Suspension, Dielectric Layer and Flexure

Abstract

A dielectric layer configured to overlie a spring metal layer in a suspension assembly is described. The dielectric layer includes a tongue portion including a proximal end and a distal end, a trace portion extending from the tongue portion, and an opening aligned with a void and defined by the tongue portion. The opening includes an elongated opening having opposite ends partially aligned with a central opening of the void. The opening further includes slits extending from opposite ends of the elongated opening and at least partially aligned with the channel of the void in the spring metal layer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of disk drive suspensions, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of flexures configured for inclusion in disk drive suspensions and providing improved suspension damping. [Background technology]

[0002] A magnetic recording head typically includes a transducer and a slider that are supported by a suspension assembly in close proximity to the magnetic recording medium, typically a rotating disk with a magnetic coating. The suspension includes a load beam at one end that is attached to the slider with the read / write transducer assembly via a flexible gimbal arrangement, and a flexible portion of the suspension, or forming region, at the other end. The forming region is then connected to a suspension support arm. The suspension support arm connects to an actuator. The suspension of the transducer is desirably flexible in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk so that it can follow the head movement due to disk runout or wobble relative to the plane of the disk. If the transducer does not follow the out-of-plane motion of the disk, then there will be variations in the head-to-disk spacing. Additionally, the suspension must be extremely stiff in a plane parallel to the disk so that the transducer can be accurately positioned over the data track. The slider and magnetic material are positioned over the appropriate track of data by a voice coil-powered actuator to read, write, and erase data.

[0003] Data is transferred to the magnetic recording medium in the form of magnetic flux reversals through the transducer gap. Recently, it has become possible to store very high data densities on a single disk. For accurate and high density data encoding, the read / write gap of the transducer must be kept as close as possible to the disk, usually at a height of a few nanometers above the disk. The storage capacity of a disk is a strong function of the height of the read / write gap above the disk, i.e. the flying height. Storage capacity is also related to the track density, i.e. the number of recording tracks available in the radial direction. This is determined by the accuracy with which the actuator motor can position the transducer over a track of pre-written data and follow that track as the disk rotates. The storage capacity of a disk is therefore determined by the accuracy with which the actuator motor can position the transducer over a track of pre-written data and follow that track as the disk rotates. 2 Areal density is measured by the number of flux reversals per square inch. More precisely, areal density is the linear bit density (the number of flux reversals per inch of track) multiplied by the radial track density (the number of tracks available in the radial direction). The linear bit density is usually an order of magnitude greater than the radial track density. The number of flux reversals per inch is extremely sensitive to the head-to-disk interface spacing, and variations in flying height significantly reduce the number of flux reversals per inch. It is therefore very important to keep the head-to-disk spacing as constant as possible.

[0004] Suspension resonance is typically excited in the suspension during data seeking and track following operations. However, there are other causes for suspension resonance, such as external disturbances. To maximize disk drive capacity, it is necessary to control the suspension resonance behavior when the actuator is in motion to provide better track following performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A suspension is provided. The suspension includes a flexure having a gimbal, a proximal end, and a distal end. The flexure has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The gimbal includes a spring metal layer having a base portion, a tongue, and a pair of spring arms extending from the base portion to the tongue. The gimbal also includes a dielectric layer overlying the spring metal layer and a conductive metal layer overlying the dielectric layer.

[0007] The conductive metal layer includes a first plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue and a second plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue. The suspension also includes a void formed in the spring metal layer and partially surrounding the tongue. A portion of the dielectric layer covers a section of the void formed in the spring metal layer.

[0008] In some embodiments of the suspension, a portion of the first plurality of traces and a portion of the second plurality of traces are joined over the void and extend toward the tongue. The void includes a central opening having opposing ends and first and second channels extending from opposing ends of the central opening. The dielectric layer can include an opening aligned with the tongue portion, the trace portion, and the void and defined by the tongue portion and the trace portion. The tongue portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The trace portion extends from the distal end of the tongue portion. The opening includes an elongated opening having opposing ends partially aligned with the central opening of the void and a slit extending from opposing ends of the elongated opening and at least partially exposing the first and second channels of the void.

