A novel, high performance, low mass disk head actuator

The technology and systems advantages of a high performance magnetic recording head disk file actuator are reported. A novel magnetic design permits placement of the actuator between the disks, thus eliminating the massive and vibration-prone comb structure used in conventional linear actuators. The electromechanical transfer function, access time, and characteristics of an air bearing linear actuator prototype are presented. The replacement of one conventional actuator with several new actuators results in increased systems performance.