Patent ID: 6069761
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
Damage-protection apparatus for at least one magnetoresistive sensor operable to detect magnetic field changes of a magnetic storage medium, the sensor susceptible to a thermal asperity event associated with an asperity on the magnetic storage medium, said apparatus comprising:a current signal generator at least selectively coupled to the magnetoresistive sensor, said current signal generator for selectably generating at least a first-magnitude current signal and a second-magnitude current signal, the first-magnitude current signal at least selectively applied to the magnetoresistive sensor;a detector coupled to the magnetoresistive sensor, said detector for detecting a change in resistance of the magnetoresistive sensor greater than a selected threshold level, wherein said change in resistance is representative of occurrence of the thermal asperity event; anda controller coupled to said detector and to said current signal generator, said controller for receiving an indication of detection by said detector of the occurrence of the thermal asperity event and for causing said current signal generator to generate the second-magnitude current signal for at least a selected time period subsequent to detection of the occurrence of the thermal asperity event, the second-magnitude current signal, when applied to the magnetoresistive sensor for preventing damage thereto.