Disk drive with accerleration rate sensing

摘要

A data recording disk drive includes acceleration rate sensing for controlling or modifying one or more disk drive operations in response to external shock or vibration. An acceleration rate sensor is mounted on the disk drive housing and provides direct detection of acceleration rate of the disk drive when subjected to external shock or vibration. The sensor includes two spaced-apart piezoelectric transducers that operate in current mode. The transducers are connected to an interface circuit that generates two voltage signals that are directly proportional to the angular and linear acceleration rates, respectively, when the disk drive is subjected to an external force. The disk drive microcontroller uses the voltage signals to inhibit writing of data or modify the servo control signal to maintain the heads on track during track seeking or following. The microcontroller can also combine the two signals to determine the acceleration rate of an unbalanced rotary actuator, which can then be used to modify the servo control signal. This permits the use of an unbalanced rotary actuator, which makes the disk drive smaller and lighter and reduces power consumption.