the crawler. The crawler may discover files of any type and extract associated metadata about the files. The crawler can extract metadata about client interaction with various files, such as edits, play counts, etc. The crawler may discover files of any type and extract associated metadata about the files automatically during a scan or at the request of a client. In one embodiment, the crawler may be responsive to file system events that indicate changes to the file system, such as additions, deletions, or other types of changes. In addition, the crawler may synchronize the database with the file system so that they indicated the same state for a particular file. Furthermore, the crawler may provide notifications to various entities regarding the state of a file. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277673 | PRODUCTION FAILURE ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A production failure analysis system including a factory quality control unit configured to transmit a trigger signal when a production failure is detected, and an analytics unit. The analytics unit is configured to determine a root cause of the production failure by at least receiving the trigger signal from a factory quality control unit, extracting production data from a database when the trigger signal is received, wherein the production data includes process input variables, and identifying one or more potential root causes of the production failure based in part on an analysis of the process input variables. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268402 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZED STAGGERED DISK DRIVE SPINUP - An array may comprise a plurality of disk drives and a controller coupled to the plurality of drives. The controller may be configured to initiate spin-up of one or more first disk drives of the array; determine when each of the first disk drive(s) of the array for which spin-up was initiated reaches a predetermined spin rate that is less than a target spin rate at which the disk drive is ready to process data access commands; and initiate spin-up of one or more second disk drives of the array as the first disk drive(s) is determined to have reached the predetermined spin rate. | 09-18-2014 |
20140258588 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR TWO STAGE POWER-ON MAP REBUILD WITH FREE SPACE ACCOUNTING IN A SOLID STATE DRIVE - A data storage device comprises a non-volatile memory comprising a plurality of blocks, each configured to store a plurality of physical pages at predetermined physical locations. A controller programs and reads data stored in a plurality of logical pages. A volatile memory comprises a logical-to-physical address translation map configured to enabling determination of the physical location, within one or more physical pages, of the data stored in each logical page. A plurality of journals may be stored, each comprising a plurality of entries associating one or more physical pages to each logical page. At startup, the controller may read at least some of the plurality of journals in an order and rebuild the map; indicate a readiness to service data access commands after the map is rebuilt; rebuild a table from the map and, based thereon, select block(s) for garbage collection after having indicated the readiness to process the commands. | 09-11-2014 |
20140250656 | DE-SWAGE MACHINE FOR REMOVAL OF A HEAD FROM A HEAD STACK ASSEMBLY - A de-swage machine for removal of a head of a head stack assembly including a tooling unit configured to receive a head stack assembly comprising a plurality of heads and an indicia, a blade module configured to remove a head from the head stack assembly, an indicia reader configured to read the indicia, and a controller. The controller is configured to select and remove a head from the head stack assembly by at least reading the indicia using the indicia reader, transmitting the indicia to a database, receiving head stack assembly information corresponding to the indicia from the database, selecting the head for removal based on the head stack assembly information, and removing the selected head using the blade module. The blade module can also include a force sensor, and the de-swage machine can also include an imaging unit. | 09-11-2014 |
20140233032 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A PITCH STATIC ATTITUDE OF A HEAD STACK ASSEMBLY - A tester including a laser transmitter, a laser receiver, a zero reference plane located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, a tower reference plane located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, wherein the tower reference plane defines an aperture, and a controller. The controller is configured to measure a pitch static attitude of a head stack assembly by at least determining a zero axis, determining a first horizontal position of the aperture and a second horizontal position of the aperture, determining a mid-point of a first slider of the head stack assembly, determining a first vertical position of the aperture, determining a first horizontal line, and generating a pitch static attitude reference line corresponding to a pitch static attitude of the first slider based on a least squares approximation using the mid-point of the first slider and the first horizontal line. | 08-21-2014 |
20140208026 | INITIALIZATION OF A STORAGE DEVICE - A storage device including a first storage unit including a first media of a first type, a second storage unit including a second media of a second type, and a controller. The controller initializes the storage device for a host by receiving an initialization query from the host, identifying, to the host, that the storage device comprises the second storage unit but not the first storage unit, receiving an indication from the host indicating that the host is compatible with the first storage unit, and identifying, to the host, that the storage device comprises the first storage unit and the second storage unit. The host initializes the storage device by initializing the second storage unit, transmitting the indication to the controller indicating that the host is compatible with the first storage unit, receiving the identification of the first storage unit from the controller, and initializing the first storage unit. | 07-24-2014 |
20140201424 | DATA MANAGEMENT FOR A DATA STORAGE DEVICE - Managing data stored in at least one data storage device (DSD) of a computer system where the at least one DSD includes at least one disk for storing data. A Linear Tape File System (LTFS) write or read command is generated including an LTFS block address. The LTFS block address is translated to a device address for the at least one DSD and data on a disk of the at least one DSD is written or read at the device address. | 07-17-2014 |
20140201423 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONFIGURING A MODE OF OPERATION IN A SOLID-STATE MEMORY - Disclosed herein is an architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system. The NVM storage system includes a bridge device that communicates with the controller. In one embodiment, the bridge device allows for certain data locations (blocks, pages or units at any other granularity) in the flash dies to be (1) placed into a reserved mode where data access is prevented (2) assigned into an SLC (Single-Level Cell) mode or an MLC (Multi-Level Cell) mode in response to controller command, (3) made available for data access after the assignment of mode. This flexibility enables the controller to increase SLC mode or MLC mode data locations based on run-time conditions. In one embodiment, the assignment of the reserved data locations is performed in a way to ensure that warranty conditions imposed by the memory vendors are observed. | 07-17-2014 |
20140181432 | PRIORITY-BASED GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Priority-based garbage collection utilizes attributes of data stored in the non-volatile memory array in order to improve efficiency of garbage collection and of the overall data storage system. A set of low priority data can be selectively evicted from a non-volatile memory array. This can, for example, reduce write amplification associated with garbage collection. Another set of low priority data can be regrouped or consolidated in a different region of the non-volatile memory array. In addition, flushing of data can be performed in order to enhance or optimize garbage collection. Performance and endurance can thereby be improved. | 06-26-2014 |
20140181369 | DYNAMIC OVERPROVISIONING FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for dynamic overprovisioning for data storage systems. In one embodiment, a data storage system can reserve a portion of memory, such as non-volatile solid-state memory, for overprovisioning. Depending on various overprovisioning factors, recovered storage space due to compressing user data can be allocated for storing user data and/or overprovisioning. Utilizing the disclosed dynamic overprovisioning systems and methods can result is more efficient utilization of cache memory, reduction of write amplification, increase in a cache hit rate, and the like. Improved data storage system performance and increased endurance and longevity can thereby be attained. | 06-26-2014 |
20140173215 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVISIONING A BOOTABLE IMAGE ON TO AN EXTERNAL DRIVE - The present invention relates to a method of optimizing the provisioning of a bootable image onto a storage device. In some embodiments, a host device executes a provisioning application to image a storage drive as a bootable drive. During the provisioning process, the storage device is configured to disguise its use of write caching during the provisioning process. In one embodiment, the storage device is configured to suppress forced unit access commands and cache flush commands for the provisioning application. In another embodiment, the storage device is configured to reject forced unit access commands. The storage device may disguise its use of write caching based on various criteria, such as a length of time, a counter, and the like. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169221 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REPLACING AND CONFIGURING A ROUTER IN A NETWORK - A method of replacing a first router with a second router within a network may comprise placing the second router in client mode within the network such that the second router is not configured to route network traffic and is configured to search for a network access point provided by the first router. A protocol may then be invoked on the first and second routers, the protocol being configured to enable an exchange of the network name and password information from the first router to the second router in client mode. The second router, in client mode, may be configured according to the obtained network name and password information. The second router may then be switched from client mode back to router mode and enabled to route network traffic on the network. The first router may then be replaced with the second router. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169102 | LOG-LIKELIHOOD RATIO AND LUMPED LOG-LIKELIHOOD RATIO GENERATION FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - An error management system for a data storage device can generate soft-decision log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) for upper and lower pages of memory cells in MLC solid-state media. Disclosed are systems and methods for generating lumped-LLR for upper pages, wherein at least some voltage threshold reads are linked together in order to reduce the number of reads. Efficiency and reliability are thereby improved. | 06-19-2014 |
