Testing a write transducer as a reader
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorMohammad Shoaib Aslami
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for testing inductive write head elements of a head stack assembly (“HSA”). A completed HSA is placed in a test apparatus. Test probes are aligned and placed in electrical contact with the head elements, preferably at a location between the head and the preamplifier. The HSA is then placed in a changing magnetic field. A low frequency magnetic field may be applied to test the head elements. The changing magnetic field induces electrical signals within the head elements. By analyzing these electrical signals, the condition and characteristics of the each head element can be determined.
Claims15
A method of testing an inductive write element in a magnetic media read/write head, the inductive write element having electrical leads connected to a preamplifier and the inductive write element having a predetermined number of coil turns, the method comprising steps of:
- a) placing test probes of a test system in electrical contact with the inductive write element between the read/write head and the preamplifier;
- b) generating a changing magnetic field around a portion of the inductive write element inducing an electrical signal to flow through the inductive write element, through the test probes, and into the test system, the electrical signal having a current;
- c) measuring the current flowing into the test system;
- d) calculating a resistance of the inductive write element from the measured current, the predetermined number of coil turns, and the changing magnetic field.
An apparatus for testing an inductive write element in a magnetic media read/write head fastened to a distal end of an actuator arm, the inductive write element having electrical leads connected to a preamplifier mounted to the actuator arm, comprising:
- a) a test probe;
- b) an alignment mechanism to align the test probe with the electrical leads on the actuator arm connected between the inductive write element and the preamplifier;
- c) a positioner arm to place the test probe in electrical contact with the inductive write element via the electrical leads between the read/write head and the preamplifier;
- d) an alternating magnetic field generator to induce an electrical signal in the inductive write element;
- and
- e) a tester connected to the test probe operable to analyze the induced electrical signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.