In-situ pressure sensor based on read head resistance

摘要

A magnetic recording disk drive with a magnetoresisitive (MR) read head (60) and a control unit comprising an operating pressure logic function that is responsive to a thermoresistive signal contained in the feedback signal from the MR read head. The thermal conductivity of the air inside of the hard disk drive (84) is effected by the air pressure. Fluctuation in the thermal conductance from the MR read head to its surroundings inside of the hard drive affects the temperature of the MR head, thus affecting the thermoresistivity of the MR read head. Based on a thermoresistive signal, the temperature of the head may be determined, which in turn is applied to determine the pressure, based on a predetermined relationship between the MR read head temperature, internal pressure, and internal operating temperature. <IMAGE>