A new integrated suspension for pico-sliders (pico-CAPS)

Ultralow loadforce pico-sliders must be used to further improve the reliability of magnetic disk drives. We now propose a new integrated suspension for pico-sliders with MR heads, called pico-CAPS. The pico-CAPS features a monolithic body and has a direct signal pattern. It is light and has ultralow stiffness and a high resonant frequency. Our tests show that the pico-CAPS makes the flying pico-slider stable. Its shock resistance is high, and its electrical characteristics allow the high data transfer rate of over 40 MB/s.