Hybrid Serial-Parallel Voltage Control for Disk Drive Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic disk devices face challenges in accurately correcting the output voltage of regulator devices in real time due to limitations in communication speed using serial interfaces and coarse voltage variation steps with parallel interfaces, leading to inefficient power supply voltage adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic disk device configuration that utilizes both a serial interface (I2C) and a parallel interface (VID) to connect the control device and regulator, allowing for real-time transmission of a required voltage value and correction values, enabling precise and timely voltage adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a serial interface is used to transmit voltage values from the control device to the regulator device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response speed of the regulator becomes low due to the influence of the communication speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control process into two distinct communication paths: a serial interface (I2C) for transmitting the target voltage value and a parallel interface (VID) for transmitting real-time correction values. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function, with the parallel interface providing high-speed feedback without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the control device monitors its own internal circuit operating frequency and calculates a correction value based on the relationship between frequency and voltage. This correction value is then transmitted through the parallel interface to the regulator device, which applies it to adjust the output voltage in real-time, thereby achieving fast response without requiring complex communication protocols.
2Speed
If a parallel interface is used to transmit voltage values from the control device to the regulator device, then the response speed of the regulator becomes high, but the voltage variation steps become coarse due to uniquely assigning the power supply voltage value to the parallel signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both serial and parallel interfaces by combining them in a hybrid communication architecture. The serial interface transmits the base voltage value with fine resolution, while the parallel interface transmits real-time correction values for rapid adjustment. This combination allows the system to achieve both high response speed and fine voltage control precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic voltage control strategy where the control device continuously monitors the operating frequency of its internal circuits and dynamically adjusts the voltage correction values transmitted to the regulator. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain fine voltage control precision while achieving fast response times, as the correction values are updated in real-time based on actual operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the power supply voltage is set by taking the output variation of the regulator device into consideration, then the voltage accuracy is improved, but it becomes impossible to carry out voltage correction in real time due to the low response speed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary monitoring of its internal circuit operating frequency and pre-calculates the relationship between frequency variations and required voltage corrections. This preliminary action enables the system to quickly determine the appropriate correction value when voltage adjustment is needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of real-time calculation and allowing for rapid voltage correction while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors its operating frequency and uses this information to generate real-time correction values. The correction values are transmitted through the parallel interface to the regulator device, which adjusts the output voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures both high voltage accuracy and real-time correction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a control device and a regulator device. The control device and the regulator device are connected to each other through a first interface and a second interface. The control device transmits a required voltage value to the regulator device through the first interface and transmits a correction value based on the required voltage value and an output voltage output from the regulator device to the regulator device. The regulator device outputs a voltage to the control device on the basis of the received required voltage value and corrects a value of the voltage to be output to the control device on the basis of the received correction value.