REPORT OF THE FIELD WORK
Academic year 2023-2024
Submitted By
Register Number Name of the Students
2126K0011 DHANUSH P
2126K0007 BALA VIGNESH M S
2126K0033 MOHAMMED NASAR A
2126K0051 SUTHARSON S
2126K0052 SUDHARSAN A
2126K0058 VIJAY VARDAN T
Faculty Co-ordinator
Dr. Poornimha J
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Technology
April 2024
Report of the Field Work
Academic Year : 2023 – 2024
Programme Name : B.Sc. Computer Technology
Programme Code : 26K
Course Name : Computer Installation and Servicing
Course Code : 6EC
Semester : VI
Batch & Section : 2021, ‘A’ Section
Register Number Name of the Students
2126K0011 DHANUSH P
2126K0007 BALA VIGNESH M S
2126K0033 MOHAMMED NASAR A
2126K0051 SUTHARSON S
2126K0052 SUDHARSAN A
2126K0058 VIJAY VARDAN T
Faculty Co-ordinator : Dr. Poornimha J
Assistant Professor
Date of submission : 10.04.2024
Title : Floppy Disk Drive
OBJECTIVE :
The floppy disk drive (FDD) has served as an indispensable component
in computing systems, embodying a multifaceted objective crucial for the
functionality and interoperability of computer technology. At its core, the
objective of the floppy disk drive is to provide a reliable and versatile means of
data storage, exchange, and accessibility. From its inception in the late 1970s to
its widespread adoption throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the FDD has played a
pivotal role in facilitating the storage and retrieval of digital information. With
the capability to read from and write to floppy disks, ranging in sizes from 8-
inch to 3.5-inch form factors, the FDD enabled users to store a diverse array of
data, including documents, software programs, and system utilities. Moreover,
the floppy disk drive served as a primary medium for data exchange between
computing systems, fostering collaboration, information sharing, and software
distribution across disparate hardware platforms. Its standardized formats and
file systems, such as the ubiquitous 1.44 MB 3.5-inch diskette and the FAT
(File Allocation Table) file system, ensured compatibility and interoperability,
allowing users to seamlessly transfer data between different computers and
operating environments.
Figure 01 – Floppy Disk
TYPES OF FLOPPY DISK:
The three types of floppy disk are:
8 inch drive
5.25 inch drive
3.5 inch drive
Figure 02 – Types of Floppy Disk
5.25-inch 160/180 KB (SSDD)- Single-Sided, Double-Density (SSDD) was the
standard FDD in very early PC-class systems. These drives read and write only
SSDD diskettes.
5.25-inch 320/360 KB (DSDD)- Double-Sided, Double-Density (DSDD) was
the standard FDD in PC-class systems, and was often found as a second FDD in
early AT and 386 systems. These drives read and write single-sided (160/180
KB) and double-sided (320/360 KB) formats.
5.25-inch 1.2 MB (HD)- High-Density (HD)- this and all later formats are
double-sided, but that part is no longer stated—is the standard FDD in 286, 386,
and some early 486 systems, and is often found as a second FDD in early
systems with 3.5-inch primary FDDs. These drives read and write any 5.25-inch
format. A diskette previously formatted or written to by a 5.25-inch DD drive
and then written to by a 5.25-inch HD drive may not subsequently be reliably
readable in any 5.25-inch DD drive.
3.5-inch 720 KB (DD)-Double-Density (DD) is an interim standard, commonly
found as a primary drive in early low-end 286 systems, and as a secondary drive
in a few PC-class systems and many 286, 386, and 486 systems. These drives
read and write only the 720 KB DD format.
3.5-inch 1.44 MB (HD)-High-Density (HD) is the standard FDD on
mainstream systems for the past decade. These drives read, write, and format
any 3.5-inch HD or DD diskette.
3.5-inch 2.88 MB (ED)- Extra-Density (ED) is a failed standard, introduced
by IBM and now effectively obsolete. ED diskettes are very expensive—
typically $3 each versus $0.25 for a 1.44 MB diskette—which doomed the
format. These drives are difficult to find new nowadays, but can read, write, and
format any 3.5-inch diskette in any format.
COMPONENTS OF FLOPPY DISK DRIVE :
The types of floppy disk drive have several common components. They are
Spindle assembly
Head and carriage assembly
Logic board
Figure 03 – Components of floppy disk drive
Spindle Assembly:
The spindle holds the disk in place while it spins. The drive
motor spins the spindle at the proper speed. Most floppy disk drive
motors spin at 300 rpm except the 1.2M drive, which spins at 360 rpm.
Almost all half-height drives use a direct drive motor to turn the
spindle, and the speed cannot be adjusted. Some older Ml-height drives
use a belt-driven motor. These belt- driven drives usually have a
strobo-disk mounted on the underside of the drive set to both 50 Hz
and 60 Hz.
Head and carriage Assembly:
Located on both sides of a diskette, they move together on the same
assembly. The heads are not directly opposite each other in an effort to
prevent interaction between write operations on each of the two media
surfaces. The same head is used for reading and writing, while a second,
wider head is used for erasing a track just prior to it being written. This
allows the data to be written on a wider "clean slate," without interfering
with the analog data on an adjacent track.
Figure 04 – Read and Write head of floppy disk
Logic board:
Mounted to the disk drive is the drive electronics circuit board.
This board contains the circuitry that
(1) Controls the electromechanical parts of the disk drive
(2) Controls the operation of the read/write heads
(3) Interfaces the floppy disk drive to the disk controller in the
computer.
Contains all of the electronics to handle the data read from or written to the diskette.
It also controls the stepper-motor control circuits used to move the read/write heads
to each track, as well as the movement of the read/write heads toward the diskette
surface.
OUTCOME :
The outcome of our exploration provides us with a profound
understanding of floppy disk controllers, empowering us to navigate the
intricacies of legacy storage technology with confidence and proficiency. With
this knowledge, we are equipped to make well-informed decisions, architect
robust storage solutions, and adeptly manage storage subsystems within
computer systems, even in environments where floppy disks remain in use.
Through hands-on experience and theoretical understanding, we've
gained insights into the operation and management of floppy disk controllers.
This expertise enhances our ability to address challenges, optimize
performance, and ensure the integrity and efficiency of storage operations in
computing environments where floppy disks are still utilized.
CONCLUSION :
In conclusion, our comprehensive exploration of floppy disk controllers
has equipped us with invaluable insights and skills essential for navigating the
intricacies of legacy storage technology. Through hands-on experience and
theoretical understanding, we have gained a profound appreciation for the role
of floppy disk controllers in computing history and their continued relevance in
certain computing environments.
Our journey has empowered us to make informed decisions, design
robust storage solutions, and effectively manage storage subsystems within
computer systems where floppy disks are still utilized. By mastering various
optimization techniques such as disk caching, read-ahead caching, and track
buffering, we can enhance data throughput, reduce access times, and ensure the
integrity of data stored on floppy disks.
Furthermore, our understanding of floppy disk controllers enables us to
bridge the gap between past and present technologies, seamlessly integrating
legacy storage solutions with modern computing infrastructures. Whether it
involves preserving archival data or interfacing with legacy systems, our
expertise in floppy disk controllers positions us to adapt and thrive in diverse
computing environments.
Students Faculty Co-ordinator HoD
