Magnetic sensor and magnetic detecting method of the same

The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic detecting method of the same capable of detecting at least a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate and a magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where the respective magnetic field components are mixed. One embodiment of the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of the orthogonal three axes, and includes a magnetic detector including a magnetic field sensitive material configured to detect a magnetic field component in a first direction, a magnetic field direction converters configured to convert a magnetic field component in a second direction and a magnetic field component in a third direction into magnetic field components in the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the third direction being perpendicular to both of the first and the second directions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic detecting method of the same, and in more details, relates to a magnetic sensor and a magnetic detecting method of the same, capable of detecting at least a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate and a magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where the respective magnetic field components are mixed and separable.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, giant magneto-resistance (GMR) elements for detecting presence or absence of magnetic field are widely known. The phenomenon that an electric resistance increases when a magnetic field is applied, is called as magneto-resistive effect. Although the resistance change of a common substance would be several percent, the resistance change of such GMR element reaches several tens of percent. For this reason, the GMR elements are widely used for recording heads of hard disks.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrative of the operation principle of a conventional GMR element, and FIG.2is a partial cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1. In the drawings, a reference numeral1denotes an antiferromagnetic layer, a reference numeral2denotes a pinned layer, a reference numeral3denotes a Cu layer (spacer layer), and a reference numeral4denotes a free layer. A magnetization direction of a magnetic material changes electronic spin scattering, and changes a resistance. In other words, the change of the resistance is represented by ΔR=(RAP−RP)/RP(where RAP: when magnetization directions on upper and lower sides are not parallel, and RP: when magnetization directions on upper and lower sides are not parallel).

As for the magnetic moment of the pinned layer2, the direction is fixed by magnetic coupling with the antiferromagnetic layer1. When the direction of the magnetic moment of the free layer4changes due to leakage field, the current flowing through the Cu layer3changes, and a change of the leakage field can be detected.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrative of a stack of the conventional GMR element. In the drawing, a reference numeral11denotes an insulating film, a reference numeral12denotes a free layer, a reference numeral13denotes a conductive layer, a reference numeral14denotes a pinned layer, a reference numeral15denotes an antiferromagnetic layer, and a reference numeral16denotes an insulating film. The free layer12is a layer in which a magnetization direction rotates freely, and is made of NiFe or CoFe/NiFe. The conductive layer13is a layer in which a current flows and the electrons are scattered dependent on their spin, and is made of Cu. The pinned layer14is a layer in which a magnetization direction is fixed in a specific direction, and is made of CoFe or CoFe/Ru/CoFe. The antiferromagnetic layer15is a layer for fixing the magnetization direction of the pinned layer14, and is made of PtMn or IrMn. The insulating films11and16are made of Ta, Cr, NiFeCr, or AlO. The pinned layer14may use a self-bias structure instead of the antiferromagnetic layer.

FIG. 4is a plain view illustrative of a pattern shape of a conventional GMR element. The GMR element has a sensitive axis in the magnetization direction of the pinned layer14. When there is no magnetic field, the magnetization direction of the free layer of the GMR element is the longitudinal direction of the GMR element. When the magnetic field is inputted in the direction of the sensitive axis, the magnetization direction of the free layer is changed depending on the magnetic field. Thus, the resistance of the GMR element is changed.

Recently, an electronic compass is widely used in a mobile phone or the like, and includes a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the terrestrial magnetism and outputting resolved three orthogonal axis components of the magnetic signal. By calculation using the three output signals obtained by the magnetic sensor, the electronic compass obtains the direction of the terrestrial magnetism precisely.

Now, a magnetic sensor detecting the terrestrial magnetism and outputting resolved three orthogonal axis components of the magnetic signal is proposed in PTL 1, for example. This sensor includes a two-axis magnetic sensor unit configured to detect terrestrial magnetism components in two axis directions (X axis and Y axis) which are set parallel to a substrate surface and perpendicular to each other, and a magnetic flux concentrator concentrating a magnetic field in the perpendicular direction (Z axis) to the substrate surface including the two axes and disposed on the two-axis magnetic sensor unit. Coils are formed on a magneto-resistance element, and the magnetization direction is controlled by a magnetic field generated by a current flowing into the coils, and the magnetic flux concentrator converts the magnetic field direction to detect the X-, Y-, and −Z magnetic fields on the substrate.

