Disc device and control method thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a disk device capable of increasing the number of tracks on a disk and a control method thereof. The disk device of the embodiments includes a disk having a plurality of tracks for data recording arranged along a radial direction; and a head capable of moving in the radial direction of the disk to write and read data to and from the tracks of the disk, the tracks including every two tracks adjacent to each other as paired tracks without a gap therebetween, and a gap between the paired tracks.

Description

[0001] This application enjoys priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-034584 (filed on March 5, 2025). This application incorporates the entire contents of the basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a disk device having a disk and read / write heads, and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0003] In a disk device that includes a disk and read / write heads for writing / reading data to the disk, multiple tracks for data recording are arranged radially along the disk with gaps between them.

[0004] Because there are gaps between the tracks on a disk, there are natural limitations even if you want to increase the number of tracks. This leads to a limitation on the disk's recording capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a disk device and a control method thereof capable of increasing the number of tracks on a disk.

[0006] The disk device of the embodiment includes: a circular disk formed by a plurality of tracks for data recording arranged radially; and a read / write head capable of moving radially toward the disk to write and read data from each track of the disk, wherein each track comprises every two tracks as pairs of tracks, the pairs of tracks being adjacent to each other without gaps, and gaps existing between these pairs of tracks.

[0007] Furthermore, the control method for the disk device according to the embodiment is as follows: the disk device includes: a circular disk formed by a plurality of tracks for data recording arranged radially; and a read / write head capable of moving radially toward the disk to write and read data from each track of the disk, each track comprising every pair of tracks adjacent to each other without gaps, and gaps existing between these pairs of tracks. In the control method of the disk device, if data written to one track of each pair of tracks moves from that track to the other track of the same pair by a distance exceeding a threshold, the data written to that track is rewritten to the same track, and the data written to the other track is rewritten to the other track of the same pair. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of one implementation method.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the read / write head in one embodiment, together with the tracks of the disk.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a disk and its tracks in one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a pair of tracks in one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating another example of paired tracks in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of a controller in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of data written into a pair of tracks in one implementation.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another example of data written to a pair of tracks in one implementation.

[0016] Figure 9 The diagram is shown with reference to the configuration of three interconnected magnetic tracks.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0018] 1…Disk, 10…Head, 11…Write element, 12…Read element, 30…Controller, T1~T12…Tracks, G…Gap. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 One implementation method will be described below.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the disk drive 100 includes a circular disk 1 as a recording medium, a spindle motor (SPM) 2 that drives the disk 1 to rotate, and a read / write head 10 for writing and reading data from the disk 1.

[0021] The magnetic head 10 is held rotatably in the actuator 20. The actuator 20 includes a rotating shaft 21, an arm 22 mounted on the rotating shaft 21, a voice coil motor 23 that applies rotational force to the arm 22, and a suspension member 24 mounted on the front end of the arm 22. The magnetic head 10 is mounted at the front end of the suspension member 24. The voice coil motor 23 includes a coil 23c, a magnet, and a yoke, and rotates the arm 22 by flowing a drive current through the coil 23c.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic head 10 includes a write element 11 for writing magnetic data to the disk 1, and a read element 12 for reading magnetic data from the disk 1. The write element 11 has a width Hw that is the same as the width Hw of each of the tracks T1 to T12 described later. The read element 12 has a width Hr that is smaller than the width Hw of each of the tracks T1 to T12 described later.

[0023] The read / write head 10 moves radially along the disk 1 between the first position P1 (dashed line) and the second position P2 (solid line) on the outer periphery, accompanied by the rotation of the actuator 20.

[0024] A stop ST and a ramp mechanism RL are disposed near the actuator 20. The stop ST restricts the movement of the read / write head 10 on the inner circumference side of the disk 1. The ramp mechanism RL retracts the read / write head 10 from the disk 1 when the spindle motor 2 stops.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the disk 1 includes a recording surface opposite to the read / write head 10. Multiple tracks T1 to T12 for data writing are formed on this recording surface in a radial arrangement.

