S.m.a.r.t. Function; Attributes; Attribute Values; Attribute Thresholds - Hitachi 7K250 - Deskstar - Hard Drive Specifications

10.7 S.M.A.R.T. Function

The intent of Self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology (S.M.A.R.T.) is to protect user data and prevent
unscheduled system downtime that may be caused by predictable degradation and/or fault of the device. By
monitoring and storing critical performance and calibration parameters, S.M.A.R.T. devices employ sophisticated
data analysis algorithms to predict the likelihood of near-term degradation or fault condition. By alerting the host
system of a negative reliability status condition, the host system can warn the user of the impending risk of a data
loss and advise the user of appropriate action.

10.7.1 Attributes

Attributes are the specific performance or calibration parameters that are used in analyzing the status of the device.
Attributes are selected by the device manufacturer based on that attribute's ability to contribute to the prediction of
degrading or faulty conditions for that particular device. The specific set of attributes being used and the identity of
these attributes is vendor specific and proprietary.

10.7.2 Attribute values

Attribute values are used to represent the relative reliability of individual performance or calibration attributes. The
valid range of attribute values is from 1 to 253 decimal. Higher attribute values indicate that the analysis algorithms
being used by the device are predicting a lower probability of a degrading or faulty condition existing. Accordingly,
lower attribute values indicate that the analysis algorithms being used by the device are predicting a higher
probability of a degrading or faulty condition.

10.7.3 Attribute thresholds

Each attribute value has a corresponding attribute threshold limit which is used for direct comparison to the attribute
value to indicate the existence of a degrading or faulty condition. The numerical value of the attribute thresholds are
determined by the device manufacturer through design and reliability testing and analysis. Each attribute threshold
represents the lowest limit to which its corresponding attribute value can be equal while still retaining a positive
reliability status. Attribute thresholds are set at the device manufacturer's factory and cannot be changed in the field.
The valid range for attribute thresholds is from 1 through 253 decimal.

10.7.4 Threshold exceeded condition

If one or more attribute values, whose Pre-failure bit of their status flag is set, are less than or equal to their
corresponding attribute thresholds, the device reliability status is negative, indicating an impending degrading or
faulty condition.

10.7.5 S.M.A.R.T. commands

The S.M.A.R.T. commands provide access to attribute values, attribute thresholds, and other logging and reporting
information.

10.7.6 Off-line read scanning

The device provides the off-line read scanning feature with reallocation. This is the extension of the off- line data
collection capability. The device performs the entire read scan with reallocation of the marginal sectors to prevent
loss of user data.
If interrupted by the host during the read scanning, the device services the host command.
Deskstar 7K250 Hard Disk Drive Specification
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