Dual-path electromagnetic actuator for a high performance magnetic disk drive

The design and analysis of a dual path electromagnetic actuator for a high performance magnetic disk drive is presented. Experimental results for E-shape actuators with a single or dual path magnetic field are also presented. In comparison with the conventional single path actuator, this new design has distinct advantages such as (1) elimination of the solenoid effect resulting in equal force constants in the push and pull directions, (2) evenly distributed flux lines with better orientation, (3) reduction in flux leakage so that the actuator can be placed in closer proximity to the disk.