Western Digital has been granted a patent for a data storage device featuring an actuator mechanism and processing devices. The technology involves determining magnetic responsiveness to thermal energy on disk surfaces and applying a pre-bias current to enhance write operations without compromising existing data integrity. GlobalData’s report on Western Digital gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Western Digital, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Western Digital's grant share as of July 2024 was 69%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Data storage device with thermal energy responsiveness for writing
The granted patent US12073856B1 describes a data storage device that incorporates advanced mechanisms for optimizing write operations on magnetic disks. Central to this innovation is an actuator mechanism that positions a selected head, equipped with a thermally energizing component, near the disk surface. The device features processing units that assess the magnetic responsiveness of the disk surface to thermal energy. Based on this assessment, a pre-bias current is applied to the thermally energizing component before initiating a write operation. This pre-bias current is crucial as it establishes an initial write strength while ensuring that it remains low enough to prevent data loss or erosion on the disks.
Further enhancements outlined in the patent include the generation of a comprehensive map of magnetic responsiveness across multiple positions on the disk surface, allowing for tailored pre-bias current applications. The processing devices are also designed to perform iterative write operations, adjusting laser power incrementally to gauge the magnetic responsiveness of the disk material. Additionally, the patent discusses methods for compensating for thermal erosion and variations in operating conditions, ensuring data integrity over time. Overall, the patent presents a sophisticated approach to improving data storage reliability and efficiency through precise thermal management and current application strategies.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
