ESD-protected head gimbal assembly for use in a disk drive

A Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA) for use in a disk drive, the HGA comprising:

• a) a head comprising a read element and a write element;
• and
• b) a Trace Gimbal Assembly (TGA) attached to the head, comprising:
• a conductor array having a first end connected to the read element and the write element and a distal end for connecting the read element and the write element to a signal processing circuit, the conductor array further comprising:
• a pair of read-paths connected to the read element for electrically connecting the head to a shunt;
• and
• a pair of write-paths connected to the write element,
• a conductive substrate supporting the head and the conductor array;
• a dielectric layer disposed between the conductor array and the conductive substrate;
• the shunt connected at the distal end for shunting the read element;
• and
• an anti-static coating covering a substantial portion of the conductor array for neutralizing electrostatic charge accumulation on the conductor array,
• wherein the anti-static coating is disposed adjacent to the conductor array and substantially covers at least one of the pairs, and
• wherein the anti-static coating is characterized by a thickness in the range of 15-40 microns.