Abstract: A wireless disk drive suspension and method of manufacture in which curvilinear deflections of the plastic film and conductive traces relative to the flexure metal layer provide for containment of the strains accompanying pitch and roll adjustment of the flexure and allow adjustment free of adjusting difficulties and spring back compromise of the adjustment. The curvilinear deflection of the laminate toward the flexure central longitudinal axis and an accompanying bringing in of the flexure frame struts provides a less wide flexure that can more closely approach a disk drive hub for greater capacity in a disk drive.

Abstract: In a hard disk drive, suspension termination pads meet the flex cable termination pads at an intersecting angle. The width of these pads is approximately the same width as the conductor widths. Alignment robustness is attained by choosing an intersection angle that coincides to the arc that the wireless suspension termination pad array normally traverses during alignment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to provide a sealed hard disk drive (HDD) with high reliability. According to one embodiment, a HDD is a hermetically sealed HDD. A base has an opening of a through-hole on its bottom; a feedthrough is provided so as to close the opening. A flange of the feedthrough has a larger outline than the opening, and its rim is joined to the base with solder at the solder joint. The solder at the solder joint is mainly composed of Sn and contains 15 atomic percent to 27 atomic percent of indium. This solder reaches the ? phase from ?150° C. to 120° C. Accordingly, even if the HDD has been exposed at low temperature for a long time, the solder joint is not broken so that helium gas does not leak.

Abstract: A flexure for attachment to a load beam in an integrated lead disk drive suspension assembly. The flexure includes a spring metal layer having slider mounting region, a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A first group of conductive leads extends along at least a portion of the first surface and is separated from the spring metal layer by a first dielectric layer. A second group of conductive leads extends along at least a portion of the second surface and is separated from the spring metal layer by a second dielectric layer. A conductive interconnection extends between a conductive lead from the first group of conductive leads and a conductive lead from the second group of conductive leads. One or more leads from each of the first and second groups of conductive leads can be attached to a magnetic head.

Abstract: The magnetization state of a ferromagnetic material is controlled by applying a current pulse to it while externally applying a weak magnetic field to it. The magnetic state of a ferromagnetic material can be switched between a uniformly magnetized state and a multiple magnetic domain structure by controlling the direction and intensity of the magnetic field applied to it and the intensity and pulse width of the current pulse. When an external magnetic field is applied, the possibility of occurrence of the reversal of the magnetic state upon application of the current pulse shows a hysteresis, and the reversal of the magnetic state can be controlled reliably. The intensity of the magnetic field to be applied may be as weak as a few gauss. Furthermore, by using such magnetic information recording elements, a magnetic information recording device (memory) that can achieve a high degree of integration can be produced.

Abstract: A magnetic, head in one embodiment includes a substrate; a write transducer; leads coupled to the write transducer; and a resistor coupled between one of the leads and the substrate or a common line. A magnetic storage system in another embodiment includes a cable having a characteristic impedance associated with a pair of conductors; a write signal generator coupled to the pair of conductors; at least one first device coupled to the cable in series with the write signal generator and at least one of the cable conductors, the at least one first device providing a first impedance; at least one second device providing a second impedance and coupled to a second end of the cable in series with at least one of the cable conductors and the first device; and a head having a write transducer coupled to the at least one second device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing heat absorption around solder pads on an electrical lead suspension (ELS). The method provides a base-metal layer having at least one opening. A dielectric layer is also provided above the base-metal layer, the dielectric layer covering a portion of the base-metal layer and at least one of the openings in the base-metal layer. A signal conductive layer is provided above dielectric layer. The signal conductive layer carries at least one solder pad portion, wherein the solder pad portion is placed above the portion of the dielectric layer such that the solder pad portion does not align with the at least one opening in the base-metal layer. In so doing, the heat absorption with respect to the base-metal layer is reduced.

Abstract: A head suspension for supporting a head slider over a storage media in a dynamic storage device is provided with a head suspension component having a spring metal layer, an electrically conductive layer and a dielectric layer interposed between the metal layer and the electrically conductive layer. A plurality of electrically conductive traces with bond pads are formed in the electrically conductive layer. A feature datum is also formed in the electrically conductive layer on a detachable carrier strip. The feature datum defines a first edge in the electrically conductive layer parallel to an edge of the bond pads.

