Method and apparatus for preventing data loss in disk drives using predictive failure analysis of magnetoresistive head resistance
US6359433B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/934
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing predictive failure analysis using the resistance of a sensor such as a MR, GMR, spin valve or wear sensor. A baseline measurement of resistance for at least one sensor of a disk drive is obtained, subsequent measurements of resistance for the at least one sensor of a disk drive are periodically obtained and the subsequent measurements and the baseline measurement to identify a detrimental change to the at least one sensor are processed. The processing further includes comparing a subsequent resistance measurement for the at least one sensor to the baseline measurement of resistance for the at least one sensor to detect a head/disk interface problem and flagging the file for corrective action when the head/disk interface problem is detected. Alternatively, the processing further includes determining a change in stripe height based upon the difference between the baseline measurement of resistance and the subsequent measurement of resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.