[0009] In some embodiments of the suspension, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate aperture to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate aperture to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. In other embodiments, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate aperture to 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate aperture to 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

[0010] A dielectric layer is also provided. The dielectric layer includes an opening aligned with the tongue portion, the trace portion, and the void and defined by the tongue portion. The tongue portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The trace portion extends from the proximal end of the tongue portion. The opening includes an elongated opening having opposite ends partially aligned with a central opening of the void.

[0011] In some embodiments, the opening further comprises a slit extending from both ends of the elongate opening and at least partially exposing the first and second channels of the void. The opening slit can extend from both ends of the elongate opening up to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the opening slit extends from both ends of the elongate opening up to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Alternatively, the opening slit extends from both ends of the elongate opening up to 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the opening slit extends from both ends of the elongate opening up to 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

[0012] A flexure is also provided. The flexure includes a gimbal, a proximal end, and a distal end. The flexure has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The gimbal includes a spring metal layer having a base portion, a tongue, and a pair of spring arms extending from the base portion to the tongue. The gimbal also includes a dielectric layer overlying the spring metal layer and a conductive metal layer overlying the dielectric layer.

[0013] The conductive metal layer includes a first plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue and a second plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue. The flexure also includes a void formed in the spring metal layer partially surrounding the tongue. A portion of the dielectric layer covers a portion of the void formed in the spring metal layer.

[0014] In some embodiments of the flexure, a portion of the first plurality of traces and a portion of the second plurality of traces are joined over the void and extend toward the tongue. The void includes a central opening having opposing ends and first and second channels extending from opposing ends of the central opening. The dielectric layer can include an opening aligned with the tongue portion, the trace portion, and the void and defined by the tongue portion and the trace portion. The tongue portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The trace portion extends from the distal end of the tongue portion. The opening includes an elongated opening having opposing ends partially aligned with the central opening of the void and a slit extending from opposing ends of the elongated opening and at least partially exposing the first and second channels of the void.

[0015] In some embodiments of the flexure, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate opening to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate opening to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. In other embodiments of the flexure, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate opening to 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion. Specifically, the aperture slit extends from each end of the elongate opening to 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description that follows. Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a suspension having a flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear side of a suspension according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a suspension flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a dielectric layer of a flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a dielectric layer of a flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a dielectric layer of a flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a dielectric layer of a flexure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a flexure 112 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Suspensions and components thereof are described herein. Such suspensions include, but are not limited to, dual stage actuation (DSA) suspensions and triple stage actuation suspensions. The suspension, according to some embodiments, includes a flexure having a gimbal, a proximal end, and a distal end. The flexure has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The gimbal includes a spring metal layer having a base portion, a tongue, and a pair of spring arms extending from the base portion to the tongue. The gimbal also includes a dielectric layer overlying the spring metal layer and a conductive metal layer overlying the dielectric layer.

[0019] The conductive metal layer includes a first plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue and a second plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue. The suspension also includes a void formed in the spring metal layer partially surrounding the tongue. A portion of the first plurality of traces and a portion of the second plurality of traces are bonded over the void and extend toward the tongue. A portion of the dielectric layer covers a portion of the void formed in the spring metal layer. The disclosed flexures provide additional stiffness and such a combination enhances the mechanical properties of the suspension.

[0020] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a suspension 10 having a flexure 12 with a co-located or gimbal-based actuation structure 14 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the suspension 10 includes a base plate 16 as a proximal mounting structure. The suspension 10 also includes a load beam 18 having a rigid or beam region 20 coupled to the base plate 16 along a spring or hinge region 22. The load beam 18 may be formed from stainless steel. The flexure 12 includes a gimbal 24 at a distal end of the flexure 12. The co-located or gimbal-based actuation structure 14 is disposed on the gimbal 24 and adjacent the distal end of the load beam 18.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the suspension 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The head slider 32 is attached to a tongue 33 of the gimbal 24 on the side of the suspension 10 opposite the load beam 18. The co-located or gimbal-based actuation structure 14 includes a motor 34, which in the illustrated embodiment is a PZT or other piezoelectric actuator, attached to the gimbal 24 of the flexure 12 between the load beam 18 and the head slider 32. In response to an electrical drive signal applied to the motor 34, the motor drives the portion of the gimbal 24 including the tongue 33 and the slider 32 about a generally lateral tracking axis. As used herein, proximal and distal refer to relative directions along the longitudinal axis of the suspension, and lateral refers to left and / or right directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suspension. For example, the base plate 16 is proximal to the load beam 18, and both ends of the motor 34 extend laterally.

