Hitachi 5K250-120 Firmware reading/writing ?!

[TSX1]

Hi,
I have a Hitachi HDD with 120 GB capacity which I want to read it's firmware in order to do some researches.
Its model number is : HTS542512K9SA00
I was wondering if there is any way that I could access to its firmware?
Thanks in advance

[dmarques]

Well, to reach firmware level you require special tools or else a lot of knowledge.
You can't do it as easy as I think you would like.

[TSX1]

Thanks for the heads up
It is technically possible to remove firmware chip from the board and read it using an external programmer?

[pcimage]

There's no "firmware chip", only ROM and NVRAM chips.

The firmware is recorded on the platters in the SA (Service area). Only accessible with special (expensive) tools.

[dmarques]

What would be best first of all would be reading something on this forum about SA and firmware level, so you can understand what is firmware and where it's located.

[BlackST]

Firmware is not stored in a flash but recorded like files on the platter(s) so the external programmer is useless. NVRAM contains only adaptive data.
What are you trying to "research" ?!?

[TSX1]

Thank to all of you for your answers.
I was curious about what's inside an HDD firmware and I wanted to do some crazy stuff
Anyway I'll check the forum for more information.

[hddguy]

Thank to all of you for your answers.
I was curious about what's inside an HDD firmware and I wanted to do some crazy stuff

That will prove to be a expensive venture for you for the sake of curiosity!