Abstract: A preamplifier for an MR element having first and second ends includes first and second feedback loops controlling the biasing of the MR element. The first feedback loop responds to a center voltage of the MR element to control a current source coupled to the first end of the MR element, and the second feedback loop responds to an output voltage across the MR element to control a current sink coupled to the second end of the MR element. In one embodiment, the preamplifier includes a multiplexer coupled between first and second MR elements and the first and second feedback loops. The multiplexer electrically isolates the first and second MR elements to improve common-mode rejection and feedback performance of the preamplifier.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor and preamplifier system for sensing magnetization patterns in a magnetic disk based digital data storage and retrieval memory with a grounded magnetoresistive sensor The signals from the magnetoresistive sensor are coupled by a coupling capacitor to a grounded differential amplifier. The structure of the coupling capacitor in a monolithic integrated circuit determines the passband for the system in passing the magnetoresistive sensor signals.

Abstract: A preamplifier circuit, which produces an output signal representative of signals from a magnetoresistive read head, includes a current bias circuit for providing a bias current to the read head, and first and second amplifiers for amplifying signals from the read head. The first amplifier, with an input for coupling to the read head, outputs first signals representative of changes in head resistance. The first signals have an amplitude substantially independent of the head resistance and proportional to a temperature dependent characteristic of the first amplifier. The second amplifier, which is coupled to the first amplifier, outputs a second signal having an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of the first signals and inversely proportional to the temperature dependent characteristic. Thus, the amplitude of the second signal is substantially independent of head resistance and the temperature dependent characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is a magnetoresistive element amplifier circuit for amplifying signals produced by a magnetoresistive element. The amplifier circuit includes a gain setting resistor and a first and second transistor. The first transistor has a pair of controlled terminals connected between first and second supply terminals and in series with the magnetoresistive element. The second transistor is connected to the first transistor in a cascode configuration. The second transistor has a pair of controlled terminals connected between the first and second supply terminals and in series with the gain setting resistor. The magnetoresistive element is in a separate DC current path from the gain setting resistor. The first and second transistors provide small signal current through the gain setting resistor for producing gain adjusted output signals.

Abstract: A circuit for rapidly charging a capacitor for a transition between operating states is provided. A controlled reference voltage is provided to reference the circuit. A comparator compares signals at the comparator inputs and provides an output dependent upon the comparator input signals. The output of the comparator enables or disables a controlled current charging circuit. The current charging circuit rapidly charges the capacitor when enabled.

Abstract: A write driver for driving a transducer in a storage system. The write driver includes first and second supply terminals and a H-switch for switching current flow through the transducer between a first direction and a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The H-switch includes pull-up transistors and pull-down transistors connected across the transducer for switching current flow through the transducer. Each pull-up transistor and pull-down transistor has a control terminal for controlling current flow through the transistor. The write driver further includes data input terminals for receiving data signals. A bias circuit is connected between the control terminals of the pull-up and pull-down transistors and the data input terminals for switching the pull-up and pull-down transistors between conducting and non-conducting states as a function of the received data signals.

Abstract: A write circuit for driving a magnetic head in a magnetic storage system which greatly improves the voltage swing across the magnetic head. The write circuit includes data input for receiving data input signals, a predriver current source, a predriver circuit, and a write driver circuit. The predriver circuit is connected to the data input and has first and second predriver current paths. The predriver current paths are connected to a predriver current source. The predriver circuit directs current from the predriver current source through the first and second predriver current paths as a function of the data input signals. The write driver circuit has first and second write currents paths connected across the magnetic head. The first write current path directs current through the magnetic head in a first direction and the second write current path directs current through the magnetic head in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.