HDD Head Actuator Wiring Offset for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the capacity of hard disk drives (HDDs) increases, there is a concern about crosstalk between wires of flexures in the surface direction and between flexures of head gimbal assemblies (HGAs) in the vertical direction, which affects the reliability of data recording and reading operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a head actuator with a unique wiring arrangement where the first and second suspension assemblies have their wiring lines arranged such that read and write lines are not opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the surface, with specific patterns on the flexures to prevent overlap and reduce crosstalk, and a control mechanism to manage the operations of up-head and down-heads to avoid simultaneous driving of overlapping wiring lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of magnetic disks and suspension assemblies is increased to increase HDD capacity, then the storage capacity increases, but crosstalk between wiring lines occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging wiring lines in opposite flexures with different patterns. Specifically, first read lines and first write lines are arranged at different positions compared to second read lines and second write lines in the opposite flexure, creating an asymmetric configuration that prevents direct alignment and reduces crosstalk between adjacent flexures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses crosstalk by transitioning from a single-plane arrangement to a multi-dimensional arrangement. By offsetting wiring lines not only in the surface direction but also in the vertical direction between opposite flexures, the design creates spatial separation in multiple dimensions, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference
2Area of stationary object
If wiring lines are arranged densely to reduce flexure area, then the flexure size decreases, but crosstalk between adjacent wiring lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wiring lines into distinct functional groups (read lines and write lines) and arranges them in separate regions within the flexure. By dividing the wiring layout into specialized zones with appropriate spacing and positioning, the design reduces adjacent line crosstalk while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different wiring arrangements in different regions of the flexure. Read lines and write lines are positioned with different spacing and orientation patterns appropriate to their specific functions, optimizing signal integrity locally while maintaining compact overall flexure design
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a head actuator includes a first suspension assembly including a first support plate, a first wiring member with first wiring lines, and a first head, and a second suspension assembly including a second support plate, a second wiring member with second wiring lines, and a second head. The first wiring lines include at least four first read lines and at least four first write lines. The second wiring lines include at least four second read lines and at least four second write lines. At least two of the first read lines and at least two of the first write lines are arranged at a position offset to the second read lines and the second write lines in a width direction of the wiring member.