US20140118860A1 - Bidirectional read/write heads having backward reading compatibility - Google Patents
Bidirectional read/write heads having backward reading compatibility Download PDFInfo
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- US20140118860A1 US20140118860A1 US13/660,738 US201213660738A US2014118860A1 US 20140118860 A1 US20140118860 A1 US 20140118860A1 US 201213660738 A US201213660738 A US 201213660738A US 2014118860 A1 US2014118860 A1 US 2014118860A1
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- module
- read
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B5/00—Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrier; Reproducing by magnetic means; Record carriers therefor
- G11B5/008—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires
- G11B5/00813—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes
- G11B5/00878—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes transducing different track configurations or formats on the same tape
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B5/00—Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrier; Reproducing by magnetic means; Record carriers therefor
- G11B5/008—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires
- G11B5/00813—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes
- G11B5/00817—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes on longitudinal tracks only, e.g. for serpentine format recording
- G11B5/00821—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes on longitudinal tracks only, e.g. for serpentine format recording using stationary heads
- G11B5/00826—Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires magnetic tapes on longitudinal tracks only, e.g. for serpentine format recording using stationary heads comprising a plurality of single poles or gaps or groups thereof operative at the same time
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/4902—Electromagnet, transformer or inductor
- Y10T29/49021—Magnetic recording reproducing transducer [e.g., tape head, core, etc.]
- Y10T29/49032—Fabricating head structure or component thereof
Definitions
- 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.
- FIG. 1 depicts an isometric-like diagram of a read module according to one example of the present teachings
- FIG. 2 depicts an isometric-like diagram of another read module according to the present teachings
- FIG. 3 depicts an isometric-like diagram of an arrangement including two different read modules according to the present teachings
- FIG. 4 depicts an isometric-like diagram of an arrangement including flexible circuits according to the present teachings
- FIG. 5 depicts a plan diagrammatic view of read/write head in accordance with the present teachings
- FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present teachings.
- FIG. 7 depicts a block schematic diagram of a tape recording apparatus according to another example.
- 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.
- a method in one example, 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.
- a magnetic tape head in another example, 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.
- FIG. 1 depicts a read module (module) 100 according to the present teachings.
- the module 100 is 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 module 100 is formed upon a semiconductor substrate 102 .
- the substrate 102 is a portion of an AlTiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide) wafer.
- AlTiC AlTiC
- Other suitable substrates can also be used.
- the module 100 includes a plurality of read elements 104 formed by way of processing the substrate 102 .
- the read elements 104 are formed by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process.
- AMR Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive
- Other suitable formative processes can also be used.
- the module 100 includes sixteen read elements 104 arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raised feature 114 , toward an end 106 of the module 100 .
- the electrical characteristics of the read elements 104 and their arrangement on the module 100 are in accord with a recording track density of a prior generation.
- the module 100 is configured for backward compatibility with a relatively older magnetic tape recording format.
- the read module 100 is therefore also referred to as a backward compatible (BWC) read module 100 for purposes herein.
- BWC backward compatible
- the module 100 also includes a plurality of bond pads 108 disposed toward another end 110 , opposite the end 106 .
- the bond pads 108 are supported on a face (or film side) 112 of the module 100 and define respective pairs.
- Each pair of bond pads 108 is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of the read elements 104 .
- the illustrative module 100 includes thirty-two total bond pads 108 defining sixteen respective pairs, corresponding to the sixteen read elements 104 (i.e., sixteen channels).
- FIG. 2 depicts a read module (module) 200 according to the present teachings.
- the module 200 is 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 module 200 is formed upon a semiconductor substrate 202 .
- the substrate 202 is a portion of an AlTiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide).
- AlTiC AlTiC
- Other suitable substrates can also be used.
- the module 200 includes a plurality of read elements 204 formed by way of processing the substrate 202 .
- the read elements 204 are formed by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process.
- GMR Giant Magneto-Resistive
- Other suitable formative processes can also be used.
- the module 200 includes thirty-two read elements 204 arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raised feature 214 , toward an end 206 of the module 200 .
- the electrical characteristics of the read elements 204 and their arrangement on the module 200 are in accord with a recording track density of a present (or state-of-the-art) generation. Therefore, the module 200 is configured for compatibility with a present or relatively newer magnetic tape recording format.
- the read module 200 is thus also referred to as a native-mode read module 200 for purposes herein.
