Circuit and method for testing a disk drive head assembly without probing
US5589777A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0016
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A preamplifier circuit for a computer data storage system disk drive read/write head (or HSA) includes multiple test modes to enable electrical testing of the preamplifier, the read/write heads, and associated circuitry without physically probing the components or circuitry. Communication between the preamplifier and a host controller provides for test mode selection and test mode enablement within the preamplifier. Testing occurs using only the normal interface connector to the head disk assembly (HDA) in which the preamplifier and HSA are embodied. Properties such as electrical resistance, ESD, preamplifier bond wire connection integrity, head bond wire and solder joint integrity, and connections from the head slider to the preamplifier leads are all tested. Testing occurs without probing to provide efficient, reliable, and cost effective manufacturing and testing benefits of the read/write heads, flex assembly, HSA, and HDA.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.