Patent Abstract:
A system including a monitoring module configured to monitor whether, during a first predetermined period, at least one of a read operation, a write operation, or a seek operation is performed on a platter of a storage device in response to the platter of the storage device rotating at a first speed. A speed control module is configured to rotate the platter of the storage device at a second speed in response to none of the read operation, the write operation, or the seek operation being performed on the platter of the storage device during the first predetermined period. The second speed is (i) less than the first speed, and (ii) greater than zero. None of the read operation, the write operation, or the seek operation is performed on the platter of the storage device in response to the platter of the storage device rotating at the second speed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/190,333, filed Jul. 25, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/257,885, filed Oct. 24, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/986,101, filed Nov. 7, 2007. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to rotating storage devices and more particularly to speed control systems for rotating storage devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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 the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     Rotating storage devices include optical disc drives and hard disk drives. Both optical disc drives and hard disk drives generally include a spindle motor that rotates an optical disk or one or more platters, respectively, to a relatively constant operating speed for reading and/or writing. When operating, the spindle motors tend to consume relatively high power. Since rotating storage devices may be included in portable computing devices, power consumption of the rotating storage device may be a relatively important performance consideration. 
     Conventional rotating storage devices tend to operate in two modes. When in an operating mode, the spindle motor maintains the speed of the optical disc or platter at a predetermined speed. When shut down, the optical disc or platter is not rotated. Additional performance considerations of rotating storage devices include latency when accessing data. When attempting to read or write data to the rotating storage device that is shut down, the spindle motor must spin up the optical disc or platter, regulate the speed, and then initiate read or write access. These operations delay reading and/or writing operations. 
     SUMMARY 
     A speed control system for a rotating storage device comprises a mode selection module and a speed selection module. The mode selection module selects one of an operating mode and a standby mode of the rotating storage device based on use of the rotating storage device. The speed control module selects a predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and selects a predetermined standby speed that is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than zero when the standby mode is selected. 
     In other features, the mode selection module selects the standby mode after a first predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. 
     In further features, the mode selection module further includes a shutdown mode. The mode selection module selects the shutdown mode after a second predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. The second predetermined period is greater than the first predetermined period, and a shutdown speed is equal to zero. 
     In other features, the mode control module transitions from the standby mode to the operating mode when at least one of a read command and a write command for the HDD is received. 
     In further features, the speed control system further comprises a speed monitoring module. The speed monitoring module determines a speed of the rotating storage device based on back electromotive force (bemf) of a spindle motor that rotates the rotating storage device. 
     A hard disk drive (HDD) comprises the speed control system and a spindle motor. The spindle motor rotates a platter of the HDD. 
     An optical disc drive comprises the speed control system and a spindle motor. The spindle motor rotates an optical disc of the optical disc drive. 
     A method for a rotating storage device comprises: selecting one of an operating mode and a standby mode of the rotating storage device based on use of the rotating storage device; controlling a speed of the rotating storage device based on a predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected; and controlling the speed based on a predetermined standby speed that is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than zero when the standby mode is selected. 
     In other features, the method further comprises selecting the standby mode after a first predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. 
     In further features, the method further comprises selecting a shutdown mode after a second predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. The second predetermined period is greater than the first predetermined period, and a shutdown speed is equal to zero. 
     In other features, the method further comprises transitioning from selecting the standby mode to selecting the operating mode when at least one of a read command and a write command for the HDD is received. 
     In still other features, the method further comprises determining the speed of the rotating storage device based on back electromotive force (bemf) of a spindle motor that rotates the rotating storage device. 
     In further features, the method further comprises controlling a platter of a hard disk drive (HDD) based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the platter based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     In other features, the method further comprises controlling an optical disc of an optical disc drive based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the optical disc based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     A speed control system for a rotating storage device comprises selecting means for selecting one of an operating mode and a standby mode of the rotating storage device based on use of the rotating storage device and controlling means for controlling a speed of the rotating storage device based on a predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and for controlling the speed based on a predetermined standby speed that is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than zero when the standby mode is selected. 
     In other features, the selecting means selects the standby mode after a first predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. 
