Method of making magnetoresistive read/ inductive write magnetic head assembly fabricated with silicon on hard insulator for improved durability and electrostatic discharge protection

A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive head assembly with integrated electrostatic discharge protection, comprising:

• providing a substrate for a slider;
• epitaxially forming a silicon layer on the substrate;
• forming electrostatic discharge protective circuits on the silicon layer;
• depositing a first protective layer of alumina over the electrostatic discharge protective circuits on the silicon layer to mechanically protect and electrically insulate the electrostatic discharge protective circuits;
• forming on the first protective layer of alumina a layered structure including a magnetoresistive read/inductive write head, the forming of the layered structure including electrically connecting the electrostatic discharge protective circuits and the magnetoresistive read/inductive write head, the magnetoresistive read/inductive write head having layers of alumina to provide durability to the magnetoresistive read/inductive write head;
• and
• depositing a second protective layer of alumina over the first layer of alumina and the layered structure as an electrical insulation layer.