20140164870 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOWER PAGE DATA RECOVERY IN A SOLID STATE DRIVE - In some embodiments of the present invention, a data storage system includes a controller and a non-volatile memory array having a plurality of memory pages. The controller performs a method that efficiently resolves the lower page corruption problem. In one embodiment, the method selects programmed lower page(s) for which paired upper page(s) have not been programmed, reads data from those selected lower page(s), corrects the read data, and reprograms the read data into those lower page(s). Since the number of lower pages in this condition is typically low (e.g., several pages in a block with hundreds or thousands of pages), this is a much more efficient method than reprogramming the entire block. In another embodiment, a similar reprogramming method is applied as a data recovery scheme in situations in which only lower pages are programmed (e.g., SLC memory, MLC memory in SLC mode, etc.). | 06-12-2014 |
20140157078 | METHODS, SOLID STATE DRIVE CONTROLLERS AND DATA STORAGE DEVICES HAVING A RUNTIME VARIABLE RAID PROTECTION SCHEME - A data storage device may comprise a flash controller and an array of flash memory devices coupled to the flash controller. The array may comprise a plurality of S-Pages that may each comprise a plurality of F-Pages. In turn, each of the plurality of F-Pages may be configured to store a variable amount of data and a variable amount of error correction code. The flash controller may be configured to generate an error correction code across each F-Page of an S-Page and to store the generated error correction code within one or more F-Pages having the largest amount of data. | 06-05-2014 |
20140149826 | DATA RELIABILITY SCHEMES FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - A data storage system configured to implement a data reliability scheme is disclosed. In one embodiment, a data storage system controller detects uncorrectable errors using intra page parity when data units are read from a set of pages. When an uncorrectable error is detected, the data storage system controller attempts to recover user data using inter page parity without using all data from each page of the set of pages. Recovery of user data can thereby be performed without reading all data from each page. As a result, the amount of time needed to read data can be reduced in some cases and overall data storage system performance can be increased. | 05-29-2014 |
20140139363 | ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER WITH INPUT VOLTAGE BIASING DC LEVEL OF RESONANT OSCILLATOR - An analog-to-digital converter is disclosed comprising a resonant oscillator comprising an input operable to receive an analog input signal and an output operable to output an oscillating signal. A DC offset detector detects a DC offset in the oscillating signal caused by the analog input signal, wherein the DC offset is converted into a digital output signal representing the analog input signal. | 05-22-2014 |
20140136753 | METHODS, DATA STORAGE DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR FRAGMENTED FIRMWARE TABLE REBUILD IN A SOLID STATE DRIVE - A data storage device comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory devices configured to store a plurality of physical pages; a controller coupled to the plurality of memory devices that is configured to program data to and read data from the plurality of memory devices. A volatile memory may be coupled to the controller and may be configured to store a firmware table comprising a plurality of firmware table entries. The controller may be configured to maintain a plurality of firmware journals in the non-volatile memory devices. Each of the firmware journals may be associated with a firmware table entry and may comprise firmware table entry information. The controller may be configured to read the plurality of firmware journals upon startup and rebuild the firmware table using the firmware table entry information in each of the read plurality of firmware journals. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133220 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR AVOIDING LOWER PAGE CORRUPTION IN DATA STORAGE DEVICES - A data storage device may comprise a plurality of Multi-Level Cell (MLC) non-volatile memory devices comprising a plurality of lower pages and a corresponding plurality of higher-order pages. A controller may be configured to write data to and read data from the plurality of lower pages and the corresponding plurality of higher-order pages. A buffer may be coupled to the controller, which may be configured to accumulate data to be written to the MLC non-volatile memory devices, allocate space in the buffer and write the accumulated data to the allocated space. At least a portion of the accumulated data may be written in a lower page of the MLC non-volatile memory devices and the space in the buffer that stores data written to the lower page may be de-allocated when all higher-order pages corresponding to the lower page have been written in the MLC non-volatile memory devices. | 05-15-2014 |
20140126081 | DISK DRIVE PREDICTING SPINDLE MOTOR FAILURE BY EVALUATING CURRENT DRAW RELATIVE TO TEMPERATURE - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk. A baseline relationship is generated between a baseline current draw of the spindle motor over a temperature range. An operating current draw of the spindle motor is measured and a corresponding operating temperature is measured. Failure of the spindle motor is predicted based on the operating current draw, the operating temperature, and the baseline relationship. | 05-08-2014 |
20140115427 | ADAPTIVE ERROR CORRECTION CODES FOR DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - A data storage system configured to adaptively code data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a data storage system controller determines a common memory page size, such as an E-page size, for a non-volatile memory array. Based on the common memory page size, the controller selects a low-density parity-check (LDPC) code word length from a plurality of pre-defined LDPC code word lengths. The controller determines LDPC coding parameters for coding data written to or read from the memory array based on the selected LDPC code word length. By using the plurality of pre-defined LDPC code word lengths, the data storage system can support multiple non-volatile memory page formats, including memory page formats in which the common memory page size does not equal any LDPC code word length of the plurality of pre-defined LDPC code word lengths. Flexibility and efficiency of data coding can thereby be achieved. | 04-24-2014 |
20140101369 | METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR PHYSICAL-TO-LOGICAL MAPPING IN SOLID STATE DRIVES - A data storage device comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory devices storing physical pages, each stored at a predetermined physical location. A controller may be coupled to the memory devices and configured to access data stored in a plurality of logical pages (L-Pages), each associated with an L-Page number that enables the controller to logically reference data stored in the physical pages. A volatile memory may comprise a logical-to-physical address translation map that enables the controller to determine a physical location, within the physical pages, of data stored in each L-Page. The controller may be configured to maintain, in the memory devices, journals defining physical-to-logical correspondences, each journal covering a predetermined range of physical pages and comprising a plurality of entries that associate one or more physical pages to each L-Page. The controller may read the journals upon startup and rebuild the address translation map from the read journals. | 04-10-2014 |
20140095439 | OPTIMIZING DATA BLOCK SIZE FOR DEDUPLICATION - Provided herein is technology relating to data deduplication and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for determining an efficiently optimal size of data blocks to use for backing up a data source. Also provided herein are systems for identifying duplicate data in data backup applications. | 04-03-2014 |
20140059405 | SOLID-STATE DRIVE RETENTION MONITOR USING REFERENCE BLOCKS - A solid-state storage retention monitor determines whether user data in a solid-state device is in need of a scrubbing operation. One or more reference blocks may be programmed with a known data pattern, wherein the reference block(s) experiences substantially similar P/E cycling, storage temperature, storage time, and other conditions as the user blocks. The reference blocks may therefore effectively represent data retention properties of the user blocks and provide information regarding whether/when a data refreshing operation is needed. | 02-27-2014 |
20140036392 | ULTRA-THIN HDD EMBEDDED DISK CLAMP DESIGN - A disk drive having a hub comprising a top surface and a non-circular protrusion extending upward from the top surface, a disk clamp comprising a wall portion and a non-circular opening formed through the clamp, the opening configured to receive the non-circular protrusion extending upward from the top surface of the hub; and at least one disk supported by the hub, wherein the non-circular protrusion extending upward from the top surface of the hub is inserted into the opening formed in the clamp, and wherein an outer annular portion of the clamp engages the disk to provide clamping force. | 02-06-2014 |
20130301158 | DISK DRIVE COMPRISING EXTENDED RANGE HEAD PROXIMITY SENSOR - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a fly height transducer operable to generate a fly height signal for the head. The disk drive further comprises control circuitry comprising a current sensor operable to detect a current flowing through the fly height transducer. The current sensor comprises a differential amplifier operable to amplify the current flowing through the fly height transducer over a first range using a first gain, and amplify the current flowing through the fly height transducer over a second range using a second gain less than the first gain, wherein at least part of the second range is different than the first range. | 11-14-2013 |
20130293982 | DISK DRIVE EMPLOYING SINGLE POLARITY SUPPLY VOLTAGE TO GENERATE WRITE CURRENT - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, an actuator arm comprising a suspension, and a head coupled to a distal end of the suspension, wherein the head comprises a write coil. The disk drive further comprises a preamp operable to generate a write current applied to the write coil in response to a single polarity supply voltage which may be positive or negative. In one embodiment, the transmission lines that couple the write coil to the suspension comprise respective, parallel plate sections that form a capacitance which enables driving the preamp with the single polarity supply voltage. | 11-07-2013 |
