The present invention includes an improved suspension assembly comprises a suspension including a load beam and a gimbal, a FOS having a polymer portion (or flex circuit) and a trace portion, wherein the FOS is connected to the suspension. The present invention further includes a slider that is electrically connected to a ground trace and the ground trace is further electrically connected to the suspension. The present invention also includes a plateau gimbal, which comprises of a portion of the ground trace positioned between the flex circuit and the slider thereby elevating the slider to the level of the bond pads on the FOS.