System with matrix array of write heads and matrix array of magnetoresistive (MR) read heads

摘要

The invention provides a system comprising a non-linear array of magnetoresistive (MR) heads arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for reading information stored on magnetic media. The non-linear array of MR heads may comprise a planar array formed by a plurality of linear arrays of MR heads stacked to define a plurality of layers. Each of the linear arrays may share at least one shield element with another linear array of the non-linear array. In general, each layer is offset by one written track pitch and the number of layers of the invention is equal to the number of written track pitches in a channel pitch. The invention can also be used in a system for reading and writing information to magnetic media at improved track pitches relative to conventional read/write systems. Accordingly, the invention can facilitate increased storage densities on magnetic media and may have advantages in terms of quality of readout and ease of manufacture relative to magneto-optical read heads or other read heads.