Magnetic Disk Device Firmware Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard disk drives (HDDs) face difficulties in switching control firmware while the magnetic head is extended above the magnetic disk, as servo control and interrupt control are required, making it challenging to perform a complete firmware switch without retracting the head.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a control module comprising a reader, retainer, blocker, and switch that reads control firmware, fixes the servo control for the magnetic head, blocks interrupt signals, and switches the initial firmware to the control firmware while maintaining the head above the disk, allowing for a seamless transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If firmware switching is performed while the magnetic head is extended above the magnetic disk, then data read/write speed is improved, but servo control and interrupt control become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by blocking interrupt signals before performing firmware switching. The interrupt block unit prevents interrupt signals from being input to the CPU during the firmware transition period, ensuring that servo control operations are not disrupted while the magnetic head remains extended above the disk, thus maintaining control stability during speed-optimized firmware updates
2Reliability
If the magnetic head is retracted to the ramp for firmware switching, then control stability is maintained, but data read/write speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (interrupt block unit) that mediates between the need for firmware switching and the requirement for stable servo control. This intermediary component allows the magnetic head to remain extended above the disk while preventing interrupt signals from disrupting control operations during firmware transitions, thus achieving both speed and stability
3Duration of action of stationary object
If partial firmware changes are performed, then control continuity is maintained, but operational issues arise from incomplete firmware updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interrupt signal input function during firmware switching operations. By removing (blocking) interrupt signal inputs to the CPU during the firmware transition period, the system can perform complete firmware updates without interruption, ensuring both control continuity and firmware update completeness simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device is configured to read data from and write data to a magnetic disk using a magnetic head and provided with a control module that controls initial operation of the magnetic disk device according to initial firmware. The magnetic disk device includes a reader, a retainer, a blocker, and a switch. The reader reads control firmware stored in the magnetic disk. The retainer fixes a servo control amount for the magnetic head after the control firmware is read, and retains the magnetic head at a predetermined position above the magnetic disk. The blocker blocks input of an interrupt signal to the control module. The switch switches the initial firmware to the control firmware after the servo control amount is fixed and the input of an interrupt signal is blocked.