Magnetoresistive read transducer

摘要

A magnetoresistive (MR) read transducer assembly in which the thin film MR layer is longitudinally biased directly only in the end regions by exchange bias developed by a thin film of antiferromagnetic material that is deposited in direct contact only in the end regions of the MR layer. A thin film of soft magnetic material extends across only the central region of the MR layer. However, the thin film of soft magnetic material is separated from the MR layer by a decoupling layer which interrupts the exchange coupling so that transverse bias is produced only in the central region upon connection of a bias source to spaced conductor leads which are connected to the MR layer. The transverse bias is produced in that part of the central region of the MR layer in which the bias current and the decoupling layer are both present. Upon connection of a signal sensing means to the conductor leads, an output signal is sensed which detects resistance changes in the MR layer as a function of the fields which are intercepted by the MR layer.