- the module 200 also includes a plurality of bond pads 208 disposed toward another end 210 , opposite the end 206 .
- the bond pads 208 are supported on a face (or film side) 212 of the module 200 and define respective pairs. Each pair of bond pads 208 is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of the read elements 204 .
- the illustrative module 200 includes sixty-four total bond pads 208 defining thirty-two respective pairs, corresponding to the thirty-two read elements 204 (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 modules 100 and 200 as described above can be formed from different processes such as, for example, AMR and GMR, respectively.
- the process used to form the read module 100 can include annealing parameters (e.g., temperature, dwell time, magnetic field intensity, and so on), that vary from annealing parameters used to form the read module 200 .
- annealing parameters e.g., temperature, dwell time, magnetic field intensity, and so on
- Forming the respective modules 100 and 200 under separate and distinct processes allows for optimized conditions (or nearly so) that are not damaging or otherwise detrimental to each other.
- FIG. 3 depicts a dual module configuration (or arrangement) 300 according to the present teachings.
- the arrangement 300 is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Thus, other arrangements having respectively varying configurations or constituencies can also be used.
- the arrangement 300 includes the read module 100 and the read module 200 as respectively described above.
- the module 100 is disposed in parallel and partially overlapping (i.e., offset) relationship with the module 200 , such that portions of the respective faces 112 and 212 are bonded in direct contact with each other. That is, the modules 100 and 200 are bonded in film side-to-film side orientation.
- the offset relationship of the modules 100 and 200 is such that the respective pluralities of bond pads 108 and 208 (see FIG. 2 ) are disposed apart from each other, proximate to opposite ends of the arrangement 300 .
- the respective rows of read elements 104 and 204 are in parallel alignment with each other so as to define a tape reading zone 302 .
- the tape reading zone 302 defines a single (i.e., seamless) tape bearing surface resulting from the direct bonding of the modules 100 and 200 to each other.
- the arrangement 300 typically, but not exclusively, defines a “core” or centralize feature of a read/write tape head, as illustrated and described hereinafter.
- a magnetic recording tape 304 having information encoded thereon as respective tracks 306 , can be read by way of appropriate ones of the read elements 104 (BWC) or 204 (native mode), depending upon the track density, recording format, and so on.
- Such a tape 304 can be passed bidirectionally (i.e., arrow “D1”) over the tape reading zone 302 .
- the arrangement 300 (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 elements 104 (or 204 ) and tracks 306 of information to be read from the tape 304 .
- the track reading zone 302 is defined by a width “WZ”, which is less than an overall width “WT” of the tracks 306 (i.e., the illustrative recording format).
- FIG. 4 depicts an arrangement 400 according to the present teachings.
- the arrangement 400 is illustrative and non-limiting, and other respectively varying arrangements can also be used.
- the arrangement 400 includes the read module 100 and the read module 200 , in accordance with the arrangement 300 described above.
- the arrangement 400 also includes a support bar 402 and a support bar 404 in supportive contact with the read modules 100 and 200 , respectively.
- Each of the support bars 402 and 404 can be formed from any suitable solid material such as plastic, aluminum, and so on.
- the arrangement 400 also includes a flexible circuit or “ribbon” 406 .
- the flexible circuit 406 includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined by respective bonding terminations 408 .
- Each termination 408 is wire bonded 410 to a respective one of the bond pads 108 such that electrical communication between the read elements (i.e., 104 ) and the flexible circuit 406 is defined. While only six wire bonds 410 are depicted in the interest of clarity, it is to be understood that every individual bond pad 108 is wire bonded to a corresponding one of the bonding terminations 408 in an actual embodiment.
- Such wire bonds 410 can be formed of gold or another suitable conductive material.
- the arrangement 400 also includes another flexible circuit 412 .
- the flexible circuit 412 includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined by respective bonding terminations, analogous to the terminations 408 . 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 circuit 412 is defined.
- the arrangement 400 is illustrative of additional functional and structural aspects contemplated by the present teachings.
- 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.
- FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of a dual mode read/write head (head) 500 in accordance with the present teachings.
- the head 500 is configured to perform BWC and native mode tape reading, as well as native mode tape writing (i.e., recording).
- the head 500 is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other read heads or read/write heads are contemplated by the present teachings.
- the head 500 includes respective tape guides 502 , disposed on opposite sides of the head 500 .
- the tape guides 502 can be formed from any suitable material such as a ceramic or ceramic-like composite, a plastic, and so on.
- the tape guides 502 are 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 head 500 .
- the head 500 also includes respective write modules 504 , each disposed inward of the respective tape guides 502 and aligned with a tape reading/writing zone 506 .
- Each of the write modules 504 is 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 module 504 .
- the head 500 also includes respective end bars 508 disposed at opposite ends of respective write modules 504 so as to fill the space defining the overall length of the head 500 .
- the end bars 508 can be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material.
- the head 500 also includes a BWC read module 100 disposed toward a centralized location of the head 500 , and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone 506 .
- the BWC read module 100 is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a prior generation format.
- the head includes a cover bar 510 and an end bar 512 disposed at opposite ends of the BWC read module 100 so as to fill the space defining the overall length of the head 500 .
- the cover bar 510 and the end bar 512 can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material.
- the head 500 further includes a native read module 200 disposed toward a centralized location of the head 500 , and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone 506 .
- the native read module 200 is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a present format, as used by the write modules 504 .
- the head includes a cover bar 514 and an end bar 516 disposed at opposite ends of the native read module 200 in order to fill out the overall length of the head 500 .
- the cover bar 514 and the end bar 516 can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material.
- the arrangement of elements of the head 500 are 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 module 200 .
- prior generation information can be read (only) by the BWC read module 100 .
- FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method according to the present teachings.
- the method of FIG. 6 includes 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 of FIG. 6 is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Reference is also made to FIGs. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 in the interest of illustrating the method of FIG. 6 .
- a backward compatible read module is formed using a first process.
- a BWC read module 100 is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process.
- the module 100 thus includes a plurality of read elements 104 electrically coupled to respective pairs of bond pads 108 .
- a native mode read module is formed using a first process.
- a read module 200 is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process.
- the module 200 thus includes a plurality of read elements 204 electrically coupled to respective pairs of bond pads 208 .
- the steps 600 and 602 can be performed at different times, or contemporaneously (or partially so).
- the BWC and native read modules are bonded in operative orientation.
- the respective read modules 100 and 200 are directly bonded together in a parallel, partially overlapping orientation such that an arrangement 300 is defined.
- the respective rows of read elements 104 and 204 are aligned such that a single, continuous tape reading zone 302 is defined.
- the read elements are coupled to respective flexible circuits.
- the read elements 104 of the module 100 are coupled to circuit pathways of a flexible circuit 406 by way of wire bonding 410 .
- the read elements 204 of the module 200 are coupled to circuit pathways of a flexible circuit 412 by way of wire bonding.
- the read modules 100 and 200 are now configured to communicate electrical signals to electronic circuitry in accordance with magnetically recorded information on a tape 304 .
- 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.
- FIG. 7 depicts a tape recording apparatus (apparatus) 700 according to the present teachings.
- the apparatus 700 is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other apparatus, devices and system can also be used.
- the apparatus 700 includes a first tape reel 702 and a second tape reel 704 .
- Each of the reels 702 and 704 is configured to support (i.e., store, or accumulate) a length of magnetic recording tape 706 by way of spooling about the respective center thereof.
- the tape 706 can be bidirectionally transferred between the reels 702 and 704 along a pathway defined by respective guide rollers or similar elements.
- the apparatus 700 also includes a read/write head 708 .
- the head 708 is 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 head 708 is configured to write (record) information onto the tape 706 in at least one native format, and to read (playback) information from the tape 706 in at least the BWC and native formats, by way of electromagnetic signaling.
- the apparatus 700 also includes record/playback circuitry 710 .
- the circuitry 700 is configured to receive signals from the head 708 during information playback, and provide signals to the head 708 during information recording.
- the circuitry 700 is 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 head 708 .
- ADC analog-to-digital
- DAC digital to analog
- the apparatus 700 further includes other resources 712 .
- the other resources 712 can include any required or desired constituency towards the normal functions of the apparatus 700 .
- Non-limiting examples of such other resources 712 include a power supply, digital network communications circuitry, wireless communications circuitry, tape transport motor drives and servos, a user interface or display, and so on.
- Such other resources 712 are respectively electrically or mechanically coupled to each other and/or the head 708 , the circuitry 710 , the respective reels 702 and 704 , and so on, as needed.
- a first process such as AMR
- AMR can be used to produce a read module having read elements in accordance with an older recording format.