[0022] 3 illustrates a flexure 12 of a suspension 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexure 12 is formed by stacking a spring metal, such as a stainless steel layer 40, a polyimide or other dielectric layer 42, a copper or other conductive material layer 44, and a coverlay, such as a polyimide layer. The stainless steel layer 40 may also be formed from another metal or rigid material. The dielectric layer 42 generally electrically isolates structures formed in the conductive material layer 44 from adjacent portions of the stainless steel layer 40.

[0023] The coverlay generally covers and protects the structures formed in the conductive material layer 44. The gimbal 24 includes a spring arm 52 and a tongue 33. The spring arm 52 extends from a base portion 50 of the stainless steel layer 40. An attachment region 54 that is part of the tongue 33 is supported between the spring arms 52 by a pair of struts 56 that extend from a support region 58 that extends from the spring arms 52. In some embodiments, the pair of struts 56 are the only portions of the stainless steel layer 40 that connect or support the tongue 33 between the spring arms 52.

[0024] Specifically, the struts 56 may be the only structural connection between the spring arms 52 and the tongue 33. Also, the struts 56 may be the only portion of the stainless steel layer 40 that connects between the spring arms 52 distal to the base portion 50 when connecting with the tongue 33. As shown, the struts 56 are offset from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the flexure 12 or otherwise configured to allow rotational movement of the attachment region 54 about a tracking axis relative to the spring arms 52. Each of the struts 56 may be the narrowest portion of the stainless steel layer 40, for example in the XY plane, while the thickness of the stainless steel layer 40 may be constant along the flexure 12.

[0025] A plurality of traces 60 formed on the conductive material layer 44 extend along the flexible circuit formed on the dielectric layer 42 between the base portion 50 and the tongue 33. Some traces 60 terminate at locations on the distal region on the tongue 33 and are configured for electrical attachment to terminals of a read / write head on the slider. Other traces 60 terminate at contacts, such as copper pads 64, on the tongue 33 below the motor 34. A portion of the dielectric layer 42 extends below the conductive material layer 44 onto the attachment region 54 and across a portion of the support region 58. The tongue 33 projects longitudinally towards the base portion 50 and is surrounded on three sides by a gap 65 or aperture through the flexure 12.

[0026] The void 65 includes a central opening 66, a first channel 69A and a second channel 69B. The first channel 69A may be defined by the spring arms 52, the struts 56, the support region 58 and the attachment region 54. A first portion of a trace 60A formed in the conductive material layer 44 extends from the attachment region 54 over the first channel 69A where it is suspended from the stainless steel layer 40. The first portion of the trace 60A is suspended over the void 65 and attached to the base portion 50.

[0027] The second channel 69B may be defined by the spring arms 52, the struts 56, the support regions 58, and the attachment regions 54. A second portion of the trace 60A formed in the conductive material layer 44 extends from the attachment regions 54 over the second channel 69A where it is suspended from the stainless steel layer 40. A first portion of the trace 60A is suspended over the void 65 and is attached to the base portion 50.

[0028] The dielectric layer 42 has an aperture 70 that corresponds to the central opening 66, the first channel 69A, and the second channel 69B. Several embodiments of the dielectric layer are illustrated in further detail in Figures 4-7.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a dielectric layer 42 of a flexure according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The dielectric layer 42 includes a tongue portion 54A, a lower trace portion 60A, an upper trace portion 60B, and an opening 70. The opening 70 is defined by the tongue portion 54A, the lower trace portion 60A, and the upper trace portion 60B. The upper trace portion 60B extends from the tongue portion 54A. The tongue portion 54A may include a proximal end 54B and a distal end 54C. The opening 70 in the dielectric layer 42 includes an elongated opening 71 having opposite ends. The elongated opening 71 is defined by the lower trace portion 60A and the proximal end 54B of the tongue portion 54A. The opening 70 also includes a slit 72 extending from opposite ends of the elongated opening 71. The slit 72 is defined by the tongue portion 54A and the upper trace portion 60B. The elongated opening 71 is at least partially aligned with a central opening of a void (void 65 shown in FIG. 3) such that the slit 72 at least partially exposes the first and second channels (first and second channels 69A, 69B of void 65 shown in FIG. 3). The slit 72 extends a total length 73 between the proximal end 54B of the tongue portion 54A and the top trace portion 60B extending from the tongue portion 54A. In some embodiments, the total length 73 is in a range of 0.6 millimeters (mm) to 0.9 mm, inclusive. According to some embodiments, the top trace portion 60B is defined by a width of the plurality of traces 60 in the conductive material layer and configured to be disposed on the dielectric layer 42. According to some embodiments, the width of the top trace portion 60B is in a range of 0.2 mm to 0.25 mm, inclusive. In some embodiments, the illustrated dielectric layer 42 is formed separately from the suspension 10 and used for the suspension 10.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a dielectric layer 42 of a flexure according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As described above, the dielectric layer 42A includes a tongue portion 54A, a lower trace portion 60A, an upper trace portion 60B, and an opening 70. The opening 70 is defined by the tongue portion 54A, the lower trace portion 60A, and the upper trace portion 60B. The upper trace portion 60B extends from a distal end 54C of the tongue portion 54A. An elongated opening 71 is defined by the lower trace portion 60A and the proximal end 54B of the tongue portion 54A. A slit 72 is defined by the tongue portion 54A and the upper trace portion 60B at a reduced length 74. The slit 72 extends a reduced length 74 less than the overall length 73 described above. In some embodiments, the reduced length 74 is the distance from the distal end of the slit 72 to the proximal end of the plurality of traces 60 in the conductive material layer that is or will be disposed on the top trace portion 60B of the dielectric layer 42A. The reduced length 74 is a 1 to 40 percent reduction in the overall length 73. Specifically, the reduced length is 25% of the length of the slit 72 from the proximal end 54B of the tongue 54A toward the distal end 54C of the tongue 54A. The reduction in the slit 72 increases the dielectric material of the top trace portion 60B, increasing the dimension of the dielectric layer 42A.

[0031] 6 illustrates a dielectric layer 42B of a flexure according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The dielectric layer 42B includes a tongue portion 54A, a lower trace portion 60A, an upper trace portion 60B, and an opening 70. The opening 70 is defined by the tongue portion 54A, the lower trace portion 60A, and the upper trace portion 60B. The upper trace portion 60B extends from a distal end 54C of the tongue portion 54A. An elongated opening 71 is defined by the lower trace portion 60A and the proximal end 54B of the tongue portion 54A. A slit 72 is defined by the tongue portion 54A and the upper trace portion 60B with a reduced length 75. The slit 72 extends less than the overall length 73 described above by the reduced length 75. In some embodiments, the reduced length 75 is the distance from the distal end of the slit 72 to the proximal end of the plurality of traces 60 in the conductive material layer that are or will be disposed on the top trace portion 60B of the dielectric layer 42A. The reduced length 75 is a length reduction of between 41 and 99 percent of the overall length 73. Specifically, the reduced length is 50% of the length of the slit 72 from the proximal end 54B of the tongue 54A toward the distal end 54C of the tongue 54A. The reduction of the slit 72 increases the dimension of the dielectric layer 42B by increasing the dielectric material of the top trace portion 60B.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a dielectric layer 42C of a flexure according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The dielectric layer 42C includes a tongue portion 54A, a lower trace portion 60A, and an opening 70. The opening 70 is defined by the tongue portion 54A and the lower trace portion 60A. The opening 70 does not include a slit extending from either end of the elongated opening 71 toward the upper trace portion 60B. Instead, the tongue portion 54A is expanded in width to include a bond with the trace portion 60A. A full polyimide fill may be used in place of the aforementioned slit. The full polyimide fill further increases the dimensions of the dielectric layer 42B. Returning to FIG. 3, the increased dielectric layer 42B provides more coverage over the mounting portion 54 and over a majority of the support area 58 compared to the dielectric layer 42B (described above).

[0033] Dielectric layer 42C, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, incorporates a full fill. In this configuration, the trace mode frequency is very low or nonexistent. Suspensions incorporating dielectric layer 42 with slits 72 running the entire length 73, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, also illustrate very low to nonexistent trace mode frequencies. Suspensions incorporating partial fill configurations of dielectric layers 42A, 42B, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, have shown increased trace mode frequencies, increased gimbal pitch and roll stiffness (Kp, Kr), and reduced T1-FX phase range from that of suspensions with full length slits. As used herein, the term "z-height" or Z-ht refers to the distance from the base plate flange to the data disk surface. As the polyimide material is increased by 50% (dielectric layer 42B), the trace mode frequency increases from that of suspensions with full length slits.

[0034] Suspensions incorporating reduced slits demonstrated increased stroke, increased gimbal pitch, and increased roll stiffness compared to embodiments with full length slits. The increased material and smaller slits increase the stiffness of the suspension, especially when the suspension is bending laterally.

[0035] As the lateral bending stiffness of the suspension increases, the resonance peak P appears at a relatively higher frequency. For example, a suspension incorporating a dielectric layer without polyimide slits exhibits little or no trace mode resonance. The trace mode resonance appears at a higher frequency as the slits in the dielectric layer are reduced. For example, the trace mode resonance of a suspension incorporating dielectric layer 42 is at 8.3 kHz. In contrast, the trace mode resonance of a suspension incorporating dielectric layer 42B is at 11.9 kHz. As the slits in the dielectric layer are reduced, the T1-FX phase range decreases. However, when the slits are reduced by 25% (25% fill), the T1-FX phase range appears to increase because the frequency separation of the trace and T1-FX modes is reduced.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a flexure 112 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The flexure 112 includes a plurality of traces 60 formed on the conductive material layer 44. The traces 60 extend along a flexible circuit formed on the dielectric layer 42 between the base portion 50 and the tongue 33. As described above, the tongue 33 projects longitudinally toward the base portion 50 and is surrounded on three sides by a gap 65 or opening through the flexure. As the traces 60 extend from the base portion 50, a first plurality 62 of traces 60 converge toward a second plurality 63 of traces 60 over the gap 65. The first plurality 62 and second plurality 63 of traces 60 may be coupled via a bridge 61. The bridge 61 includes a portion of the conductive material layer 44 supported by a portion of the dielectric layer 42.

[0037] The suspension embodiments incorporating the bridge 61 exhibited a trace mode frequency shift. The suspensions incorporating the bridge 61 also exhibited an increase in yaw frequency over suspensions without the bridge. The suspensions incorporating the bridge 61 also exhibited an increase in stroke and an increase in roll stiffness (Kr) over suspensions without the bridge. The suspensions incorporating the bridge 61 connecting the first and second plurality (62, 63) of traces 60 exhibited an increase in stroke and an increase in roll stiffness.

[0038] Increasing the lateral stiffness of the suspension results in a resonant peak P appearing at a relatively higher frequency. For example, a suspension incorporating a bridge 61 connecting a first plurality 62 of the traces 60 and a second plurality 63 of the traces 60 exhibits an increased yaw frequency over a suspension without a bridge.

[0039] Various embodiments have been described above, which are presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the bridge 61 configuration and the dielectric layers 42A-42C have been considered separately. However, the bridge configuration 61 may be implemented on any of the dielectric layers 42A-42C. Thus, the embodiments include bridges and splits used independently or together to tune the suspension to have characteristics for desired performance.

