The flex circuit connects the headstack assembly to the PCB through a compression connector. The flex circuit contains a read preamplifier/write driver IC.

Basic Principles of Operation

￿￿￿￿￿*GCFUVCEMThe headstack￿#UUGODN[assembly consists of read/write heads, head arms, and a coil joined together by insertion molding to form a rotor subassembly, bearings, and a flex circuit. Read/write heads mounted to spring-steel flexures are swage mounted onto the rotary positioner assembly arms.

￿￿￿￿￿4QVCT[The￿rotary2QUKVKQPGTpositioner,￿#UUGODN[or rotary voice-coil actuator, is a Maxtor-proprietary design that consists of upper and lower permanent magnet plates, a rotary single-phase coil molded around the headstack mounting hub, and a bearing shaft. The single bi-polar magnet consists of two alternating poles and is bonded to the magnet plate. A resilient crash stop prevents the heads from being driven into the spindle or off the disk surface.

Current from the power amplifier induces a magnetic field in the voice coil. Fluctuations in the field around the permanent magnet cause the voice coil to move. The movement of the voice coil positions the heads over the requested cylinder.

￿￿￿￿￿#WVQOCVKETo ensure￿#EVWCVQTdata integrity￿.QEMand prevent damage during shipment, the drive uses a dedicated landing zone, an actuator magnetic retract, and Maxtor’s patented Airlock . The Airlock holds the headstack in the landing zone whenever the disks are not ® rotating. It consists of an air vane mounted near the perimeter of the disk stack, and a locking arm that restrains the actuator arm assembly.

When DC power is applied to the motor and the disk stack rotates, the rotation generates an airflow on the surface of the disk. As the flow of air across the air vane increases with disk rotation, the locking arm pivots away from the actuator arm, enabling the headstack to move out of the landing zone. When DC power is removed from the motor, an electronic return mechanism automatically pulls the actuator into the landing zone, where the magnetic actuator retract force holds it until the Airlock closes and latches it in place.

5-4 Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT

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Maxtor D540X-4K manual Basic Principles of Operation

D540X-4K specifications

The Maxtor D540X-4K is a notable hard disk drive that has made its mark in the world of computer storage solutions. Launched in the early 2000s, this drive was known for its high capacity and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among consumers and businesses alike.

One of the main features of the D540X-4K is its generous storage capacity. With a range of models available, users could select from configurations starting at 40GB to larger sizes, accommodating a wide variety of storage needs. This capacity was particularly advantageous during an era when digital media was rapidly expanding, allowing users to store everything from documents and photos to videos and applications without running out of space.

The D540X-4K utilizes an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) interface, also known as PATA (Parallel ATA), which ensures compatibility with a broad spectrum of computers. This interface was standard at the time, making the drive accessible to a wide user base. The drive also supports ATA-100, providing data transfer rates of up to 100 MB/s, which was impressive for its time.

In terms of performance, the drive operates at a speed of 5400 RPM, which, while not the fastest in comparison to modern solid-state drives, provided a suitable balance of speed and efficiency for the average user’s needs. This rotational speed ensured decent read and write times for everyday applications, making it a reliable option for personal computing.

Another characteristic of the D540X-4K is its advanced data protection features. The drive was equipped with Maxtor's unique Shock Protection Technology, which helps protect the drive’s internal components from damage due to shocks or drops. This feature contributed to increased reliability, especially for users in mobile or high-traffic environments.

The Maxtor D540X-4K also incorporates a Cache Buffer, which enhances performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. The cache sizes varied across models, with options of 2MB or more, aiding in quicker data retrieval and overall improved system responsiveness.

In summary, the Maxtor D540X-4K is a hard drive that stands out for its storage capacity, compatibility, and protective features. Even today, it serves as a reminder of the evolution of data storage technologies, as it laid the groundwork for the high-capacity drives we utilize in modern computing. Its legacy continues to influence new technologies while reflecting the needs of the early digital era.