Programmable servo timing generator

Abstract

A disk drive has a disk format that includes servo fields and interspersed data fields. The disk drive includes a timing generator for generating timing signals to synchronize and control operation of read/write and servo positioning circuits. The disk drive also includes a writable program store that stores a plurality of timing signal commands for generating timing signals in conformance with the format of a disk. A processor loads the writable program store with the timing signal commands and the processor further enables readout of those commands from the writable program store. An execution register receives the timing signal commands and generates timing signals in response, the timing signals controlling synchronization and operation of the read/write circuits. As the writable program store is reprogrammable, at will, substantial flexibility is achieved in the creation of such timing signals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.