Hard Disk Drives

Vibration and Acoustics Laboratory: Microsystems/Hard Disk Drives

Micro-mechatronic systems can be used to improve computer disk drive performance by allowing fine positioning of the read-write head, and high-resolution vibration sensing.

Past Research Topics:

  • Electrostatic dual-stage microactuator design
  • Optimal strain sensor locations for feedback control
  • Miniature strain gage fabrication on disk drive suspensions
  • Sensor and actuator integration for robust vibration control

Sponsors:
International Storage Industry Consortium
National Science Foundation

Related Publications:

  1. R. Horowitz, Y. Li, K. Oldham, S. Kon and X. Huang.”Dual-Stage Servo Systems and Vibration Compensation in Computer Hard Disk Drives.” Control Engineering Practice, 15(3), 291-305, (2007). (pdf)
  2. K. Oldham, S. Felix, R. Conway, and R. Horowitz, “Design and Control of a Dual-Stage Disk Drive Servo System with a High-Aspect Ratio Electrostatic Microactuator,” Proc.2008 American Controls Conference, Seattle, WA (2008)  (pdf)
  3. S. Kon, K. Oldham, R. Ruzicka, and R. Horowitz, “Design and fabrication of a piezoelectric instrumented suspension for hard disk drives.” Proc. SPIE, Smart Structures & Matls. 2006, San Diego, CA, 951-960 (2006) (pdf)
  4. K. Oldham, X. Huang and R. Horowitz, “Design, Fabrication, And Control Of A High-Aspect Ratio Microactuator For Vibration Suppression In A Hard Disk Drive ,” Proc.16th IFAC World Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, (2005). (pdf)
  5. R. Horowitz, Y. Li, K. Oldham, S. Kon and X. Huang. “Dual-Stage Servo Systems and Vibration Compensation In Computer Hard Disk Drives.” Proc. 3rd IFAC Symp.Mechatronic Systems, Sydney Australia. Sept. 6-8, 247-258 (2004).
  6. K. Oldham, S. Kon and R. Horowitz. “Fabrication and Optimal Strain Sensor Placement in an Instrumented Disk Drive Suspension for Vibration Suppression,” Proc 2004 American Control Conf., Boston, Massachusetts. 1855-1861 (2004) (pdf)
  7. T.-L. Chen, K. Oldham, Y. Li and R. Horowitz, “Suspension Vibration Compensation Using a MEMS Microactuator in Hard Disk Drives,” Proc.  2nd IFAC Conf. Mechatronic Systems, Berkeley, CA, 757-762, (2002)
  8. T.-L. Chen, Y. Li, K. Oldham, and R. Horowitz “MEMS applications in computer disk drive dual-stage servo systems,” J. Soc. Instrument & Control Engineers (Japan), 41(6), 412-420 (2002)(pdf)