[0026] Tracks T1 to T12 consist of two adjacent tracks that are without gap G between them, forming a pair of tracks. A gap G exists between these pairs of tracks.

[0027] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, adjacent tracks T1 and T2 form the first pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground). Data D1 is written to track T1, and data D2 is written to track T2. Similarly, adjacent tracks T3 and T4 form the second pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground). Adjacent tracks T5 and T6 form the third pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground). Adjacent tracks T7 and T8 form the fourth pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground). Adjacent tracks T9 and T10 form the fifth pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground). Adjacent tracks T11 and T12 form the sixth pair of tracks whose side edges are connected without gaps (G-ground).

[0028] Furthermore, there is a gap G between track T2 of the first pair of magnetic tracks and track T3 of the second pair of magnetic tracks, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. There is a gap G between track T4 of the second pair of magnetic tracks and track T5 of the third pair of magnetic tracks, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. There is a gap G between track T6 of the third pair of magnetic tracks and track T7 of the fourth pair of magnetic tracks, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. There is a gap G between track T8 of the fourth pair of magnetic tracks and track T9 of the fifth pair of magnetic tracks, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. There is a gap G between track T10 of the fifth pair of magnetic tracks and track T11 of the sixth pair of magnetic tracks, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. There is a gap G between track T12 of the sixth pair of magnetic tracks and the rotating shaft of the main shaft motor 2, with a width G approximately the same as the width Hw of each track T. Gap G is a region where no data is normally written.

[0029] In this way, by forming pairs of tracks T1 to T12 that are adjacent to each other without a gap G between them, and with a gap G between these pairs of tracks, the number of tracks T can be increased as much as possible in the limited area of ​​disk 1. Since the number of tracks T can be increased in the limited area of ​​disk 1, the recording capacity of disk 1 is increased.

[0030] Furthermore, due to the increased density of tracks T on disk 1, the travel distance (seek distance) of the head 10 during seek operations becomes shorter. As a result, the seek performance of the head 10 is improved.

[0031] In addition, not limited to Figure 4 The composition can also be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, a portion of track T1 of the first pair of tracks overlaps with a portion of track T2 of the other track in the radial direction of disk 1. According to this configuration, with... Figure 4 Compared to the previous example, the number of tracks T on disk 1 can be further increased. Because the number of tracks T on disk 1 is further increased, the recording capacity of disk 1 is further increased.

[0032] Even in a configuration where a portion of track T1 overlaps with a portion of track T2, because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T1, it is possible to reliably read the data D1 written to track T1 without being affected by the data D2 written to track T2. Similarly, because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T2, it is possible to reliably read the data D2 written to track T2 without being affected by the data D1 written to track T1. In other words, so-called random read / write is possible, which allows for overwrite and individual reading of data D1 and D2 on tracks T1 and T2 regardless of the writing or reading order.

[0033] Similarly, a portion of track T3 of the second pair of tracks overlaps radially with a portion of track T4 of the other pair of tracks. Since the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T3, the data D3 written to track T3 can be reliably read without being affected by the data D4 written to track T4.

[0034] A portion of track T5 in the third pair of tracks overlaps radially with a portion of track T6 in the other pair. Because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T5, the data D5 written to track T5 can be reliably read without being affected by the data D6 written to track T6.

[0035] A portion of track T7 in the fourth pair of tracks overlaps radially with a portion of track T8 in the other pair. Because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T7, the data D7 written to track T7 can be reliably read without being affected by the data D8 written to track T8.

[0036] A portion of track T9 in the fifth pair of tracks overlaps radially with a portion of track T10 in the other pair. Because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T9, the data D9 written to track T9 can be reliably read without being affected by the data D10 written to track T10.

