Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to reducing radio frequency (RF) interference.
RF interference in drives, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) can be an issue that leads to device failure. Many drives' high data rate frequencies occupy the same RF signal frequency bands of wireless communication networks. The RF signals interfere with the low-amplitude read signal of the data. The RF signals penetrate the drive through open spaces in the drive enclosure. The RF signals then interfere with reading the data and hence, is RF interference.
RF interference leads to errors in data delivered from the drives to the host device. A certain amount of errors is to be expected, but in a general case, most end users will not tolerate more than 10 percent degradation of data throughput at the frequency of operation of the drive. A degradation of data throughput is caused by data errors. The more data errors that are present, the lower the data throughput.
The drives tend to operate at frequencies of between about 200 MHz and about 1000 MHz. RF interference can really become an issue at frequencies above 900 MHz, and in particular, above 925 MHz. In fact, above 950 MHz, data errors can be so significant that the data throughput can decrease to 60 percent or less, which is unacceptable.
Therefore, what is needed is a mechanism to reduce RF interference in drives.
The present disclosure generally relates to reducing radio frequency (RF) interference in data storage devices, including both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). RF signals penetrate data storage devices through gaps in the drive enclosure. By providing a conductive connection between a top plate and the base body, a reduction in RF signals penetrating into the interior of a data storage device such as an HDD or SSD and thus, RF interference is reduced.
In one embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body; a top plate; and a plurality of connector elements, wherein: a first connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a first corner area of the top plate to a corresponding first corner area of the base body; a second connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a second corner area of the top plate to a corresponding second corner area of the base body; a third connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a third corner area of the top plate to a corresponding third corner area of the base body; a fourth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a fourth corner area of the top plate to a corresponding fourth corner area of the base body; a fifth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a fifth area of the top plate to a corresponding fifth area of the base body, wherein the fifth area is disposed between the second area and the third area; and a sixth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a sixth area of the top plate to a corresponding sixth area of the base body, wherein the sixth area is disposed between the first area and the fourth area, wherein at least one of the fifth connector element and the sixth connector element is electrically conductive.
In another embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body having a first base body edge, a second base body edge, a third base body edge and a fourth base body edge, wherein the first base body edge and the third base body edge are parallel and of equal length, wherein the second base body edge and the fourth base body edge are parallel and of equal length, and wherein the first base body edge is shorter than the second base body edge; a top plate having a first top plate edge, a second top plate edge, a third top plate edge and a fourth top plate edge, wherein the first top plate edge and the third top plate edge are parallel and of equal length, wherein the second top plate edge and the fourth top plate edge are parallel and of equal length, and wherein the first top plate edge is shorter than the second top plate edge; and a plurality of connector elements, wherein: a first connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples the second base body edge to the second top plate edge; and a second connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples the fourth base body edge to the fourth top plate edge, wherein at least one of the first connector element and the second connector element is electrically conductive.
In another embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body; a top plate; and means to reduce radio frequency interference, wherein the means to reduce radio frequency interference is disposed between at locations disposed away from corner areas of the base body and the top plate.
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.
In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).
The present disclosure generally relates to reducing radio frequency (RF) interference in data storage devices, including both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). RF signals penetrate data storage devices through gaps in the drive enclosure. By providing a conductive connection between a top plate and the base body, a reduction in RF signals penetrating into the interior of a data storage device such as an HDD or SSD and thus, RF interference is reduced. While the various embodiments will now be described using HDDs or SSDs as examples, the disclosure is not limited to these types of storage devices. In some embodiments, the data storage device may be a magnetic tape-based data storage device, for example.
At least one slider 113 is positioned near the magnetic media 112, each slider 113 supporting one or more magnetic head assemblies 121. As the magnetic media 112 rotates, the slider 113 moves radially in and out over the media surface 122 so that the magnetic head assembly 121 may access different tracks of the magnetic media 112 where desired data are written. Each slider 113 is attached to an actuator arm 119 by way of a suspension 115. The suspension 115 provides a slight spring force which biases the slider 113 toward the media surface 122. Each actuator arm 119 is attached to an actuator means 127. The actuator means 127 as shown in
During operation of the disk drive 100, the rotation of the magnetic media 112 generates an air bearing between the slider 113 and the media surface 122 which exerts an upward force or lift on the slider 113. The air bearing thus counter-balances the slight spring force of suspension 115 and supports slider 113 off and slightly above the media 112 surface by a small, substantially constant spacing during normal operation. The magnetic field generated from the magnetic head assembly 121 magnetizes the data bits in the media 112.
