Write operations less than full block size (short block writes) are internally
accumulated while being written to disk in a temporary cache location. Once written
to the cache location, the disk drive signals the host that the write operation
has completed. Accumulation of short block writes in the drive is transparent to
the host and does not present an exposure of data loss. The accumulation of a significant
number of short block write operations in the queue make it possible to perform
read/modify/write operations with a greater efficiency. In operation, the drive
preferably cycles between operation in the cache location and the larger data block
area to achieve efficient use of the cache and efficient selection of data access
operations. In one embodiment, a portion of the disk surface is formatted at a
smaller block size for use by legacy software.
