Method for predicting disk drive failure by monitoring the rate

Details Method for predicting disk drive failure by monitoring the rate Method for predicting disk drive failure by monitoring the rate

1997-12-20

1999-06-29

Barlow, John

Boots, shoes, and leggings

36446815, 36446817, 360 48, 360 53, 369 54, 369 58, G11B 700

Patent

active

059177241

ABSTRACT:
A method for predicting the failure of a hard disk drive within a computer system and replacing the hard disk drive prior to an in-service failure of the disk drive. The method includes the steps of: establishing a maximum linear growth rate for the grown defect list (G-List) for the disk drive, e.g., 0.01% of the disk drive's capacity divided by the disk drive's expected service life of five years; periodically determining the number of entries contained in the grown defect list; and calculating the actual linear growth rate of the grown defect list from the number of entries contained in the grown defect list and the length of time the disk drive has been in service. Should the actual linear growth rate of the G-List exceed the maximum linear growth rate for two successive measurement periods, the disk drive will be replaced. The method may further include the steps of: establishing a maximum burst growth rate for the disk drive, for example four times the maximum linear growth rate; and calculating the actual burst growth rate of the grown defect list from the change in the number of entries contained in the grown defect list during a measurement period. Should the actual burst growth rate of the G-List exceed the maximum burst growth rate for two successive measurement periods, the disk drive will also be replaced.

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