The various components of the disk drive 100 are controlled in operation by control signals generated by a control unit or controller 129, such as access control signals and internal clock signals. Typically, the control unit or controller 129 comprises logic control circuits, storage means, and a microprocessor. The control unit or controller 129 generates control signals to control various system operations, such as drive motor control signals on line 123 and head position and seek control signals on line 128. The control signals on line 128 provide the desired current profiles to optimally move and position slider 113 to the desired data track on media 112. Write and read signals are communicated to and from write and read heads on the assembly 121 by way of recording channel 125.
The above description of a typical magnetic disk storage system and the accompanying illustration of
The drive is exposed to various strengths of frequencies (i.e., the x-axis). Generally, the industry accepted threshold for a range of frequencies, such as 200 MHz to 1000 MHz, is 90% throughput. If a frequency causes a head, such as the magnetic head 121 of
RF interference may be caused by a variety of devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones and microwaves. For example, the RF interference generated by a cell phone may be enough to decrease the throughput percentage to below 90%. Furthermore, potential sources of RF interference include: a concentration of electronic devices in a spectrum, a compromised connection of electronic devices, a poor enclosure design with a low absorption loss, and any other potential cause for RF interference not listed. Minimization techniques, such as shielding and filtering, may reduce the intensity of the RF interference. However, the remaining RF interference may still be a concern and may cause bit errors, data loss, and similar results not stated.
In
The storage device comprises a first base body edge 326 that is of equal length and parallel to a first top plate edge 318, a third base body edge 330, and a third top plate edge 322. The storage device further comprises a second base body edge 328 that is of equal length and parallel to a second top plate edge 320, a fourth base body edge 324, and a fourth top plate edge 316. Furthermore, the first and third top plate edges 318, 322 and the first and third base body edges 326, 330 are of a shorter length than the second and fourth top plate edges 320, 316 and the second and fourth base body edges 328, 324. Furthermore, the top plate 302 and the base body 304 are parallel and have equal length and width. A formed-in-place gasket (FIPG), which is a non-conductive adhesive designed to prevent fluid leakage as well as dust or air intrusion, is located in the slot between the top plate 302 and the base body 304 of the storage device.
The first corner area of a first connector element 306 is the intersection of the fourth and first top plate edges 316, 318 and of the intersection of the fourth and first base body edges 324, 326. The second corner area of a second connector element 308 is the intersection of the first and second top plate edges 318, 320 and of the intersection of the first and second base body edges 326, 328. The third corner area of a third connector element 312 is the intersection of the second and third top plate edges 320, 322 and of the intersection of the second and third base body edges 328, 330. The fourth corner area of a fourth connector element 314 is the intersection of the third and fourth top plate edges 322, 316 and of the intersection of the third and fourth base body edges 322, 316.
A barrier of appropriate conductive material may be used to reduce leakage of radio waves into a space, and such material may include copper, which has an electrical conductivity of 5.96×107 σ (S/m) at 20° C. or 68° F. The listed copper material is not intended to be limiting, but to provide an example of a possible embodiment, as materials that have an electrical conductivity comparable to copper or an electrical conductivity less than copper may be applicable as well. Furthermore, the conductive material may be a conductive compound (i.e., comprising two or more distinct elements). In various embodiments, the conductive material bridges the electrical connection of the cover plate and the base plate, which results in some shielding of the radio waves, the electromagnetic waves, and the like. In the following embodiments, the length, the position, and the number of conductive material elements illustrated are not intended to be limiting, but to provide an example of possible various embodiments.
In one embodiment, the span of the conductive material length is less than an inch. In another embodiment, the span of the conductive material length is greater than an inch, but less than the length of a slot between the top plate and the base plate. In yet another embodiment, the span of conductive material length is the length of the slot. In one embodiment, the conductive material comprises one or more deposits covering the long slot of the storage device. In one embodiment, the conductive material location is in the middle of the long slot of the storage device. In another embodiment, the conductive material location is unaligned with the middle of the long slot of the storage device. In one embodiment, the conductive material is a continuous deposit along the long slot of the storage device. In another embodiment, the conductive material is a non-continuous deposit along the long slot of the storage device.
