Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing quadrature biasing for coupled-pair circuits. A QBCP-circuit for quadrature amplifiers provides a new input common-mode sense point that separates the inputs for the differential-and-common mode feedback-control loops. The QBCP circuit biases all four transistors equivalently and reduces the feedback-loop interaction, thereby simplifying the bias control system and improves the voltage-transfer frequency-response performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing matched differential MR biasing and pre-amplification. Tightly matched and well centered low-level MR bias voltage is provided directly to the sensing element for controlled input-impedance differential pre-amplification without common-mode voltage level control with loops.

Abstract: Bi-Variant Coupled Pair (BVCP) circuits suitable for use in channel front-end low noise preamplifiers of magnetic storage devices are described. In a magnetic storage device, a BVCP circuit provides a DC bias voltage for a read transducer, low-noise amplification performance, and relatively small AC coupling capacitor values for reducing the cost of an integrated circuit (IC) in which the BVCP circuit may be embodied. The BVCP circuit also has a controllable input impedance for matching a transmission line impedance for high data rate applications.

Abstract: Bi-Variant Coupled Pair (BVCP) circuits suitable for use in channel front-end low noise preamplifiers of magnetic storage devices are described. In a magnetic storage device, a BVCP circuit provides a DC bias voltage for a read transducer, low-noise amplification performance, and relatively small AC coupling capacitor values for reducing the cost of an integrated circuit (IC) in which the BVCP circuit may be embodied. The BVCP circuit also has a controllable input impedance for matching a transmission line impedance for high data rate applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing quadrature biasing for coupled-pair circuits. A QBCP-circuit for quadrature amplifiers provides a new input common-mode sense point that separates the inputs for the differential-and-common mode feedback-control loops. The QBCP circuit biases all four transistors equivalently and reduces the feedback-loop interaction, thereby simplifying the bias control system and improves the voltage-transfer frequency-response performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing matched differential MR biasing and pre-amplification. Tightly matched and well centered low-level MR bias voltage is provided directly to the sensing element for controlled input-impedance differential pre-amplification without common-mode voltage level control with loops.

Abstract: Arm electronics (AE) suitable for use in a disk drive are disclosed. The AE has write circuitry configured to operate the AE in a write mode during which a write mode supply current is drawn, and read circuitry configured to operate the AE in a read mode during which a read mode supply current is drawn. The AE uses a decaying current pulse generator that generates a decaying current pulse at the beginning of each write-to-read mode transition. The decaying current pulse has an initial value that is equal to the difference between the write mode supply current and the read mode supply current. This controlled load forces the AE to draw a gradually decreasing supply current for each write-to-read mode transition such that supply voltage transients (otherwise present due to parasitics in cabling between the AE and power supply) are reduced. Thus, the undesirable effects of such transients in the read circuitry are reduced so that write-to-read mode recovery times can be shortened.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a current-sensing preamplifier for use with a magnetoresistive sensor is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one input device coupled with the magnetoresistive sensor, providing a gain stage, and providing a feedback circuit. In a system aspect, the current-sensing preamplifier includes at least one input device. The at least one input device is coupled with the magnetoresistive sensor through an interconnect having a characteristic impedance. The at least one input device provides an input impedance for the current-sensing preamplifier. The current-sensing preamplifier also includes a gain stage coupled with the at least one input device and a feedback circuit coupled with the gain stage and the at least one input device. The feedback circuit provides at least one signal to the at least one input device. The at least one signal controls the input impedance based on at least one error signal.

Abstract: A multi-state preamplifier having a first detector and a second detector provides voltage-sensing and current-sensing signal amplification, respectively. Either the first detector or the second detector is selected and switched active at any given time, producing an amplified signal representing either the signal voltage developed across the MR element or the signal current flowing through the MR element, respectively. The switching process to activate either the first detector or the second detector is carried out by a detector determining circuit connected to a disk drive control unit. The detector giving the optimum high frequency bandwidth for the preamplifier is chosen based on the resistance of the MR element coupled with the input interconnect network characteristic and parasitic impedances.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a voltage-sensing preamplifier for use with a magnetoresistive sensor is disclosed. The method includes providing a gain stage and providing a control circuit. The system includes the gain stage and the control circuit. The gain stage includes at least one input device that is coupled with the magnetoresistive sensor through an interconnect having a characteristic impedance. The at least one input device has a first input impedance. The control circuit provides at least one signal to the at least one input device. The at least one signal controls the first input impedance of the at least one input device to control a second input impedance of the voltage-sensing preamplifier, such that the preamplifier input impedance is modified toward the characteristic impedance of the interconnect to improve the bandwidth of the signal amplified by the system.

Abstract: A voltage-biasing, voltage-sensing differential preamplifier having a high input impedance preamplifier circuit to amplify magnetic data readback signals from a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor and feedback circuits to simultaneously hold the electrical center of the MR sensor at a prescribed potential (usually ground) while applying a predetermined constant differential voltage-bias across the MR element. The feedback circuits provide a stable operating point for the MR sensor at the desired bias-voltage, and maintain the average potential on the MR sensor at or near the disk substrate potential to limit the destructive effects of MR sensor contact with conducting asperities.

Abstract: The present invention is a preampifier circuit for magnetoresistive (MR) elements which has a high imput impedance with respect to the MR resistance so that the resultant system would not be sensitive to the series input inductance of the leads necessary to connect the MR element with the preamplifier. With former preamplifiers, nearly all are low impedance types, (using either BiCMOS or BiPolar technology), or differential (using BiPolar technology). The present invention fills a need in the prior art by providing a preamplifier curcuit using BiCMOS technology with a high input impedance, and single ended (SE) topology for minimum power dissipation.