Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording Head Slider Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional thermally assisted magnetic recording head sliders have complex electrical connection processes due to the different orientations of TE mode and TM mode laser diodes (LD) and plasmon generators (PGs), leading to complicated manufacturing of head gimbal assemblies (HGAs) and hard disk drives.
Innovation Solution
A thermally assisted magnetic recording head slider with a light source unit comprising a TE mode LD or TM mode LD and corresponding PG, mounted on a slider with electrode pads and connecting wiring parts, simplifying electrical connections by aligning the substrate surface orthogonally to the laminated surface and using specific terminal and pad configurations to connect the light source unit to electrode pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TE mode LD and TM mode PG are used with different orientations, then the thermally assisted magnetic recording function is achieved, but the electrical connection process becomes complex and manufacturing of HGA becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection processes for both TE mode and TM mode components into a single unified process. By orienting both the TE mode LD and TM mode PG such that their substrate surfaces are orthogonal to the laminated surface in the same direction, the patent enables both components to be connected to electrode pads simultaneously through a single set of connecting wiring parts, eliminating the need for separate connection processes and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mounting structure where the slider can accommodate both TE mode LD and TM mode PG with identical orientation requirements. This universal approach allows the same substrate surface orientation rule to apply to both component types, enabling standardized manufacturing processes and simplifying the electrical connection architecture for dual-mode thermally assisted magnetic recording
2Ease of operation
If different orientations are used for TE mode LD and TM mode PG, then each component functions properly, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a standardized orientation rule where both TE mode LD and TM mode PG are mounted with their substrate surfaces orthogonal to the laminated surface in the same direction. This preliminary standardization is built into the component design and mounting structure, allowing both components to be installed and connected simultaneously without requiring subsequent reorientation or separate connection steps, thereby accelerating the manufacturing process
3Reliability
If complex electrical connection processes are used, then proper electrical connections are achieved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection operations into a single unified connection process. By orienting both TE mode LD and TM mode PG identically with respect to the laminated surface, the patent enables both components to share the same electrode pads and connecting wiring parts, reducing the total number of connection steps and minimizing manufacturing time while maintaining reliable electrical connections for both components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the electrical connection with the suspension, reduces manufacturing complexity, and facilitates easier assembly of the HGA, thereby improving the reliability and reducing the manufacturing time and cost of the thermally assisted magnetic recording head slider and HGA.
Implementation Method 1
near-field light is generated by guiding laser light to the PG via an optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
guiding laser light to the PG via an optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a semiconductor laser such as laser diode (also called 'LD') or the like, which is a light source of laser light
Implementation Method 4
the portion of the magnetic recording medium where data has been recorded is decreased in temperature after the recording of data and thereby increases in coercive force
Implementation Method 5
thermally assisted magnetic recording has been conventionally proposed
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally assisted magnetic recording head slider includes a light source unit having a light emitting element emitting laser light and a submount holding the light emitting element, and slider including a thin-film laminated part having a main magnetic pole layer, a near-field light generating element and an optical waveguide. A combination of the light emitting element and near-field light generating element is composed of a first pattern or second pattern. The light source unit is mounted on a light source placing surface so that a substrate surface of the light emitting element is orthogonal to a laminated surface of the thin-film laminated part. A plurality of electrode pads are formed on the outer end surface of the slider. The light source unit has a first element electrode and second element electrode. A first connecting wiring part and second connecting wiring part, which connected the first element electrode and second element electrode with a first electrode pad and second electrode pad, are formed on a light source placing surface.