Disk drive for optimizing write current settings relative to drive operating characteristics and ambient temperature readings

A method of executing a write current optimization procedure for a disk drive having drive operating characteristics, the disk drive comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and a programmable write driver for applying a write current to the head during write operations, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating an ambient temperature reading;
• (b) programming the write driver with a first write current setting relating to the ambient temperature reading, wherein the first write current setting is selected relative to a previously optimized write current setting that corresponds to the ambient temperature reading;
• (c) writing test data to the disk;
• (d) reading the test data from the disk and generating a first quality metric;
• (e) programming the write driver with a second write current setting relating to the ambient temperature reading;
• (f) writing test data to the disk;
• (g) reading the test data from the disk and generating a second quality metric;
• and
• (h) evaluating the first and second quality metrics to generate an optimized write current setting based on the drive operating characteristics and the ambient temperature reading.