A suspension assembly with reduced total vertical thickness is provided
for a data transducing system that includes a dual-stage actuation system
for positioning a data transducer. A first structural element of the
suspension assembly includes a plate portion and a boss tower that is
connectable to a main actuator of the dual-stage actuation system. A
second structural element of the suspension assembly includes a recess
that receives the plate portion of the first structural element, an
opening through which the boss tower extends for connection to the main
actuator of the dual-stage actuation system, and a flexible region to
which a microactuator element of the dual-stage actuation system is
connected. The suspension assembly also includes a support structure
connected to the flexible region of the second structural element that
carries the data transducer, and an electrical circuit connection system
for making electrical connections to the data transducer and to the
microactuator of the dual-stage actuation system.