Head-slap detection for a data storage device

摘要

A data storage device and head-slap detection circuit combination for determining whether a data storage device encounters a head-slap event. The data storage device includes a data transducing head with a conductive film affixed thereon adjacent a conductive surface attached to a recording surface. A continuity circuit is formed by connecting the head-slap detection circuit to the conductive surface with a first lead and to the conductive film with a second lead. The head-slap detection circuit compares a resistance between the conductive surface and the conductive film to a threshold resistance level and reports a duration of a head-slap event upon a change in resistance between the conductive surface and the conductive film exceeding the threshold resistance level. A level of impact force experienced by the combination is translated from an empirically determined head-slap boundary curve based on the duration of the head-slap event.