[0040] Indeed, upon reading the above description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement alternative embodiments. For example, other steps may be added to or removed from the flows described, and other components may be added or removed from the systems described. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0041] Moreover, the diagrams highlighting features and advantages are presented for illustrative purposes only: each of the disclosed methodologies and systems is sufficiently flexible and configurable so that it can be utilized in ways other than those illustrated.

[0042] The term "at least one" may be used frequently in this specification, claims, and drawings, but terms such as "a," "an," "the," "said," and the like also refer to "at least one" or "said at least one" in this specification, claims, and drawings.

Claims

1. A suspension, a flexure including a gimbal, a proximal end and a distal end, the flexure having a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the gimbal including a spring metal layer having a base portion, a tongue, and a pair of spring arms extending from the base portion to the tongue, and a dielectric layer overlying the spring metal layer, the trace portion including a first plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue and a second plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue, the first plurality of traces and the second plurality of traces being coupled via a bridge; a gap formed in the spring metal layer and partially surrounding the tongue, the first and second traces converging toward each other over the gap and extending toward the tongue, and a portion of the dielectric layer overlapping a portion of the gap formed in the spring metal layer; the dielectric layer includes a tongue portion, the trace portion, and an opening aligned with the void and defined by the tongue portion and the trace portion; the tongue portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the trace portion extending from the distal end of the tongue portion; The opening includes an elongated opening having opposite ends partially aligned with the central opening of the void, and a first slit and a second slit extending from opposite ends of the elongated opening, the suspension.

2. The suspension of claim 1 , wherein the cavity includes a central opening having opposite ends and first and second channels extending from opposite ends of the central opening.

3. 2. The suspension of claim 1, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

4. 2. The suspension of claim 1, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

5. 2. The suspension of claim 1, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

6. 2. The suspension of claim 1, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

7. a dielectric layer configured to cover a spring metal layer of a suspension assembly, the dielectric layer comprising: a tongue portion having a proximal end and a distal end; a trace portion extending from a distal end of the tongue portion; an opening configured to align with a void in the spring metal layer and defined by a tongue portion, the opening including an elongated opening having opposite ends that are partially aligned with a central opening of the void; a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer including a first slit and a second slit extending from opposite ends of the elongated opening, the first slit and the second slit each extending less than the full length from the opening to the trace portion;

8. The dielectric layer of claim 7 , wherein the opening further comprises a slit extending from either end of the elongated opening and at least partially aligned with a void channel in the spring metal layer.

9. The dielectric layer of claim 8 , wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

10. The dielectric layer of claim 8 , wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

11. The dielectric layer of claim 8 , wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

12. The dielectric layer of claim 8 , wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongated aperture up to 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

13. The dielectric layer of claim 8 , wherein a portion of the trace portion is bonded over the air gap.

14. A flexure, the flexure has a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the gimbal includes a spring metal layer having a base portion, a tongue portion, and a pair of spring arms extending from the base portion to the tongue portion, and a dielectric layer overlying the spring metal layer, the trace portion includes a first plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue portion, and a second plurality of traces extending from the base portion to the tongue portion, the first plurality of traces and the second plurality of traces being coupled via bridges; a void formed in the spring metal layer and partially surrounding the tongue, the first plurality of traces converging toward the second plurality of traces and extending toward the tongue, a portion of the dielectric layer overlapping a portion of the void formed in the spring metal layer, the void including a central opening having opposed ends and first and second channels extending from opposed ends of the central opening; the dielectric layer includes a tongue portion, the trace portion, and an opening aligned with the void and defined by the tongue portion and the trace portion; the tongue portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the trace portion extending from the distal end of the tongue portion; The opening includes an elongated opening having opposite ends partially aligned with the central opening of the void, and a first slit and a second slit extending from opposite ends of the elongated opening.

15. 15. The flexure of claim 14, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongate aperture up to 40% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

16. 15. The flexure of claim 14, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongate aperture up to 25% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

17. 15. The flexure of claim 14, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongate aperture 80% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

18. 15. The flexure of claim 14, wherein the aperture slits extend from either end of the elongate aperture 50% of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the tongue portion.

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