US6011667A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disk drive system configurable for multiple supply voltages
Assignee: Maxtor Corp
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Filing: 1999-02-26
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Granted: 2000-01-04
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Expires: 2019-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A disk drive system that functions at various different power supply voltage levels includes a reset generator for resetting the disk drive in response to a predetermined reset condition dependent upon a drop in the power supply voltage. An adapter circuit coupled to the reset generator produces the reset condition by applying a multiplier to the supply potential of the system to establish a predetermined voltage at a reset node. The adapter circuit includes a switch for selecting the multiplier based upon the particular mode of operation desired. The mode of operation is selected based upon an expected operating range of the power supply potential. A logic device is coupled to the adapter circuit to determine the particular mode of operation and for monitoring the current operating supply potential. The logic device is coupled to the switch to change the multiplier in accordance with the particular mode of operation selected, as the supply potential varies through an expected operating range.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul F. Dunn
- 👤 Randall C. Bauck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:51
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B33/00; G11B33/12; G11B33/121; G11B33/122; G11B19/00; G11B19/20; G11B25/00; G11B25/04; G11B25/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a logic circuit coupled to the power supply that provides a first digital signal when the disk drive is configured for a first mode of operation and a second digital signal when the disk drive is configured for a second mode of operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply and the logic circuit that provides a reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage in response to the first digital signal and as a second multiple of the supply voltage in response to the second digital signal; and a reset generator coupled to the adapter circuit that provides a reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a logic circuit coupled to the power supply that provides a first digital signal when the disk drive is configured for a first mode of operation and a second digital signal when the disk drive is configured for a second mode of operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply and the logic circuit that provides a reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage in response to the first digital signal and as a second multiple of the supply voltage in response to the second digital signal; and a reset generator coupled to the adapter circuit that provides a reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable battery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the logic circuit is a microprocessor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the disk drive system is a portable computer system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the first and second digital signals are provided to the adapter circuit along a single line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the adapter circuit includes a voltage divider circuit and a switch, the voltage divider circuit provides the reset voltage as the first and second multiples of the supply voltage in response to the switch, and the switch closes and opens in response to the first and second digital signals, respectively.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The disk drive system of claim 6, wherein the power supply includes first and second supply terminals, the voltage divider circuit includes first, second and third resistors, the first resistor is coupled between the first supply terminal and the reset node, the second resistor is coupled between the reset node and the second supply terminal, and the third resistor and the switch are series-connected between the reset node and the second supply terminal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The disk drive system of claim 7, wherein the switch includes a transistor with a control terminal and first and second output terminals, the control terminal is coupled to a line that provides the first and second digital signals, the first output terminal is coupled to the third resistor and the second output terminal is coupled to the second supply terminal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disk drive system of claim 7, wherein the supply voltage is applied to the first supply terminal and the second supply terminal is ground.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disk drive system of claim 6, consists the voltage divider circuit consists of passive elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disk drive system of claim 7, wherein the voltage divider circuit consists of the first, second and third resistors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disk drive system of claim 11, wherein the supply voltage is applied to the first supply terminal and the second supply terminal is ground.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The disk drive system of claim 6, wherein the adapter circuit includes a second switch and a port adapted to receive a jumper, and the second switch and the port are series-connected in parallel with the switch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The disk drive system of claim 13, wherein the disk drive system is configured to provide a first set of seek parameters to the disk drive at power-up when the jumper is installed at the port, and the disk drive system is configured to provide a second set of seek parameters at power-up when the jumper is not installed at the port.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The disk drive system of claim 14, wherein the jumper is installed by a user as a function of an expected operating range of the supply voltage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein a user configures the disk drive for one of the first and second modes of operation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The disk drive system of claim 16, wherein the user configures the disk drive by installing or not installing a jumper.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The disk drive system of claim 17, wherein adapter circuit includes a port adapted to receive the jumper.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
53 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the logic circuit includes a microprocessor that provides the disk drive with a first set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a first operating range and a second set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a second operating range.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the disk drive provides both read and write operations unless the reset signal disables the disk drive.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The disk drive system of claim 1, wherein the first mode includes a first operating range for the supply voltage and the second mode includes a second operating range for the supply voltage.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The disk drive system of claim 21, wherein voltages in the first operating range are greater than voltages in the second operating range.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The disk drive system of claim 22, wherein voltages in the second operating range are greater than the reference voltage.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The disk drive system of claim 23, wherein voltages in the first operating range are within a fixed tolerance of about 5 volts, and voltages in the second operating range are within a fixed tolerance of about 3 volts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The disk drive system of claim 24, wherein the reference voltage is about 2 volts.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
