What is Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)?

A FDD is an electromechanical device that reads and writes floppy disk. A FDD has a front opening for inserting the floppy disk. When in position, the FD locks in place automatically. When we insert the disk in the drive, the FD compresses a spring.

Various parts of FDD

The major parts of FDD are blow:

a) Read/write Heads

FD has read/write heads. These heads are used both on the disk and to write information on the disk. Thus, a FD is a double sided and capable of storing information on both sides.

b) Stepper Motor

The stepper motor is the head actuator of the FD. It is used to move the read/write heads to the right track on the disk.

c) Spindle Motor

It is a special motor that serves the purpose of spinning the disk. The disk spins at about 300 revolutions per minute.

d) Circuit Board

It controls the activity of various internal component of a FD. It consists of circuit that sends data signals to different parts of FDD.

e) Connectors and cables

A FDD is connected to the main computer system using power connector and data/control connector.

f) Face Plate

The face plate is called the bezel which is a plastic front cover of a disk drive.