Read/write amplifier design considerations for MR heads

This paper presents a number of considerations that have to be taken into account when read/write amplifiers for magnetoresistive-read/inductive-write recording heads. It discusses various concepts for implementation of magnetoresistive (MR) pre-amplifiers, the noise and bandwidth obtainable, different techniques for biasing the MR sensor and a number of alternative signal sensing schemes. Different forms of required sensor protection are dealt with as well. The flagging of a number of possible mis-operations is reviewed and, finally, the write amplifier design for these MR/inductive heads is briefly touched upon.<>