Dual biasing for integrated inductive mr head

Abstract

A dual element magnetic transducer in which the thin film MR read element is transversely biased by flux in the air gap of the inductive write core generated by a bias current supplied to the write winding. Flux in the air gap biases the MR element because different integral portions of the MR element have a different spatial relationship to parallel opposing portions of the inductive core. The flux which would normally pass through the gap substantially normal to the sides of the core defining the gap now tends to follow the MR element along a direction normal or transverse to the media to a point where the distance between the MR element and the core is smaller than where it entered. By appropriate control of the bias current and the spatial relationships, a relatively efficient, simple to manufacture dual element magnetic transducer is provided.