Research in Mechanical Technologies

A hard disk drive is a compact, electronically controlled mechanical device. It includes a spinning disk stack, and a set of read/write magnetic recording heads positioned swiftly and accurately over magnetic disk surfaces by an electromagnetic actuator. This mechanical system must operate dynamically, reliably and consistently for several years, while maintaining a sub-micron positioning capability. A hard disk drive must also withstand external shocks and vibrations without jeopardizing the integrity of stored information in the device.
The Hitachi San Jose Research Center creates solutions for hard disk drives that lead to lower costs, lower power consumption, higher track density/high volumetric density and faster access times.

Addressing Key Performance Detractors

Research Center activities focus on maximizing the performance of hard disk drive mechanical components and subsystems, by addressing key detractors that may limit mechanical speed and precision. Air flow characteristics in hard disk drives are investigated to control unwanted flow-induced vibrations. Working with the University of California at Berkeley, silicon micro machined milliactuators are explored for high-bandwidth, high-precision recording head positioning as required for high track densities. The shock response of drive components is studied to enhance storage robustness during all operating and non-operating conditions. The Servo-electronics activity is closely coordinated to ensure optimal implementation of Hitachi's advanced mechanical technologies.

Integration and Size Reduction Research

The Research Center also focuses on researching the feasibility of mechanical component integration and size reduction for future hard disk drives. Futuristic mechanical packaging, as found in Hitachi one-inch Microdrive Digital Media products, is in development for new and emerging magnetic storage applications, particularly for consumer electronics.