A comprehensive time domain simulation tool for hard disk drive TPI prediction and mechanical/servo enhancement

A comprehensive time domain simulation tool has been developed to provide a realistic simulation of hard disk drive track following servo performance. It serves as a "virtual drive" which allows the prediction of achievable TPI for future products, and off-track shock/vibration characteristics with a given mechanical platform and servo controller. It also provides a convenient tool for enhancing mechanical and servo designs. The simulation tool has three main modules. The methodology used in identifying them is detailed. The simulator was developed based on drive level and component level measurement of position error signal (PES) and mechanical vibrations, and an electrical noise recovery scheme. Simulation and experimental results have been used to evaluate the accuracy of the simulator.