[0037] A portion of track T11 of the sixth paired track overlaps radially with a portion of track T12 of the other track. Because the width of the read element 12 is smaller than the width Hw of track T11, the data D11 written to track T11 can be reliably read without being affected by the data D12 written to track T12.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the disk drive 100 includes: a controller 30 that serves as the control center; a head amplifier 41 that drives each magnetic head 10; a signal processing circuit 42 disposed between the head amplifier 41 and the controller 30; a motor driver 43 that drives the spindle motor 2 and the voice coil motor 23 according to the instructions of the controller 30; a DRAM 45 that serves as a memory storing programs and other data required for the control of the controller 30; a flash ROM 46 that serves as a memory storing various data required for the control of the controller 30; and a hard disk controller (HDC) 47 disposed between the controller 30, the hard disk controller (HDC), and an external host device 50.

[0039] The head amplifier 41 amplifies the write signals of data from the signal processing circuit 42 to each magnetic head 10, and amplifies the read signals of data from each magnetic head 10. The signal processing circuit 42 appropriately processes the write signals from the controller 30 to each magnetic head 10 and supplies them to the head amplifier 41, and appropriately processes the read signals amplified by the head amplifier 41 and supplies them to the controller 30.

[0040] The controller 30 controls the rotation of the disk 1, the movement (seeking) of the read / write head 10, and the writing and reading of data by the read / write head 10. It includes: a write control unit 30a that controls the writing of data to tracks T1 to T12 of the disk 1, a read control unit 30b that controls the reading of data to tracks T1 to T12 of the disk 1, and a rewrite control unit 30c that controls the rewriting of data to tracks T1 to T12 of the disk 1.

[0041] Regarding the read control unit 30b, its main function is to determine the state in which the data is written to each region of the tracks T1 to T12 whenever data is written to the tracks T1 to T12 by reading the data written by the read head 10.

[0042] Specifically, the read control unit 30b determines whether the data written to one of the paired tracks has exceeded (or deviated from) a second threshold (also known as the second allowable value) Q2 from that track to the adjacent gap G side.

[0043] Furthermore, the read control unit 30b determines whether the data written to one track of each pair of tracks exceeds (or deviates from) a first threshold (also called the first allowable value) Q1 from that track to the other track of the pair. The first threshold Q1 is less than the second threshold Q2.

[0044] As a result of the determination by the read control unit 30b, if the data written to one of the paired tracks exceeds the second threshold Q2 or more from that track to the adjacent gap G side, the rewrite control unit 30c determines that the data written to that track is in a state of unreliable writing. Under this determination, the data written to that track is rewritten to the same track.

[0045] Furthermore, based on the determination result of the read control unit 30b, if the data written to one of the paired tracks exceeds a distance of more than the first threshold Q1 (<Q2) from that track to the other track in the paired track, the rewrite control unit 30c determines that the data written to that track is in a state of unreliable writing and that the data written to the other track (referred to as the original data) may be lost. Under this determination, the data written to that track is rewritten to the same track, and in order to protect the original data written to the other track from loss, it is also rewritten to the same track.

[0046] Furthermore, when rewriting the data of the paired magnetic tracks, the rewrite control unit 30c changes the first threshold Q1 by a predetermined value ΔQ in the shrinking direction in order to reliably protect the rewritten data.

[0047] Then, while referring to Figure 6 process Figure 1 The control executed by controller 30 is explained.

[0048] The controller 30 controls the rotation of the disk 1 and the movement of the read / write head 10 (seeking) while writing data to a predetermined track T of the disk 1 through the read / write head 10 (S1).

[0049] Next, the controller 30 uses the magnetic head 10 to read the data that has been written to determine the state in which the data is written to each region of tracks T1 to T12 (S2). Hereinafter, as an example, the writing and reading of data on tracks T1 and T2 of the first pair of tracks in the first to sixth pairs of tracks will be described.

