Retractable ramp for data storage devices

A data storage device comprising:

• a ramp configured to support at least one head in the data storage device;
• a retraction mechanism coupled to the ramp and configured to move the ramp from a non-retracted position to a retracted position by at least one of expansion or contraction of at least a portion of the retraction mechanism;
• a ramp retraction control module operably coupled to the retraction mechanism, the ramp retraction control module configured to provide the retraction mechanism with a first control signal that causes the retraction mechanism to move the ramp from the non-retracted position to the retracted position;
• a latch configured to hold the ramp in the retracted position;
• a latch manipulation mechanism coupled to the latch;
• and
• the ramp retraction control module further configured to provide the latch manipulation mechanism with second control signals that cause the latch to engage the ramp in the retracted position, thereby holding the ramp in the retracted position, and cause the latch to release the ramp from being held in the retracted position.