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Magnetoresistive read transducer with insulator defined trackwidth

Assignee: HGST Netherlands BV
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Filing: 1987-07-28
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Granted: 1988-11-01
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Expires: 2007-07-28
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Abstract

Abstract A magnetoresistive (MR) read head in which an insulator layer defines the effective track width over which the read head is sensitive. The insulator layer is deposited or patterned to extend a predetermined distance over the MR element, and the predetermined distance is chosen equal to the desired track width. Conductor leads are deposited in contact with the regions of the MR element not covered by the insulator layer with the conductor leads extending up to, and possibly overlapping, the edges of the insulator layer so that the read signal is sensed over the length of the MR element covered by the insulator layer.

Inventors

  • 👤 Mohamad T. Krounbi
  • 👤 Gerald G. Lopatin
  • 👤 Arthur L. Thaver, Jr.

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-03 19:48
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B5/00; G11B5/127; G11B5/33; G11B5/39

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim 159 words
A magnetoresistive read transducer comprising: an elongated magnetoresistive element having passive end regions separated by an active region; a layer of insulating material in contact with and extending across only said active region of said magnetoresistive element having a predetermined width, terminating in first and second edges, each of said edges extending toward one of the passive regions of said magnetoresistive element; first and second spaced conductor means each being in electrical contact with a respective end region of said magnetoresistive element extending to contact one of said edges of said layer of insulating material and having a portion which overlaps said layer of insulating material whereby, upon connection of said conductor means to a signal sensing means, said signal sensing means determines the resistance changes in said magnetoresistive element as a function of the fields which are intercepted by said magnetoresistive element over an effective track width defined by said predermined width of said layer of insulating material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 159 words
A magnetoresistive read transducer comprising: an elongated magnetoresistive element having passive end regions separated by an active region; a layer of insulating material in contact with and extending across only said active region of said magnetoresistive element having a predetermined width, terminating in first and second edges, each of said edges extending toward one of the passive regions of said magnetoresistive element; first and second spaced conductor means each being in electrical contact with a respective end region of said magnetoresistive element extending to contact one of said edges of said layer of insulating material and having a portion which overlaps said layer of insulating material whereby, upon connection of said conductor means to a signal sensing means, said signal sensing means determines the resistance changes in said magnetoresistive element as a function of the fields which are intercepted by said magnetoresistive element over an effective track width defined by said predermined width of said layer of insulating material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 15 words
The magnetoresistive read transducer of claim 1 wherein said layer of insulating material comprises alumina.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 18 words
The magnetoresistive read transducer of claim 2 wherein said layer of insulating material is about 1000 angstroms thick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 18 words
The magnetoresistive read transducer of claim 1 wherein said layer of insulating material comprises a high resistivity material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 15 words
The magnetoresistive read transducer of claim 4 wherein said layer of insulating material comprises tantalum.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3987485A Cited
JPS5782224A Cited
JPS60612A Cited
US4673999A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1991-11-01 1992-05-02 1992-11-01 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1995-11-01 1996-05-02 1996-11-01 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1999-11-01 2000-05-02 2000-11-01 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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