TiC MR-head magnetic shield dummy shield spark gap
US6081409A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49032
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A magneto-resistive read head having a "parasitic shield" provides an alternative path for currents associated with sparkovers, thus preventing such currents from damaging the read head. The parasitic shield is provided in close proximity to a conventional magnetic shield. The electrical potential of parasitic shield is held essentially equal to the electrical potential of the sensor element. If charges accumulate on the conventional shield, current will flow to the parasitic shield at a lower potential than would be required for current to flow between the conventional shield and the sensor element. Alternatively, conductive spark gap devices are electrically coupled to sensor element leads and to each magnetic shield. Each spark gap device is brought within very close proximity of the substrate to provide an alternative path for charge that builds up between the sensor element and the substrate to be discharged. The ends of the spark gaps that are brought into close proximity of the substrate are preferably configured with high electric field density inducing structures which reduce the voltage required to cause a sparkover between the spark gap device and the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.