     In further features, the selecting means selects a shutdown mode after a second predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. The second predetermined period is greater than the first predetermined period, and a shutdown speed is equal to zero. 
     In other features, the speed control system further comprises transitioning means for transitioning from selecting the standby mode to selecting the operating mode when at least one of a read command and a write command for the HDD is received. 
     In still other features, the speed control system further comprises determining means for determining the speed of the rotating storage device based on back electromotive force (bemf) of a spindle motor that rotates the rotating storage device. 
     In further features, the controlling means controls a platter of a hard disk drive (HDD) based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the platter based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     In other features, the controlling means controls an optical disc of an optical disc drive based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the optical disc based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     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, nonvolatile data storage, and/or other suitable tangible storage mediums. 
     The computer program comprises selecting one of an operating mode and a standby mode of the rotating storage device based on use of the rotating storage device, controlling a speed of a rotating storage device based on a predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected, and controlling the speed based on a predetermined standby speed that is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than zero when the standby mode is selected. 
     In further features, the computer program further comprises selecting the standby mode after a first predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. 
     In still further features, the computer program further comprises selecting a shutdown mode after a second predetermined period during which reading and writing to the rotating storage device is not performed. The second predetermined period is greater than the first predetermined period, and a shutdown speed is equal to zero. 
     In other features, the computer program further comprises transitioning from selecting the standby mode to selecting the operating mode when at least one of a read command and a write command for the HDD is received. 
     In further features, the computer program further comprises determining the speed of the rotating storage device based on back electromotive force (bemf) of a spindle motor that rotates the rotating storage device. 
     In other features, the computer program further comprises controlling a platter of a hard disk drive (HDD) based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the platter based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     In still other features, the computer program further comprises controlling an optical disc of an optical disc drive based on the predetermined operating speed when the operating mode is selected and controlling the optical disc based on the predetermined standby speed when the standby mode is selected. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary rotating storage device according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  are functional block diagrams of exemplary HDD speed control systems according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of operation of HDD speed control systems according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart depicting exemplary steps performed by HDD speed control systems according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its disclosure, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. 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. 
     As used herein, the term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. 
     The present disclosure relates to rotating storage devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives. While the present disclosure is described in conjunction with a hard disk drive, the present disclosure also applies to optical disc drives. 
     The rotational speed of a platter of a hard disk drive (HDD) is controlled at a predetermined operating speed during reading data from and/or writing data to the platter. While one platter is described herein, the HDD may include two or more platters. Maintaining the speed of the platter at the predetermined operating speed consumes power. In some circumstances, the speed may be maintained at the predetermined operating speed during periods when data is not written to or read from the platter. This generally done to minimize latency that would otherwise occur when spinning up the platter to the predetermined operating speed. Conventional HDDs typically shut down after a predetermined period of inactivity. Once shut down, the platter needs to spin up from rest before reading or writing can occur. 
     A HDD speed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure controls the speed of the platter at the predetermined operating speed when reading or writing data. After a predetermined standby period during which there is no activity, the HDD speed control system reduces the speed to a predetermined standby speed. In some implementations, after a predetermined shutdown period, the HDD speed control system may shut down the spindle motor. The predetermined standby speed is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than zero. Controlling the speed at the predetermined standby speed reduces power consumption while reducing latency when returning to the operating mode. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary hard disk drive (HDD) system  100  includes a HDD printed circuit board (PCB)  102 . A memory module such as buffer  104  stores read, write, and/or volatile control data that is associated the control of the HDD system  100 . The buffer  104  usually employs volatile memory having low latency. For example, SDRAM, double data rate (DDR) SDRAM, or other types of low latency memory may be used. Nonvolatile memory such as flash memory may also be provided to store critical data such as nonvolatile control code. 
     A processor  106  arranged on the HDD PCB  102  performs data and/or control processing that is related to the operation of the HDD system  100 . A hard disk control (HDC) module  108  communicates with an input/output interface  110 , a spindle/voice coil motor (VCM) driver or module  112 , and/or a read/write channel module  114 . The HDC module  108  coordinates control of the spindle/VCM module  112 , the read/write channel module  114 , the processor  106 , and data input/output with a host  116  via the interface  110 . The HDD PCB  102  also includes a power supply  118  that supplies power for the HDD PCB  102 . The power supply  118  may also supply power for a hard disk drive assembly (HDDA)  120 . 
     The HDDA  120  includes one or more hard drive platters  122  that include magnetic coatings that store magnetic fields. The platters  122  are rotated by a spindle motor that is schematically shown at  124 . Generally, the spindle motor  124  rotates the platters  122  at a predetermined speed during the read/write operations. The spindle/VCM module  112  controls the spindle motor  124  and, therefore, rotational speed of the platters  122 . 
     One or more read/write arms  126  move relative to the platters  122  to read data from the platters  122  and/or write data to the platters  122 . The spindle/VCM module  112  controls an arm actuator  128 , which controls the position the read/write arm  126 . For example, the arm actuator  128  may include a voice coil actuator, a stepper motor or any other suitable actuator. 
     A read/write device  130  is located near a distal end of the read/write arm  126 . The read/write device  130  includes a write element such as an inductor that generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field alters the magnetic composition of the magnetic coating of the platters  122 . In this manner, the read/write device  130  stores data on the platters  122 . The read/write device  130  also includes a read element (such as a magneto-resistive (MR) element). The read element senses the magnetic field on the platters  122 . 
     During write operations, the read/write channel module  114  encodes data that is to be written with the read/write device  130 . The read/write channel module  114  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  114  converts an analog read signal that is output by the read/write device  130  into a digital read signal. The digital read signal is then detected and decoded by known techniques to recover the data that was written on the platters  122 . The data can then be sent to the host  116  via the interface  110 . 
     Portions of the HDD system  100  may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (IC) or chips. For example, the processor  106  and the HDC module  108  may be implemented by a single chip. The spindle/VCM module  112  and/or the read/write channel module  114  may also be implemented by the same chip as the processor  106 , the HDC module  108  and/or by additional chips. Alternatively, most of the HDD system  100  other than the HDDA  120  may be implemented as a system on chip (SOC). 
     The HDDA  120  includes a preamplifier circuit or module  132  that amplifies the analog read/write signals. When reading data, the preamplifier  132  amplifies low level signals from the read element of the read/write device  130  and outputs the amplified signal to the read/write channel module  114 . When writing data, the preamplifier  132  generates a write current that flows through the write element of the read/write device  130 . The write current is switched to produce a magnetic field having a positive or negative polarity. The positive or negative polarity is stored on one or more of the platters  122  and is used to represent data. 
     The host  116  transmits data to the HDC module  108  and receives data from the HDC module  108  via the interface  110 . For example, the host  116  transmits write data to be written to a hard disk drive assembly (HDDA)  120  to the HDC module  108 . The HDC module  108  transmits data read from the HDDA  120  to the host  116 . 
     The HDC module  108  also receives commands for the HDDA  120  via the interface  110 . For example only, the commands may include read commands, write commands, shutdown commands, and other suitable commands. The HDC module  108  controls the HDDA  120  based on received commands. More specifically, the HDC module  108  coordinates operation of various components of the HDDA  120  when writing data to the platters  122  and/or reading data from the platters  122 . 
     The HDC module  108  transmits data to be written to the read/write channel module  114  which encodes the data. The read/write channel module  114  transmits the encoded data to the preamplifier  132 . The preamplifier  132  provides signals to the write element of the read/write device  130 , which writes the data to the platters  122 . 
     The HDC module  108  also controls operation of the spindle/VCM module  112  when the write command is received. For example, the HDC module  108  transmits commands to the spindle/VCM module  112  for the write command. The spindle/VCM module  112  controls the arm actuator  128  based on the commands, which positions the read/write arm  126  accordingly. 
     The HDC module  108  also coordinates control of the spindle motor  124 . The spindle/VCM module  112  controls the spindle motor  124  and, therefore, the rotational speed of the platters  122  based on commands received from the HDC module  108 . The spindle/VCM module  112  generally controls the speed of the platters  122  based on a predetermined operating speed during read/write operations. For example only, the predetermined operating speed may be set to 3600, 7200, or 15000 revolutions per minute (rpm), although other speeds may be used. 
     In some circumstances, the host  116  may transmit a shutdown command to the HDC module  108  for the HDDA  120 . For example only, the host  116  may transmit the shutdown command when a user initiates a shutdown of the device in which the HDD system  100  is implemented. The HDD may also decide to shutdown based on inactivity. 
     The HDC module  108  commands the spindle/VCM module  112  to shutdown the HDDA  120  when the shutdown command is received. In various implementations, the spindle/VCM module  112  may actively reduce the platter speed. For example, the spindle/VCM module  112  may supply a signal to the spindle motor  124  to accomplish braking and then remove the signal when the speed is zero. In other implementations, the spindle/VCM module  112  disables the flow of power to the spindle motor  124  when the shutdown command is received. Disabling the flow of power allows friction to naturally decrease the platter speed. When a read and/or write command is received after the HDDA  120  is shutdown, the HDC module  108  commands the spindle/VCM module  112  to increase the speed of the platters  122  to the predetermined operating speed. 
     In some systems, the spindle/VCM module  112  maintains the platter speed at the predetermined operating speed despite inactivity for a predetermined period without reading data from or writing data to the platters  122 . This approach improves latency at the expense of power consumption. 
     The speed control system according to the present disclosure controls the speed of the platters  122  based on a predetermined standby speed. For example only, the speed may be reduced from the predetermined operating speed to the predetermined standby speed when inactivity occurs for a predetermined period. In other words, the HDD speed control system controls the platter speed based on the predetermined standby speed when inactivity occurs for the first predetermined period. The predetermined standby speed may be set to a speed that is less than the predetermined operating speed and greater than 0 rpm. For example only, the predetermined standby speed may be set to approximately 500 rpm. 
     In some implementations, the predetermined standby speed is at least 10% less than the predetermined operating speed. In other implementations, the predetermined standby speed is at least 20% less than the predetermined operating speed. In still other implementations, the predetermined standby speed is at least 30% less than the predetermined operating speed. 
     For example only, the predetermined operating speed may be set to 7200 rpm and the predetermined standby speed may be set to 5400 rpm. Still other speeds may be used. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a functional block diagram of an exemplary HDD speed control system  300  is presented. The HDD speed control system  300  may include a monitoring module  302 , a mode selection module  304 , a speed control module  306 , and a speed monitoring module  308 . The HDD speed control system  300  also includes a timer module  310 . The timer module  310  may be implemented in any suitable manner, such as in memory. 
     The monitoring module  302  monitors commands received from the host  116 , another device, or another module of the HDD. For example only, the monitoring module  302  may indicate when at least one of a read command and a write command is received from the host. The monitoring module  302  may also indicate when a shutdown command is received from the host  116 . The command can be received from, for example, a user of a device comprising the HDD, the host  116 , another module of the HDD, and/or any other suitable source. 
     The timer module  310  determines time elapsed since a read command, a write command, or other commands have occurred. For example only, the timer module  310  may determine the amount of time since data was at least one of written to or read from the platters  122 . The timer module  310  may be reset when the monitoring module  302  indicates that a command has been received. 
     The HDDA  120  operates in a read/write mode, a standby mode, or a shutdown mode. The mode selection module  304  selects one of the modes while disabling the other modes of operation of the HDDA  120 . 
     The mode selection module  304  selects one of the read/write mode and the standby mode based on the period of time indicated by the timer module  310 . More specifically, the mode selection module  304  selects the standby mode when the period of time indicated by the timer module  310  is greater than the predetermined standby period. If not, the mode selection module selects the read/write mode of the HDDA  120 . In some implementations, the mode selection module  304  selects the shutdown mode when the period of time indicated by the timer module  310  is greater than the predetermined shutdown period. 
     The predetermined standby period may be set based on a variety of characteristics, such as the device in which the HDDA  120  is implemented, desired power savings, and/or any other suitable characteristics. For example only, the predetermined standby period may be shorter if increased power savings is desired. 
     The speed control module  306  controls the rotational speed of the platters  122  via the spindle motor  124 . The speed control module  306  controls the platter speed based on the selected mode of operation. 
     The speed monitoring module  308  monitors the rotational speed of the platters  122  and provides the platter speed to the speed control module  306 . In this manner, the speed monitoring module  308  provides the speed control module  306  with feedback regarding the actual platter speed, which the speed control module  306  uses in controlling the platter speed. The speed monitoring module  306  may monitor the speed of the platters  122  in any suitable manner. For example only, the speed monitoring module  308  may determine the speed of the platters  122  based on back electromotive force (back emf) of the spindle motor  124 . 
     One or more modules of the HDD speed control system  300  may be implemented within one or more of the modules of the HDD system  100 , such as is shown in an exemplary HDD speed control system  350  of  FIG. 3B . For example only, the activity monitoring module  302 , the mode selection module  304 , and the timer module  310  may be implemented within the HDC module  108 . The speed control module  306  and the speed monitoring module  308  may be implemented within the spindle/VCM module  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , operation of the HDD speed control system  300  is illustrated. Line  402  corresponds to whether the standby mode of the HDDA  120  is selected (i.e., ON). Line  404  corresponds to the rotational speed of the platters  122  of the HDDA  120 . The speed control module  306  controls the speed of the platters  122  based on the selected mode of operation. 
     At time zero, the mode selection module  304  selects the read/write mode of operation and the standby mode is not selected (i.e., OFF). The speed control module  306  controls the speed of the platters  122  based on the predetermined operating speed (Speed1). At time  406 , however, the mode selection module  304  selects the standby mode as shown by line  402 . 
     The mode selection module  304  selects the standby mode when the predetermined standby period has elapsed without activity. For example only, the mode selection module  304  selects the standby mode when data has not been written to or read from the platters  122  for the predetermined standby period. 
     When the standby mode is selected, the speed control module  306  controls the platter speed based on the predetermined standby speed (Speed2). The predetermined standby speed is less than the predetermined operating speed and is greater than 0 rpm. The speed control module  306  decreases the platter speed toward the predetermined standby speed as shown by line  404  between times  406  and  410 . The speed control module  306  may decrease the speed of the platters  122  in any suitable manner. For example, the speed control module  306  may disable the supply of power to the spindle motor  124  and allow the inertia of the platters  122  to naturally decrease the platter speed. 
     While the platter speed is decreasing toward the predetermined standby speed, the standby mode can be de-selected. For example, the mode selection module  304  can de-select the standby mode and select the read/write mode or the shutdown mode when a read/write command or a shutdown command is received, respectively. 
     A read command and/or a write command is received at time  410 . Accordingly, the mode selection module  304  selects the read/write mode and de-selects the standby mode at time  410 , as shown by line  402 . The speed control module  306  then increases the platter speed as shown by line  404  and controls the platter speed based on the predetermined operating speed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart depicting exemplary steps performed by the speed control system of the present disclosure is presented. Control begins with step  502 . In step  504 , control selects the operating mode. In step  508 , control sets the platter speed based on the operating speed. 
     In step  512 , control determines whether the rotating storage device is inactive. If step  512  is false, control resets the timer and continues with step  508 . If step  512  is true, control determines in step  520  whether the timer is in a reset state. If step  520  is true, control starts the timer in step  524  and control returns to step  508 . If step  520  is false and the timer is not in a reset state (or counting the inactivity), control determines whether the timer is greater than a standby period in step  530 . If step  530  is false, control returns to step  508 . If step  530  is true, control starts a second timer in step  534 . 
     In step  540 , control decreases platter speed based on the standby speed. In step  544 , control determines whether the platter speed is greater than the standby speed. If step  544  is true, control returns to step  540 . If step  544  is false, control continues with step  548  and controls the platter speed based on the standby speed. 
     In step  552 , control determines whether there is a read or write request. If step  552  is true, control returns to step  504 . If step  552  is false, control determines whether a shutdown request has been made. If step  560  is false, control continues with step  564  and determines whether the second timer is up. If steps  560  or  564  are true, control continues with step  568  and shuts down the rotating storage device. 
     In step  574 , control determines whether the rotating storage device should return to the operating mode. This may occur for various reasons such as a host request, a read/write request, and/or any other suitable purpose. Control waits if step  574  is false. If step  574  is true, control returns to step  504 . 
     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 upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6