Abstract: A system and method for determining head-disk contact (HDC) in a magnetic recording disk drive uses the signal from the magnetoresistive (MR) read head. The analog MR signal is digitized and input to a digital signal processor with circuitry and/or software for integrating the signal amplitude over a low-frequency range. The calculated value from the integration when the slider is out-of-contact with the disk is a reference value. The same integration is then performed during operation of the disk drive and the measured value is compared to the reference value. If the measured value exceeds the reference value by some predetermined amount, this is an indication of the onset of HDC or that HDC has occurred.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating and controlling a magnetic recording disk drive fly-height actuator uses the signal from the magnetoresistive (MR) read head to determine head-disk contact (HDC). The MR signal is measured over a low-frequency range, with the slider out-of-contact with the disk, to develop a reference value. The MR signal is then measured over the same low-frequency range and if it exceeds the reference value by some predetermined amount, this is an indication of HDC. The fly-height actuator control signal value for HDC is recorded and thus corresponds to a head-disk spacing of zero. The calibration method also determines the sensitivity of head-disk spacing to the fly-height actuator control signal by measuring a series of MR read signal amplitudes for a corresponding series of control signals.