Disk drives store and retrieve information by using magnetic recording heads to write onto and read from rapidly spinning disks. Suspension assemblies hold the read/write head allowing it to fly just above the surface of the spinning disk. The typical clearance between the head and the disk, called flying height, is about 8 nanometers. For comparison, a fingerprint is approximately 5,000 nanometers high.

    While this may sound like a simple task, consider that:

• The head must be precisely positioned over just one of up to 275,000 data tracks per radial inch on the disk surface.
• The disk is spinning at up to 15,000 rpm, which creates windage and vibration.
• The suspension assembly must hold the fly-height constant while compensating for microscopic irregularities in the disk's surface.

    Suspension assemblies also provide the electrical interconnection from the read/write head to the drive's electronic circuitry. Electrical signals travel from the read/write head, through the suspension assembly's electrical conductors and into the disk drive. These electronic bits are then translated into digital content that you can read, watch or listen to.

    Suspension assemblies are critical to the operation and performance of the disk drive. Our innovative product solutions provide enabling technology for superior disk drive performance, increased capacity, and improved reliability.