- 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.
- 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.
Abstract
Description
- 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.
- The present embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 depicts an isometric-like diagram of a read module according to one example of the present teachings; -
FIG. 2 depicts an isometric-like diagram of another read module according to the present teachings; -
FIG. 3 depicts an isometric-like diagram of an arrangement including two different read modules according to the present teachings; -
FIG. 4 depicts an isometric-like diagram of an arrangement including flexible circuits according to the present teachings; -
FIG. 5 depicts a plan diagrammatic view of read/write head in accordance with the present teachings; -
FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the present teachings; and -
FIG. 7 depicts a block schematic diagram of a tape recording apparatus according to another example. - 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.
- Attention is directed now to
FIG. 1 , which depicts a read module (module) 100 according to the present teachings. Themodule 100 is 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
module 100 is formed upon asemiconductor substrate 102. In one example, thesubstrate 102 is a portion of an AlTiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide) wafer. Other suitable substrates can also be used. Themodule 100 includes a plurality ofread elements 104 formed by way of processing thesubstrate 102. In one example, theread elements 104 are formed by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process. Other suitable formative processes can also be used. - As depicted, the
module 100 includes sixteenread elements 104 arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raisedfeature 114, toward anend 106 of themodule 100. The electrical characteristics of theread elements 104 and their arrangement on themodule 100 are in accord with a recording track density of a prior generation. Thus, themodule 100 is configured for backward compatibility with a relatively older magnetic tape recording format. Theread module 100 is therefore also referred to as a backward compatible (BWC) readmodule 100 for purposes herein. - The
module 100 also includes a plurality ofbond pads 108 disposed toward anotherend 110, opposite theend 106. Thebond pads 108 are supported on a face (or film side) 112 of themodule 100 and define respective pairs. Each pair ofbond pads 108 is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of theread elements 104. Thus, theillustrative module 100 includes thirty-twototal bond pads 108 defining sixteen respective pairs, corresponding to the sixteen read elements 104 (i.e., sixteen channels). - Reference is now made to
FIG. 2 , which depicts a read module (module) 200 according to the present teachings. Themodule 200 is 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
module 200 is formed upon asemiconductor substrate 202. In one example, thesubstrate 202 is a portion of an AlTiC (Aluminum Oxide—Titanium Carbide). Other suitable substrates can also be used. Themodule 200 includes a plurality ofread elements 204 formed by way of processing thesubstrate 202. In one example, theread elements 204 are formed by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process. Other suitable formative processes can also be used. As depicted, themodule 200 includes thirty-tworead elements 204 arranged in a row-like linear distribution along a raisedfeature 214, toward anend 206 of themodule 200. - The electrical characteristics of the
read elements 204 and their arrangement on themodule 200 are in accord with a recording track density of a present (or state-of-the-art) generation. Therefore, themodule 200 is configured for compatibility with a present or relatively newer magnetic tape recording format. Theread module 200 is thus also referred to as a native-mode read module 200 for purposes herein. - The
module 200 also includes a plurality ofbond pads 208 disposed toward anotherend 210, opposite theend 206. Thebond pads 208 are supported on a face (or film side) 212 of themodule 200 and define respective pairs. Each pair ofbond pads 208 is electrically coupled (or connected) with a corresponding one of theread elements 204. Thus, theillustrative module 200 includes sixty-fourtotal bond pads 208 defining thirty-two respective pairs, corresponding to the thirty-two read elements 204 (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
modules read module 100 can include annealing parameters (e.g., temperature, dwell time, magnetic field intensity, and so on), that vary from annealing parameters used to form theread module 200. Forming therespective modules - Attention is directed now to
FIG. 3 , which depicts a dual module configuration (or arrangement) 300 according to the present teachings. Thearrangement 300 is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Thus, other arrangements having respectively varying configurations or constituencies can also be used. - The
arrangement 300 includes the readmodule 100 and theread module 200 as respectively described above. Themodule 100 is disposed in parallel and partially overlapping (i.e., offset) relationship with themodule 200, such that portions of the respective faces 112 and 212 are bonded in direct contact with each other. That is, themodules - The offset relationship of the
modules bond pads 108 and 208 (seeFIG. 2 ) are disposed apart from each other, proximate to opposite ends of thearrangement 300. The respective rows ofread elements tape reading zone 302. Thetape reading zone 302 defines a single (i.e., seamless) tape bearing surface resulting from the direct bonding of themodules - The
arrangement 300 typically, but not exclusively, defines a “core” or centralize feature of a read/write tape head, as illustrated and described hereinafter. Amagnetic recording tape 304, having information encoded thereon asrespective tracks 306, can be read by way of appropriate ones of the read elements 104 (BWC) or 204 (native mode), depending upon the track density, recording format, and so on. Such atape 304 can be passed bidirectionally (i.e., arrow “D1”) over thetape reading zone 302. - In turn, the arrangement 300 (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 elements 104 (or 204) and tracks 306 of information to be read from the
