Execute Device Diagnostics (90H); Flush Cache (E7H, Eah: Extended); Format Track (50H); Identify Device (Ech) - Samsung SpinPoint M8 Product Manual

8.2.4 Execute Device Diagnostics (90h)

This command performs the internal diagnostic tests implemented by the drive. The Diagnostic Code written
to the Error register is a unique 8-bit code.
Code
01h
02h
03h
04h
05h

8.2.5 Flush Cache (E7h, EAh: extended)

This command is used by the host to request the drive to flush the write cache. If write is to be flushed, all data cached
will be written to the media. The BSY bit will remain set to one until all data has been successfully written or error
occurs.

8.2.6 Format Track (50h)

This command is obsolete in the ATA7 specification. The supporting of this command is for backward
compatibility purpose.

8.2.7 Identify Device (ECh)

The Identify Device command enables the host to receive parameter information from the device. When the
command is issued, prepares to transfer the 256 words of device identification data to the host, sets the DRQ
bit, clears the BSY bit, and generates an interrupt. The host can then transfer the data by reading the Data
register. The parameter words in the buffer have the arrangement and meanings defined. All reserved bits or
words will remain to be zero.
Some parameters are defined as a group of bits. A word which is defined as a set of bits is transmitted with
the indicated bits on the respective data bus bit (e.g., bit 15 appears on DD15).
Other parameters are defined as a sixteen-bit value. A word which is defined as a sixteen bit value places the
most significant bit of the value on bit DD15 and the least significant bit on bit DD0.
Some parameters can be defined as a 32-bit value (e.g., words 57 and 58). Such fields are transferred using
two word transfers. The device first transfers the least significant bits, bits 15 through 0 of the value, on bits
DD15 through DD0 respectively. After the least significant bits have been transferred, the most significant
bits, bits 31 through 16 of the value, are transferred on DD15 through DD0 respectively.
Spinpoint M8 Product Manual REV 2.7

Table 8-4 Diagnostic Codes

Description
No error detected
Formatter device error
Sector buffer error
ECC circuitry error
Controlling microprocessor error
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