Abstract:
An integrated circuit for controlling a data storage device. The integrated circuit includes: a drive module configured to control operation of the data storage device, wherein the data storage device is of a particular quality; and an audio monitoring module in communication with the drive module, wherein the audio monitoring module is configured to analyze an audio signal generated by the data storage device while the drive module is controlling the operation of the data storage device. The particular quality of the data storage device is determinable based on the analysis of the audio signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/652,203, filed on Jan. 11, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/591,326 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,911,901), filed on Nov. 1, 2006, which claims the benefit of: i) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/828,532, filed on Oct. 6, 2006, and ii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/820,189, filed on Jul. 24, 2006. 
         [0002]    This present disclosure is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/652,258 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,890,196), filed on Jan. 11, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0003]    The present disclosure relates to hard disk drive (HDD) and digital versatile disc (DVD) systems, and more particularly to audio monitoring of HDD and DVD systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    The Background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
         [0005]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a HDD system  10  is shown to include a HDD printed circuit board (PCB)  14 . A buffer  18  stores read, write and/or volatile control data that is associated the control of the HDD system  10 . The buffer  18  usually employs volatile memory having low latency. For example, synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) or other types of low latency memory may be used. Nonvolatile memory  19  such as flash memory may also be provided to store critical data such as nonvolatile control code. 
         [0006]    A processor  22  arranged on the HDD PCB  14  performs data and/or control processing that is related to the operation of the HDD system  10 . A hard disk control module (HDC)  26  communicates with an input/output interface  24  and with a spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver or module  30  and/or a read/write channel module  34 . The HDC  26  coordinates control of the spindle/VCM driver  30 , the read/write channel module  34  and the processor  22  and data input/output with a host  35  via the interface  24 . 
         [0007]    During write operations, the read/write channel module  34  encodes the data to be written onto a read/write device  59 . The read/write channel module  34  processes the write signal for reliability and may apply, for example, error correction coding (ECC), run length limited coding (RLL), and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module  34  converts an analog read signal output of the read/write device  59  to a digital read signal. The converted signal is then detected and decoded by known techniques to recover the data that was written on the HDD. 
         [0008]    A hard disk drive assembly (HDDA)  50  includes one or more hard drive platters  52  that include magnetic coatings that store magnetic fields. The platters  52  are rotated by a spindle motor that is schematically shown at  54 . Generally the spindle motor  54  rotates the hard drive platter  52  at a controlled speed during the read/write operations. One or more read/write arms  58  move relative to the platters  52  to read and/or write data to/from the hard drive platters  52 . The spindle/VCM driver  30  controls the spindle motor  54 , which rotates the platter  52 . The spindle/VCM driver  30  also generates control signals that position the read/write arm  58 , for example using a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor or any other suitable actuator. 
         [0009]    The read/write device  59  is located near a distal end of the read/write arm  58 . The read/write device  59  includes a write element such as an inductor that generates a magnetic field. The read/write device  59  also includes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element) that senses the magnetic field on the platter  52 . The HDDA  50  includes a preamp circuit  60  that amplifies the analog read/write signals. When reading data, the preamp circuit  60  amplifies low level signals from the read element and outputs the amplified signal to the read/write channel module  34 . While writing data, a write current is generated that flows through the write element of the read/write device  59 . The write current is switched to produce a magnetic field having a positive or negative polarity. The positive or negative polarity is stored by the hard drive platter  52  and is used to represent data. 
         [0010]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a digital versatile disc (DVD) system  110  is shown to include a DVD PCB  114 , which includes a buffer  118  that stores read data, write data and/or volatile control code that is associated the control of the DVD system  110 . The buffer  118  may employ volatile memory such as SDRAM or other types of low latency memory. Nonvolatile memory  119  such as flash memory can also be used for critical data such as data relating to DVD write formats and/or other nonvolatile control code. 
         [0011]    A processor  122  arranged on the DVD PCB  114  performs data and/or control processing that is related to the operation of the DVD system  110 . The processor  122  also performs decoding of copy protection and/or compression/decompression as needed. A DVD control module  126  communicates with an input/output interface  124  and with a spindle/feed motor (FM) driver  130  and/or a read/write channel module  134 . The DVD control module  126  coordinates control of the spindle/FM driver  130 , the read/write channel module  134  and the processor  122  and data input/output via the interface  124 . 
         [0012]    During write operations, the read/write channel module  134  encodes the data to be written by an optical read/write (ORW) or optical read only (OR) device  159  to the DVD platter. The read/write channel module  134  processes the signals for reliability and may apply, for example, ECC, RLL, and the like. During read operations, the read/write channel module  134  converts an analog output of the ORW or OR device  159  to a digital signal. The converted signal is then detected and decoded by known techniques to recover the data that was written on the DVD. 
         [0013]    A DVD assembly (DVDA)  150  includes a DVD platter  152  that stores data optically. The platter  152  is rotated by a spindle motor that is schematically shown at  154 . The spindle motor  154  rotates the DVD platter  152  at a controlled and/or variable speed during the read/write operations. The ORW or OR device  159  moves relative to the DVD platter  152  to read and/or write data to/from the DVD platter  152 . The ORW or OR device  159  typically includes a laser and an optical sensor. 
         [0014]    For DVD read/write and DVD read only systems, the laser is directed at tracks on the DVD that contain lands and pits during read operations. The optical sensor senses reflections caused by the lands/pits. For DVD read/write (RW) applications, a laser may also be used to heat a die layer on the DVD platter during write operations. If the die is heated to one temperature, the die is transparent and represents one binary digital value. If the die is heated to another temperature, the die is opaque and represents the other binary digital value. 
         [0015]    The spindle/FM driver  130  controls the spindle motor  154 , which controllably rotates the DVD platter  152 . The spindle/FM driver  130  also generates control signals that position the feed motor  158 , for example using a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor or any other suitable actuator. The feed motor  158  typically moves the ORW or OR device  159  radially relative to the DVD platter  152 . A laser driver  161  generates a laser drive signal based on an output of the read/write channel module  134 . The DVDA  150  includes a preamp circuit  160  that amplifies analog read signals. When reading data, the preamp circuit  160  amplifies low level signals from the ORW or OR device and outputs the amplified signal to the read/write channel module  134 . 
         [0016]    The DVD system  110  further includes a codec module  140  that encodes and/or decodes video such as any of the MPEG formats. Audio and/or video digital signal processors and/or modules  142  and  144 , respectively, perform audio and/or video signal processing, respectively. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0017]    In one aspect, this specification describes an integrated circuit for controlling a data storage device. The integrated circuit includes: a drive module configured to control operation of the data storage device, wherein the data storage device is of a particular quality; and an audio monitoring module in communication with the drive module, wherein the audio monitoring module is configured to analyze an audio signal generated by the data storage device while the drive module is controlling the operation of the data storage device. The particular quality of the data storage device is determinable based on the analysis of the audio signal. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, this specification describes a method for controlling a data storage device. The method includes: operating the data storage device, wherein the data storage device is of a particular quality; analyzing an audio signal generated by the data storage device during the operation of the data storage device; and determining the particular quality of the data storage device based on the analysis of the audio signal. 
         [0019]    In still other features, the systems and methods described above are implemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors. The computer program can reside on a computer readable medium such as but not limited to memory, non-volatile data storage and/or other suitable tangible storage mediums. 
         [0020]    Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a HDD system according to the prior art; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a DVD system according to the prior art; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary HDD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of a first exemplary DVD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary HDD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a functional block diagram of a second exemplary DVD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary HDD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a functional block diagram of a third exemplary DVD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplary HDD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  is a functional block diagram of a fourth exemplary DVD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  is a functional block diagram of a fifth exemplary HDD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  is a functional block diagram of a fifth exemplary DVD system including an audio monitor module and microphone according to the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary audio monitor module according to the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting an operating parameter of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining product quality of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating aging of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating future failures of a HDD or DVD system based on audio monitoring; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a functional block diagram of a device including an integrated circuit such as a central processing unit, a graphic processing unit or an application specific integrated circuit and a fan. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module, circuit and/or device refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
         [0041]    A microphone monitors noise generated by components of hard disk assemblies (HDDAs) and/or DVD assemblies (DVDAs). Due to the mechanical nature of the HDDA and/or DVDA, the noise generated by the motor, servo movement, air turbulence, intermittent head crash, loose components, and/or various mechanical resonances can be identified using an audio monitor module as will be described below. When a resonance mode of the component is detected, the audio monitoring module may increase or decrease the speed of the component by a predetermined amount or percentage. The predetermined amount may include fixed values, fixed percentages of a current speed, variable values or percentages, progressive values and/or other suitable values. 
         [0042]    For example, the audio monitor module can use sub-band analysis. Operation of HDD and DVD systems can be improved by monitoring signal levels, frequencies and noise patterns as well as the changes of monitored parameters as a function of time. These systems may automatically adjust HDD or DVD operating parameters to lower acoustic noise. By doing so, user annoyance may be decreased. Adjusting operation of the HDDA or DVDA away from resonance modes of the mechanical components can be optimized during use for different HDD or DVD systems. In addition, real time monitoring of motor and/or servo noise may be used to predict future failure events. Analysis of historical data may be performed to estimate and monitor aging of the HDD or DVD systems. 
         [0043]    The audio monitor module may also be used as a relatively low cost method for differentiating product quality. For example, this approach can be used to separate high quality or low quality drives from other medium-quality drives. Lower noise devices tend to be more reliable than the higher noise ones, particularly for HDD or DVD systems having the same or similar designs. In addition, real time monitoring of mechanical components can be used to improve future quality levels. While DVD systems are discussed herein, the present disclosure applied to compact discs (CDs) as well. 
         [0044]    The microphone may be embedded on the HDDA or DVDA and/or embedded on a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the HDD or DVD systems. If embedded in the HDDA or DVDA, the microphone can share a flex connector to reduce cost. In addition, an audio analog to digital converter (ADC) can be embedded on a system on chip (SOC), motor controller and/or power management module to reduce system cost. The processor of the SOC can be shared with the audio monitoring module to perform the audio signal analysis, which reduces cost. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the audio analysis module and the microphone can be located on the PCB of the associated device. In  FIG. 3A , a first exemplary HDD system  200  includes a microphone  204  and an audio monitor module  208 . The microphone  204  receives audio signals during operation of the HDD system. The audio monitor module  208  converts the signals to digital signals and performs audio analysis on the signals as described above and/or below. The analysis may include monitoring various signal levels, frequencies and patterns of noise occurrences as well as the changes of monitored parameters as a function of time. The patterns may include resonances at particular frequencies or other criteria. Based on the analysis, the audio monitor module  208  selectively changes an operating parameter of the HDD system and/or performs other actions. 
         [0046]    The microphone  204  and audio monitor module  208  may be associated with the HD PCB  14 . As used herein, the term drive module may be used to refer to components of the HDD that help to control, store data, process data and/or otherwise operate the HDD such as but not limited to the HDC control module  26 , the processor  22 , the spindle/VCM driver module  30 , the read/write channel module  34 , etc. The microphone  204  and/or the audio monitor module  208  may be associated and/or integrated with one or more additional components such as the HDC control module  26 , the processor  22 , the spindle/VCM driver module  30 , and/or the read/write channel module  34  in a system on chip (SOC)  210 . Alternately, the processor  22  may be embedded in or integrated with the HDC control module  26  as indicated by dotted lines  211 . 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 3B , a first exemplary DVD system  230  includes an audio monitor module  232  and a microphone  234  that are associated with the DVD PCB  114 . The microphone  234  receives audio signals during operation of the DVD system. The audio monitor module  232  converts the signals to digital signals and performs analysis on the signals as described above and/or below. Based on the analysis, the audio monitor module  232  selectively changes an operating parameter of the DVD system and/or performs other actions. 
         [0048]    The microphone  234  and audio monitor module  232  may be associated with the DVD PCB  114 . As used herein, the term drive module may also be used to refer to components of the DVD that help to control, stored data, process data and/or otherwise operate the DVD such as but not limited to the control module  126 , the processor  122 , the spindle/FM driver module  130 , the read/write channel module  134 , etc. The microphone  234  and/or the audio monitor module  232  may be associated with and/or integrated with one or more additional devices such as the control module  126 , the processor  122 , the spindle/FM driver module  130 , and/or the read/write channel module  134  in a system on chip (SOC)  236 . Alternately, the processor  122  may be embedded in or integrated with the control module  126  as indicated by dotted lines  237 . 
         [0049]    There are many different locations and/or possible implementations for the microphone and/or audio monitor module. Referring now to  FIG. 4A and 4B , second exemplary HDD and DVD systems including audio monitor modules and microphones are shown. In  FIG. 4A , a HDD system  250  includes microphone  254  that is associated with the HDDA  50 . A connection  256  from the microphone  254  to an audio monitor module  258  can be routed by a flex connector  260  to reduce cost. The flex connector  260  may also include conductors for other devices such as the preamplifier  60  and servo  58 . In  FIG. 4B , a DVD system  270  includes a microphone  274  that is associated with the DVDA  150 . A connection  276  from the microphone  274  to an audio monitor module  278  can also be provided by a flex connector  280  to reduce cost. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , third exemplary HDD and DVD systems including audio monitor modules and microphones are shown. In  FIG. 5A , a HDD system  300  includes an audio monitor module  302  and a microphone  304 . The microphone  304  may be associated with the HDDA  50  as shown and/or with the HD PCB  14 . The audio monitor module  302  may be integrated with the processor in an SOC. Processing for the audio monitor module  302  may be performed by the processor  22 , which reduces cost. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 5B , a DVD system  320  includes an audio monitor module  322  and a microphone  324 . The microphone  324  may be associated with the DVDA  150  as shown and/or with the DVD PCB  114 . Processing for the audio monitor module  322  may be performed by the processor  122 , which reduces cost. Both the audio monitor modules  302  and  322  the processors  22  and  122  may be integrated on a SOC, respectively. Other components may also be integrated on the SOC as described above. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , fourth exemplary HDD and DVD systems including an audio monitor module and microphone are shown. In  FIG. 6A , a HDD system  340  includes an audio monitor module  342  and a microphone  344 . The audio monitor module  342  is integrated with the spindle/VCM driver module  30 . The microphone  344  may be located on the HDDA  50  and/or the HD PCB  14 . In  FIG. 6B , a DVD system  360  includes an audio monitor module  362  and a microphone  364 . The audio monitor module  362  is integrated with the spindle/FM driver module  130 . The microphone  364  may be located on the DVDA  150  and/or the DVD PCB  114 . 
         [0053]    As can be appreciated, the audio monitor modules may be integrated with other components of the HDD systems such as but not limited to the HDC control module  26  and/or read/write channel module  34 . Likewise, the audio monitor modules may be integrated with other components of the DVD systems such as but not limited to the DSPs  140 ,  144  and  142 , the DVD control module  126  and/or the read/write module  134 . Furthermore, various components can be integrated by SOC. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , fifth exemplary HDD and DVD systems including audio monitor modules and microphones are shown. In  FIG. 7A , HDD system  380  includes a power management module  382  that manages power of the HDD system  380 . The HDD system  380  further includes an audio monitor module  384  and a microphone  386 . The audio monitor module  384  is implemented by the power management module  382 . The microphone  386  may be located on the HDDA  50  and/or the HD PCB  14 . 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 7B , a DVD system  400  includes a power management module  402  that manages power of the DVD system  400 . The DVD system  402  further includes an audio monitor module  404  and a microphone  406 . The audio monitor module  404  is implemented by the power management module  400 , which manages power for the DVD. The microphone  406  may be located on the DVDA  150  and/or the DVD PCB  114 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary audio monitor module  420  according to the present disclosure is shown. The audio monitor module  420  receives an output of a microphone  422 . The audio monitor module  420  includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)  424  that converts the analog output of the microphone to a digital audio signal. An analysis module  428  receives the digital audio output of the analog-to-digital converter  424 . The analysis module  428  selectively transmits data to and receives data from memory  434 . The memory may be local to the analysis module and/or shared memory such as volatile memory and NV memory. A parameter adjustment module  430  selectively adjusts operating parameters of the HDD or DVD device based on the analysis. 
         [0057]    The analysis module  428  may include a sub-band analysis module  442  that monitors signal levels, frequencies and patterns of noise occurrences, changes of monitored parameters as a function of time, and/or other functions of the monitored parameters. The patterns may include resonances at a particular frequency or other criteria. 
         [0058]    A failure predicting module  444  selectively predicts failures based on current and/or historical noise information and/or functions thereof. For example, the failure predicting module may extrapolate based on current and/or historical data and estimate an expected failure date. A quality analysis module  448  may estimate the quality of the HDD or DVD device based upon measured current and/or historical noise information and/or function thereof. An age estimating module  452  estimates age of the device based upon current and/or historical noise information, changes in current or historical information and/or other functions of current and/or historical noise information. The age may be relative to an expected obsolescence or service life. For example, the age estimating module  452  may monitor changes in noise levels as a function of time. The noise levels may be compared to a function, data, curve or other stored information to estimate the age of the device or component. 
         [0059]    A correlation module  453  may be used to compare current noise information to stored noise information to identify particular failures. The memory module  434  may store noise profiles relating to possible failure modes. The correlation module  453  may correlate current and/or historical noise profiles with stored profiles. When the correlation exceeds a predetermined correlation value, the correlation module may output a fault message, initiate diagnostics and/or take other action. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a flowchart illustrates steps of an exemplary method for adjusting an operating parameter of a HDD or DVD based on sensed noise information. Control begins in step  500 . In step  502 , control determines whether the device is operating. In step  504 , control converts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step  506 , control analyzes digital audio signals. In step  508 , control determines whether a problem has been detected. In other words, control determines where the noise information indicates a problem. For example, the monitored noise parameter exceeds a threshold. If true, control adjusts an operating parameter of the HDD or DVD device in step  509 . For example, rotational speed, scanning speed, voltage level, current level or any other parameter may be adjusted. If step  508  is false, control continues with step  510  and determines whether there is a potential future failure based on current and/or historical noise information and/or functions thereof. If step  510  is true, control sends a message to a host device and/or adjusts an operating parameter of the HDD or DVD device in step  514 . 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a flowchart illustrates steps of a method for determining device quality of HDD or DVD systems based on sensed noise information. Control begins with step  530 . In step  532 , control determines whether the device is operating. If true, control converts audio signals to digital audio signals in step  534 . 
         [0062]    In step  538 , control analyzes digital audio signals. In step  540 , control compares current and/or historical noise information and/or a function thereof to a first threshold. If the noise level is less than a first threshold, control sets quality to a first quality value in step  542 . If step  540  is false, control determines whether the current and/or historical noise information is greater than a first threshold but less than a second threshold in step  550 . If true, control sets quality to a second quality value in step  554 . Otherwise control sends quality to a third quality value in step  560 . While three quality values or levels are described, additional or fewer quality values may be used. The quality values or levels may be used for variable pricing and/or other marketing decisions. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a flowchart illustrates steps of a method for estimating aging of HDD or DVD systems based on current and/or historical noise levels. Control begins in step  580 . In step  584 , control determines whether the device is operating. In step  586 , control converts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step  590 , control analyzes the digital audio signals. In step  594 , control compares current and/or historical noise levels to predetermined thresholds, functions or other predetermined criteria. In step  596 , control estimates an age of the HDD or DVD system and/or one or more components thereof based upon the comparison. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a flowchart illustrates steps of a method for estimating future failures of HDD or DVD systems based on current and/or historical noise levels. Control begins in step  600 . In step  604 , control determines whether the device is operating. In step  606 , control converts audio signals to digital audio signals. In step  610 , control analyzes the digital audio signals. In step  614 , control extrapolates future performance based on current and/or historical noise levels and compares the extrapolations to predetermined thresholds, functions or other predetermined criteria. In step  616 , control estimates future failure of the HDD or DVD system and/or one or more components thereof based upon the comparison. For example, control may provide an estimated failure date or number of estimated operating hours until failure. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a device  700  is shown to include a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) or a motherboard  704 . For example only, the device  700  may be a computer system, a network switch, a router, a server, or other type of electronic device that includes an integrated circuit, that is arranged on a chassis and/or in an enclosure, and that uses a fan for cooling. One or more integrated circuits  708  may be arranged on the motherboard  704 . 
         [0066]    For example only, the integrated circuit  708  may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or other type of integrated circuit. A heatsink  712  communicates thermally with the integrated circuit  708  and absorbs heat therefrom. A fan  716  circulates air over the heatsink  712  to dissipate heat. 
         [0067]    One or more other types of integrated circuits such as a graphics processing unit (GPU)  718  may be arranged on the motherboard  704 . A heatsink  722  communicates thermally with the GPU  718  and transfers heat therefrom. A fan  726  circulates air over the heatsink  722  to dissipate heat. The motherboard  704  may be arranged on a chassis and/or in an enclosure  730 . One or more additional fans  734  may provide additional cooling inside of the enclosure. Other components  744  such as memory modules and/or other modules or devices (not shown) may be arranged on the motherboard  704 . 
         [0068]    In operation, the integrated circuit  708  may include an audio monitoring module  750  that monitors audio signals generated by the fans  716 ,  726  and/or  734 . A microphone  754  may be arranged inside of the enclosure  730 . Alternately, a microphone  756  may be arranged outside of the enclosure  730 . Alternately, a speaker  758  may be used as a microphone. Sound waves impacting the speaker  756  may be sensed and used for analysis. 
         [0069]    The integrated circuit  708  and/or the GPU  718  may include the audio monitoring (AM) module  750  that performs audio analysis on the audio signals as described above. Alternately, the AM module  750  may be a stand alone device or integrated with any other component or integrated circuit. The AM module  750  may perform sub-band analysis. Operation of the fans can be improved by monitoring signal levels, frequencies and noise patterns as well as the changes of monitored parameters as a function of time. 
         [0070]    Fan operating parameters may be automatically adjusted to lower acoustic noise. By doing so, user annoyance may be decreased. Operation of the fan away from resonance modes can be performed. In addition, real time monitoring of fan noise may be used to predict future failure events. Analysis of historical data may be performed to estimate and monitor aging of the fan. 
         [0071]    The audio monitoring may also be used as a relatively low cost method for differentiating product quality. For example, this approach can be used to separate high quality or low quality fans from other medium-quality fans. Lower noise devices tend to be more reliable than the higher noise ones, particularly for fans having the same or similar designs. In addition, real time monitoring of mechanical components can be used to improve future quality levels. 
         [0072]    While HDD and DVD systems are disclosed, the present disclosure applies to other rotating storage devices, magnetic storage devices and/or optical storage devices. 
         [0073]    In addition to or instead of altering an operating parameter of the component as described above, the audio monitoring module may generate signals to provide an indication as to how the component is operating. For example only, when the component is making more noise that is typically acceptable, the audio monitoring module may generate an indication signal to a host device. For example only, when the fan is making too much noise, the CPU may send an error message to the operating system (OS) to notify the OS and/or the user. 
         [0074]    The audio monitoring module may provide a list of actions that can be taken by the user. For example, the audio monitoring module may allow the user to select from a plurality of different options. Some of the options may include operating in restricted modes such as low power modes, limited processing modes, etc. For implementations with fans, the user may select a safe shutdown mode when the temperature of the device reaches a predetermined temperature value. 
         [0075]    Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.