In
The added electrically conductive screw 402 in the middle of the long edge of
In
The liquid stripe or film becomes solid after applying heat and/or drying the liquid material. The liquid stripe or film provides a low resistance short after drying. The solid stripe or film has the same or similar conductivity as the liquid stripe or film. Similar to the electrically conductive screw of
In
The liquid film becomes solid after applying heat and/or drying the liquid material and may be flush with the cover plate 604 edge and the base plate 606 edge. The liquid film provides a low resistance short after drying. The solid film has the same or similar conductivity as the liquid film. Similar to the electrically conductive screw of
The application of the electrically conductive element in a location may provide a low resistance short. The electrically conductive element effectively halves the long slot length of that side. By halving the long slot length (i.e., shortening the slot), the data throughput percentage may increase due to less RF frequency leaking into the body of the storage device. The number of electrically conductive elements and the position of the electrically conductive elements illustrated in
If the quality assurance threshold is 90% (i.e., the electrical field strength must be greater than 90% of the generated electrical field when a frequency is applied), multiple magnetic heads, such as the magnetic head 121 of
By using a conductive material to seal the top plate to the base of a data storage device such as an HDD or SSD, RF signal cannot penetrate into the drive and cause RF interference. As such, data errors are minimized and data throughput is maintained at a high level.
In one embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body; a top plate; and a plurality of connector elements, wherein: a first connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a first corner area of the top plate to a corresponding first corner area of the base body; a second connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a second corner area of the top plate to a corresponding second corner area of the base body; a third connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a third corner area of the top plate to a corresponding third corner area of the base body; a fourth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a fourth corner area of the top plate to a corresponding fourth corner area of the base body; a fifth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a fifth area of the top plate to a corresponding fifth area of the base body, wherein the fifth area is disposed between the second area and the third area; and a sixth connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples a sixth area of the top plate to a corresponding sixth area of the base body, wherein the sixth area is disposed between the first area and the fourth area, wherein at least one of the fifth connector element and the sixth connector element is electrically conductive. The data storage device is a hard disk drive. The data storage device is a solid state drive. The sixth connector is an electrically conductive screw. The sixth connector is an electrically conductive material coupled between the top plate and the base body. The sixth connector is an electrically conductive material that is coupled to a top surface of the top plate and a sidewall of the base body. The fifth connector is aligned with the sixth connector, and the sixth connector is aligned with the first connector and the fourth connector. At least one connector of the plurality of connectors is different from at least one other connector of the plurality of connectors.
In another embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body having a first base body edge, a second base body edge, a third base body edge and a fourth base body edge, wherein the first base body edge and the third base body edge are parallel and of equal length, wherein the second base body edge and the fourth base body edge are parallel and of equal length, and wherein the first base body edge is shorter than the second base body edge; a top plate having a first top plate edge, a second top plate edge, a third top plate edge and a fourth top plate edge, wherein the first top plate edge and the third top plate edge are parallel and of equal length, wherein the second top plate edge and the fourth top plate edge are parallel and of equal length, and wherein the first top plate edge is shorter than the second top plate edge; and a plurality of connector elements, wherein: a first connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples the second base body edge to the second top plate edge; and a second connector element of the plurality of connector elements couples the fourth base body edge to the fourth top plate edge, wherein at least one of the first connector element and the second connector element is electrically conductive. The first connector element extends through the second top plate edge and into the second base body edge. The first connector element extends along a top surface of the second top plate edge and along a sidewall surface of the second base body edge. The first connector element is disposed between the second top plate edge and the second base body edge. The first connector element is in contact with both the second top plate edge and the second base body edge. The first connector element comprises a material having an electrical conductivity that is less than an electrical conductivity of copper. The first connector element is a screw and the second connector element is not a screw. The second base body edge is spaced from the second top plate edge at a location spaced from the first connector element of the plurality of connector. The fourth base body edge is spaced from the fourth top plate edge at a location spaced from the second connector element of the plurality of connector. The first connector element and the second connector element are different.
In another embodiment, a data storage device comprises: a base body; a top plate; and means to reduce radio frequency interference, wherein the means to reduce radio frequency interference is disposed between at locations disposed away from corner areas of the base body and the top plate. The data storage device is a hard disk drive or a solid state drive
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.