Write-Assist Component Damage for Read-Only Disk Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices face challenges in efficiently converting disk surfaces to read-only mode while ensuring data integrity and maximizing storage capacity, particularly in applications requiring tamper resistance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control circuitry that applies an electrical bias to physically damage the write-assist component of the head, rendering the disk surface read-only, while relocating data between disk surfaces to optimize storage capacity and ensure data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the write-assist component is physically damaged to convert the disk surface to read-only, then data integrity and tamper resistance are improved, but storage capacity is reduced due to the need to relocate data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data relocation operations before physically damaging the write-assist component, ensuring that all data is safely migrated to other disk surfaces in advance. This preliminary action prevents data loss and allows the disk to be converted to read-only mode without compromising storage utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The write-assist component is intentionally damaged and discarded to prevent future write operations, while the data previously stored on that disk surface is recovered and relocated to other surfaces. This transforms a potential loss scenario into a protective measure that preserves data while sacrificing only the write capability of the affected surface.
2Reliability
If the write-assist component is physically damaged to prevent future writes, then tamper resistance is improved, but device complexity increases due to the relocation process
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages normal write operations, coordinates data relocation across disk surfaces, and executes the physical damage to the write-assist component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each operation, thereby managing complexity while achieving tamper resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The write-assist component is extracted as a separate target for physical damage, isolated from the read functionality. By targeting only the write-assist component (such as the laser in HAMR systems) for damage while preserving the read head and data, the system achieves tamper resistance without requiring complex protection mechanisms for the entire drive assembly.
3Quantity of substance
If data is relocated between disk surfaces to maximize storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but loss of time occurs during the relocation process
Solution Approach 1:
The data relocation process is designed to occur continuously during normal drive operation rather than requiring the drive to be taken offline. The control circuitry manages data migration in the background while the drive remains operational, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous useful action of the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system initiates data relocation operations in advance of the intended read-only conversion, allowing data to be migrated during periods of lower utilization. This preliminary action ensures that the conversion process itself is rapid and minimizes time loss, as the lengthy relocation work has already been completed.
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 effectively converts disk surfaces to read-only, ensuring data integrity and maximizing storage capacity by physically disabling the write-assist component and relocating data, thereby addressing the need for tamper resistance in sensitive applications.
Implementation Method 1
Heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is a recent development that improves the quality of written data by heating the disk surface during write operations in order to decrease the coercivity of the magnetic medium
Implementation Method 2
Any suitable fly height actuator (FHA) may be employed, such as a heater which controls fly height through thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
Microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) is also a recent development that improves the quality of written data by using a spin torque oscillator (STO) to apply a high frequency auxiliary magnetic field to the media close to the resonant frequency of the magnetic grains
Implementation Method 4
applying an electrical bias that melts or vaporizes material in the write-assist component
Implementation Method 5
applying an electrical bias that melts or vaporizes material in the write-assist component
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a first head actuated over a first disk surface, wherein the first head comprises a write coil and a write-assist component. First data is written to the first disk surface using the write coil and the write-assist component of the first head. An electrical bias is applied to the write-assist component of the first head to physically damage the write-assist component, thereby rendering the first disk surface read-only.