GLOSSARY
DATA SEPARATOR – The circuit that extracts data from timing information on drives that store a combined data and clock signal.
DEDICATED SERVO – A positioning mechanism using a dedicated surface of the disk that contains timing and positioning information only, as compared to surfaces that are also used for data. (See also embedded servo.)
DEFECT MANAGEMENT – A technique ensuring
DIFFERENTIAL TERMINATION – One of two methods for terminating the SCSI bus, characterized by a
DISK – In general, any
DISK CONTROLLER – A
DMA – Direct Memory Access. A process for transferring data directly to and from main memory, without passing through the CPU. DMA improves the speed and efficiency by allowing the system to continue processing even while new data is being retrieved.
DOS – Disk Operating System. The most common operating system used in IBM PCs. Manages all access to data on the disk.
DRIVE – Short form of disk drive.
DRIVE GEOMETRY – The functional dimensions of a drive, including the number of heads, cylinders, and sectors per track. (See also logical format.)
E
ECC – Error Correction Code. The incorporation of extra parity bits in transmitted data in order to detect errors that can be corrected by the controller.
EDC – Abbreviation for error detection code. An
ELECTRONICS MODULE – The printed circuit board containing the drive electronics.
EMBEDDED SERVO – A timing or location signal placed on tracks that store data. These signals allow the actuator to
ENCODING – The conversion of data into a pattern of On/Off or 1/0 signals prior to being written on the disk surface. (See also RLL and MFM.)
EPROM – Erasable Programmable
EXTENDED CONTINGENT ALLEGIANCE – A condition generated by a target and announced with a INITIATE RECOVERY message. The mode is used when
EXTERNAL DRIVE – A drive mounted in an enclosure separate from the computer system enclosure, with its own power supply and fan, and connected to the system by a cable.
Maxtor Atlas 10K V