HARD DRIVE ( HARD DISK DRIVE )

 HARD DRIVE EXPLAINED

HDD stands for "HARD DISK DRIVE" it is a type of data storage device used in computer and other electronic devices to store and retrieve digital data. HDDs use Magnetic storage to store data on rapidly spinning disk called platters. A write and read head move over these platters to read and write data. Hard disk drive often used for storing large amount of data , such as operating systems, application , documents and multimedia files.

let's talk about hard disk drive components 

1. Platter 

Hard disk drive (HDD) platters are one of the fundamental components of traditional mechanical hard drives , which are commonly used for data storage in computer and other devices. These platters are typically made of rigid , non-magnetic material like aluminum , glass or ceramic substrate. These platters are coated with a thin layer of magnetic material that allows data to be stored in the form of magnetic patterns. This magnetic coating is usually made of a material like Iron oxide (Fe3O4) .laptop hard drive platters are made from glass while aluminum platters are often found in desktop computer.

2.Spinning motion 

The platters spin at high speeds within the HDD enclosure. This spinning motion, usually at speeds of 5,400 or 7,200 revolutions per minute (RPM) in consumer-grade drives, creates an airflow that helps the read /write heads maintain a tiny distance above the platter surface. This cushion of air is crucial for the proper functioning of the drive and to prevent head crashes. 

3. IDE Connector ( Integrated Drive Electronics ) 

IDE is an interface standard introduced in the year 1986. It is for connection of storages devices such as Hard disk drive (HDD) , Solid state drive(SSD) and CD/DVD drives to the computer. In IDE data transfer speed ranges from 100 MB/s to 133 MB/s. and IDE also known as PATA ( Parallel ATA ) ,used be a common interface connecting hard disk drive (HDDs) to computer. IDE connectors have either 40 pins ( for desktop drives ) or 44 pins ( for laptop drives ) and are typically found on older computer systems. Length of PATA cable , The maximum workable cable length is 46 centimeter (about 18 inches).

However , IDE has largely been replaced by SATA ( serial ATA as the standard interface for modern HDDs and SSDs. SATA offers faster data transfer rates and is more widely used in contemporary computer . if you have older computer with IDE connectors , it may be challenging to find compatible drives and components as IDE technology has become outdated.

One think I want to share with you: 

Parallel ATA (P-ATA , also called IDE( Integrated drive electronics)or EIDE(Enhanced Integrated drive Electronics ) so don't be confused 

• How many types connector used in Hard disk drive :

Hard disk drives are accessed over one of a number of bus types including Parallel ATA (P-ATA , also called IDE or EIDE ) , Serial-ATA (SATA) , SCSI , Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) , and Fiber channel.

Serial-ATA (SATA)

SATA stand for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. SATA is used for connecting a various devices like SSDs , Hard disk , optical devices(Like DVD or Blue ray drives, and more with the motherboard. SATA cables come in various length , typically ranging from 6 inches (15cm ) to 3 feet (1 meter or more . The length you need depends on your specific computer setup and cable management requirements. Most SATA Cables feature a locking mechanism on the connectors. when connected , this mechanism helps prevent accidental disconnection , ensuring a stable data connection. The speed of data transfer for SATA cables depends on the specific version of SATA being used. SATA I (SATA 1.5 Gbps ) and The SATA II (SATA 3  Gbps) and the SATA III ( SATA 6 Gbps ).

There is Image of SATA ( Serial advanced technology attachment )

Note: We are talking about Hard Disk Drive if you need more about connector So click here 

Actuator Arm:

An actuator is the component that moves a hard drive's heads over the media surface , to read and write data. Each recording head sits at the end of a moving actuator arm. Hard drives today are equipped with a single actuator , which moves all the read-write heads together in synchronous motion.

Actuator Axis:

The actuator is responsible for moving actuator arms which hold the read/write heads precisely with a specific track sector. The actuator is one of the most important parts of the hard drive that determine the speed of the drive and how many bits it can on its platters 

Disk Controller:

A disk controller , Also known as a hard disk drive controller or simply a controller , is an essential component in a hard disk drive (HDD) . it serves as an interface between the computer's motherboard and the physical components of the hard disk drive , facilitating the exchange of data between the two.

There is image for Disk controller , Your right side small component is a Disk controller 

Hard Disk Drive Type of different capacity: