Isolating data storage research instruments with the help of vibration measurement equipment

Isolating Data Storage Research Instruments with the Help of Vibration Measurement Equipment The challenge in data storage lies in continuing miniaturization. This requires a special set of sensitive instrumentation to observe and measure various materials and behavior in the nanoscale. Isolation of the instruments from noise and vibrations are necessary to prevent interference. To create an effective isolation system, vibration measurement equipment is necessary to identify the source of the interferences.

The need for additional data storage is increasing. From 1957 to 2010, one zettabyte of digital data has been created; by another zettabyte is expected to be produced. To handle the demand, storage devices must be able to contain more information in smaller areas.

Discovering the materials and methods to support the miniaturization of storage devices requires sensitive instrumentation such as atomic force microscopes and profilometers. Because these instruments are designed for nanoscale experiments, slight noises and vibrations in very low frequencies can easily disturb them. Isolation from these disturbances helps ensure that the data generated is accurate.

Simple human observation is ineffective at determining sources of interferences at very low frequencies. Specialized vibration measurement equipment must be used to discover these sources. Once a location for the instrumentation is determined, the area can be thoroughly analyzed by the equipment to identify the types of noise present in the area.

Once identified, measures can be taken to minimize or eliminate their effects. Noise from outside vehicular traffic can be partially dampened by soundproofing the room. Other types of acoustic noise can be eliminated by enclosing the instrument in a soundproof hood. Depending on other interferences found, the enclosure can be upgraded to include active vibration control to eliminate mechanical low frequency vibrations or EMI shielding to isolate electromagnetic interference.

Using vibration measurement equipment to analyze the location of the instrument also helps save money because it can determine whether additional measures need to be implemented; if there is no risk of electromagnetic interference, for instance, then there would be no need to upgrade isolation systems with EMI shielding.

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