Hitachi to release 4 MB microdrive
16 July 2003
News
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies will commercialise its next generation Microdrive - a 'one inch diameter' 4 GB hard drive. The HDD measures 42,8 mm (width) x 36,4 mm (length) and is 5,0 mm thick.
The HDD is the same size as a CompactFlash card and will feature a high storage capacity. The company's Microdrive with a smaller capacity has been already adopted in PDAs and other portable electronic devices. Hitachi also announced it plans to commercialise an HDD with the highest rotation count - 7200 rpm. This read rate is faster than previous models adopted in personal computers.
The new drive will use ultra-miniaturised components, including a new read write head that is half the size of its predecessor and results in a 40% decrease in the height at which the head travels above the disk platter. This feature is analogous to a Boeing 747 aeroplane flying one millimetre above the surface of the earth, it says. The Microdrive's new head technology, which it calls 'the femto slider head', has technology as small as a grain of table salt.
According to the company these high value HDDs are going to be suitable for various digital home appliances, camcorders and car navigation applications. One example is a digital recorder integrated into the TV, bypassing the need for any external recording apparatus.
www.hgst.com
Further reading:
Electronic News Digest
News
A brief synopsis of current global news relating to the electronic engineering fields with regards to company finances, general company news, and engineering technologies.
Read more...
4000 A containerised DB for power project
News
Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication, and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project.
Read more...
Datacentrix Industrial Indaba 2025
News
Datacentrix recently hosted its inaugural Industrial Indaba 2025, where industry leaders explored how digitalisation, resilience, security and compliance are shaping the future of sustainable industrial operations in Africa.
Read more...
RS brings solar light to 150 000 people
RS South Africa
News
The company’s three-year partnership with SolarAid aims to raise £1 million through corporate donations, matched funding, product contributions, and fundraising to accelerate access to safe, sustainable energy.
Read more...
Microchip and AVIVA Links collaboration
Altron Arrow
News
Microchip and AVIVA Links have achieved groundbreaking ASA-ML interoperability, accelerating the shift to open standards for automotive connectivity.
Read more...
World’s leading supplier of grid automation products
News
Hitachi Energy was recognised as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group.
Read more...
Vivashan Muthan appointed as head of export sales and operations at RS South Africa
RS South Africa
News
With a career spanning engineering, business development, and sales leadership across sub-Saharan Africa, Vivashan Muthan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as head of export sales and operations.
Read more...
Google equips university students across Africa with free access to advanced AI tools
News
A 12-month Google AI Pro plan has been launched for students in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to build foundational AI skills.
Read more...
Africa’s space economy projected to be worth $22,6 billion in 2026
News
South Africa is gearing up to be at the forefront of the growth in the space industry, creating thousands of jobs, driving innovation, and boosting the national economy.
Read more...
Distribution partnership with MacDermid Alpha
Testerion
News
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions India Private Limited has announced that as of 01 September 2025 Testerion will be the sole importer and distributor of their products to the South African market.
Read more...
printer friendly version