Seagate Technology Incorporated

Brian G Ehalt

Beat G Keel

Raymond W Knight

A thin film transducer having electrical connections for the discharge of electrostatic charges between coil and core is disclosed. The invention provides for conductive surfaces electrically connected to the coil and core, respectively. These surfaces are selectively positioned so as to define an air gap having a breakdown voltage below that of the insulation layer separating coil and core in the transducer.

Thin film magnetic head having core to coil over-voltage protection

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and process for convenient electrical access following application of an overcoat layer to the core of a thin film transducer for measuring core-to-coil impedance and breakdown voltage during manufacture and final testing is disclosed. The invention may employ existing process feedback circuitry at the wafer level typically severed in the machining process or the invention provides for a permanent dedicated terminal on the support structure.

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Orono, MN, United States of America

Brian G Ehalt