Abstract: A ramp loading unit, for use in a disk drive that includes a head and a record carrier, that includes a holding part that holds a head support part apart from the record carrier. The ramp loading unit also includes a sliding part which the head support part elastically contacts. The sliding part includes a patterned sliding surface with a protruding part that has a width that can partially contact the head support part, wherein the position of the protruding part changes in the width direction of the sliding surface along the length direction of the sliding surface orthogonal to the width direction, so that a contact position of the head support part with the protruding part changes as the head support part slides on the sliding part in the length direction of the sliding surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to extracting particles from a slider to enable particle quantification. According to one embodiment, a slider, which is associated with a head stack assembly, is submerged into a solution. Particles are extracted from the slider without extracting particles from the entire head stack assembly.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical signal transmission line is made from an electrically conductive material. It has a first distal end and a second distal end. The second distal end is free to move with respect to said first distal end. There exists an unsupported region between the first distal end and the second distal end. The unsupported region is juxtaposed at a controlled distance from at least one grounded conductive surface.

Abstract: A suspension having a magnetic head assembly 1 mounted thereon is provided, wherein the magnetic head assembly comprises: a write head 1-2; a read head 1-1; and a resistive heating element 1-3 for controlling the flying heights of the magnetic heads, wherein the wires HTx and GTx for the resistive heating element is disposed such that they sandwich the wires RxX and RxY for the read head. The wires for the resistive heating element may be disposed between the wires for the write head and the wires for the read head. Furthermore, the waveform of the current or voltage to the resistive heating element has a time constant of 1 ?sec or more, the resistive heating element having wires disposed near the wires of the read head.

Abstract: A suspension for disc drive has a base portion including a base plate, a load beam, a pair of hinge members, a wired flexure, etc. The wired flexure has a metal base and a wiring portion on the metal base. The hinge members are fixed overlapping the rear end portion of the load beam and the front end portion of the base plate. The wired flexure extends through a gap between the hinge members and ranges over the load beam and the base plate.

Abstract: There is provided a head slider supporting device and a storage device capable of reducing the influence of a crosstalk between wirings. A head slider supporting device has one terminal connected to a magnetic head slider and the other terminal connected to a preamplifier IC. The head slider supporting device includes a supporting portion (flexure) that includes a conductor for supporting the magnetic head slider; an insulation portion that includes a dielectric contacting the supporting portion; a heater signal line 31a that is a wiring for connecting the magnetic head slider and preamplifier IC in order to control a heater provided in the magnetic head slider and that contacts the insulation portion; a heater GND line 30a that is a wiring for connecting the magnetic head slider and preamplifier IC in order to connect a heater and a ground and that contacts the insulation portion; and a GND connection line 30b that is a wiring for connecting the heater GND line 30a and supporting portion.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, including: a recording head including an actuator; a head holder holding the head; a circuit board disposed on the holder and configured to be connected to an external signal source; a drive circuit operable to drive the actuator; a flexible wiring member which includes wires that connect the actuator and the circuit board, which is elongated in a direction in which the wires extend, which is connected to the actuator and the circuit board at longitudinally opposite ends thereof, respectively, and on which the drive circuit is mounted between the longitudinal opposite ends, the wires including (a) a common voltage wire which connects common-voltage portions of the drive circuit and the circuit board and (b) a drive signal wire for driving the actuator; and a radiator having heat conductivity and electric conductivity and disposed between the head and the circuit board so as to extend along the wiring member, the radiator being heat-conductively and electrically joined to: (a) the common

Abstract: A reference plane is added to the freestanding conductors of a wireless suspension to maintain a continuous reference plane therein. Post processing steps to the flexure are used after the underlying steel has been etched and prior to any forming or welding steps. Two screens are used to add an insulator layer and a conductor layer, such as copper, in the areas of the freestanding conductors. The insulator screen is sized to allow an insulator to overlap the original polyimide. The copper screen for the reference has a slightly longer screen pattern than the insulator screen. The conductor screen is sized such that the reference will overlap the insulator and make contact with the underlying steel at both ends of the freestanding conductors.

