Magnetic Disk Power Source Control for Zone-Specific Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic disk devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption due to increased leakage current with performance upgrades, leading to unnecessary power usage, especially when the core power source voltage is set to accommodate the higher requirements of the outer disk circumference, resulting in excessive voltage during low transfer rate idle times on the inner disk circumference.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic disk device with a power source control section that dynamically adjusts the output voltage based on voltage control parameters, using a switching regulator and VDDFB control circuit to set appropriate voltage levels for different zones on the disk, reducing unnecessary power consumption by matching voltage to the specific operational needs of each zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the core power source voltage is set to accommodate the higher requirements of the outer disk circumference, then the transfer rate at the outer circumferential side is improved, but the power consumption increases excessively during idle times on the inner disk circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by switching between first and second voltage levels based on the operational zone (inner or outer circumferential side) and operational state (idle or active). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining required transfer rates for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different voltage levels to different operational zones of the disk. The outer circumferential side receives higher voltage when needed, while the inner circumferential side receives lower voltage during idle times, ensuring each zone operates with appropriate power levels for its specific requirements.
2Ease of operation
If hardware-based voltage switching is used to supply power to the control device, then power supply switching is achieved, but fine control on the level of several millivolts cannot be carried out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage control circuit as an intermediary between the hardware switching mechanism and the power supply. This intermediary enables fine voltage adjustment (several millivolts) while maintaining the simplicity of hardware-based switching, bridging the gap between coarse switching and fine control requirements.
3Ease of operation
If external power supply units are prepared with hardware switching, then power supply switching is achieved, but addition of external circuits is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage control functionality into the existing power supply circuitry by integrating the voltage control circuit within the magnetic disk device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external power supply units and switching hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining power supply switching capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for fine voltage control on the order of several millivolts, reducing effective power consumption by ensuring the correct voltage is applied only when needed, thereby optimizing power usage and minimizing wastage across different operational zones.
Implementation Method 1
a power source control section configured to change an output voltage value of a voltage supplied to the control device from a power source on the basis of a voltage control parameter
Implementation Method 2
using a switching regulator and VDDFB control circuit to set appropriate voltage levels
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a control device to be used for a magnetic disk device includes a power source control section and a control section. The power source control section configured to change an output voltage value of a voltage supplied to the control device from a power source on the basis of a voltage control parameter. The control section configured to, when a magnetic head makes access to a zone set on a magnetic disk, set a voltage control parameter provided in such a manner as to be correspondent to the zone to the power source control section.