Patent ID: 6359750
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A data storage system including:a magnetic storage medium for recording of data along data tracks; a magnetic transducer maintained in a closely spaced position relative to the magnetic storage medium during relative motion between the magnetic transducer and the magnetic transducer including: a magnetoresistive sensor including: a substrate having at least one layer of insulating material; a magnetic shield disposed within the insulating material; at least one sensor element disposed within the insulating material; a transducer protection circuit disposed within the insulating material, for discharging electric charges accumulated on a component of the magnetic transducer, including: at least one parasitic shield placed in close proximity to the magnetic shield; and means for maintaining the at least one parasitic shield substantially at an electrical potential of the sensor element; actuator means coupled to the magnetic transducer for moving the magnetic transducer to selected data tracks on the magnetic storage medium; and detection means coupled to the magnetoresistive sensor responsive to magnetic fields representative of data bits recorded in the magnetic storage medium intercepted by the magnetoresistive sensor.