INTRODUCTION
THERE is an ever-growing demand for storing digital
data on HDDs (hard disk drives). In 2005, over 380
million HDD units were shipped worldwide, driven
in part by an expanding usage of hard disk drives in
new applications, in particular consumer electronic
devices. The DVR (digital video recorder) application
is creating demand for HDDs with several terabytes
(1,000 Gbytes) of capacity. This demand drives the
need for new improvements to enable higher data
densities and larger capacities at lower cost. Also, the
broadening usage and value of digital data storage are
creating demand for new features and capabilities, such
as data encryption to provide more security in case of
theft, expanded operating temperature range for
automotive applications, and reliability and lifetimes
consistent with home consumer devices, as opposed
to notebook PC. Providing leading-edge solutions to
these expanding requirements can only be achieved
through long-term investments in research and
development.