tape 304. It is noted that thetrack reading zone 302 is defined by a width “WZ”, which is less than an overall width “WT” of the tracks 306 (i.e., the illustrative recording format). - Reference is made now to
FIG. 4 , which depicts anarrangement 400 according to the present teachings. Thearrangement 400 is illustrative and non-limiting, and other respectively varying arrangements can also be used. - The
arrangement 400 includes the readmodule 100 and theread module 200, in accordance with thearrangement 300 described above. Thearrangement 400 also includes asupport bar 402 and asupport bar 404 in supportive contact with the readmodules - The
arrangement 400 also includes a flexible circuit or “ribbon” 406. Theflexible circuit 406 includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined byrespective bonding terminations 408. Eachtermination 408 is wire bonded 410 to a respective one of thebond pads 108 such that electrical communication between the read elements (i.e., 104) and theflexible circuit 406 is defined. While only sixwire bonds 410 are depicted in the interest of clarity, it is to be understood that everyindividual bond pad 108 is wire bonded to a corresponding one of thebonding terminations 408 in an actual embodiment.Such wire bonds 410 can be formed of gold or another suitable conductive material. - The
arrangement 400 also includes anotherflexible circuit 412. Theflexible circuit 412 includes a plurality of electrically distinct traces or conductive pathways defined by respective bonding terminations, analogous to theterminations 408. 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 theflexible circuit 412 is defined. - The
arrangement 400 is 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. - Attention is directed now to
FIG. 5 , which depicts a plan view of a dual mode read/write head (head) 500 in accordance with the present teachings. Thehead 500 is configured to perform BWC and native mode tape reading, as well as native mode tape writing (i.e., recording). Thehead 500 is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other read heads or read/write heads are contemplated by the present teachings. - The
head 500 includes respective tape guides 502, disposed on opposite sides of thehead 500. The tape guides 502 can be formed from any suitable material such as a ceramic or ceramic-like composite, a plastic, and so on. The tape guides 502 are 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 thehead 500. - The
head 500 also includesrespective write modules 504, each disposed inward of the respective tape guides 502 and aligned with a tape reading/writing zone 506. Each of thewrite modules 504 is configured to write information to a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a present format, and is thus referred to as a nativemode write module 504. Thehead 500 also includes respective end bars 508 disposed at opposite ends ofrespective write modules 504 so as to fill the space defining the overall length of thehead 500. The end bars 508 can be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material. - The
head 500 also includes aBWC read module 100 disposed toward a centralized location of thehead 500, and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone 506. The BWC readmodule 100 is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a prior generation format. The head includes acover bar 510 and anend bar 512 disposed at opposite ends of the BWC readmodule 100 so as to fill the space defining the overall length of thehead 500. Thecover bar 510 and theend bar 512 can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material. - The
head 500 further includes anative read module 200 disposed toward a centralized location of thehead 500, and aligned with the tape reading/writing zone 506. Thenative read module 200 is configured to read information from a magnetic recording tape in accordance with a present format, as used by thewrite modules 504. The head includes acover bar 514 and anend bar 516 disposed at opposite ends of thenative read module 200 in order to fill out the overall length of thehead 500. Thecover bar 514 and theend bar 516 can each be formed from aluminum, plastic, ceramic or another suitable material. - The arrangement of elements of the
head 500 are 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 thenative read module 200. In turn, prior generation information can be read (only) by the BWC readmodule 100. - Reference is made now to
FIG. 6 , which depicts a flow diagram of a method according to the present teachings. The method ofFIG. 6 includes 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. 6 is illustrative and non-limiting with respect to the present teachings. Reference is also made toFIGs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4 in the interest of illustrating the method ofFIG. 6 . - At 600, a backward compatible read module is formed using a first process. In the present illustration, a
BWC read module 100 is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of an Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) process. Themodule 100 thus includes a plurality ofread elements 104 electrically coupled to respective pairs ofbond pads 108. - At 602, a native mode read module is formed using a first process. In the present illustration, a
read module 200 is formed using a semiconductor substrate, at least in part by way of a Giant Magneto-Resistive (GMR) process. Themodule 200 thus includes a plurality ofread elements 204 electrically coupled to respective pairs ofbond pads 208. Thesteps - At 604, the BWC and native read modules are bonded in operative orientation. In the present illustration, the
respective read modules arrangement 300 is defined. The respective rows ofread elements tape reading zone 302 is defined. - At 606, the read elements are coupled to respective flexible circuits. In the present illustration, the read
elements 104 of themodule 100 are coupled to circuit pathways of aflexible circuit 406 by way ofwire bonding 410. In turn, the readelements 204 of themodule 200 are coupled to circuit pathways of aflexible circuit 412 by way of wire bonding. The readmodules tape 304. - 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.
- Attention is directed to now to
FIG. 7 , which depicts a tape recording apparatus (apparatus) 700 according to the present teachings. Theapparatus 700 is illustrative and non-limiting in nature, and other apparatus, devices and system can also be used. - The
apparatus 700 includes afirst tape reel 702 and asecond tape reel 704. Each of thereels magnetic recording tape 706 by way of spooling about the respective center thereof. Thetape 706 can be bidirectionally transferred between thereels - The
apparatus 700 also includes a read/write head 708. Thehead 708 is 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. Thehead 708 is configured to write (record) information onto thetape 706 in at least one native format, and to read (playback) information from thetape 706 in at least the BWC and native formats, by way of electromagnetic signaling. - The
apparatus 700 also includes record/playback circuitry 710. Thecircuitry 700 is configured to receive signals from thehead 708 during information playback, and provide signals to thehead 708 during information recording. Thecircuitry 700 is 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 thehead 708. - The
apparatus 700 further includesother resources 712. Theother resources 712 can include any required or desired constituency towards the normal functions of theapparatus 700. Non-limiting examples of suchother resources 712 include a power supply, digital network communications circuitry, wireless communications circuitry, tape transport motor drives and servos, a user interface or display, and so on. Suchother resources 712 are respectively electrically or mechanically coupled to each other and/or thehead 708, thecircuitry 710, therespective reels - 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.
Claims (20)
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US11688427B1 (en) | 2022-02-24 | 2023-06-27 | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. | Angled free layer for multi-level read signals |
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US9418684B2 (en) * | 2013-10-04 | 2016-08-16 | Seagate Technology Llc | Magnetic read head with separately addressable read transducers |
US10699741B1 (en) * | 2019-01-08 | 2020-06-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Multi-channel magnetic recording head having compliantly encapsulated transducers |
US10902867B1 (en) | 2020-01-03 | 2021-01-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Interconnect die for multichannel tape head assembly |
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US4685005A (en) * | 1983-07-18 | 1987-08-04 | International Business Machines Corporation | Two-module-read, read-after-write, bi-directional tape drive |
FR2722024B1 (en) * | 1994-07-01 | 1996-08-02 | Thomson Consumer Electronics | MAGNETIC CIRCUITS FOR MAGNETIC RECORDING / READING HEAD ASSEMBLY |
US6188532B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2001-02-13 | Quantum Corporation | Backward compatible head and head positioning assembly for a linear digital tape drive |
US7154691B2 (en) * | 2003-12-18 | 2006-12-26 | Quantum Corporation | Multi-format thinfilm head and associated methods |
US7760465B2 (en) * | 2005-10-25 | 2010-07-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Magnetic head having selectively defined reader gap thicknesses |
US7782564B2 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2010-08-24 | International Business Machines Corporation | Methods for enabling functionality in multi-modal data storage systems |
US7570450B2 (en) | 2007-09-14 | 2009-08-04 | International Business Machines Corporation | Tape heads for use with multiple tape formats |
US8243385B2 (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2012-08-14 | International Business Machines Corporation | Magnetic head having first, second and third arrays of writers |
US8514534B2 (en) | 2010-07-20 | 2013-08-20 | International Business Machines Corporation | Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for electronic devices using wire-bonding |
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US11688427B1 (en) | 2022-02-24 | 2023-06-27 | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. | Angled free layer for multi-level read signals |
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