Magnetic Storage Transducer with Extended Ferromagnetic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic storage systems face challenges in achieving optimal signal performance due to modest GMR coefficients and joule heating in CPP-GMR sensors, and shunting effects in CIP-GMR sensors, which limit their effectiveness in high-density applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a transducer with a first and second ferromagnetic layer and an electrically conductive layer, where the ferromagnetic layers extend beyond the conductive layer, allowing for both CPP-GMR and CIP-GMR effects to enhance signal performance by creating an aperture effect that increases resistance and GMR ratio, and includes pinning layers and hard magnets for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CPP-GMR sensors are used, then signal performance is improved, but joule heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two distinct regions: a first region that utilizes CPP-GMR effect for high signal performance, and a second region that utilizes CIP-GMR effect for thermal management. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between signal performance and heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are assigned different functional qualities: the first region is optimized for signal detection using CPP-GMR, while the second region is optimized for current conduction and thermal dissipation using CIP-GMR. This local differentiation allows the sensor to simultaneously achieve high signal performance in one area and effective heat management in another area.
2Temperature
If CIP-GMR sensors are used, then joule heating is reduced, but shunting effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor structure is segmented into two functional regions: a first region utilizing CPP-GMR effect for high signal performance, and a second region utilizing CIP-GMR effect for thermal management. This segmentation allows the sensor to overcome the shunting limitation of pure CIP-GMR sensors by incorporating the CPP-GMR region that provides high signal output without suffering from shunting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges CPP-GMR and CIP-GMR sensor regions into a single integrated transducer structure. The CPP-GMR region provides high signal performance without shunting, while the CIP-GMR region provides efficient current conduction and thermal management. The combination of these two regions allows the sensor to overcome the individual limitations of each approach.
3Measurement precision
If ferromagnetic layers extend beyond conductive layer, then GMR ratio increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic layers are segmented into two regions with different length characteristics: in the first region, the ferromagnetic layers have the same length as the conductive layer, while in the second region, the ferromagnetic layers extend beyond the conductive layer. This segmentation allows the sensor to achieve high GMR ratio in the second region while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the simpler first region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the sensor are assigned different structural qualities: the first region has ferromagnetic layers aligned with the conductive layer for manufacturing simplicity, while the second region has ferromagnetic layers extending beyond the conductive layer for optimized GMR performance. This local differentiation allows the sensor to achieve high performance without requiring the entire device to be complex.
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 significantly improves the GMR ratio and signal performance by combining CPP-GMR and CIP-GMR effects, reducing shunting effects and joule heating, thereby enhancing the overall performance of magnetic storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
combining CPP-GMR and CIP-GMR effects to enhance signal performance
Implementation Method 2
reducing shunting effects and joule heating
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer according to one embodiment comprises a first ferromagnetic layer; a second ferromagnetic layer; and an electrically conductive layer positioned between the ferromagnetic layers; wherein a length of the first ferromagnetic layer in a first direction parallel to a plane of deposition thereof is greater than a length of the electrically conductive layer in the first direction such that a first end of the first ferromagnetic layer extends beyond an end of the electrically conductive layer in the first direction, wherein an electrical current enters or exits the end of the first ferromagnetic layer that extends beyond the end of the electrically conductive layer in the first direction. Additional transducer structures, and systems implementing such transducers, are also disclosed.