A magnetoresistive read transducer with insulator defined trackwidth.

摘要

In a magnetoresistive (MR) read head, an insulating or high resistance layer (22) defines the effective track width over which the read head is sensitive. The insulating or high resistance layer (22) is deposited or patterned to extend a predetermined distance, equal to the desired track width over the MR element (20). Conductor leads (24A, 24B) are deposited in contact with the regions of the MR element (20) not covered by the insulating or high resistance layer with the conductor leads (24A, 24B) extending up to, and possibly overlapping, the edges (28, 30) of the insulating or high resistance layer. When a signal sensing means (32) is connected to the conductor leads (24A, 24B), a read signal is sensed over the length of the MR element (20) covered by the insulating or high resistance layer (22).