Abstract: A method of controlling bias supply sources for magneto-resistive transducer (MR) heads to provide essentially the same predetermined lifetime for the MR heads, by determining dependence of head lifetime on bias supply level and on head stripe temperature, and setting a bias supply level for each head based on said dependence of lifetime on bias supply level and on head temperature, to provide essentially the same predetermined lifetime for the heads.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting a suspension assembly, such as a flex-on-suspension or trace suspension assembly, is disclosed. The suspension assembly is for use with a magnetoresistive (MR) head including an MR sensor. The MR sensor has a first end and a second end. The method and system include providing a first lead coupled with the first end of the MR sensor and providing a second lead coupled with the second end of the MR sensor. The method and system further include providing an insulating film supporting a first portion of the first lead and a second portion of the second lead. The method and system also include providing a resistor coupled with the first lead, the resistor being sufficiently large to damp a transient current in the MR sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting a magnetoresistive (MR) head from electrostatic discharge damage is disclosed. The MR head includes an MR sensor having a first end and a second end. The MR head is coupled with a suspension assembly including a first lead coupled with the first end of the MR sensor, a second lead coupled with the second end of the MR sensor, and an insulating film supporting first and second portions of the first and second leads. In one aspect, the method and system include providing first and second test pads coupled with the first and second leads, respectively. The first and second test pads are for testing the MR head. The method and system also include providing a permanent resistor coupled to the first and second test pads. The permanent resistor has a resistance of less than approximately ten thousand ohms. In another aspect, the suspension assembly includes first and second head gimbal assembly pads coupled to the first and second leads, respectively.