Hard-Disk drive (HDD) integrated circuit (IC) suppliers are integrating more functions onto ICs in a continuing effort to reduce the number of components that an HDD requires. HDD functions that called for ten ICs a couple of years ago can now be accomplished with seven; in another two years that number will shrink to three. Integrating high-performance digital engines and analog read-channel functions onto a single IC or system-on-a-chip offers many benefits to disk-drive manufacturers: decreased component costs; reduced HDD size; lowered power requirements; improved drive reliability and performance characteristics; and increased product line differentiation.