20130290988 | SLIM FORM FACTOR DISK DRIVE - A disk drive comprises a drive enclosure defining a generally rectangular form factor; an electromechanical assembly contained within the drive enclosure, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) at least partially contained within the drive enclosure. The drive enclosure possesses at least one of the following characteristics: the drive enclosure defines chamfers on at least one of four corners of the generally rectangular form factor; and the drive enclosure defines a first surface and a second surface that defines an interior second surface portion and a peripheral second surface portion and wherein the interior second surface portion is further away from the first surface than is the peripheral second surface portion. | 10-31-2013 |
20130290793 | MANAGING UNRELIABLE MEMORY IN DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - A data storage system configured to manage unreliable memory units is disclosed. In one embodiment, the data storage system maintains an unreliable memory unit list designating memory units in a non-volatile memory array as reliable or unreliable. The unreliable memory unit list facilitates management of unreliable memory at a granularity level finer than the granularity of a block of memory. The data storage system can add entries to the unreliable memory unit list as unreliable memory units are discovered. Further, the data storage system can continue to perform memory access operations directed to reliable memory units in blocks containing other memory units determined to be unreliable. As a result, the operational life of the data storage system is extended. | 10-31-2013 |
20130268771 | DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ACCESSINGCONTENT FROM AN INTELLIGENT STORAG - The present invention relates to accessing content stored on a storage device and protecting the content with a digital rights management (DRM) scheme. The storage device may be a disk drive, or network attached storage. The storage device can perform cryptographic operations and provide a hardware root of trust. The DRM employs a binding key, a content key, and an access key. The binding key binds the content to the storage device and is based on a key concealed on the storage device. The binding key itself is not stored anywhere on the storage device. The content key is a key assigned to the content. The access key is determined based on a cryptographic combination of the content key and binding key. In one embodiment, the content is encrypted based on the access key and stored in encrypted form in the storage device. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268759 | DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRANSFER OF CONTENT AND DISTRIBUTION - The present invention relates to digital rights management (DRM) for content that may be downloaded and securely transferred from one storage to another storage. The storage may be a disk drive, or network attached storage. The storage performs cryptographic operations and provides a root of trust. The DRM system enables secure copying or transfer of content from one storage device to another storage device. In this embodiment, a trusted server that is authenticated and trusted by both storage devices brokers the transfer of content. The trusted server may be a separate entity of the DRM system or may be a component or function of an existing server of the DRM system. In another embodiment, the storage devices may transfer content in a peer-to-peer fashion. The transfer of content may be authorized and controlled based on a digital certificate associated with the content. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268749 | DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVISIONING CONTENT TO AN INTELLIGENT STORAGE - The present invention relates to digital rights management (DRM) for content that downloaded and saved to a storage device. The storage may be a disk drive, or network attached storage. In addition, the storage device performs cryptographic operations and provides a root of trust. The DRM employs a binding key, a content key, and an access key. The binding key binds the content to a specific storage and is based on a key that is concealed on the storage. The binding key is not stored on the storage device with the content. The content key is a key that has been assigned to the content. The access key is determined based on a cryptographic combination of the content key and the binding key. In one embodiment, the content is provisioned based on the access key and stored in encrypted form in the storage device. | 10-10-2013 |
20130266137 | Digital rights managment system, devices, and methods for binding content to an intelligent storage device - The present invention relates to digital rights management (DRM) for content that may be downloaded and bound to a storage device. The storage device may be an intelligent storage device, such as a disk drive, or network attached storage. In addition, the storage device is capable of performing cryptographic operations and providing a root of trust. In one embodiment, the DRM employs a binding key, a content key, and an access key. The binding key binds the content to a specific storage and is based on a key that is concealed on the storage. However, the binding key is not stored on the storage with the content. The content key is a key that has been assigned to the content, for example, by a trusted third party. The access key is determined based on a cryptographic combination of the content key and the binding key. In one embodiment, the content is encrypted based on the access key and stored in encrypted form in the storage device. | 10-10-2013 |
20130248545 | FASTENER CONTAINER TO PROVIDE FASTENERS TO A FASTENER FEEDER - Disclosed is a fastener container to provide fasteners to a fastener feeder for use in fastener driving operations. The fastener container may comprise a fastener housing and a rotating fastener mechanism. The fastener housing may include a plurality of fastener chambers, wherein each of the fastener chambers is configured to hold a plurality of fasteners. The rotating fastener mechanism may be located within the fastener housing and may include a plurality of bins. Each bin may be configured to receive fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing. The rotating fastener mechanism may be rotatable, such that, when a rotation occurs, a first bin drops fasteners to the fastener feeder and a second bin receives fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing. | 09-26-2013 |
20130244541 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORRECTING SLIDER PARALLELISM ERROR USING COMPENSATION LAPPING - Systems and methods for correcting slider parallelism error using compensation lapping are described. One such system includes a lapping support including at least one mounting surface having a preselected mounting angle such that a line normal to the at least one mounting surface is not parallel to a centerline of the lapping support, a rowbar including a plurality of magnetic transducers spaced apart along a length of the rowbar, and a lapping plate configured to lap the rowbar, where the rowbar is mounted to the at least one mounting surface, and where the rowbar is configured to be brought into contact with the lapping plate. | 09-19-2013 |
20130212401 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR AUTHENTICATION AND DATA ENCRYPTION - A storage device comprises a non-volatile storage media and a processor that is operative to receive, via an interface with one or more host devices, a first entered password needed for accessing data stored in the non-volatile storage media, generate a first number, combine the first entered password and the first number, generate a cryptographic key based on the combination of the first entered password and the first number, encrypt the received first entered password using the cryptographic key, and store the encrypted first entered password and the first number in the non-volatile media. The processor may be further operative to receive a request for authentication; provide a reply comprising the first number; receive a second number calculated based on a cryptographic combination of the first number and a second entered password, and authenticate the host device if the second number successfully decrypts the encrypted first entered password. | 08-15-2013 |
20130159644 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE GENERATING REDUNDANCY FOR DATA PATH PROTECTION OF A PARITY SECTOR - A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory. A write command is received comprising a first logical block address (LBA) and first user data, and a second LBA and second user data. The first LBA is mapped to a first physical block address (PBA) for addressing a first memory segment. The second LBA is mapped to a second PBA for addressing a second memory segment. First redundancy is generated in response to the first user data, second redundancy in generated in response to the second user data, and parity data is generated in response to the first and second user data. Third redundancy is generated in response to the parity data and in response to at least one of the first LBA and the first PBA and at least one of the second LBA and the second PBA. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155546 | DAMPER FOR DISK DRIVE - A disk drive including a disk having a bottom surface and a base having a first surface lying along a first plane and a second surface lying along a second plane positioned substantially parallel to the first plane. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface and is beneath at least a portion of the bottom surface of the disk. A damper of the disk drive is located on the second surface adjacent the first surface and is configured to contact a portion of the bottom surface of the disk when the disk is deflected toward the first surface. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155545 | INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE WITH A DAMPING INSERT SHEET BETWEEN A HOUSING BAY AND A DISK DRIVE - A novel information storage device is disclosed and claimed. The information storage device includes a device housing with a generally rectangular bay to accommodate a disk drive. The generally rectangular bay includes a base portion and a plurality of side portions. The information storage device further includes a damping insert sheet disposed between the disk drive and the base portion. The damping insert sheet has a plurality of elastomeric cushions, for example with a cushion thickness in the range 0.5 mm to 10 mm, and a spanning sheet, for example having a sheet thickness in the range 0.02 mm to 0.35 mm. Each of the plurality of elastomeric cushions is attached to the spanning sheet. Each of the plurality of elastomeric cushions contacts and is compressed between the generally rectangular bay and the disk drive. | 06-20-2013 |
20130148240 | DISK DRIVE CHARGING CAPACITOR USING MOTOR SUPPLY VOLTAGE DURING POWER FAILURE - 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. | 06-13-2013 |
