Patent ID: 7359161
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A magnetic sensor comprising: a magnetoresistive multi-layered portion comprising: at least three contacts coupled to the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion, wherein the first resistance region, the second resistance region and the at least three contacts are so disposed and arranged that a sensing current flows from a first contact of the at least three contacts to a second and third contact of the at least three contacts via the first resistance region and the second resistance region of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion, and wherein the first resistance region promotes a primary flow of the sensing current in a first direction substantially perpendicular to surface planes of the layers of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion, and wherein the second resistance region promotes the primary flow of the sensing current in a second direction substantially in parallel to surface planes of the layers of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion.