TDMR Read Modes for Areal Density and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic recording technologies constrain two-dimensional magnetic recording systems to one-dimensional designs due to cost and complexity, limiting areal density and drive performance, while new technologies like HAMR and BPM aim to increase density using 1-D system designs.
Innovation Solution
The TDMR-MT architecture enables two-dimensional recording by using multiple read transducers to read from adjacent tracks simultaneously, employing 2-D channel codes and equalizers to improve areal density and sequential read performance, while allowing for power optimization by selecting between multi-track and single-track read modes based on operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple read transducers are used to read from multiple tracks simultaneously, then sequential read performance and areal density improve, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active read transducers based on operating conditions. The controller selectively activates one or more read transducers from the array, transitioning between different operational states (single transducer mode, dual transducer mode, etc.) to optimize the balance between read performance and power consumption
2Quantity of substance
If multiple read transducers are used to read from multiple tracks simultaneously, then areal density improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple read transducers share common support structures, control circuitry, and signal processing pathways. The same controller manages all read transducers, and the support structure provides mechanical support for the entire array, reducing per-transducer complexity overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple read transducers into a single integrated array mounted on one support structure. Control circuits and signal processing functions are merged into shared components that handle inputs from multiple transducers, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate independent read channels
3Device complexity
If conventional one-dimensional magnetic recording is used, then device complexity remains low, but areal density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from conventional one-dimensional sequential track reading to two-dimensional parallel track reading. Multiple read transducers positioned at different radial locations on the disk simultaneously read from multiple tracks, adding a spatial dimension (track parallelism) to the reading operation and enabling areal density improvements without proportionally increasing complexity
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 approach enhances areal density and sequential read performance while minimizing negative impacts on write performance and power consumption, allowing for dynamic power and performance adjustments in data storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
two or more read transducers while reading data
Data Source
AI summary
Two or more read modes of a data storage system and device are defined. The data storage device is capable of concurrently reading from two or more tracks using two or more read transducers. The read modes utilize different numbers of the two or more read transducers while reading data. The read modes are selected based on an operating condition of the data storage system or device.