Preamplifier Separate Read Write Power Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preamplifier circuits in data storage devices rely on a single power source, leading to energy wastage and increased complexity due to the use of linear regulators, which generates excess heat and inefficiency as the disparity between write and read voltages increases with rising areal densities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing separate read and write power channels utilizing efficient switching regulators on the printed circuit board, allowing for distinct write and read power signals with different voltages, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power source is used for both read and write operations, then the preamplifier circuit can be simplified, but energy is wasted and heat is generated due to the use of linear regulators to reduce voltage from write level to read level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single power source into separate read power and write power channels. The write power channel provides high voltage for write operations, while the read power channel provides lower voltage for read operations. This segmentation eliminates the need for linear voltage regulators, reducing energy waste and heat generation while maintaining circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter by providing different voltage levels through separate power channels. Instead of using a single high voltage source and reducing it via linear regulators (which waste energy), the system directly provides appropriate voltage levels for read and write operations through separate switching regulator outputs, improving energy efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single power source with linear regulator is used, then circuit design is simpler, but excess heat is generated and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear regulator mechanism with separate switching regulator channels. Linear regulators dissipate excess voltage as heat, while switching regulators efficiently convert voltage with minimal heat generation. This substitution maintains design simplicity while dramatically reducing heat generation and improving energy efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If separate read and write power channels are implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but the power circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single switching regulator circuit that can operate in multiple modes to generate both read power and write power. This multi-functional approach achieves the energy efficiency benefits of separate power channels while avoiding the complexity of completely separate regulator circuits, as the same hardware infrastructure serves dual purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Example preamplifier circuits, data storage devices, and methods to provide a preamplifier circuit with separate read and write power channels are described. The preamplifier circuit may include a write driver circuit configured to send a write signal to a writer element of a data storage device and a read driver circuit configured to receive a read signal from a reader element of the data storage device. The write driver circuit may receive a write power signal through a write power channel of a bus interface and the read driver circuit may receive a read power signal through a read power channel of the bus interface, where the write power signal and the read power signal are different. In some configurations, the different read and write power signals may be received from a switching regulator on the printed circuit board that mounts other data storage device electronics, such as the drive controller circuit and/or read/write channel circuit.