Track seek method utilizing an ideal signal

In a disk storage system having at least one disk containing a plurality of tracks for storing digital data, an apparatus for positioning a read/write head from a first track to a second track, comprising:

• a processor for determining a location of said first track;
• a generator coupled to said processor for generating a first periodic signal which is independent from information contained on said disk;
• movement means for storing said head at a velocity specified by said first signal;
• sampling means coupled to said generator for sampling said first signal at times specified by a second signal derived from information read off said disk and having an amplitude proportional to relative distances of said head to a nearest track center;
• adjustment means for adjusting said velocity of said head according to said sampled first signal;
• counting means coupled to said processor to count track number crossings based on said first signal;
• means for stopping said head on said second track once an appropriate number of track crossings have been counted.

A disk storage system having at least one disk containing a plurality of tracks for storing digital data, a head for accessing said digital data, a circuit for performing a seek wherein said head is moved from a starting track to an ending track, said circuit comprising:

• an ideal signal generator for generating an ideal, time-varying electronic signal;
• a microprocessor coupled to said generator for controlling a frequency of said ideal signal and for counting a number of cycles of said ideal signal;
• a means for positioning said head according to said ideal signal such that as said frequency of said ideal signal is increased, said head is moved faster and as said frequency of said ideal signal is decreased, said head is moved slower, and wherein said head is moved across a constant number of tracks for each cycle of said ideal signal.
• a position error generator for generating a position error signal having an amplitude which is proportional to a distance of said head to a nearest track center;
• and
• a sample and hold means for sampling and holding said ideal signal each time said position error signal crosses a reference voltage corresponding to said head being physically positioned over a track center, wherein a sampled value of said ideal signal is used to specify a current supplied to said positioning means in order to compensate for servo position errors.