Hard Disk Drive Assembly NVSM Configuration Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disk drives face challenges in achieving low-cost, high data storage capacity, rapid access, and decreasing size requirements while maintaining competitive pricing and adaptability for mass production, particularly in portable computing devices where space and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) within the hard disk drive assembly (HDA) to store configuration data and a disk drive start program, which is coupled to a host computer's printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), enabling efficient disk drive operations and reducing the need for extensive mechanical and electro-mechanical component development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If disk drives incorporate more mechanical and electro-mechanical components to achieve high data storage capacity and rapid access, then data storage capacity and access speed improve, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from the mechanical/electromechanical components and relocates it to a separate non-volatile semiconductor memory device. This separation allows the HDA to maintain high data storage capacity and rapid access performance while the NVD provides lightweight configuration storage, thus resolving the contradiction between data storage capacity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-volatile semiconductor memory device serves multiple functions: storing configuration data for the HDA, storing a start program for initializing disk drive operations, and providing a interface for the host computer to access this information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining capability.
2Quantity of substance
If disk drives incorporate more mechanical and electro-mechanical components to achieve high data storage capacity and rapid access, then data storage capacity and access speed improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the disk drive system into distinct functional modules: the hard disk drive assembly (HDA) for data storage and the non-volatile semiconductor memory device (NVD) for configuration storage. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining interfaces and responsibilities, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high data storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-volatile semiconductor memory device acts as an intermediary between the host computer and the HDA, storing configuration data and a start program that facilitate HDA initialization and operation. This intermediary role simplifies the interaction between the host and HDA by providing a standardized interface for configuration access, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If disk drives are designed for decreased size to meet portable device requirements, then device size decreases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration data storage and HDA initialization functions into a single non-volatile semiconductor memory device that interfaces with both the host computer and the HDA. This merging eliminates the need for separate configuration storage components and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps required, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving decreased size.
4Device complexity
If configuration data is stored externally rather than within the HDA, then HDA size and complexity decrease, but access time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile semiconductor memory device stores a start program that is executed to initialize the HDA and load configuration data into the host computer's memory before HDA operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that configuration data is readily available when needed, eliminating delays during HDA operation and thus preventing increase in access time while still allowing external storage of configuration data.
Data Source
AI summary
A hard disk drive assembly (HDA) operable with a host computer that comprises a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a system on a chip (SOC). The HDA including a plurality of disks configured to store data, a plurality of heads configured to read and write data stored on the plurality of disks, a flex circuit board including a preamplifier, and configured to couple to the plurality of heads and the SOC, a flex circuit cable coupled to the flex circuit board, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) located in the HDA. The NVSM is configured to store configuration data for read and write operations of the HDA, wherein the configuration data is to be retrieved by the SOC for controlling the read and write operations of the HDA, and the NVSM is coupled to at least one of the flex circuit cable, the flex circuit board, or the preamplifier.