Ramp load disc drive having a padded slider

摘要

The present invention is directed to a ramp load disc drive storage system having improved loading performance and a reduced likelihood of failure due to stiction and damage caused by contact between a slider and a disc surface during ramp load operations. The slider generally includes wear-resistive pads which allow for improved loading performance and reduce stiction between the slider and a disc surface. The pads also allow the ramp load disc drive storage system to be operated in a ramp load/unload mode or a contact start/stop mode. Additionally, a method of operating a ramp load disc drive is provided where the slider is loaded above a disc surface from a ramp prior to the disc reaching a full operating speed.