Abstract: A method for removing a lead-free solder from a slider pad is provided to permit re-utilization of a head/slider used in a magnetic disk drive. In one embodiment, a slider pad formed on a head/slider and a lead pad are connected to each other through a lead-free solder fillet. A cutting tool is heated beforehand to a temperature near the melting point of the lead-free solder. The cutting tool is moved in parallel with a surface of the slider pad to cut the solder fillet while softening the solder fillet. The solder fillet is removed so as not to impose a stress on the slider pad and in a state in which the head/slider can be re-utilized.

Abstract: Connecting pieces extend outward from the support plate in the opposite directions along a crossline. A flexure body is connected to the connecting pieces. A pad is fixed to the support plate at a position ahead of the crossline. A wiring pattern extends from a pad. The wiring pattern defines a first straight portion extending forward from the flexure body along a first straight line. A second straight portion extends along a second straight line intersecting with the first straight line. A curved portion connects the first straight portion to the second straight portion. The curved portion expands outward from at least one of the first and second straight lines. The support plate merely suffers from a bending at a position ahead of the imaginary crossline even if the solder generates a stress based on its shrinkage. The wiring pattern serves to absorb the stress.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device makes use of an “anchored” conductive stud which is securely attached within its surrounding insulator materials. The conductive stud is formed over a conductive layer which is coupled to or part of a read or a write head element of the magnetic recording device. The conductive stud has a top stud portion and a bottom undercut portion formed over the conductive layer. In one illustrated embodiment, the bottom undercut portion has a width that is greater than the width of the top stud portion. Since an insulator is formed around the conductive stud and over its bottom undercut portion, a secure coupling between the conductive stud and the conductive layer is provided. Preferably, the conductive layer is made of copper (Cu), the conductive stud is made of gold (Au), and the insulator is alumina (Al2O3). A seed layer may be formed between the conductive stud and the conductive layer. A method of making the conductive stud using a photolithography process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting at least one of a pitch and roll parameter of a gimbal for a head suspension assembly having a pair of members contacting at least one gimbal arm at spaced apart locations and having an additional member contacting the gimbal arm intermediate the spaced apart locations and wherein the members move together to cause plastic deformation of the gimbal arm. A like apparatus and method may be used sequentially or concurrently on a second gimbal arm, and may have an inverted orientation with respect to the first apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic disk drive which has improved electrical properties owing to a reduction in the loss of transmission line, improved vibration properties owing to a reduction in the stiffness of wiring around the head, and a flat impedance in the transmission line. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk drive comprises a suspension; a magnetic head coupled with the suspension and configured to write and read information to and from a magnetic recording medium; and a transmission line disposed on the suspension to transmit writing and reading information to and from the magnetic head. The transmission line includes a writing line and a reading line, a lower conductor disposed underneath the writing line and the reading line, and an insulating layer interposed between the lower conductor and the writing and reading lines.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic head arm assembly (HAA), reducing complexity of design and difficulty of manufacture, is disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an HAA includes a step of fixing a first lead conductor member onto a suspension, a step of attaching a second lead conductor member to at least one actuator arm, a step of fixing the suspension onto the at least one actuator arm, a step of electrically connecting the first lead conductor member fixed on the suspension with the second lead conductor member attached on the at least one actuator arm, a step of, thereafter, fixing a head slider provided with at least one head element onto the suspension, and a step of electrically connecting the at least one head element with the first lead conductor member.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider or a precise positioning actuator is electrically and mechanically connected to a suspension, by performing molten-solder connections using solder balls with cores that will not melt even at a solder-melting temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively applying a voltage to one major surface of a pair of piezoelectric motors (PZTs) on a disk drive head suspension with a primary plane of a load beam of the head suspension parallel to the major surfaces of the PZT elements electrically insulated from the load beam. Electrical connections to the PZTs are made via wires, solder, conductive epoxy or electro-mechanical attachment of a plated surface of the PZT with a bond pad on an electrically isolated substrate. Lead extensions or separate pieces may be used to connect to the PZTs. The PZTs may be located on a major surface of the load beam, or may be assembled in a pre-fabricated motor assembly before being installed in the head suspension. Apertures in the load beam and other layers permit physical installation of the PZT motors and enable electrical connection to the PZTs.

