ESD challenges in magnetic recording: past, present and future

The past, present and future ESD challenges in magnetic recording are reviewed. ESD damage mechanisms for the recording head are explained. It is shown that in the past 11 years, the ESD failure voltage for the recording head has decreased dramatically from its initial value of 15,000 V_HBM to only 15 V_HBM today. ESD control principles that focus on metal contact removal are discussed. It is concluded that ESD will continue to play an increasingly important role in the design, manufacture and handling of magnetic recording devices.