abstract
This paper briefly reviews the evolution of today’s hard disk drive with the additional intention
of orienting the reader to the overall mechanical and electrical architecture. The modern hard disk drive
is a miracle of storage capacity and function together with remarkable economy of design. This paper
presents a personal view of future customer requirements and the anticipated design evolution of the
components. There are critical decisions and great challenges ahead for the key technologies of heads,
media, head–disk interface, mechanics, and electronics.