Abstract: A low cost, flex head gimbal assembly has a substrate with an attachment region, a flexure region and an integrated gimbal. The flex head gimbal assembly is electrically and mechanically connected to an actuator arm via solder bumps in the attachment region. A stiff plate is attached to the substrate between the attachment region and the flexure region. A flex cable and electrical interconnections extend from the attachment region across the flexure region to the gimbal. Electrical leads extend from the solder bumps to the flex cable. The substrate is bent at the stiff plate to achieve the desired z-height and to impart the pre-load to the assembly.

Abstract: A multi-layer suspension comprised of a rectangular base plate section, a load beam and a flexure, said load beam can be further divided into a bending area adjacent to the base plate and a rigid area contiguous to said bending section, said suspension assembly is made up of three layers, wherein an adhesive layer is sandwiched between two stainless steel layers with parts of one of said stainless steel layers being etched off. The method for making such suspension including the steps of making three layer raw material, etching off parts of the stainless steel, etching off parts of the polyimide, and the forming and de-tab. The structure of multi-layer suspension of the present invention overcomes the problems of etching variations and misalignment exist in the traditional production of the suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collocating an interface circuit with a disk drive read/write head is described. In one embodiment the interface circuit is attached to the load arm on one side and the miniflex interconnect on the other. The read/write head is mounted on the miniflex directly below the interface circuit. The interface circuit comprises a read signal preamplifier, a write driver, and head selection circuitry. A common multiplexer circuit is used to perform the other conventional read/write circuit functions. The common multiplexer circuit includes a head selection block to determine which heads are activated, a head driver block, and a read receiver block. The common multiplexer circuit is mounted at the base of the miniflex.

Abstract: A suspension having a magnetic head assembly 1 mounted thereon is provided, wherein the magnetic head assembly comprises: a write head 1-2; a read head 1-1; and a resistive heating element 1-3 for controlling the flying heights of the magnetic heads, wherein the wires HTx and GTx for the resistive heating element is disposed such that they sandwich the wires RxX and RxY for the read head. The wires for the resistive heating element may be disposed between the wires for the write head and the wires for the read head. Furthermore, the waveform of the current or voltage to the resistive heating element has a time constant of 1 ?sec or more, the resistive heating element having wires disposed near the wires of the read head.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a rotating disk storage device including a connection structure between an FPC and a printed board and providing allowance for dimensional tolerances. In one embodiment, the rotating disk storage device includes a disk enclosure, an FPC supporting portion, and a flexible printed circuit board assembly provided with an FPC terminal area that extends along a front surface of the FPC supporting portion and further beyond an end portion of the FPC supporting portion. When the printed board is mounted on the disk enclosure, a connector terminal contacts and gives pressure to an FPC terminal formed in the FPC terminal area. This causes the FPC terminal area to flex in the direction of an arrow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a testing method for a head IC which makes it possible to simplify checking of the head. The head IC is installed on a head suspension, and probes are placed on terminals of the head suspension to check electric characteristics of the head IC. With this invention, contact of the probes for checking the head IC when the head IC has been installed, but before installing the head, becomes easier.

Abstract: A switchable shunt has an insulating layer separating conductive lead and spring metal layers. The shunt includes a base region formed on the spring metal layer, one or more arms formed in the conductive lead layer and at least one of the insulating and spring metal layers, one or more pad regions electrically coupled to an arm and formed in at least the conductive lead layer, and one or more gaps. Each arm extends through a gap and is resiliently biased toward a shunted state with the pad region in electrical contact with the base region. The shunt is movable to an electrically open state where the pad and base regions are electrically isolated. A method of making the shunt includes etching the shunt from laminated material and pushing the arm and pad through the gap. The shunt may be operated by applying a force to the arm.

Abstract: Magnetic disk apparatus includes an electric wiring capable of satisfying an electric condition under which high frequency recording higher than or equal to 200 MHz, a magnetic head having at least a recording device to a magnetic recording medium, and also the electric wiring corresponding to a recording current supplying device to this magnetic head are formed on a suspension member for mechanically suspending the magnetic head, the recording current being supplied to a magnetic head recording device by employing such electric wiring, the characteristic impedance of which is higher than a maximum impedance of the magnetic head recording device.