180 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a battery for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a microprocessor coupled to the battery that provides a digital control signal with a first value when the microprocessor determines that the disk drive is configured for a first mode of operation and with a second value when the microprocessor determines that the disk drive is configured for a second mode of operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the battery and the microprocessor that provides an analog reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the control signal has the first value and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the control signal has the second value, wherein the first multiple is less than the second multiple and the first and second multiples are each less than one; and an analog comparator coupled to the adapter circuit and the disk drive that provides a digital reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
180 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a battery for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a microprocessor coupled to the battery that provides a digital control signal with a first value when the microprocessor determines that the disk drive is configured for a first mode of operation and with a second value when the microprocessor determines that the disk drive is configured for a second mode of operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the battery and the microprocessor that provides an analog reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the control signal has the first value and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the control signal has the second value, wherein the first multiple is less than the second multiple and the first and second multiples are each less than one; and an analog comparator coupled to the adapter circuit and the disk drive that provides a digital reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
131 words
The disk drive system of claim 26, wherein the battery includes first and second supply terminals; the adapter circuit includes a voltage divider circuit and a switch; the voltage divider circuit includes first, second and third resistors, the first resistor is coupled between the first supply terminal and the reset node, the second resistor is coupled between the reset node and the second supply terminal, and the third resistor and the switch are series-connected between the reset node and the second supply terminal, wherein the switch closes and opens in response to the control signal having the first and second values, respectively, and the voltage divider circuit provides the reset voltage as the first and second multiples of the supply voltage in response to closing and opening of the switch, respectively.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The disk drive system of claim 27, wherein the voltage divider circuit consists of passive elements.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The disk drive system of claim 27, wherein the voltage divider circuit consists of the first, second and third resistors and the switch consists of a field-effect transistor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
66 words
The disk drive system of claim 26, wherein the microprocessor provides the disk drive with a first set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a first operating range and a second set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a second operating range; and the disk drive performs both read and write operations unless the reset signal disables the disk drive.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
128 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply that includes a port adapted to receive a jumper installed by a user; and a microprocessor coupled to the power supply and the adapter circuit that provides the disk drive with (1) a first set of seek parameters or a second set of seek parameters when the disk drive is powered-up in response to whether or not the jumper is installed at the port, and then (2) the first set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a first operating range and the second set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a second operating range.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
128 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply that includes a port adapted to receive a jumper installed by a user; and a microprocessor coupled to the power supply and the adapter circuit that provides the disk drive with (1) a first set of seek parameters or a second set of seek parameters when the disk drive is powered-up in response to whether or not the jumper is installed at the port, and then (2) the first set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a first operating range and the second set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in a second operating range.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
79 words
The disk drive system of claim 31, wherein the adapter circuit provides an analog reset voltage as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the microprocessor operates the disk drive in a first mode and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the microprocessor operates the disk drive in a second mode; and a reset generator provides a digital reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The disk drive system of claim 32, wherein the adapter circuit provides the reset voltage at a reset node coupled to the reset generator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The disk drive system of claim 31, wherein the disk drive provides read and write operations unless the disk drive is disabled.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The disk drive system of claim 31, wherein the disk drive system is a portable computer system.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
183 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a microprocessor coupled to the power supply that provides a control signal indicative of a mode of disk drive operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply and the microprocessor that includes a voltage divider circuit, a switch, and a port adapted to receive a jumper that a user installs to specify a first expected operating range of the supply voltage and does not install to specify a second expected operating range of the supply voltage, wherein the voltage divider circuit includes a reset node with a reset voltage as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the switch is closed and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the switch is open, and the switch is closed and opened in response to the control signal; and a reset generator coupled to the adapter circuit and the disk drive that provides a reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
183 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a power supply for providing a supply voltage to the disk drive; a microprocessor coupled to the power supply that provides a control signal indicative of a mode of disk drive operation; an adapter circuit coupled to the power supply and the microprocessor that includes a voltage divider circuit, a switch, and a port adapted to receive a jumper that a user installs to specify a first expected operating range of the supply voltage and does not install to specify a second expected operating range of the supply voltage, wherein the voltage divider circuit includes a reset node with a reset voltage as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the switch is closed and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the switch is open, and the switch is closed and opened in response to the control signal; and a reset generator coupled to the adapter circuit and the disk drive that provides a reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
50 words
The disk drive system of claim 36, wherein the microprocessor provides the disk drive with a first set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in the first expected operating range and a second set of seek parameters when the supply voltage is in the second expected operating range.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
47 words
The disk drive system of claim 37, wherein when the disk drive is powered-up the microprocessor provides the disk drive with the first set of seek parameters or the second set of seek parameters in response to whether or not the jumper is installed at the port.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
39 words
The disk drive system of claim 36, wherein the first expected operating range of the supply voltage is centered at about five volts, and the second expected operating range of the supply voltage is centered at about three volts.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The disk drive system of claim 36, wherein the voltage divider circuit consists of passive elements, the switch consists of a field-effect transistor, and the reset generator consists of an analog comparator.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
106 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a logic device; first and second supply terminals that provide a supply voltage therebetween; an adapter circuit responsive to the logic device that provides an analog reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the logic device indicates a first mode of disk drive operation and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the logic device indicates a second mode of disk drive operation; and a reset generator that provides a digital reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
106 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a logic device; first and second supply terminals that provide a supply voltage therebetween; an adapter circuit responsive to the logic device that provides an analog reset voltage at a reset node as a first multiple of the supply voltage when the logic device indicates a first mode of disk drive operation and as a second multiple of the supply voltage when the logic device indicates a second mode of disk drive operation; and a reset generator that provides a digital reset signal that disables the disk drive when the reset voltage is less than a reference voltage.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
115 words
The disk drive system of claim 41, wherein the adapter circuit includes a voltage divider circuit and a switch; the voltage divider circuit includes first, second and third resistors, the first resistor is coupled between a first supply terminal and the reset node, the second resistor is coupled between the reset node and a second supply terminal, and the third resistor and the switch are series-connected between the reset node and the second supply terminal, wherein the switch is closed and opened in response to the logic device indicating the first and second modes, respectively, of disk drive operation to provide the reset voltage as the first and second multiples, respectively, of the supply voltage.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
76 words
The disk drive system of claim 42, wherein the first resistor is connected between a first supply terminal and the reset node, the second resistor is connected between the reset node and a second supply terminal, the third resistor is connected between the reset node and the switch, the switch is connected between the third resistor and the second supply terminal, the first supply terminal provides the supply voltage, and the second supply terminal is ground.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
68 words
The disk drive system of claim 42, wherein the voltage divider circuit includes a second switch and a port adapted to receive a jumper that a user installs to specify a first expected operating range of the supply voltage and does not install to specify a second expected operating range of the supply voltage; and the second switch and the port are series-connected in parallel with the switch.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
The disk drive system of claim 42, wherein the voltage divider circuit consists of the first, second and third resistors, the switch consists of a field-effect transistor, and the reset generator consists of an analog comparator.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
117 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a battery for supplying a supply voltage to the disk drive; and a logic device for detecting the supply voltage and controlling a mode of operation of the disk drive in response to the supply voltage; wherein when the supply voltage is within a first voltage range the disk drive operates in a high-power mode that includes read and write functions; wherein when the supply voltage is within a second voltage range the disk drive operates in a low-power mode that includes read and write functions; and wherein when the supply voltage is within a third voltage range the disk drive is disabled and excludes read and write functions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
117 words
A disk drive system, comprising: a disk drive; a battery for supplying a supply voltage to the disk drive; and a logic device for detecting the supply voltage and controlling a mode of operation of the disk drive in response to the supply voltage; wherein when the supply voltage is within a first voltage range the disk drive operates in a high-power mode that includes read and write functions; wherein when the supply voltage is within a second voltage range the disk drive operates in a low-power mode that includes read and write functions; and wherein when the supply voltage is within a third voltage range the disk drive is disabled and excludes read and write functions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
39 words
The disk drive system of claim 46, wherein voltages in the first voltage range are greater than voltages in the second voltage range, and voltages in the second voltages range are greater than voltages in the third voltage range.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The disk drive system of claim 46, wherein the disk drive has high performance seek times in the high-power mode and low performance seek times in the low-power mode.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
31 words
The disk drive system of claim 48, wherein a user sets the disk drive to provide one of the high performance seek times and the low performance seek times at power-up.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
The disk drive system of claim 49, wherein the user selects one of the high performance seek times and the low performance seek times by installing a jumper on a port integral with the disk drive system.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-03 | 2003-07-05 | 2004-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-03 | 2007-07-05 | 2008-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-03 | 2011-07-05 | 2012-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |