Standardized Direct Charge Device ESD test for magnetoresistive recording heads I

The effects of the Human Body Model (HBM) Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) waveform on Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) recording heads is well characterized. This information has provided a starting point for understanding ESD damage to magnetic recording heads but the HBM no longer reflect the reality of ESD mechanisms along the production lines. Damage will most likely occur from metal contact to the MR electrodes (metal) rather than from bare fingers. Direct Charged Device Model (DCDM) can be used to simulate metal-to-metal contact discharge. A manual DCDM was characterized using disk capacitors. DCDM manual ESD testing of grounded (suspension is grounded) and floating suspension (suspension is not connected to ground) GMR heads was performed, and a DCDM breakdown voltage ranging from 3V to 9V was measured. Pspice simulation was used to simulate the DCDM discharging events, the results agree well with the DCDM manual discharge data.