Disk Drive Multi-Protocol Channel Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk drive systems face complexity in transferring servo data and user data due to the need for conversion between different protocols, leading to increased physical connections and processing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A disk drive apparatus with separate signal processing paths for servo and user data, utilizing a mode control unit to output data on a shared set of electrical conductors according to different protocols, eliminating the need for protocol conversion and simplifying data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated physical lines are provided between channel and controller for servo data transfer, then reliability of servo data transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel bus is designed to serve multiple functions: transferring both user data and servo data through the same physical lines. The interface can operate in different modes (NRZ mode for user data, servo mode for servo data) using the same conductors, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lines for servo data while maintaining transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the servo data transfer path with the existing user data bus structure. By combining servo data transfer and user data transfer onto the same physical channel bus, the system reduces the number of physical connections while maintaining reliable servo data transfer through protocol-based differentiation rather than physical separation.
2Device complexity
If servo data is converted to NRZ format for transfer on channel bus, then device complexity is reduced, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically switches between different operational modes (NRZ mode and servo mode) based on the type of data being transferred. This allows the same physical bus to handle different data formats without requiring conversion, as the system adapts its protocol behavior dynamically rather than forcing a static conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mode control unit that acts as an intermediary between the channel and controller. This mediator manages the protocol selection and data transfer coordination, allowing servo data to be transferred without complex conversion by handling the protocol differentiation at the interface level rather than requiring data format conversion.
3Ease of operation
If separate physical paths are used for servo and user data, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into different modes (servo mode and NRZ mode) rather than creating separate physical paths. This temporal segmentation allows the same physical bus to be dedicated to different data types at different times, maintaining operational simplicity while reducing physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel bus is designed as a universal interface that can handle both servo data and user data through the same physical lines. The multi-functionality of the bus eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths, reducing physical connection complexity while maintaining ease of operation through clear protocol differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a disk arrangement, a first signal processing path configured to output data from the disk arrangement according to a first protocol, a second signal processing path configured to output data from the disk arrangement according to a second protocol, and an interface including a set of electrical conductors and a mode control unit. The mode control unit is configured to output data from the first signal processing path on the set of electrical conductors according to the first protocol and to output data from the second signal processing path on the set of electrical conductors according to the second protocol according to a control signal received by the mode control unit. The second protocol is different from the first protocol.