20130145106 | COMMAND PORTAL FOR SECURELY COMMUNICATING AND EXECUTING NON-STANDARD STORAGE SUBSYSTEM COMMANDS - A command portal enables a host system to send non-standard or “vendor-specific” storage subsystem commands to a storage subsystem using an operating system (OS) device driver that does not support or recognize such non-standard commands. The architecture thereby reduces or eliminates the need to develop custom device drivers that support the storage subsystem's non-standard commands. To execute non-standard commands using the command portal, the host system embeds the non-standard commands in blocks of write data, and writes these data blocks to the storage subsystem using standard write commands supported by standard OS device drivers. The storage subsystem extracts and executes the non-standard commands. The non-standard commands may alternatively be implied by the particular target addresses used. The host system may retrieve execution results of the non-standard commands using standard read commands. The host-side functionality of the command portal may be embodied in an API that is made available to application developers. | 06-06-2013 |
20130132638 | DISK DRIVE DATA CACHING USING A MULTI-TIERED MEMORY - A disk drive is disclosed that utilizes multi-tiered solid state memory for caching data received from a host. Data can be stored in a memory tier that can provide the required performance at a low cost. For example, multi-level cell (MLC) memory can be used to store data that is frequently read but infrequently written. As another example, single-level cell (SLC) memory can be used to store data that is frequently written. Improved performance, reduced costs, and improved power consumption can thereby be attained. | 05-23-2013 |
20130120873 | DISK DRIVE UPSAMPLING SERVO CONTROL SIGNAL - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of servo tracks, wherein each servo track comprises a plurality of servo sectors. The disk drive further comprises an actuator for actuating a head over the disk in response to an actuator control signal. The servo sectors are read to generate a first sequence of control samples x[k] at a sample rate corresponding to a frequency of the servo sectors. The first sequence of control samples x[k] is upsampled by a factor of N to generate a second sequence of control samples y[k | 05-16-2013 |
20130120870 | DISK DRIVE SELECTING DISTURBANCE SIGNAL FOR FEED-FORWARD COMPENSATION - 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. | 05-16-2013 |
20130094110 | SUSPENSION CLAMP FOR CLAMPING A DISK DRIVE SUSPENSION TO AN ACTUATOR ARM - A suspension clamp is disclosed for clamping a disk drive suspension to an actuator arm. The suspension clamp comprises a housing including a spring operable to bias a latching member, wherein the latching member is rotatable about a pivot. After compressing the spring and rotating the latching member in a first direction, the latching member is operable to clamp the suspension to the actuator arm by decompressing the spring. | 04-18-2013 |
20130091698 | TRANSFER TOOL FOR CLAMPING A DISK DRIVE SUSPENSION TO AN ACTUATOR ARM - A transfer tool is disclosed for clamping a disk drive suspension to an actuator arm. The transfer tool comprises a first actuator operable to actuate at least one push pin to compress a spring of a suspension clamp, and a second actuator operable to actuate a driving pin, wherein the driving pin for rotating a latching member of the suspension clamp about a pivot. | 04-18-2013 |
20130077453 | DISK DRIVE CALIBRATING A LASER WRITE POWER FOR HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a laser for heating the disk while writing data to the disk. The disk drive receives write commands, and increases a power of the laser to a write power for heating the disk while writing data to the disk. A calibration interval is adjusted based on the power applied to the laser over time, and the write power is calibrated at the calibration interval. | 03-28-2013 |
20130070365 | CURRENT SENSOR COMPRISING DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER BIASED BY LEAKAGE CURRENT - A current sensor is disclosed comprising a differential amplifier including a first node, a second node, and an output. The current sensor further comprises a first resistor having a first end coupled to the first node and a second end for coupling to a transducer, and a second resistor having a first end coupled to the second node and a second end. When the second end of the second resistor is unconnected and the differential amplifier is driven with a supply voltage, the first node is biased by a first leakage current and the second node is biased by a second leakage current such that the output represents a current flowing through the transducer. | 03-21-2013 |
20130070363 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DATA THROTTLING DURING DISK DRIVE POWER DOWN - Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a data storage system that includes a disk and solid-state non-volatile memory (NVM). During a power failure, the data storage system may use back EMF (BEMF) voltage from the spindle motor of the disk to park the heads of the disk and/or store data in the NVM. In one embodiment, a demand regulation circuit regulates loads that use voltage generated from the BEMF. The demand regulation circuit may be used to selectively cause a controller to adjust the rate of programming to the NVM in order to reduce the load. For example, the demand regulation circuit may assert a throttle signal to the controller upon detecting that the voltage generated from the BEMF is below a certain threshold. Programming rate may be throttled, programming cycles may be staggered, and/or programming time may be lengthened. Throttling may enable the use of smaller circuitry. | 03-21-2013 |
20130060981 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ENHANCED CONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE IN DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - Disclosed herein is a controller architecture that pairs a controller with a NVM (non-volatile memory) storage system over a high-level, high speed interface such as PCIe. In one embodiment, the NVM storage system includes a bridge that communicates with the controller via the high-level interface, and controls the NVM via an interface (e.g., ONFI). The controller is provided a rich set of physical level of controls over individual elements of the NVM. In one embodiment, the controller is implemented in a higher powered processor that supports advanced functions such as mapping, garbage collection, wear leveling, etc. In one embodiment, the bridge is implemented in a lower powered processor and performs basic signal processing, channel management, basic error correction functions, etc. This labor division provides the controller physical control of the NVM over a fast, high-level interface, resulting in the controller managing the NVM at both the page and block level. | 03-07-2013 |
20130057986 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ALIGN A BOSS OF A HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY TO A BOSS HOLE OF AN ACTUATOR ARM FOR DISK DRIVE ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a method and system comprising: an alignment pin to be positioned adjacent to the boss hole (BH) of an actuator arm (AA); an actuator coupled to the alignment pin to move the alignment pin; an imaging device; and a computing device that performs operations including: commanding the imaging device to produce an image of the position of the alignment pin relative to the BH of the AA; commanding the HGA to be positioned in the AA such that the boss of the HGA is adjacent to the BH of the AA; and, based on the image, commanding the actuator to move the alignment pin such that the alignment pin is concentric relative to the BH and to move the alignment pin through an opening of the boss of the HGA such that the boss of the HGA is concentric and aligned with the BH of the AA. | 03-07-2013 |
20130038964 | SPINDLE MOTOR HAVING CONNECTING MECHANISM CONNECTING LEAD WIRE AND CIRCUIT BOARD, AND STORAGE DISK DRIVE HAVING THE SAME - A spindle motor includes a base portion, a rotor hub, a stator, and a circuit board. The base portion preferably includes a through hole and is arranged to spread out radially around a central axis. The rotor hub is arranged above the base portion to rotate about the central axis. The stator is arranged above the base portion, and includes coils each including at least one lead wire. The circuit board is arranged radially outward of the through hole, and arranged on a lower surface of the base portion. The base portion includes a communicating groove arranged to join the through hole and the circuit board to each other. The at least one lead wire of the coils is arranged to pass inside the through hole and the communicating groove to be electrically connected to the circuit board. The through hole is sealed with a sealant. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038962 | DISK DRIVE DECREASING A SETTLE DELAY BASED ON SPEED THAT A SETTLE PARAMETER ADAPTS - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, and control circuitry operable to seek the head to a target track and settle the head on the target track during a settle time, adapt a settle parameter used to settle the head on the target track, access the target track after an access delay, and decrease the access delay based on a speed that the settle parameter adapts. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038959 | DISK DRIVE WRITING SPIRAL TRACKS ON A SLAVE SURFACE USING REPEATABLE RUNOUT COMPENSATION FOR A MASTER SURFACE - A method is disclosed of servo writing a disk drive comprising a first head actuated over a first disk surface, and a second head actuated over a second disk surface. A first repeatable runout (RRO) of the first disk surface is measured, and a seek is performed to seek the first head over the first disk surface in response to the measured first RRO while writing a first spiral track to the second disk surface using the second head. As a result, the first spiral track comprises a second RRO that substantially matches the first RRO of the first disk surface. | 02-14-2013 |
20120327533 | DISK DRIVE MAPPING OUT DATA TRACKS TO AVOID THERMAL ASPERITIES - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data tracks, wherein the head comprises a write element and a read element. An asperity in a target data track is detected, and a range of data tracks proximate the target data track is mapped out, wherein the range of data tracks spans at least twice a radial offset between the read element and the write element at the radial location of the target data track. | 12-27-2012 |
20120324980 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AVOIDING FALSE DETECTION OF FREE FALL EVENT BASED ON DETECTED OPERATING MODES - An electronic device is disclosed comprising an acceleration sensor operable to generate an acceleration signal, and a free fall detector operable to detect a free fall event in response to the acceleration signal. A frequency response of the acceleration signal is measured, and the free fall detector is disabled when a magnitude of the frequency response within one of a plurality of frequency bands exceeds a threshold, wherein each frequency band corresponds to one of a plurality of normal operating modes. | 12-27-2012 |
