Patent ID: 6160368
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A disk drive comprising:a spindle motor having a plurality of windings;a spindle motor driver including switching elements connected to the plurality of windings;means for storing spin-down instructions;means for initiating a spin-down command;a microprocessor responsive to the spin-down command to receive and execute the spin-down instructions, wherein the execution of the spin-down instructions causes the microprocessor to cyclically perform the following operations:(1) providing a brake signal for a first selected period of time (T1),(2) providing a coast signal for a second selected time period (T2), and(3) repeating (1) and (2);the spindle motor driver being responsive to the coast signal to control the switching elements to cause the spindle motor to coast and being responsive to the brake signal to control the switching elements to brake the spindle motor.