Magnetic disk drive read channel with digital thermal asperity detector
US6038091A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B27/36
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermal asperity-tolerant read channel is provided for a magnetic disk drive. Thermal asperities are detected by a digital detector which includes a pre-filter, a first threshold comparator and, optionally, a second threshold comparator. The pre-filter reduces noise and signal variation in the analog-to-digital converter output to enable better detection of a DC shift caused by a thermal asperity. The first threshold comparator compares the pre-filter output to a predetermined level; if the predetermined level is exceeded, the comparator output is set to one state, providing an initial indication of the presence of a thermal asperity. The optional second threshold comparator determines whether, out of a predetermined number of comparator outputs, the number in the one state exceeds programmed value; if so, the second threshold comparator outputs a final indication of the presence of a thermal asperity. In such a manner, accurate detection of thermal asperities is enhanced while reducing the likelihood of false detection. When a thermal asperity is detected, one or more of the following features can be activated to reduce the adverse effects of the thermal asperity: a squelch conn…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.