Bidirectional read/write heads having backward reading compatibility

Systems and methods related to magnetic tape heads are provided. A first process forms a first read module on a substrate in accordance with a prior generation recording format. A second process, different than the first, forms a second read module on a substrate in accordance with a present generation recording format. The first and second read modules are directly bonded in parallel such that a single continuous tape reading zone is defined. Write modules can be formed and disposed on opposite sides of and aligned with the tape reading zone. Bidirectional read/write heads, having backward reading compatibility, can be made and used accordingly.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic recording tape continues to be utilized in areas such as mass data storage, and the like. Information is recorded onto tape as a set of parallel tracks, and track density and count are increasing as the technology evolves. However, backward compatibility with prior generations of recording formats is desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Systems and methods related to magnetic tape heads are provided. A first process is used to form a first read module on a substrate, in accordance with a prior generation recording format. A second process, different than the first, is used to form a second read module in accordance with a present generation recording format. The first and second processes can be defined by respectively varying steps, annealing parameters, or other characteristics.

Respective faces, or film sides, of the first and second read modules are bonded directly together, in parallel, such that a single, essentially continuous tape reading zone is defined. Write modules can be formed and disposed on opposite sides of and aligned with the tape reading zone. Bidirectional read/write heads, having backward reading compatibility, can be made and used accordingly.

In one example, a method includes forming a first module by way of a first process. The first module has a plurality of read elements to read magnetically recorded information of a first format, and the first module is defined by a first face. The method also includes forming a second module by way of a second process different than the first process. The second module has a plurality of read elements to read magnetically recorded information of a second format, the second module defined by a second face. A track density of the second format is greater than a track density of the first format. The method further includes joining the first and second modules by directly bonding respective portions of the first and second faces to each other such that respective rows of the read elements are in parallel orientation with each other defining a single tape bearing surface.

In another example, a magnetic tape head includes a first read module having a plurality of first read elements arranged in a row according to a first track density format. Also included is a second read module having a plurality of second read elements arranged in a row according to a second track density format different than the first track density format. Respective portions of the first and second read modules are directly bonded to each other such that the first and second read elements are aligned in parallel and define a single continuous tape reading zone.

First Illustrative Read Module

Attention is directed now toFIG. 1, which depicts a read module (module)100according to the present teachings. The module100is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Other read modules or respectively varying features, configurations, or formative processes can also be used.

The module100is formed upon a semiconductor substrate102. In one example, the substrate102is a portion of an AITiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide) wafer. Other suitable substrates can also be used. The module100includes a plurality of read elements104formed by way of processing the substrate102. In one example, the read elements104are formed by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process. Other suitable formative processes can also be used.

As depicted, the module100includes sixteen read elements104arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raised feature114, toward an end106of the module100. The electrical characteristics of the read elements104and their arrangement on the module100are in accord with a recording track density of a prior generation. Thus, the module100is configured for backward compatibility with a relatively older magnetic tape recording format. The read module100is therefore also referred to as a backward compatible (BWC) read module100for purposes herein.

The module100also includes a plurality of bond pads108disposed toward another end110, opposite the end106. The bond pads108are supported on a face (or film side)112of the module100and define respective pairs. Each pair of bond pads108is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of the read elements104. Thus, the illustrative module100includes thirty-two total bond pads108defining sixteen respective pairs, corresponding to the sixteen read elements104(i.e., sixteen channels).

Second Illustrative Read Module

Reference is now made toFIG. 2, which depicts a read module (module)200according to the present teachings. The module200is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Other read modules or respectively varying features, configurations, or formative processes can also be used.

The module200is formed upon a semiconductor substrate202. In one example, the substrate202is a portion of an AITiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide). Other suitable substrates can also be used. The module200includes a plurality of read elements204formed by way of processing the substrate202. In one example, the read elements204are formed by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process. Other suitable formative processes can also be used. As depicted, the module200includes thirty-two read elements204arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raised feature214, toward an end206of the module200.

The electrical characteristics of the read elements204and their arrangement on the module200are in accord with a recording track density of a present (or state-of-the-art) generation. Therefore, the module200is configured for compatibility with a present or relatively newer magnetic tape recording format. The read module200is thus also referred to as a native-mode read module200for purposes herein.

The module200also includes a plurality of bond pads208disposed toward another end210, opposite the end206. The bond pads208are supported on a face (or film side)212of the module200and define respective pairs. Each pair of bond pads208is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of the read elements204. Thus, the illustrative module200includes sixty-four total bond pads208defining thirty-two respective pairs, corresponding to the thirty-two read elements204(i.e., thirty-two channels). Other native-mode modules can be formed via GMR processing having respectively different read element counts (e.g., sixteen, twenty-four, and so on). Thus, different track densities and/or spacing can be accommodated.

