A Resistive Ferrite Substrate for the GMR Head in a Digital Tape System.

In helical-scan tape systems using a giant magenetoresistive(GMR) head, there are two threats to reliability, electrostatic discharge, and head wear. To avoid damage by electrostatic discharge, a conductive substrate can allow the discharge current to bypass the GMR head. The type of substrate used for the head is important in minimizing head wear. We investigated what type of substrate is most suitable for the GMR head in a helical-scan tape system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]