Magnetic Disk Power Loss Protection via Auxiliary Supply Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiactuator magnetic disk devices consume more electricity than single-actuator devices and face power loss protection (PLP) process interruptions due to steep voltage drops during power supply shutdown or reduction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary power supply that prioritizes power to specific controllers within the device, ensuring the system controller 130A maintains operation by activating the PLP power supply before the voltage reaches a critical level, thereby preventing interruptions to the power loss protection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary power supply is added to prevent PLP process interruptions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary power supply function with the existing power supply system by integrating a voltage detection circuit and control logic into the current power management architecture. The auxiliary power supply shares common circuit elements and control pathways with the main power supply, reducing the need for completely separate systems while ensuring PLP process continuity during power failures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If power is prioritized to the system controller during voltage drops, then system stability is improved, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating different power supply conditions for different components during voltage drops. The system controller receives prioritized power supply through dedicated circuit pathways that ensure stable operation, while other less critical components experience reduced or interrupted power supply. This selective power distribution maintains system stability without requiring complex global power management.
3Productivity
If multiple controllers are used to control multiple actuators, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing sleep modes and selective activation for multiple controllers. During normal operation, all controllers are active to maintain high productivity. During idle periods or power-saving modes, non-critical controllers are deactivated or placed in low-power states, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability for high-speed data processing when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk includes a disk, first and second heads which write data to the disk and read data from the disk, a first actuator includes the first head, a second actuator includes the second head, first and second controllers which control the first head, the second head, the first actuator and the second actuator, an auxiliary power supply which supplies power when power from a power supply is shut off, and a power supply detection unit which makes power supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the first controller higher than the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the second controller when shutoff of power from the power supply is detected.