[0050] The controller 30 determines whether the data written to track T1 has exceeded (or deviated from) a second threshold Q2 from track T1 to the adjacent gap G side. Furthermore, the controller 30 determines whether the data written to track T1 has exceeded (or deviated from) a first threshold Q1 (<Q2) from track T1 to track T2 side.

[0051] If the data D1 written to track T1 does not extend beyond the second threshold Q2 from track T1 to the adjacent gap G side (S3 "Yes"), and the data D1 written to track T1 does not extend beyond the first threshold Q1 (<Q2) from track T1 to track T2 side (S3 "Yes"), the controller 30 determines that the data D1 has been reliably written to track T1, and returns to the process of S1 described above.

[0052] However, if data D1 written to track T1 due to vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10 exceeds the second threshold Q2 by a distance from track T1 to the adjacent gap G (S3 "No"), controller 30 determines that data D1 has been unnecessarily written to the gap G side by deviating from the track. Under this determination, the same data D1 is rewritten to the same track T1 (S4). Through this rewriting, data D1 can be reliably recorded on track T1 without being affected by vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10.

[0053] [ Figure 7 [Example]

[0054] like Figure 7As shown, if data D1, which has been written to track T1 due to vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10, exceeds a distance of more than a first threshold Q1 (<Q2) from track T1 to track T2 (S3 "No"), the controller 30 determines that data D1 has been unnecessarily written to track T2, deviating from the track. Based on this determination, the same data D1 is rewritten to the same track T1 (S4). This rewriting ensures that data D1 is reliably recorded on track T1 regardless of vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10. In this case, if some original data was already written to track T2 on the side where data D1 was written beyond the track, this original data is also rewritten to the same track T2 (S4). This protects the original data already written to track T2 from loss.

[0055] The first threshold (first allowable value) Q1 for the deviation of data between paired tracks T1 and T2 from each other is less than the second threshold (second allowable value) Q2 for the deviation of data from tracks T1 and T2 towards the gap G side. Therefore, the reliability of data writing in paired tracks T1 and T2 and the security of the written data can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, during the rewriting of the original data originally written in the aforementioned track T2 (S4), in order to reliably protect the rewritten data D1 in track T1 from the influence of the offset of the original data rewritten to track T2 with higher security, the controller 30 changes the first threshold Q1 by a predetermined value ΔQ in the shrinking direction.

[0057] When the original data originally written to track T2 is rewritten to track T2, if the rewritten original data moves from track T2 to track T1 by a distance greater than the new first threshold "Q1-ΔQ" ("No" in S3), the controller 30 determines that the original data has been unnecessarily written to track T1 by deviating from the track. Under this determination, the same original data is rewritten to track T2, and the rewritten data D1 in track T1 is rewritten to track T1 again (S4).

[0058] [ Figure 8 [Example]

[0059] like Figure 8As shown, if data D2, which has been written to track T2 due to vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10, exceeds a distance of more than the first threshold Q1 (<Q2) from track T2 towards track T1 (S3 "No"), the controller 30 determines that data D2 has been unnecessarily written to track T1 by deviating from the track. Based on this determination, the same data D2 is rewritten to track T2 (S4). This rewriting ensures that data D2 is reliably recorded on track T2 regardless of vibrations applied to disk 1 and read / write head 10. In this case, if some original data was already written to track T1 on the side where data D2 has been written beyond the track, this original data is also rewritten to track T1 (S4). This protects the original data already written to track T1 from loss.

[0060] The first threshold (first allowable value) Q1 for the deviation of data between paired tracks T1 and T2 from each other is less than the second threshold (second allowable value) Q2 for the deviation of data from tracks T1 and T2 towards the gap G side. Therefore, the reliability of data writing in paired tracks T1 and T2 and the security of the written data can be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, during the rewriting of the original data originally written in the aforementioned track T1 (S4), in order to reliably protect the rewritten data D2 in track T2 from the influence of the offset of the original data rewritten to track T1 with higher security, the controller 30 changes the first threshold Q1 by a predetermined value ΔQ in the shrinking direction.

