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:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
printer friendly version