Microfile-a one-inch disk drive technology demonstration

As the areal data density in magnetic storage continues to grow at a rapid pace (~50%/yr), small form factor disk drives become increasingly viable. For certain applications, such as cameras or communication devices, where storage capacity requirements are low (~50-200 MB), and where small size, low power consumption and high shock resistance are important, very small disk drives may prove attractive, especially given the current and projected cost differential between magnetic storage and semiconductor storage. As a joint effort between IBM Research and IBM Storage Systems Division, a technology demonstration of a miniature disk drive, called Microfile, has been completed. The Microfile has a single 24 mm disk and two MR heads, with a capacity, using 1996 head/disk technology, of 100 MB. The majority of the mechanical components are miniature versions of conventional designs; however several key components-suspension, flex cable, and actuator coil-have been integrated into a single planar suspension assembly. The sliders have a modified air bearing design to accommodate the relatively low linear velocity. A novel simplified host interface (IEEE P1285) is a low cost option under consideration for use in systems with limited requirements. Functional mechanical prototypes have been constructed, and magnetic read/write capability has been demonstrated. Aspects of the Microfile design and fabrication are described