16.6.08:
Data Clinic Ltd launch Computer Science Labs - offering hardware, software,
English language training and support of all SalvationDATA products. Visit http://www.computersciencelabs
<dot> com
19.4.08: Data Clinic Ltd and SalvationDATA sign exclusive agreement. Read more...
The Limitations of Magnetic Recording
The areal density of magnetic recording has increased hugely since its inception in the early 1950s, despite technical obstacles that have at times seemed to spell the end for this type of data recording.
Hard disk drives currently operate at data rates of 30 Mbyte/s and have areal densities of 5 Gbit/in (squared) but in only four or five years could increase to 100 Mbyte/s and 40 Gbit/in (squared) respectively.
Doubling areal density is achieved by reducing other dimensions, such as track width, head gap, medium grain size, medium thickness and magnetic spacing, by a square root of two. This process lessens the strength of the signal amplitude and therefore greater read head sensitivity (eg. MR and GMR heads) is required. While during the 1970s it was considered impossible to achieve the low flying heights required, new head slider designs and disk polishing techniques have made current flying heights of 20-30 nm a reality.
It is believed however that
conventional magnetic recording cannot continue to increase indefinitely; the
thermal stability of written bits and magnetic grain size will ultimately limit
growth. In addition, the magnetic materials of the head and the write electronics
should prove to be technical obstacles to achieving increases in recording speed.
Head Change Tools
12.3.08: Our latest head change tools for the newest hard drives have now been manufactured & delivered.
1.2.08: We have some new tools that allow the correct removal and replacement of hard disk drive platter assemblies.
20.2.08: Data Clinic R&D recover data from a password protected Seagate ST96812A hard disk. There is no commercially available tool on the market to do this.
What will 2008 bring ?
10.1.8: I've just added an information page and some pictures about hard disks that develop motor faults. We believe the problem is related to the drive's fluid dynamic bearing - we were the first company to annouce this could cause problems back in 2004/5.