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Seek Time, and More

The document defines seek time as the duration for the read/write head to position over the correct track on a disk, typically a few milliseconds. Rotational delay is the time taken for the disk to rotate to the desired sector, averaging half a rotation depending on disk speed. Access time, or exist time, is the total time to locate and retrieve data, calculated as seek time plus rotational delay and transfer time.

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9 views3 pages

Seek Time, and More

The document defines seek time as the duration for the read/write head to position over the correct track on a disk, typically a few milliseconds. Rotational delay is the time taken for the disk to rotate to the desired sector, averaging half a rotation depending on disk speed. Access time, or exist time, is the total time to locate and retrieve data, calculated as seek time plus rotational delay and transfer time.

Uploaded by

rengokucsc001
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Certainly!

Here are the definitions of the terms seek time, rotational delay, and exist time (assuming "exist time" means access time) in the
context of memory in computer architecture, specifically related to magnetic disk storage:

1. Seek Time:

Definition:

Seek time is the time taken by the read/write head of a disk to move and position itself over the correct track where the data is stored.

Explanation:

When data is to be read or written, the disk's actuator moves the head to the appropriate track on the spinning disk platter. The duration of this
mechanical movement is called the seek time.

Typical Range:

Usually a few milliseconds.

2. Rotational Delay (Rotational Latency):

Definition:
Rotational delay is the time taken for the disk to rotate so that the desired sector of the track comes under the read/write head.

Explanation:

After the head reaches the correct track, the disk continues spinning. The time waiting for the target sector to arrive under the head is the
rotational delay.

Typical Range:

On average, half a rotation of the disk; depends on disk speed (RPM).

3. Exist Time (Usually called Access Time):

Definition:

Access time is the total time taken to locate and retrieve data from memory or storage.

Explanation:

For disk storage, access time = seek time + rotational delay + transfer time. It represents the overall delay from the moment a data request is
made until the data is available for use.

In other types of memory (like RAM):


Access time is the time between sending a request to memory and receiving the data.

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