[0062] When the original data originally written to track T1 is rewritten to track T1, if the rewritten original data moves from track T1 to track T2 by a distance exceeding the new first threshold "Q1-ΔQ" ("No" in S3), the controller 30 determines that the original data is unnecessarily written off track to track T2. Under this determination, the same original data is rewritten to track T1, and the rewritten data D2 in track T2 is rewritten to track T2 again (S4).

[0063] The above explanation uses the writing and reading of data on tracks T1 and T2 as an example. However, the controller 30 also performs the same control for writing and reading data on tracks T3 and T4 of the second pair of tracks, tracks T5 and T6 of the third pair of tracks, tracks T7 and T8 of the fourth pair of tracks, tracks T9 and T10 of the fifth pair of tracks, and tracks T11 and T12 of the sixth pair of tracks. This improves the reliability of data writing to each track T of the second to sixth pairs of tracks and the security of the written data.

[0064] Assuming Figure 9As shown, when considering a configuration where a portion of each of the three tracks T1, T2, and T3 overlaps, the data D2 written to the central track T2 may be affected by the data D1 and D3 of the tracks T1 and T3 on either side, making it unreadable. In other words, random read / write is not possible. If, as in this embodiment, the two tracks T1 and T2 are adjacent without gap G, this undesirable situation does not occur.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described using a configuration with 12 tracks T1 to T12 on disk 1, but the number of tracks is not limited. In practice, more tracks T are formed on disk 1.

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements during implementation without departing from its essence. Additionally, various inventions can be formed through appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment. Moreover, constituent elements involved in different embodiments can be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A disk drive, comprising: A circular hard disk is formed by multiple tracks for data recording arranged radially; and The read / write head is capable of moving radially along the disk to write and read data from each track of the disk. Each track comprises two tracks arranged in pairs, with each pair of tracks adjacent to each other without any gaps. There are gaps between each pair of magnetic tracks.

2. The disk drive according to claim 1, The magnetic head includes a write element for writing data with a width the same as the width of each track, and a read element for reading data with a width smaller than the width of each track.

3. The disk drive according to claim 1, In each pair of tracks, a portion of one track overlaps with a portion of the other track in the radial direction of the disk.

4. The disk drive according to claim 1, It also includes a controller that controls the rotation of the disk, the movement of the read / write head, and the writing and reading of data by the read / write head. If the controller rewrites the data written to one track of each pair of tracks beyond a threshold distance from that track to the other track of the same pair, the data written to that track is rewritten to the track of the same track, and the data written to the other track is rewritten to the track of the same other track.

5. The disk drive according to claim 1, It also includes a controller that controls the rotation of the disk, the movement of the read / write head, and the writing and reading of data by the read / write head. The controller If the data written to one of the paired tracks exceeds a second threshold distance from that track to the adjacent gap side, the data written to that track is rewritten to the same track. If the data written to one of the pairs of tracks exceeds a distance of more than a first threshold from that track to the other track in the same pair, the data written to that track is rewritten to the track of the same track, and the data written to the other track is rewritten to the track of the same other track, wherein the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

6. The disk drive according to claim 5, During the rewrite, the controller changes the first threshold towards the shrinking side.

7. A method for controlling a disk drive, The disk device includes: A circular hard disk is formed by multiple tracks for data recording arranged radially; and The read / write head is capable of moving radially along the disk to write and read data from each track of the disk. Each track comprises two tracks arranged in pairs, with each pair of tracks adjacent to each other without any gaps. There are gaps between each pair of magnetic tracks. In this control method, If the data written to one of the pairs of tracks exceeds a threshold distance from that track to the other track in the same pair, the data written to that track is rewritten to the track of the same track, and the data written to the other track is rewritten to the track of the other track.

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