In-situ pressure sensor based on read head resistance
US6603628B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0021
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A magnetic recording disk drive with a magnetoresisitive (MR) read head and a control unit comprising an operating pressure logic function that is responsive to a thermoresistive signal contained in the feedback signal from the MR read head. The thermal conductivity of the air inside of the hard disk drive is effected by the air pressure. Fluctuation in the thermal conductance from the MR read head to its surroundings inside of the hard drive affects the temperature of the MR head, thus affecting the thermoresistivity of the MR read head. Based on a thermoresistive signal, the temperature of the head may be determined, which in turn is applied to determine the pressure, based on a predetermined relationship between the MR read head temperature, internal pressure, and internal operating temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.