Patent ID: 8804261

Claim:
A write driver circuit for generating a write current pulse for use by a magnetic write head, the write driver circuit comprising: an output stage adapted for connection with the magnetic write head; a charge storage circuit connected with the output stage, the charge storage circuit being operative in a first mode to store a prescribed charge and being operative in a second mode to transfer at least a portion of the charge stored therein to the output stage to thereby enable an output voltage level of the output stage to extend beyond a voltage supply rail of the write driver circuit; and a control circuit operative to generate at least one control signal for selectively controlling a mode of operation of the charge storage circuit; wherein the charge storage circuit comprises: a capacitive element having a first node connected with the magnetic write head through the output stage; a diode adapted for connection between the first node of the capacitive element and the voltage supply rail; and a current source coupled with a second node of the capacitive element and operative to supply a charging current to the capacitive element during the first mode.