/ Definitions / Actuator

Actuator

Vangie Beal
Last Updated May 24, 2021 7:34 am

The part of a hard disk to which the read/write arms attaches. All the heads are attached to a single head actuator, also called an actuator arm, that moves the heads around the platters. Older hard drives used a stepper motor actuator, which moved the heads based on a motor reacting to stepper pulses. Modern hard drives use a voice coil actuator, which controls the movement of a coil toward or away from a permanent magnet based on the amount of current flowing through it. This guidance system is called a servo.

See also Webopedia’s “Did You Know… What’s Inside a Hard Drive?

Webopedia, your online tech resource, simplifies complex IT and computer science concepts through easily digestible definitions, guides, and reviews. Our goal is to bridge the knowledge gap by connecting curious minds with the right resources, regardless of their technical background.

Property of Find.co
© 2023 Webopedia. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which Webopedia receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. Webopedia does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.