Patent ID: 6115201
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for optimizing magnitude of a bias current applied to a head of a disc drive, comprising steps of:(a) measuring a voltage across the head while applying an initial bias current of selected magnitude to the head;(b) determining a maximum magnitude of a bias current that can be safely applied to the head in relation to the voltage measured in step (a) and a maximum power dissipation rating of the head;(c) determining a range of bias currents having different magnitudes, each magnitude being equal to or less than the maximum magnitude;(d) identifying an optimum magnitude of the bias current by sequentially applying the range of bias currents to the head and evaluating performance of the disc drive for each of the range of bias currents; and, thereafter,(e) using the optimum magnitude of the bias current during operation of the head.