Selectable Magnetic Writers for Reducing Performance Variance
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Solution Overview
Problem
As areal recording densities increase in data storage devices, existing technologies face challenges in maintaining performance variance and selecting the most suitable recording heads for optimal operation in disc drives.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming recording heads with two substantially coplanar writers of different target geometries, performing recording measurements, and selecting the most suitable writer based on comparisons to a predetermined quantity for operation in data storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single writer geometry is used in recording heads, then manufacturing is simpler, but performance variance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is divided into multiple writers (e.g., first writer with narrow target width and second writer with wide target width) within the same head assembly. Each writer is designed with different target geometries to compensate for process variations, allowing the system to segment the writing function across multiple specialized components rather than relying on a single generic writer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the writers by designing them with different target widths (narrow vs. wide). This parameter variation allows the writers to be tolerant to different directions of process drift, thereby reducing overall performance variance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If multiple writers with different geometries are fabricated, then performance variance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recording head is designed to perform multiple writing functions through different writers that can be selectively activated. The head assembly serves as a universal platform that can adapt to different writing geometry requirements, allowing the same physical head to provide optimized writing performance for different process conditions without requiring multiple separate head designs
Solution Approach 2:
The selection of the optimal writer is performed in advance during manufacturing testing before the recording heads are installed in drives. This preliminary action identifies and selects the best-performing writer for each head, eliminating the need for complex real-time switching mechanisms and reducing operational complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple geometries
3Productivity
If writer selection is performed, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but measurement and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where recording measurements are taken during manufacturing testing, and based on these measurements, the optimal writer is selected and configured for operation. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and optimize writer selection based on actual performance data, enhancing operational efficiency while systematizing the measurement process
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a recording head for use with a data storage medium in a data storage device. The method includes forming first and second writers of different target geometries. A first recording measurement is performed on one or more storage media using the first writer. A second recording measurement is performed on the one or more storage media using the second writer. Based on a comparison of the first and second recording measurements to a predetermined quantity, either the first writer or the second writer is selected to be operational in the data storage device.