Fast initialization of media after logical block address (LBA) remapping operation

A method for initializing magnetic recording media of a data storage device responsive to completion of a logical block address (LBA) remapping operation that remaps LBAs to physical locations on the magnetic recording media, the method comprising:

• responsive to a write command, initializing a write target LBA by writing data to a physical location on the magnetic recording media that is mapped to the write target LBA;
• receiving a read command to read data from a read target LBA;
• responsive to the read target LBA having been initialized, reading and returning data from the physical location on the magnetic recording media that is mapped to the read target LBA;
• and
• responsive to the read target LBA having not been initialized, generating and returning, without accessing the magnetic recording media, a background data pattern.

A data storage device comprising:

• a plurality of recording heads;
• a plurality of magnetic recording media;
• and
• control circuitry configured to perform an initialization process, wherein the initialization process is performed responsive to completion of a logical block address (LBA) remapping operation that remaps LBAs to physical locations on the plurality of magnetic recording media, the initialization process comprising:
• responsive to a write command, initializing a write target LBA by writing data to a physical location on the plurality of magnetic recording media that is mapped to the write target LBA;
• receiving a read command to read data from a read target LBA;
• responsive to the read target LBA having been initialized, reading and returning data from the physical location on the plurality of magnetic recording media that is mapped to the read target LBA;
• and
• responsive to the read target LBA having not been initialized, generating and returning, without accessing the plurality of magnetic recording media, a background data pattern.