Disk Drive Head Positioning via Multi-Sector Burst Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic storage systems face inaccuracies in positioning the read/write head assembly due to noise and other factors affecting the burst signal used for radial position determination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiple sector error detection and correction circuit that combines amplitude and phase information from multiple sectors to accurately determine the position error of the read/write head assembly, with a motor controller adjusting the head's position accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If burst information from a single sector is used to determine radial position, then the positioning process is simple and fast, but noise and errors reduce positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines burst information from multiple sectors to determine radial position. Instead of relying on a single sector's burst signal, the system collects and processes burst data from multiple sectors, merging this information to produce a more accurate position determination that is less susceptible to noise and errors in any individual sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positioning task into multiple independent measurements by using burst information from multiple separate sectors. Each sector provides an independent measurement of radial position, and these segmented measurements are then combined to achieve higher overall accuracy than any single measurement could provide.
2Reliability
If multiple sectors are used to determine radial position, then positioning accuracy improves by reducing noise susceptibility, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting burst information from multiple sectors before the final position determination is needed. This allows the processing stage to work with pre-organized data from multiple sectors, improving reliability while managing processing time efficiently through advance data gathering.
3Measurement precision
If burst signal amplitude is used for position determination, then the method is simple to implement, but noise affects the accuracy of the amplitude measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges amplitude measurements from burst signals across multiple sectors to determine radial position. By combining these multiple amplitude measurements, the system achieves a more reliable and noise-resistant position determination than would be possible using a single burst amplitude measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of head assembly positioning by reducing susceptibility to noise and errors, providing a more precise alignment with the magnetic storage medium.
Implementation Method 1
the previously stored magnetic flux pattern induces a current in the head assembly that can be converted to the previously recorded digital data
Implementation Method 2
A subset of the first information set is stored, and a subset of the second information set is correlated with that of the first information set. The subset of the first information set is combined with the subset of the second information set to yield an indication of a location of the read/write head assembly
Implementation Method 3
a motor controller that is operable to receive the combination of the amplitudes and to cause the head assembly to move relative to the magnetic storage medium by an amount corresponding to the position error
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for providing head location feedback are disclosed herein. For example, one system includes an interface circuit that is operable to receive an information stream retrieved from a magnetic storage medium. The magnetic storage medium includes one or more tracks that each include a plurality of sectors. The sectors include burst information that can be utilized to aid in positioning a read/write head assembly over a magnetic storage medium. The systems further include a multiple sector error detection circuit. The multiple sector error correction circuit is operable to phase align samples of a burst obtained from one sector with samples of a burst obtained from another sector. An amplitude of each of the bursts is determined, and the determined amplitudes are combined. The combined amplitudes correspond to a position error of the read/write head assembly relative to the magnetic storage medium. In some cases, the devices further include a motor controller that is operable to receive the combination of the amplitudes and to cause the head assembly to move relative to the magnetic storage medium by an amount corresponding to the position error.