Amazon.com, Inc.
Multi-actuator storage device with actuator selection

Abstract:

A multi-actuator storage device includes separate actuators that can be used to access a storage medium. A property of a request can be analyzed to determine which actuator to use to access data associated with the request. For example, high-priority requests can be handled by an actuator designated for random I/O requests, whereas low-priority requests can be handled by an actuator designated for sequential I/O requests. Writes can be treated as low-priority requests. In a particular embodiment, a priority bit can be used to determine which actuator is used to access the data.