HIGH PERFORMANCE DISK DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

A half-height, 3+E,fra 1/2+EE -inch form factor disk drive architecture. The architecture includes at least six storage disks for storing data and a plurality of interactive read/write heads, two per disk, for reading information from and writing information on the storage disks. An actuator assembly, responsive to control signals, for selectively positioning the read/write heads with respect to the storage disks, and a latching mechanism are also included. Control electronics are provided on a printed circuit board to generate control signals to control the actuator means, and to provide information signals to and receive information signals from the read/write heads. The architecture also includes a housing defining the maximum height, length, and width of the disk drive, the housing having a maximum height of approximately one and +E,fra 65/100+EE ths inches (1.65''), and including: a base having a first side and a second side, the base for supporting the storage disks about a first support post, the base supporting the actuator assembly about a second support post; a cover secured to the first and second support posts and sealably attached to the top of the base to enclose the storage disks, the interactive read/write heads, and the actuator assembly; and a shock frame, having a first and second sides mounted adjacent the first and second sides of the base, the shock frame secured to the cover.