20120324191 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING DATA RETENTION THAT INCORPORATES ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - A solid-state storage system is described with a method for adjusting the frequency of data retention operations. The data retention operation frequency can be increased or decreased according to a variety of environmental factors such as error code frequency, system temperature, altitude, and other operating conditions. These factors can indicate an increased or decreased risk of failure and accordingly provide increased or decreased rates of data retention operations. | 12-20-2012 |
20120300344 | DISK DRIVE HAVING A SHEET METAL CLAMP WITH A STAMPED ANNULAR PROTRUDING DISK CONTACT FEATURE - A disk drive includes a spindle motor attached to a disk drive base. The spindle motor includes a hub that rotates about a spindle rotation axis. An annular disk is mounted on the hub. A clamp is attached to the hub. The clamp has a body portion that is stamped from a metal sheet. The clamp also includes an annular rib that protrudes from the stamped sheet metal body portion towards the annular disk. The annular rib includes an annular contact surface that may be lapped to enhance flatness and that contacts the annular disk. The annular rib also includes inner and outer side walls that are each normal to the annular contact surface. | 11-29-2012 |
20120284493 | BOOTING FROM A SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICE IN ORDER TO ACCUMULATE DISK DRIVE PERFORMANCE DATA - A computer system is disclosed comprising a disk drive comprising a head stack assembly (HSA), the HSA comprising a spindle motor for rotating at least one disk, and at least one head actuated over the disk. The computer system further comprises a host coupled to the disk drive, wherein the host comprises a microprocessor operable to first boot the host by reading boot data from a secondary storage device. After first booting the host, the microprocessor commands the disk drive to accumulate performance data for the HSA, and after accumulating the performance data, the microprocessor second boots the host by reading boot data from the HSA. | 11-08-2012 |
20120284460 | HIGH PERFORMANCE PATH FOR COMMAND PROCESSING - Embodiments of solid-state storage system are provided herein which reduce processing delays for performance-sensitive commands. These performance-sensitive commands are typically read-write commands which can be transferred to the storage media by a high performance path to optimize responsiveness to the host. This high performance path can be enabled and disabled to prevent conflicts with commands processed via a low performance path. | 11-08-2012 |
20120281963 | PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER FOR INSERTING A STORED ADVERTISEMENT INTO A DISPLAYED BROADCAST STREAM - A personal video recorder is provided for displaying a targeted advertisement on a display in conjunction with displaying of a broadcast stream on the display. A viewer profile of a viewer of the display is defined based on signals received by a controller indicating usage of a viewer control interface by the viewer, for example based on viewer reactions to a broadcast stream or to an advertisement. A targeted advertisement is selected from stored advertisements based on the viewer profile of the viewer of the display. The targeted advertisement is displayed on the display. The viewer profile is updated based on subsequent signals received by the controller indicating usage of the viewer control interface. The signals indicate viewer reactions, for example, a viewer reaction to a broadcast stream or a viewer reaction to an advertisement or a viewer purchase. | 11-08-2012 |
20120278531 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED PARITY DETERMINATION WITHIN A DATA REDUNDANCY SCHEME IN A SOLID STATE MEMORY - Embodiments of the invention are directed to improving parity determination in a data redundancy scheme. In a block oriented storage system, where the storage element block size is an integer multiple of the block size used on the host interface, parity can be calculated on clean boundaries of the host block. However, this is not always the case and storage inefficiency occurs as a result. Embodiments of the invention optimize RAID parity calculation in a non-volatile solid state device by allowing the RAID stripe depth (also termed a “strip”) to be a non-integer multiple of the size of the individual storage element, i.e., the non-volatile memory program granularity. This enables efficient use of storage space where the host data size does not match the storage element size of the non-volatile memory while providing a straightforward way of handling parity generation and data recovery. | 11-01-2012 |
20120275050 | DISK DRIVE ADJUSTING ROTATIONAL POSITION OPTIMIZATION (RPO) ALGORITHM TO COMPENSATE FOR REPEATABLE RUNOUT (RRO) - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a first disk surface comprising a plurality of tracks, wherein each track comprises a number of data sectors and a number of servo sectors, and a second disk surface comprising a plurality of tracks, wherein each track comprises a number of data sectors and a number of servo sectors. A first repeatable runout (RRO) sinusoid is generated representing an RRO of the first disk surface, and a second RRO sinusoid is generated representing an RRO of the second disk surface. A plurality of access commands are received from a host which are stored in a command queue, and one of the access commands is selected to execute in response to the first and second RRO sinusoids. | 11-01-2012 |
20120260020 | NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY MODULE ENABLING OUT OF ORDER HOST COMMAND CHUNK MEDIA ACCESS - A non-volatile semiconductor memory module is disclosed comprising a memory device and memory controller operably coupled to the memory device, wherein the memory controller is operable to receive a host command, split the host command into one or more chunks comprising a first chunk comprising at least one logical block address (LBA), and check the first chunk against an active chunk coherency list comprising one or more active chunks to determine whether the first chunk is an independent chunk, and ready to be submitted for access to the memory device, or a dependent chunk, and deferred access to the memory device until an associated dependency is cleared. | 10-11-2012 |
20120254601 | DISK DRIVE BOOTING FROM VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY WHEN EXITING POWER SAVE MODE - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a first volatile semiconductor memory (VSM), and a second VSM. When the disk drive is powered on, control circuitry first reads VSM initialization code from the disk, first initializes the first VSM using the VSM initialization code, stores the VSM initialization code in the second VSM, and then enters a power save mode. When exiting the power save mode, the control circuitry second initializes the first VSM using the VSM initialization code stored in the second VSM. | 10-04-2012 |
20120254504 | FLASH MEMORY DEVICE COMPRISING HOST INTERFACE FOR PROCESSING A MULTI-COMMAND DESCRIPTOR BLOCK IN ORDER TO EXPLOIT CONCURRENCY - A flash memory device is disclosed comprising a flash controller for accessing a first flash memory over a first channel and a second flash memory over a second channel. A multi-command descriptor block is received from a host, wherein the multi-command descriptor block comprises identifiers for identifying a plurality of access commands that the host is preparing to request. A first group of the access commands are selected to execute concurrently and a second group of the access commands are selected to execute concurrently. The first group of access commands are received from the host and executed concurrently by accessing at least the first and second flash memories concurrently. The second group of access commands are received from the host and executed concurrently by accessing at least the first and second flash memories concurrently. | 10-04-2012 |
20120254503 | POWER-SAFE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for recovering the system status and maintaining drive coherency after an unexpected power loss. In particular, these systems and methods reduce overhead for maintaining drive coherency by providing for pre-allocation of groups of write addresses and recording the pre-allocated groups of addresses to the non-volatile memory. Write processes can write to the pre-allocated group of addresses while the next group of addresses are pre-allocated and recorded to non-volatile memory. | 10-04-2012 |
20120243121 | DISK DRIVE HAVING A DISK CLAMP WITH OPENINGS DIRECTLY RADIALLY OUTBOARD OF FASTENERS - A disk drive includes a spindle motor attached to a disk drive base. The spindle motor includes a hub that rotates about a spindle rotation axis. An annular disk is mounted on the hub. A clamp contacts a top surface of the hub. The clamp includes first and second pluralities of openings therethrough. The clamp is attached to the hub by a plurality of fasteners, each of the plurality of fasteners passing through one of the first plurality of openings. Each of the second plurality of openings has a closed outer periphery within the clamp. Each of the first plurality of openings is disposed directly between the spindle rotation axis and a corresponding one of the second plurality of openings. | 09-27-2012 |
20120203953 | CONCURRENTLY SEARCHING MULTIPLE DEVICES OF A NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY - A non-volatile semiconductor memory is disclosed comprising N memory devices each comprising a plurality of blocks, wherein each block comprises a plurality of memory segments accessed through an address. A searched is performed by issuing a read command for each of the N memory devices, wherein an address of each read command is separated by a distance determined in response to the search range of addresses and N, and the search range of addresses is greater than N. Data read from at least one of the memory devices is evaluated to determine whether the search has finished. | 08-09-2012 |
20120166828 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POWER CONTROL TO MINIMIZE POWER CONSUMPTION - The embodiments provide a system and method for device power control. In particular, the embodiments enable a device, such as a direct attached storage device coupled to a host, to enter into a mode that consumes less power. In one embodiment, the mode is self-initiated and triggered based on a preset timeout of non-use or other condition. Alternatively, this reduced power mode may be initiated based on a request by the host. During the reduced power mode of operation, the device may continue to appear active or on-line to its host. However, if its non-use persists, the device may employ a progression of power saving actions. If needed by the host, the direct attached storage device is configured to respond as if it were on-line and reverse one or more of the progression of power saving actions. | 06-28-2012 |
20120166685 | SELECTIVELY ENABLING A HOST TRANSFER INTERRUPT - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for reducing the number of interrupts on a controller for a non-volatile storage device to improve data transfer performance of the storage system. The embodiments described herein selectively enable an interrupt generated by host transfer hardware for a host command. The interrupt can be enabled or disabled by considering the command type, availability of interface resources to accept additional host transfers, and the command size. Embodiments described herein are useful for host interfaces implementing a tagging scheme for host transfers with a limited range of identification tags. | 06-28-2012 |
20120162806 | DIRECTIONAL WRITE RETRY FOR SHINGLED DISK DRIVE APPLICATION - Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for correcting for errors caused by disturbances to disk drives, such as disturbances due to shocks or vibrations incident on the drive. For example, systems and methods described herein advantageously correct for corruption to current data as well as previously written. Data may be rewritten in the current track that was being written to when the disturbance occurred, and may also be rewritten to one or more nearby previously written tracks, such as one or more adjacent tracks. According to some aspects, the direction of head deviation is used to select the appropriate corrective action. | 06-28-2012 |
20120159042 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE EXECUTING A UNITARY COMMAND COMPRISING TWO CIPHER KEYS TO ACCESS A SECTOR SPANNING TWO ENCRYPTION ZONES - A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory (NVM) including a plurality of sectors each having a sector size. An access command is received from a host, wherein the access command identifies a plurality of host blocks having a host block size less than the sector size. A plurality of the host blocks are mapped to a target sector. When the target sector spans an encryption zone boundary defined by the host blocks, a NVM command is generated identifying a first key corresponding to a first encryption zone and a second key corresponding to a second encryption zone. The NVM command is executed as a unitary operation to access a first part of the target sector using the first key and access a second part of the target sector using the second key. | 06-21-2012 |
20120151254 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING OVER-PROVISIONED DATA CAPACITY TO MAINTAIN A DATA REDUNDANCY SCHEME IN A SOLID STATE MEMORY - Redundant “parity” RAID (5, 6, 50, 60) is a well-known technique for increasing data reliability beyond the failure rate of an individual storage device. In many implementations of redundant RAID, when a storage element is lost, a replacement or spare element is required to restore redundancy. A typical solid state storage device is over-provisioned with more storage media than is required to satisfy the specified user capacity. Embodiments of the present invention utilize the additional over-provisioned capacity and potentially modify the stripe size to restore RAID redundancy when a storage element or path (i.e., page, block, plane, die, channel, etc.) has failed. In some cases, this may also involve reducing the RAID stripe size. | 06-14-2012 |
20120151253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A DATA REDUNDANCY SCHEME IN A SOLID STATE MEMORY IN THE EVENT OF A POWER LOSS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for reducing an amount of backup power needed to provide power fail safe preservation of a data redundancy scheme such as RAID that is implemented in solid state storage devices where new write data is accumulated and written along with parity data. Because new write data cannot be guaranteed to arrive in integer multiples of stripe size, a full stripe's worth of new write data may not exist when power is lost. Various embodiments use truncated RAID stripes (fewer storage elements per stripe) to save cached write data when a power failure occurs. This approach allows the system to maintain RAID parity data protection in a power fail cache flush case even though a full stripe of write data may not exist, thereby reducing the amount of backup power needed to maintain parity protection in the event of power loss. | 06-14-2012 |
20120151130 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING THE USEFUL LIFE OF SOLID-STATE STORAGE DEVICES - A non-volatile solid-state storage subsystem, such as a non-volatile memory device, maintains usage statistics reflective of the wear state, and thus the remaining useful life, of the subsystem's memory array. A host system reads the usage statistics information, or data derived therefrom, from the subsystem to evaluate the subsystem's remaining life expectancy. The host system may use this information for various purposes, such as to (a) display or report information regarding the remaining life of the subsystem; (b) adjust the frequency with which data is written to the subsystem; and/or (c) select the type(s) of data written to the subsystem. | 06-14-2012 |
20120144270 | STORAGE SUBSYSTEM CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING ECC SETTINGS BASED ON MONITORED CONDITIONS - A storage subsystem monitors one or more conditions related to the probability of a data error occurring. Based on the monitored condition or conditions, the storage subsystem adjusts an error correction setting, and thus the quantity of ECC data used to protect data received from a host system. To enable blocks of data to be properly checked when read from memory, the storage subsystem stores ECC metadata indicating the particular error correction setting used to store particular blocks of data. The storage subsystem may be in the form of a solid-state non-volatile memory card or drive that attaches to the host system. | 06-07-2012 |
20120081851 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING MULTIPLE HARD DRIVES - A multiple hard drive connection system includes a first backplane, a second backplane, and a card assembly. The first backplane includes a pass-through and a first socket, and couples to a control system such that the first socket is in electrical communication with the control system. The second backplane is adjacent to and spaced apart from the first backplane, includes a second socket aligned with the pass-through, and couples to the control system such that the second socket is in electrical communication with the control system. The card assembly includes a first edge card connected to the first socket and a second edge card extending through the pass-through and connected to the second socket. The card assembly couples to a hard drive such that the hard drive is in electrical communication with the control system via the first backplane, the second backplane, and the card assembly. | 04-05-2012 |
20120036041 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A PERSONAL MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ARCHIVE - The embodiments provide for legally transferring multimedia content stored on a medium to a personal content archive device. The device is configured to consolidate a user's content into a single device or secured storage that allows easy access to the content while preserving the digital rights of the content. When a content medium has been provided, the device queries a registration service over a network, such as the Internet, to register the content and indicate that it was legitimately obtained. The device may then be authorized to download and store an authorized version of the content into its secured storage. The authorized version may be the same or a variation of the registered content. The content may then be downloaded from one or more content sources. The registration process may be based on several criteria, such as an authenticity check of the medium, a fee payment, and the like. | 02-09-2012 |
20120002324 | DISK DRIVE WITH BALANCE PLUG HAVING LONGITUDINAL RETAINERS - Described herein is a disk drive balance plug that includes a substantially cylindrical body defining a first end, a second end, a substantially cylindrical outer surface, and a plug central axis. The balance plug also preferably includes at least one protrusion extending along the cylindrical outer surface between the first and second ends in a direction substantially aligned with the plug central axis. | 01-05-2012 |
20110317309 | SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY HAVING A MICROACTUATOR BONDED TO A FLEXURE - Disclosed is a suspension assembly for a disk drive that includes: a mounting plate having a top-side and a bottom-side; a microactuator mounting structure formed in the mounting plate; a microactuator mounted in the microactuator mounting structure in which the microactuator has a top-side and a bottom-side; and a flexure attached to the bottom-side of the of mounting plate and the microactuator. The flexure includes a pad layer and a through-hole, in which the through-hole extends through the pad layer. An epoxy on the pad layer bonds widely to the microactuator and extends through the through-hole. | 12-29-2011 |
20110292534 | DISK DRIVE EMPLOYING A PREAMP COMPRISING READ/WRITE PASS THROUGHS FOR CASCADING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a plurality of disk surfaces and a plurality of corresponding heads. The disk drive further comprises a preamp including a first integrated circuit coupled to a first plurality of the heads. The first integrated circuit comprises a first read-output for outputting a preamplified read signal, a first write-input for receiving a first write signal, a write-output-passthrough for outputting a passthrough write signal in response to the first write signal, and a read-input-passthrough for receiving a passthrough read signal. The preamp further comprises a second integrated circuit coupled to a second plurality of the heads, wherein the second integrated circuit comprises a second read-output for outputting the passthrough read signal, and a second write-input for receiving the passthrough write signal. | 12-01-2011 |
20110283049 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING GARBAGE COLLECTION IN SOLID-STATE MEMORY - Embodiments of the invention are directed to optimizing the selection of memory blocks for garbage collection to maximize the amount of memory freed by garbage collection operations. The systems and methods disclosed herein provide for the efficient selection of optimal or near-optimal garbage collection candidate blocks, with the most optimal selection defined as block(s) with the most invalid pages. In one embodiment, a controller classifies memory blocks into various invalid block pools by the amount of invalid pages each block contains. When garbage collection is performed, the controller selects a block from a non-empty pool of blocks with the highest minimum amount of invalid pages. The pools facilitate the optimal or near-optimal selection of garbage collection candidate blocks in an efficient manner and the data structure of the pools can be implemented with bitmasks, which take minimal space in memory. | 11-17-2011 |