Abstract: An actuation assembly includes a movable actuator arm, a suspension assembly, a slider, and means for attaching the slider to the gimbal. The actuator arm supports the suspension assembly, which includes a gimbal carrying a gimbal bond pad that is electrically isolated from the gimbal. The slider includes an air bearing surface and a gimbal opposing face opposite the air bearing surface. The means for attaching the slider to the gimbal provide a direct contact between the gimbal and the slider and elevate a plane of the gimbal opposing face with respect to the gimbal bond pad. The means for attaching the slider to the gimbal is integral with the gimbal.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the pitch static attitude of a slider in an integrated lead suspension head gimbal assembly. The integrated lead suspension includes a load beam, a mount plate, a hinge and a flexure made out of a multi-layer material. The flexure legs and the outrigger leads are simultaneously plastically deformed to define the pitch static attitude. The flexure legs and the outrigger leads are deformed at approximately the same longitudinal location.

Abstract: A head suspension or head suspension component article configured for solder ball bonding of a head slider to electrical traces on article. The article including electrical traces formed from electrically conductive material with the electrical traces having a bonding region adapted for electrical bonding to a head slider. Also included is a support structure providing support for at least portions of the electrical traces and including a head slider mounting region adapted to receive the head slider. This structure is configured to mechanically and thermally isolate the bonding region of the electrical traces from the head slider mounting region to reduce mechanical and thermal effects of a solder ball bonding process on the article during solder ball bonding of the head slider to the electrical traces. The support structure may be reduced at or around the bonding region, or the conductive material may be increased to dissipate more heat.

Abstract: A wired flexure comprises a metallic substrate, a polyimide layer formed on the metallic substrate, and read conductors and write conductors formed on the polyimide layer. The polyimide layer has a thick-walled portion and a thin-walled portion that are different in thickness. The read and write conductors extend covering the thick- and thin-walled portions. In order to obtain a desired impedance, the width of the conductors in the thin-walled portion is smaller than that of the conductors in the thick-walled portion.

Abstract: A lead conductor member for a thin-film magnetic head, includes a plurality of head connection pads to be connected to a plurality of terminal electrodes of a thin-film magnetic head element, a plurality of external connection pads used for external connections, a plurality of trace conductors, one end of each of the plurality of trace conductors being connected to the plurality of head connection pads and the other ends of the plurality of trace conductors being connected to the plurality of external connection pads, respectively, and at least one pair of test connection pads capable of being temporally and electrically short-circuited with at least one pair of trace conductors of the plurality of trace conductors, respectively.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated lead suspension or component having an integrated circuit (IC) with an array of terminals. The suspension or component is formed from a laminated sheet of material including a spring metal layer and a conductive material layer separated by an insulating layer. The method includes forming an IC window in the spring metal layer, forming integrated conductive leads in the conductive material layer and forming holes in the insulating layer. The IC can then be mounted to the suspension or component in the IC window, and the array of terminals electrically interconnected to the integrated conductive leads through the insulating layer.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board of the present invention directly relays connecting portions of a magnetic head placed on a suspension to connecting portions of a base end of a carriage arm in a head suspension assembly of a magnetic disk apparatus. The flexible printed circuit board includes a laminate composed of at least a base layer, a plurality of conductive circuits formed on the base layer, a cover layer covering the conductive circuits, and a conductive polymer layer formed in the insulating material portion in the surface of the laminate. The flexible printed circuit board includes a stainless layer below the base layer or on a lower side of the conductive polymer layer on the base layer side.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly equipped with a slider having a magnetic head and a gimbal spring on which the slider is mounted with an adhesive. The gimbal spring is supported by beam portions of a load beam. A thin-film wiring pattern formed on the load beam extends to a surface of the gimbal spring. A tip of the wiring pattern acts as a terminal portion that is connected to input/output terminals integrally formed on the slider. The slider is locked on the gimbal spring by electrically conducting bonding and an adhesive. A plurality of dummy patterns having the same height as the wiring pattern are provided at a position corresponding to where the adhesive is dropped on the surface of the gimbal spring. The adhesive is placed in an area sandwiched by the dummy patterns on the gimbal spring.

