Adaptive bi-directional write skip masks in a data storage device

The claimed invention relates generally to the field of disc drive data storage devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus and method for optimizing the transfer of data between a host device and a disc drive data storage device through the use of adaptive bi-directional write skip masks to combine multiple sets of write data associated with different write commands into a single combined write operation. Method and apparatus for transferring data between a host device and a data storage device having a first memory space and a second memory space. The host issues access commands to store and retrieve data. The device stores write data associated with write commands in the first memory space pending transfer to the second memory space. An interface circuit evaluates relative proximity of first and second sets of LBAs associated with pending first and second write commands, and forms an adaptive bi-directional write skip mask when the sets of LBAs fit within a predetermined mask interval. The mask is preferably slidably adjustable to encompass both sets of LBAs and is preferably expandable to accommodate additional sets of LBAs. The data within the mask are treated as a combined write command and are thereafter written in an order corresponding to an order in which the data appear in the mask.