Head actuator

What does Head actuator mean?

A head actuator is a device [That](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/that) moves the read/write heads of a computer hard disk drive (HDD).

It allows the heads to be positioned accurately over the desired track on the disk, ensuring that data can be read or written reliably.

The head actuator is typically a voice coil motor that is controlled by a feedback loop.

The feedback loop uses a sensor to monitor the position of the heads and adjusts the current to the motor to keep the heads on track.

Head actuators are essential for the operation of HDDs, as they allow data to be read and written to the disk with high precision.

Applications

Head actuators are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

* Computer hard disk drives
* [Tape](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/tape) drives
* [Optical](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/optical) disk drives
* Printers
* Scanners
* Robotics

Head actuators are important in technology today because they allow data to be stored and retrieved from storage devices with high speed and accuracy.

They are also used in a variety of other applications where precise positioning is required.

History

The first head actuators were developed in the early 1950s.

These actuators were used in the IBM 350 disk [Storage unit](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/storage-unit), which was the first commercial hard disk drive.

Early head actuators were simple devices that used a stepper motor to move the heads.

However, as the demand for higher performance HDDs increased, more sophisticated head actuators were developed.

Voice coil motors became the preferred [Type](https://amazingalgorithms.com/definitions/type) of motor for head actuators, as they offered higher speed and accuracy.

Feedback loops were also added to head actuators to improve tracking accuracy.

Today, head actuators are highly sophisticated devices that are essential for the operation of HDDs.