Electrode Terminal Protrusions for Probe Stability and Short Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
As thin film magnetic heads become more compact with increased numbers of electrode terminals, measurement errors due to probe pin disengagement and short circuits between adjacent terminals become more frequent, especially when terminal area and gap sizes are reduced.
Innovation Solution
The design includes electrode terminals with rectangular pads and protrusions along their periphery, formed from materials like Au, Ag, Cu, Ti, and Al, with protrusions made from conductive materials or alumina, arranged in an array on the slider substrate, which helps maintain contact during probing and prevents bonding metal from flowing between adjacent terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrode terminals is increased to provide multiple functions in compact heads, then functionality is improved, but the area for each electrode terminal is reduced and gaps between terminals narrow, causing measurement pin disengagement and bonding metal short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode terminal structure transitions from a single-plane pad to a three-dimensional configuration with protrusions extending from the pad surface. This dimensional change allows the terminal to maintain adequate spacing on the surface while providing extended contact points that prevent probe pin disengagement and bonding metal short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode terminal is segmented into multiple components: a base pad and protruding structures. This segmentation allows the pad to maintain electrical connection function while the protrusions specifically address probe contact stability and bonding metal containment, separating these functions spatially.
2Area of stationary object
If the area of electrode terminals is reduced to accommodate more terminals, then device compactness is improved, but probe pin disengagement during probing increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
By adding vertical protrusions to the pad structure, the effective contact area is increased in the vertical dimension without occupying more horizontal space. This allows reduced terminal area while maintaining reliable probe pin contact during measurement.
3Length of stationary object
If the gap between adjacent electrode terminals is narrowed to increase terminal density, then device compactness is improved, but bonding metal flow outside terminals increases causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions create a three-dimensional barrier structure that contains bonding metal within the terminal boundaries during the bonding process. This vertical containment allows narrower gaps between terminals without risking short circuits from metal flow.
4Volume of moving object
If head size is reduced to make the head more compact, then device compactness is improved, but the space for electrode terminals is reduced, exacerbating the above problems
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding electrode terminal structure utilizes vertical space rather than horizontal space, allowing adequate terminal dimensions to be maintained within a compact head volume. This enables head size reduction without proportionally reducing terminal area.
Data Source
AI summary
A thin film magnetic head has a plurality of electrode terminals formed on substantially the same surface as the head formation surface on which magnetic head element is laminated. The plurality of electrode terminals is arranged in an array near and along the second side of the head formation surface that is opposite the first side on the ABS side, from which the functional end of the magnetic head is exposed. The plurality of electrode terminals is formed to include a pad and a protrusion formed along a part of the periphery of the pad.