Electrostatic fly-height control
US7450333B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/6035
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism for maintaining a constant fly-height of a slider comprises a capacitive fly-height change sensor and an electrostatic fly-height controller. The capacitive fly-height change sensor is configured for coupling with the slider, which is in a head gimbal assembly. The capacitive fly-height change sensor is also configured for measuring a capacitance between the slider and a surface of a disk through the use of a fly-height change sensing signal, and outputting a sensor voltage which is substantially proportional to a sensed change in said capacitance. The electrostatic fly-height controller is coupled with the capacitive fly-height change sensor and configured to couple with the slider. The electrostatic fly-height controller is configured to process the sensor voltage into a fly-height control signal for electrostatically maintaining a constant fly-height of the slider relative to the surface of the disk.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.