20110271151 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING ASYNCHRONOUS EVENT NOTIFICATION IN SYSTEMS - A method is provided for asynchronous notifications from a device to a host in systems without requiring hardware provision for asynchronous operations. In an embodiment of the invention, a system supports command queuing and a command is sent from a host to a device. The device receives the command and an associated tag, and accepts the command as valid. After accepting the command, the device begins monitoring for asynchronous events. If an asynchronous event is detected, the device provides notification of the event by sending a response and the associated tag to the host. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of asynchronous notification enables use of invalid tags. In a further embodiment of the invention, asynchronous notifications may be enabled by a host and operate without additional host commands. | 11-03-2011 |
20110228425 | SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY HAVING A MICROACTUATOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO A GOLD COATING ON A STAINLESS STEEL SURFACE - A novel suspension assembly includes a suspension assembly mounting plate, a microactuator mounting structure extending from the suspension assembly mounting plate, a load beam extending from the microactuator mounting structure, and a laminated flexure attached to the load beam. The laminated flexure includes a tongue that has a read head bonding surface. The suspension assembly includes a stainless steel surface having a gold coating, and a piezoelectric microactuator attached to the microactuator mounting structure and electrically connected to the gold coating. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226729 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A DOUBLE SIDED FLEX CIRCUIT FOR A DISK DRIVE WHEREIN A FIRST SIDE LEAD PROVIDES AN ETCHING MASK FOR A SECOND SIDE LEAD - A method of manufacturing a flex circuit is disclosed for a disk drive comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and control circuitry. The flex circuit is for electrically coupling the head to the control circuitry and comprises a substrate. An electrical coating applied to a first side of the substrate is etched to form a first electrical lead. The first side of the substrate is irradiated with radiation such that the first electrical lead masks the radiation from passing through the substrate to prevent curing of a photoresist applied to the second side of the substrate to form an uncured photoresist and a cured photoresist on the second side of the substrate. The uncured photoresist is removed from the second side of the substrate to form a groove, and the groove is filled with electrically conductive material to form the second electrical lead. | 09-22-2011 |
20110212281 | DISK DRIVE HAVING A CONFORMAL LAMINATED COVER SEAL ADHERED A TOP FACE AND FOUR SIDE FACES OF A HELIUM-FILLED ENCLOSURE - A novel hermetically sealed disk drive comprises a disk drive enclosure that includes a disk drive base with a bottom face, four side faces, and a top cover, the enclosure having a top face. The hermetically sealed disk drive also comprises a laminated cover seal that includes a continuous metal foil, and a continuous adhesive layer coating the continuous metal foil. The laminated cover seal conforms to the disk drive enclosure and is adhered to the top face and to each of the four side faces by the continuous adhesive layer. The disk drive enclosure is helium-filled. The continuous metal foil of the laminated cover seal overlaps each of the four side faces by at least 5 mm. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211279 | SEALED LAMINATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HELIUM FILLED DISK DRIVE - A novel disk drive includes a hermetically sealed helium-filled enclosure that has an opening extending through the disk drive base. A laminated electrical connector is disposed inside the enclosure, spans the opening, and is accessible from outside the disk drive base via the opening. The laminated electrical connector has an adhesive layer that is adhered to the disk drive base continuously around the opening, and that has a hole therethrough that is aligned with the opening. The laminated electrical connector includes electrically conductive traces that are electrically connected to the actuator flex cable, and a first insulative layer that is disposed on the trace layer. The laminated electrical connector has a metal foil sealing layer that continuously spans and completely covers the opening, and that has no holes therethrough that are aligned with the opening. The metal foil sealing layer overlaps the adhesive layer continuously around the opening. | 09-01-2011 |
20110154113 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE TESTER - A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises control circuitry operable to receive a DSD log from the DSD, wherein the DSD log comprises at least one entry identifying at least one error condition. A sequence of commands associated with the error condition is executed in order to determine whether the DSD is defective. | 06-23-2011 |
20110154112 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE TESTER - A data storage device (DSD) tester is disclosed for testing a DSD. The DSD tester comprises control circuitry operable to receive production line data through an interface, wherein the production line data is related to the DSD. The control circuitry executes a DSD test on the DSD, and transmits failure data generated by the DSD test and the production line data to a failure information database. | 06-23-2011 |
20110150436 | PORTABLE CONTENT CONTAINER DISPLAYING A/V FILES IN RESPONSE TO A COMMAND RECEIVED FROM A CONSUMER DEVICE - A portable content container is disclosed comprising a decoder for decoding an A/V file into an A/V stream. File directory information identifying one or more A/V files is transmitted to a consumer device. A display command is received from the consumer device to display a selected one of the A/V files on a display device. The selected A/V file is decoded into an A/V stream transmitted to the display device in response to the display command. In an embodiment, the portable content container further comprises local memory for storing A/V files. | 06-23-2011 |
20110149424 | DATA STORAGE DEVICE TESTER - A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises a plurality of bays, a screen, and control circuitry operable to detect when a first DSD has been inserted into a first bay. Independent of operator input, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been inserted into the first bay. Independent of operator input, a DSD test is automatically executed on the first DSD. When the first DSD is removed from the first bay, independent of operator input, the GUI is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been removed from the first bay. | 06-23-2011 |
20110119464 | DATA STORAGE SYSTEM COMPRISING A MAPPING BRIDGE FOR ALIGNING HOST BLOCK SIZE WITH PHYSICAL BLOCK SIZE OF A DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A data storage system is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory and a first interface operable to receive a write command from a host, the write command comprising a host write data block having a host logical block size. A block mapping bridge divides the host write data block into a plurality of transfer data blocks, wherein each transfer data block having a device logical block size smaller than the host logical block size. The transfer data blocks are transmitted through a second interface to control circuitry that accumulates the transfer data blocks into a physical data block having a device physical block size equal to a first integer multiple of the device logical block size, wherein the host logical block size is a second integer multiple of the device physical block size. The physical data block is then written to the non-volatile memory. | 05-19-2011 |
20110107012 | NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY COMPRISING POWER FAIL CIRCUITRY FOR FLUSHING WRITE DATA IN RESPONSE TO A POWER FAIL SIGNAL - A non-volatile semiconductor memory is disclosed comprising a first memory device having a memory array including a plurality of memory segments, and a data register for storing write data prior to being written to one of the memory segments. A memory controller comprises a microprocessor for executing access commands received from a host. Interface circuitry generates control signals that enable the microprocessor to communicate with the first memory device. Power fail circuitry transmits a flush command to the first memory device through the interface circuitry in response to a power fail signal, wherein the first memory device responds to the flush command by transferring the write data stored in the data register to the memory segment. | 05-05-2011 |
20110099323 | NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY SEGREGATING SEQUENTIAL, RANDOM, AND SYSTEM DATA TO REDUCE GARBAGE COLLECTION FOR PAGE BASED MAPPING - A non-volatile semiconductor memory is disclosed comprising a memory device having a memory array including a plurality of memory segments. A plurality of sequential access write commands and random access write commands are received from a host, wherein each write command identifies at least one logical block address (LBA). The LBAs for the sequential access write commands are mapped to a plurality of the memory segments to generate sequential mapping data, and the sequential mapping data is mapped to a first one of the zones. The LBAs for the random access write commands are mapped to a plurality of the memory segments to generate random mapping data, and the random mapping data is mapped to a second one of the zones. | 04-28-2011 |
20110051292 | DISK DRIVE COMPRISING IMPEDANCE DISCONTINUITY COMPENSATION FOR INTERCONNECT TRANSMISSION LINES - A disk drive comprising a disk, and a head actuated over the disk, the head comprising a read element and a write element. The disk drive further comprises a preamp and an interconnect comprising a first transmission line and a second transmission line coupling the head to the preamp. A compensation network is disclosed operable to compensate for an impedance discontinuity in the first and second transmission lines, the compensation network comprising a first trace and a second trace connected in parallel with the first and second transmission lines, wherein a shape of the first and second traces varies to form at least a first capacitor. | 03-03-2011 |
20110043941 | ENERGY ASSISTED DISCRETE TRACK MEDIA WITH HEAT SINK - A discrete track perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) disk and a method of fabricating the disk are described. The PMR disk may include a heat sink layer disposed above a substrate, intermediate layers disposed above the heat sink layer, and a magnetic recording layer disposed above the intermediate layers. The magnetic recording layer may have raised and recessed areas, where a heat conductive material may be disposed within one or more of the recessed areas. | 02-24-2011 |
