Zero-g offset identification of an accelerometer employed in a hard disk drive
US7350394B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B19/043
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is provided for identifying offsets of accelerometers integrated into hard disk drives. More specifically, often, disk drives employ accelerometers that constantly monitor the acceleration felt by the disk drive. Once the accelerations are less than a predetermined threshold, a free fall event is identified and an actuator arm that is generally positioned above the disk is placed in a safe location prior to impact. Accelerometers must be calibrated prior to use such that their inherent errors are identified and factored into the algorithm that identifies free fall. The method provided herein allows for the 0 g offset to be monitored without having to reorient the device being tested, thus saving time and money.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.