Intermediate power down mode for a rotatable media data storage device

A method to of reduce the power consumed by a data storage device, the method comprising:

• providing a data storage device having a disk, wherein the disk is rotated at a first rotation rate, a ramp arranged adjacent to the disk, an actuator assembly having a head, and a servo system;
• receiving a signal to reduce the rotation of the disk;
• positioning the actuator assembly on the ramp;
• reducing the rotation of the disk to a second rotation rate;
• wherein the second rotation rate is such that a time to increase the rotation from the second rotation rate to the first rotation rate is approximately a load time for removing the actuator assembly from the ramp such that the head is positioned over the disk;
• receiving a signal to perform an operation;
• and
• increasing the rotation of the disk to the first rotation rate;
• removing the actuator assembly from the ramp such that the head is positioned over the disk;
• wherein increasing the rotation of the disk to the first rotation rate is performed one of prior to and simultaneously with removing the actuator assembly from the ramp such that the head is positioned over the disk.

A method to reduce the power consumed by a data storage device, the method comprising:

• providing a data storage device having a disk, wherein the disk is rotating at a first rotation rate, an actuator assembly having a head, wherein the head is adapted to communicate with the disk, and a servo system;
• receiving a signal to reduce the rotation rate of the disk;
• removing the head from within communication distance of the disk;
• reducing the rotation of the disk to a second rotation rate;
• wherein the second rotation rate is such that a time to increase the rotation from the second rotation rate to the first rotation rate is approximately a load time for placing the head within communication distance of the disk;
• receiving a signal to perform an operation;
• increasing the rotation of the disk to the first rotation rate;
• and
• placing the head within communication distance of the disk;
• wherein increasing the rotation of the disk to the first rotation rate is performed one of prior to and simultaneously with placing the head within communication distance of the disk.

A processor having instructions for:

• rotating a disk at a first rotation rate, the disk having a head connected with an actuator arm, the head being in close proximity to a surface of the disk;
• moving the actuator arm so that the head is removed from close proximity to the surface;
• and
• reducing the rotation of the disk to a second rotation rate;
• wherein the second rotation rate is such that a time to increase the rotation from the second rotation rate to the first rotation rate is approximately a load time for placing the head within close proximity of the surface;
• wherein close proximity is a distance within which the head communicates with the surface.