20110026159 | DISK DRIVE BIASING REFRESH ZONE COUNTERS BASED ON WRITE COMMANDS - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, and a head actuated over the disk. A plurality of refresh zones are defined, wherein each refresh zone corresponds to a plurality of the tracks. Data is written to a first refresh zone, and a first zone counter is updated for a second refresh zone at a first rate. Data is written to a third refresh zone, and the first zone counter is updated for the second refresh zone at a second rate different than the first rate. | 02-03-2011 |
20100315923 | MECHANICALLY DECOUPLED STATUS LENS - A disk drive includes a light source configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status. A disk drive status light guide system for a disk drive also includes a first light pipe configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to the disk drive and configured to directly receive and guide light emitted by the light source, and a second light pipe separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive and guide light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible to a user. | 12-16-2010 |
20100306551 | PHYSICALLY MODIFYING A DATA STORAGE DEVICE TO DISABLE ACCESS TO SECURE DATA AND REPURPOSE THE DATA STORAGE DEVICE - A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory and control circuitry operable to evaluate a physical feature of the data storage device, wherein the physical feature is physically alterable by a user. When the physical feature is in a first state, host access to first secure data stored in the non-volatile memory is enabled, and when the physical feature is in a second state, the host access to the first secure data is disabled and host access to second data stored in the non-volatile memory is enabled. | 12-02-2010 |
20100250793 | ADJUSTING ACCESS OF NON-VOLATILE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY BASED ON ACCESS TIME - A non-volatile semiconductor memory is disclosed comprising a first memory device and control circuitry operable to issue an access command to the first memory device. A command status is requested from the first memory device after a status delay. When the command status indicates the first memory device has completed the command, a first access time of the memory device is measured. An access sequence of the first memory device is then modified in response to the access time. | 09-30-2010 |
20100214682 | DISK DRIVE RETURNING DUMMY DATA TO A HOST WHEN READING AN UNWRITTEN DATA SECTOR - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk and a head actuated over the disk. The disk comprises a plurality of tracks, wherein each track comprises a plurality of data sectors. A read command is received from a host to read data from a target data sector. When it is determined that the target data sector has not been written by the host, dummy data is returned to the host. | 08-26-2010 |
20100146203 | USING NATIVE COMMAND QUEUING TAGS TO IMPLEMENT PROTECTION INFORMATION FOR DISK DRIVES - A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk and a head actuated over the disk. The disk drive further comprises control circuitry operable to receive a Native Command Queuing (NCQ) access command from a host, wherein the NCQ access command comprises at least one logical block address (LBA), and a tag field for identifying the access command. The tag field is evaluated to determine a size of the logical block in order to transfer the logical block between the disk drive and the host. In one embodiment, the tag field comprises a tag number selected from a range of numbers, including a first range of numbers identifying a first logical block size, and a second range of numbers identifying a second logical block size. | 06-10-2010 |
20100108256 | CLOSED LOOP CONTROL OF ADHESIVE DOT CHARACTERISTICS - A plurality of adhesive dots are dispensed, and a characteristic for each of the plurality of adhesive dots is measured. An average and statistical dispersion for the measured characteristics of the plurality of adhesive dots are determined. The average in then compared to a function of a reference characteristic value and the statistical dispersion. A change to be made to a physical parameter of a subsequent adhesive dot is determined based at least in part on the comparison, and the subsequent adhesive dot is dispensed onto a subsequent disk drive suspension based at least in part on the change. | 05-06-2010 |
20100067344 | INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE HAVING A DISK DRIVE AND A BRIDGE CONTROLLER PCB WITHIN A MONOLITHIC CONDUCTIVE NEST - An information storage device includes a disk drive and a disk drive printed circuit board (PCB) with a disk drive interface connector. A bridge controller PCB is connected to the disk drive interface connector, and includes a host interface connector. An electrically conductive nest of monolithic construction receives the disk drive housing and the bridge controller PCB. The electrically conductive nest includes an enclosure portion enclosing the bridge controller PCB with a conductive grounding tab in contact with the host interface connector. The enclosure portion includes a first plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing. The electrically conductive nest also includes an extended shield portion adjacent the second side of the disk drive base and overlying the disk drive controller PCB. The extended shield portion includes a second plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing. | 03-18-2010 |
20100053796 | DISK DRIVE INCLUDING A DELAY CIRCUIT TO PROVIDE A DELAYED RESET SIGNAL - A disk drive including a delay circuit to provide a delayed reset signal is disclosed. The disk drive includes a head to perform write and read operations to and from a disk and a disk controller that is coupled to the head to control the write and read operations performed by the head. The disk drive further includes: a power loss detection circuit to detect a power loss and to generate a reset signal in response to the power loss; a reset power line coupled to the disk controller and the power loss detection circuit to provide a non-delayed reset signal to the disk controller; and a delay circuit coupled to the reset power line wherein the delay circuit delays the reset signal to provide a delayed reset signal. | 03-04-2010 |
20090303637 | DISK DRIVE HAVING A HEAD LOADING/UNLOADING RAMP THAT INCLUDES A TORSIONALLY-COMPLIANT MEMBER - A disk drive includes a ramp having a fixed portion that is fixed to the disk drive base, and a guide portion that is not. The guide portion includes a guide surface having a parking region that is in contact with an HGA lift-tab with the disk drive in a non-operational state. The guide surface also has a load/unload region that extends over a disk outer periphery. The guide surface defines a guide surface length that is measured from the parking region to the load/unload region. The ramp also includes a torsionally-compliant member connecting the fixed portion to the guide portion. A distance between the torsionally-compliant member and the parking region, measured approximately parallel to the guide surface length, is less than half the guide surface length. The guide portion is not connected to the fixed portion over at least two-thirds of the guide surface length. | 12-10-2009 |
20090213491 | INFORMATION STORAGE DEVICE WITH A BRIDGE CONTROLLER AND A PLURALITY OF ELECTRICALLY COUPLED CONDUCTIVE SHIELDS - A novel information storage device is disclosed and claimed. The information storage device includes a disk drive, a disk drive printed circuit board, and a first conductive shield over the disk drive printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the disk drive. The information storage device also includes a bridge controller printed circuit board and a second conductive shield over and electrically coupled to the bridge controller printed circuit board. The first and second conductive shields are in direct contact with each other. A disk drive interface connector electrically couples the bridge controller printed circuit board with the disk drive printed circuit board. A third conductive shield is attached to the disk drive interface connector and is in direct contact with both the first and second conductive shields. | 08-27-2009 |
20090195936 | DISK DRIVE SERVOING OFF OF FIRST HEAD WHILE DETERMINING FLY HEIGHT FOR SECOND HEAD - A method is disclosed for selecting a dynamic fly height (DFH) control setting for a head in a disk drive, the disk drive comprising a plurality of disk surfaces and plurality of respective heads. The method comprises servoing a first head over a first disk surface in response to servo data recorded on the first disk surface, adjusting a DFH control setting for a second head, and while servoing the first head over the first disk surface, detecting whether the second head has contacted a second disk surface. | 08-06-2009 |
20090157848 | APPLICATION SERVER PROCESSING TCP/IP REQUESTS FROM A CLIENT BY INVOKING AN ASYNCHRONOUS FUNCTION - An application server is disclosed for communicating with a plurality of clients. The application server executes code segments stored on a computer readable storage medium, such as on a disk storage medium, FLASH memory, etc. The application server initiates a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) object for processing a request received from one of the clients, wherein the request comprises input data. The application server invokes an asynchronous function with the TCP/IP object as an input parameter to process the request, and when the asynchronous function is finished processing the request, returns output data to the client. | 06-18-2009 |
20090113702 | DISK DRIVE COMPRISING A DOUBLE SIDED FLEX CIRCUIT WHEREIN A FIRST SIDE LEAD PROVIDES AN ETCHING MASK FOR A SECOND SIDE LEAD - A method of manufacturing a flex circuit is disclosed for a disk drive comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and control circuitry. The flex circuit is for electrically coupling the head to the control circuitry and comprises a substrate. An electrical coating applied to a first side of the substrate is etched to form a first electrical lead. The first side of the substrate is irradiated with radiation such that the first electrical lead masks the radiation from passing through the substrate to prevent curing of a photoresist applied to the second side of the substrate to form an uncured photoresist and a cured photoresist on the second side of the substrate. The uncured photoresist is removed from the second side of the substrate to form a groove, and the groove is filled with electrically conductive material to form the second electrical lead. | 05-07-2009 |
20090027799 | DISK DRIVE REFRESHING ZONES IN SEGMENTS TO SUSTAIN TARGET THROUGHPUT OF HOST COMMANDS - A disk drive is disclosed including a disk comprising a plurality of refresh zones, and a head actuated over the disk. The disk drive further comprises control circuitry for receiving access commands from a host. The control circuitry refreshes a refresh zone in a plurality of segments with an interval between each segment, and processes at least one of the access commands during the interval between at least two of the segments, wherein a size of each segment and the interval ensures an average throughput of access commands received from the host does not fall below a first threshold. | 01-29-2009 |