Basic Principles of Operation

The integrated µProcessor, Disk Controller, and ATA Interface Electronics have nine functional modules (described below):

•µProcessor

•Digital Synchronous Spoke (DSS)

•Error Correction Code (ECC) Control

•Formatter

•Buffer Controller

•Servo Controller, including PWM

•Serial Interface

•ATA Interface Controller

•Motor Controller

z2TQEGUUQTThe µProcessor￿core provides local processor services to the drive electronics under program control. The µProcessor manages the resources of the Disk Controller, and ATA Interface internally. It also manages the Read/Write ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the Spindle/VCM driver externally.

&KIKVCNThe￿DSS5[PJTQPQWUdecodes servo￿5RQMGinformation written on the drive at the factory to determine the position of the read/write head. It interfaces with the read/write channel, process timing and position information, and stores it in registers that are read by the servo

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The Error Correction Code (ECC) Control block utilizes a Reed-Solomon encoder/ decoder circuit that is used for disk read/write operations. It uses a total of 36 redundancy bytes organized as 32 ECC (Error Correction Code) bytes with four interleaves, and four cross-check bytes. The ECC uses eight bits per symbol and four interleaves. This allows quadruple-burst error correction of at least 96, and as many as 128 bits in error.

￿￿￿￿￿(QTOCVVGTThe Formatter controls the operation of the read and write channel portions of the ASIC. To initiate a disk operation, the µProcessor loads a command into the ASIC registers.

The Formatter also directly drives the read and write gates (RG, WG) and Command Mode Interface of the Read/Write ASIC and the R/W Preamplifier, as well as passing write data to the Precompensator circuit in the Read/Write ASIC.

5-6 Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT

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Maxtor D540X-4K manual TTQTfirmware%QTTGEVKQP. %QFG%%%QPVTQN
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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.
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