Active control of a read/write head for reduced head-media spacing
US9734864B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/6058
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention generally relates to a system for achieving reduced head-media spacing (HMS) in a hard disk drive (HDD) by providing active control over the positioning of a read/write head relative to a rotating magnetic data recording and reading surface of a disk. The system is configured to monitor and adjust positioning of the read/write head in real, or near-real time during disk rotation to maintain the HMS between a magnetic transducer of the read/write head and the disk surface within a defined range, generally between 1.0 nm and 10.0 nm, and, in some embodiments, approximately 4.3 nm. The system replaces the conventional an air bearing surface (ABS) design with a fully active suspension to maintain the head flying height within the desired range. The system further allows for each of the magnetic transducer and disk surface to be to be devoid of any overcoat or lubricant layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.