A theoretical study of the signal response of a shielded mr sensor

Abstract

In this work, we present a general analysis of the behaviour of a shielded magnetic-field biased MR sensor. Using a transmission-line model and assuming linear magnetic behavior for the MR sensor material, we studied the nature of the MR transfer curve and the dependence of output amplitude and asymmetry on bias levels and signal strengths. Results show, for example, that in general there is no single optimum bias level that simultaneously maximizes the small-signal response amplitude and minimizes the positive-negative output asymmetry. As a result, in MR head designs, compromise must be made according to the relative importance of these two objectives. © 1990 IEEE