Integrated read/write heads, flexure assembly and air-bearing structure on common unitary substrate

摘要

An integrated read/write transducer and flexure support structure is provided for use with rotating magnetic media such as a hard disc drive. The integrated structure includes at least one magnetic pole structure integral with a unitary sheet of flexible magnetic material from which the flexure support is formed. A second magnetic pole is supported on the structure, together with conductive coils, to form an electromagnetic transducer. The integrated structure includes an air- bearing surface mounted for parallel motion with respect to adjacent magnetic media. A pattern of positive-pressure air-bearing rails and negative-pressure recesses provides an aerodynamically stable configuration designed to fly at a height of approximately 5 microinches above the moving magnetic media. Conductors and interconnect pads are provided on the magnetic sheet material substrate. The overall transducer and flexure support, including an external stiffener attached to the backside of the air- bearing surface, has a mass of less than about 15 milligrams.