The read modules100and200as described above can be formed from different processes such as, for example, AMR and GMR, respectively. In particular, the process used to form the read module100can include annealing parameters (e.g., temperature, dwell time, magnetic field intensity, and so on), that vary from annealing parameters used to form the read module200. Forming the respective modules100and200under separate and distinct processes allows for optimized conditions (or nearly so) that are not damaging or otherwise detrimental to each other.

Illustrative Dual Module Configuration

Attention is directed now toFIG. 3, which depicts a dual module configuration (or arrangement)300according to the present teachings. The arrangement300is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Thus, other arrangements having respectively varying configurations or constituencies can also be used.

The arrangement300includes the read module100and the read module200as respectively described above. The module100is disposed in parallel and partially overlapping (i.e., offset) relationship with the module200, such that portions of the respective faces112and212are bonded in direct contact with each other. That is, the modules100and200are bonded in film side-to-film side orientation.

The offset relationship of the modules100and200is such that the respective pluralities of bond pads108and208(seeFIG. 2) are disposed apart from each other, proximate to opposite ends of the arrangement300. The respective rows of read elements104and204are in parallel alignment with each other so as to define a tape reading zone302. The tape reading zone302defines a single (i.e., seamless) tape bearing surface resulting from the direct bonding of the modules100and200to each other.

The arrangement300typically, but not exclusively, defines a “core” or centralize feature of a read/write tape head, as illustrated and described hereinafter. A magnetic recording tape304, having information encoded thereon as respective tracks306, can be read by way of appropriate ones of the read elements104(BWC) or204(native mode), depending upon the track density, recording format, and so on. Such a tape304can be passed bidirectionally (i.e., arrow “D1”) over the tape reading zone302.

In turn, the arrangement300(e.g., as a part of a read/write head) can be bidirectionally positioned (i.e., arrow “D2”) to establish and maintain correspondence between ones of the read elements104(or204) and tracks306of information to be read from the tape304. It is noted that the track reading zone302is defined by a width “WZ”, which is less than an overall width “WT” of the tracks306(i.e., the illustrative recording format).

Illustrative Circuit Wiring Configuration

Reference is made now toFIG. 4, which depicts an arrangement400according to the present teachings. The arrangement400is illustrative and non-limiting, and other respectively varying arrangements can also be used.

The arrangement400includes the read module100and the read module200, in accordance with the arrangement300described above. The arrangement400also includes a support bar402and a support bar404in supportive contact with the read modules100and200, respectively. Each of the support bars402and404can be formed from any suitable solid material such as plastic, aluminum, and so on.

The arrangement400also includes a flexible circuit or “ribbon”406. The flexible circuit406includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined by respective bonding terminations408. Each termination408is wire bonded410to a respective one of the bond pads108such that electrical communication between the read elements (i.e.,104) and the flexible circuit406is defined. While only six wire bonds410are depicted in the interest of clarity, it is to be understood that every individual bond pad108is wire bonded to a corresponding one of the bonding terminations408in an actual embodiment. Such wire bonds410can be formed of gold or another suitable conductive material.

The arrangement400also includes another flexible circuit412. The flexible circuit412includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined by respective bonding terminations, analogous to the terminations408. Each such termination is wire bonded to a respective one of the bond pads (i.e.,208) such that electrical communication between the read elements (i.e.,204) and the flexible circuit412is defined.

The arrangement400is illustrative of additional functional and structural aspects contemplated by the present teachings. In particular, various read/write head embodiments can be defined having BWC and native mode read modules that are separately coupled to electronic circuitry by way of flexible circuit ribbons.

Illustrative Dual Mode Read/Write Head

Attention is directed now toFIG. 5, which depicts a plan view of a dual mode read/write head (head)500in accordance with the present teachings. The head500is configured to perform BWC and native mode tape reading, as well as native mode tape writing (i.e., recording). The head500is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other read heads or read/write heads are contemplated by the present teachings.

The head500includes respective tape guides502, disposed on opposite sides of the head500. The tape guides502can be formed from any suitable material such as a ceramic or ceramic-like composite, a plastic, and so on. The tape guides502are formed with a slight ramp-like slope aspect so as to guide a passing magnetic tape in very close, non-contacting adjacency over the other aspects of the head500.

The head500also includes respective write modules504, each disposed inward of the respective tape guides502and aligned with a tape reading/writing zone506. Each of the write modules504is configured to write information to a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a present format, and is thus referred to as a native mode write module504. The head500also includes respective end bars508disposed at opposite ends of respective write modules504so as to fill the space defining the overall length of the head500. The end bars508can be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material.

The head500also includes a BWC read module100disposed toward a centralized location of the head500, and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone506. The BWC read module100is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a prior generation format. The head includes a cover bar510and an end bar512disposed at opposite ends of the BWC read module100so as to fill the space defining the overall length of the head500. The cover bar510and the end bar512can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material.

The head500further includes a native read module200disposed toward a centralized location of the head500, and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone506. The native read module200is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a present format, as used by the write modules504. The head includes a cover bar514and an end bar516disposed at opposite ends of the native read module200in order to fill out the overall length of the head500. The cover bar514and the end bar516can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, cerammic or another suitable material.

The arrangement of elements of the head500are such that bidirectional writing of information in the native mode can be performed, and the integrity (or fidelity) of such just-recorded information verified by the native read module200. In turn, prior generation information can be read (only) by the BWC read module100.

Illustrative Method

Reference is made now toFIG. 6, which depicts a flow diagram of a method according to the present teachings. The method ofFIG. 6includes particular steps performed in a particular order of execution. However, other methods including other steps, omitting one or more of the depicted steps, or proceeding in other orders of execution can also be defined and used. Thus, the method ofFIG. 6is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Reference is also made toFIGS. 1,2,3and4in the interest of illustrating the method ofFIG. 6.

At600, a backward compatible read module is formed using a first process. In the present illustration, a BWC read module100is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process. The module100thus includes a plurality of read elements104electrically coupled to respective pairs of bond pads108.

At602, a native mode read module is formed using a first process. In the present illustration, a read module200is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process. The module200thus includes a plurality of read elements204electrically coupled to respective pairs of bond pads208. The steps600and602can be performed at different times, or contemporaneously (or partially so).

At604, the BWC and native read modules are bonded in operative orientation. In the present illustration, the respective read modules100and200are directly bonded together in a parallel, partially overlapping orientation such that an arrangement300is defined. The respective rows of read elements104and204are aligned such that a single, continuous tape reading zone302is defined.

At606, the read elements are coupled to respective flexible circuits. In the present illustration, the read elements104of the module100are coupled to circuit pathways of a flexible circuit406by way of wire bonding410. In turn, the read elements204of the module200are coupled to circuit pathways of a flexible circuit412by way of wire bonding. The read modules100and200are now configured to communicate electrical signals to electronic circuitry in accordance with magnetically recorded information on a tape304.

The method described immediately above is illustrative of steps performed toward formation of a read head, or read/write head, having both backward compatible (i.e., prior generation) and native mode (i.e., present generation) magnetic tape reading functionality. Additional elements such as support bars, a write module or modules, structural pieces, tape guides, and the like can be added so as to define such a complete head assembly.

Illustrative Tape Recording Apparatus

Attention is directed to now toFIG. 7, which depicts a tape recording apparatus (apparatus)700according to the present teachings. The apparatus700is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other apparatus, devices and system can also be used.

The apparatus700includes a first tape reel702and a second tape reel704. Each of the reels702and704is configured to support (i.e., store, or accumulate) a length of magnetic recording tape706by way of spooling about the respective center thereof. The tape706can be bidirectionally transferred between the reels702and704along a pathway defined by respective guide rollers or similar elements.

The apparatus700also includes a read/write head708. The head708is defined according to the present teachings, and therefore includes a BWC read module (e.g.,100) and a native read module (e.g.,200), as well as at least one native write module. The head708is configured to write (record) information onto the tape706in at least one native format, and to read (playback) information from the tape706in at least the BWC and native formats, by way of electromagnetic signaling.

The apparatus700also includes record/playback circuitry710. The circuitry700is configured to receive signals from the head708during information playback, and provide signals to the head708during information recording. The circuitry700is also configured to amplify, encode or decode, perform analog-to-digital (ADC) or digital to analog (DAC) conversion, and so on, with respect to signals communicated to and from the head708.

The apparatus700further includes other resources712. The other resources712can include any required or desired constituency towards the normal functions of the apparatus700. Non-limiting examples of such other resources712include a power supply, digital network communications circuitry, wireless communications circuitry, tape transport rotor drives and servos, a user interface or display, and so on. Such other resources712are respectively electrically or mechanically coupled to each other and/or the head708, the circuitry710, the respective reels702and704, and so on, as needed.

In general, the present teachings contemplate systems and methods for making and using read modules compatible with respective older and newer recording formats. A first process, such as AMR, can be used to produce a read module having read elements in accordance with an older recording format. For example, such a prior generation can have wider track spacing and a limited voltage output as tape passes over it.

A second process, such as GMR, can be used to produce a read module having read elements in accordance with a newer or state-of-the-art recording format. For example, such a present generation can have narrower track spacing and higher voltage output per unit of magnetic flux compared to the prior generation. The separate production of read modules avoids damage done inadvertently to read elements or other features due to respective annealing parameters or other process steps.

Such respective read modules can be aligned and directly bonded together in parallel such that a single, continuous tape reading zone is defined. Flexible circuits are then electrically coupled to the respective read elements of the respective modules, and additional elements added to define a complete read or read/write head. Tape recording or playback (or both) apparatuses, having read modules in accordance with the present teachings, can be defined and used.

In general, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments.