Comparison of MR and GMR spin-valve heads for magnetic recording on MP tape

Shielded magnetoresistive (MR) and giant magnetoresistive spin-valve (SV) tape head performance is compared using square-wave recording on metal particle tape. The relatively large tape medium magnetic thickness drives flux levels that overpower sensitive thin MR elements and SV-free layers. Recording data comparing wide track (20 mum) dual-stripe MR heads and narrow track (3.5 mum) SV heads is shown illustrating SV element saturation at long wavelengths and large reproduce outputs at short wavelengths (7.2 mVp-p at 4000 fr/mm). Measures to counter this observed incompatibility are outlined in terms of media properties, recording method, and SV read-head design.