Abstract: A technique for electrically interconnecting a disk drive suspension assembly and a micro-actuator mounting a transducer-carrying slider. A first set of termination pads is provided on a generally planar surface of the micro-actuator, adjacent a front edge portion of the micro-actuator. A set of leads is provided on the suspension assembly so as to extend generally orthogonally to the first set of termination pads and in adjacent relationship therewith. Electrical connections are provided between the first set of termination pads and the suspension assembly leads. A second set of termination pads can be provided on the micro-actuator planar surface adjacent to a front edge portion of the slider and a third set of termination pads can be provided on the slider front edge portion. The second and third sets of termination pads are then electrically connected.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic head capable of positively preventing electrostatic breakdown of an MR magnetic head device, and a method of manufacturing the magnetic head. A circuit board comprises at least a pair of leads for constructing a circuit, lands connected respectively to the leads, and solder bumps formed respectively on the lands. The solder bumps are arranged in an adjacent relationship and, when the solder bumps are crushed, peripheral portions of the solder bumps are pressed or spread so as to overlap with each other. The magnetic head includes the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention allows a thin-film magnetic head that meets specifications required by the customer to be provided in a short period of time and manufacturing costs to be reduced. A slider includes a first surface and a second surface each facing opposite directions. Two magnetic head element portions are formed in the slider near an end face orthogonal to the direction of air flow. One of the element portions is placed to face the first surface. The other element portion is placed to face the second surface. The element portions are placed in symmetrical positions with respect to a place parallel to the first and second surfaces. On the end face four pad-shaped electrodes are provided for electrically connecting the two element portions to an external device. The electrodes are selectively connected to any of the element portions through four conductors.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a rotatable actuator arm mounted on the base of a disc drive. The actuator arm includes a metallic member seated on a non-metallic body. A proximal end of a load beam is mounted on the actuator arm and a distal end of the load beam supports a head. The actuator assembly also includes a connection between the metallic member and the load beam that secures the load beam to the actuator arm.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an HAA includes a step of fixing a first lead conductor member onto a suspension, a step of attaching a second lead conductor member to at least one actuator arm, a step of fixing the suspension onto the at least one actuator arm, a step of electrically connecting the first lead conductor member fixed on the suspension with the second lead conductor member attached on the at least one actuator arm, a step of, thereafter, fixing a head slider provided with at least one head element onto the suspension, and a step of electrically connecting the at least one head element with the first lead conductor member.

Abstract: The present invention couples shunting pads to the conductor leads of a suspension assembly for supporting a slider in a magnetic storage system, which can be use to temporarily shunt the leads to prevent against damage to the heads by electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the suspension assembly includes shunting pads that are sized and positioned to allow shunting using a probe. In another embodiment, a suspension assembly includes a built-in shunting tab that when applied, temporarily shunts the MR read head and prevents any transient voltage from developing across the head. In a further embodiment a tool having multiple probes is integrated into a jig, which is used for holding and shunting one or more suspension assemblies during processing. In one embodiment, the present invention is applied to an integrated lead suspension assembly.

Abstract: A technique for electrically interconnecting a disk drive suspension assembly and a micro-actuator mounting a transducer-carrying slider. A first set of termination pads is provided on a generally planar surface of the micro-actuator, adjacent a front edge portion of the micro-actuator. A set of leads is provided on the suspension assembly so as to extend generally orthogonally to the first set of termination pads and in adjacent relationship therewith. Electrical connections are provided between the first set of termination pads and the suspension assembly leads. A second set of termination pads can be provided on the micro-actuator planar surface adjacent to a front edge portion of the slider and a third set of termination pads can be provided on the slider front edge portion. The second and third sets of termination pads are then electrically connected.

Abstract: A magnetic head suspension assembly is fabricated with an integral piece which includes a load beam section, a flexure section, a rest mount section and a leaf spring section between the load beam and rear mount. A tongue extends from the load beam to the flexure and has a down-facing load dimple which contacts the non-air bearing surface of an attached air bearing slider. The flexure includes narrow thin legs adjacent to a cutout that delineates the load beam tongue. The head suspension is characterised by a high first bending mode frequency and low pitch and roll stiffness.