In addition, open/close switch and rotation detector widely used in a mobile phone or the like are proposed in PTL 2, for example. A magnetic sensor and a magnet are used in detection, and a hinge is made of nonmagnetic material so as to prevent an erroneous detection of the magnetic sensor.

In addition, for example, a technique described in PTL 3 relates to a magnetic recording head using a GMR element, and PTL 3 discloses a spin-valve magneto-resistance (MR) sensor including a pinned layer which has been improved so that the magneto-static coupling of a free layer is the minimum. A stack of the free layer and a pinned layer is illustrated in PTL 3.

In addition, a magnetic sensor using a Hall element is proposed as an electronic compass for detecting a three-dimensional magnetic field. Hall element can detect a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate where the Hall element is disposed, and can detect a magnetic field in Z direction when the element is disposed on the substrate surface. For example, PTL 4 describes that Hall elements are disposed in a cross shape, i.e. on the upper and lower sides, and right and left sides with respect to a symmetry center under a circular magnetic flux concentrator. By utilizing the fact that a horizontal magnetic field is converted into a magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate at an end of the magnetic flux concentrator, not only the perpendicular magnetic field but also the horizontal magnetic field are detected, so that the magnetic fields in X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions can be detected on the substrate.

In addition, for example, a technique described in PTL 5 relates to a magnetic sensor having magneto-resistive effect elements disposed so as to intersect with one another in three dimensional directions on a single substrate. The magnetic sensor uses the magneto-resistance element including a pinned layer and a free layer. Then, PTL 5 describes the magnetic sensor with high sensitivity measuring a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the magnetic sensor. It is proposed that X-, Y-, and Z magnetic fields are detectable on the substrate, by performing vector decomposition for the Z magnetic field applied in the vertical direction which is originally undetectable, by disposing the magneto-resistance element detecting a horizontal magnetic field on a slope.

In addition, for example, PTL 6 describes a GMR element formed to have one polygonal line pattern on a substrate.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, by changing mindset without being tied to common sense, the inventors found that a magnetic sensor outputting a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation is useful in many applications of responding to the magnetic field, since it is possible to respond to the magnetic field in any direction, not only in a specific direction.

In an application in which a magnetic field is generated in a specific direction, such as, in a case where a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through a conductor is detected with a magnetic sensor having only one sensitive axis, an output signal proportional to the magnitude of current is obtained with high sensitivity, when the magnetic sensor is disposed such that the sensitive axis of the magnetic sensor is aligned with the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. However, the mounting of the conductor and the magnetic sensor may be constrained, thus it may be impossible to dispose the magnetic sensor such that the sensitive axis of the magnetic sensor is aligned with the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current. Even in such a case, a magnetic sensor responding to a magnetic field in any direction can reduce the dependence of sensitivity on the arrangement of the magnetic sensor, and can obtain an output signal proportional to the magnitude of the current. Therefore, such a magnetic sensor can increase the degree of freedom for an application design.

In PTL 2 described above, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field in one axis direction. Therefore, the magnetic sensor has to be disposed such that the sensitive axis of the magnetic sensor is aligned with the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. That is, plural magnetic sensors are needed to be disposed such that the sensitive axis of each of magnetic sensors is aligned with the magnetic field direction generated by each of magnets. Such a magnetic sensor is not sufficient for the significant densification of the mobile phone and the like recently, with respect to the downsizing of the device or the space-saving in the housing.

In addition, the above-mentioned magnetic sensor described in PTL 1 can respond to the three axis components, however, it is difficult to mount this sensor on a portable device or the like since this sensor is large because of usage of coils.

In short, the techniques described in PTL 1 to PTL 6 can not respond to the magnetic field of three orthogonal axes to output three axis components in a mixed state without separation in spite of having a small size.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the downsizing of the device or the space saving in the housing, there is needed a magnetic sensor capable of responding to the magnetic field of two axes including an axis perpendicular to a substrate and an axis parallel to the substrate or the magnetic field of three orthogonal axes, and of separating the two axis components or the three axis components.

FIG. 5is a view illustrative of the difference between a conventional three-chip type three-axis magnetic sensor and a one-chip type three-axis magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. The conventional three-chip type three-axis magnetic sensor includes an X axis sensor22X, a Y axis sensor22Y, a Z axis sensor22Z, and a signal processing circuit on a substrate21. This three-chip type magnetic sensor has a large sensor area, thus there is a problem in miniaturization. Therefore, it has been desired to develop a miniaturized magnetic sensor capable of obtaining three axis sensor signals at the same time. The one-chip type three-axis magnetic sensor according to the one embodiment of the present invention can obtain three axis sensor signals at the same time, thus reduce the sensor area substantially and realize miniaturization.

That is, in magnetic sensing units, magneto-resistance elements, such as GMR elements or a tunneling magneto-resistance effect (TMR) elements are used. The GMR element is a magneto-resistance responding in only one direction. Therefore, three die-chips are necessary for three-axes detection. In contrast, the magnetic sensor according to the one embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to detect in three axes at the same time with only one die-chip. Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the sensor area to one-third or less with the same resolution, and is useful for a rotation angle sensor or an azimuth sensor.

As mentioned above, the inventors found that there is the necessity of a magnetic sensor capable of detecting at least a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate and a magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where these magnetic field components are mixed and separable.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object is to provide a magnetic sensor capable of detecting at least a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate and a magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where these magnetic field components are mixed and separable.

Solution to Problem

The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and includes the following features.(1) A magnetic sensor comprises: a plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b) substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to a substrate, one of two adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units being displaced with respect to another of the two adjacent ones in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of magnetic detectors (50a,50b) substantially parallel to the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b), disposed between two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b) of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units in a planar view. The plurality of magnetic detectors includes a first and a second magnetic detectors (50a,50b) disposed to be close to the two adjacent ones (60a,60b) of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b), respectively, in the planar view (all embodiment).

(2) The first magnetic detector (50a) is disposed to be closer to one magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a) than to another magnetic flux concentrator unit (60b) of the two ones (60a,60b) of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b), in the planar view. The second magnetic detector (50b) is disposed to be closer to the another magnetic flux concentrator unit (60b) than to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a), in the planar view.

(3) The plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units include three or more magnetic flux concentrator units (60ato60c). One magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a) of the three or more magnetic flux concentrator units is disposed to be displaced with respect to two other magnetic flux concentrator units (60b,60c) in the longitudinal direction and the two other magnetic flux concentrator units (60b,60c) face with each other to sandwich the one magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a), in the planar view (for example, the third embodiment,FIG. 13).

(4) Respective inter-edge distances between the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are substantially equal to each other.

(5) Respective centroid positions of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed zigzag in the planar view.

(6) Alternate ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units face each other in the planar view.

(7) A magnetic flux concentrator member is provided at an end of one of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units.

(8) The one of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic flux concentrator member form a magnetic flux concentrator unit having a T-shape, a Y-shape or an L-shape.

(9) The magnetic sensor further comprises a third magnetic detector (50c) disposed to be covered with one (60b) of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units in the planar view (for example, the first embodiment,FIGS. 8A and 8B).

(10) The plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are alternately connected to each other via the magnetic flux concentrator member.

(11) The magnetic sensor further comprises a fourth and a fifth magnetic detectors (50e,50f) disposed outside of magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60c) disposed at ends, among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, in the planar view (the fourteenth embodiment,FIG. 26).

(12) A magnetic flux concentrator unit disposed at an end, among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic flux concentrator member form a magnetic flux concentrator unit having a T-shape, a Y-shape or an L-shape, in the planar view. Magnetic flux concentrator units among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units other than the magnetic flux concentrator unit disposed at the end are alternately connected to each other via the magnetic flux concentrator member.

(13) Sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors are an identical first axis direction.

(14) The magnetic sensor comprises a calculator (80) configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors.

(15) The calculator (80) is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors.

(16) Sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector are an identical first axis direction.

(17) The magnetic sensor comprises a calculator (80) configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector (the fifth and fourteenth embodiments,FIGS. 18 and 29).

(18) The calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector.

(19) Sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors are an identical first axis direction.

(20) The magnetic sensor comprises a calculator configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors.

(21) The calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors.

(22) The calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions by solving simultaneous equations with respect to the respective resistances.

(23) The first axis direction is parallel to the substrate, and the second axis direction is parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the first axis direction, and the third axis direction is perpendicular to the substrate.

(24) A magnetic sensor comprises: a magnetic detector (50a/50b) including a magnetic field sensitive material configured to detect a magnetic field component in a first direction (X axis), and a magnetic field direction converter (60a,60b) configured to convert a magnetic field component in a second direction (Y axis) and a magnetic field component in a third direction (Z axis) into the magnetic field component in the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the third direction being perpendicular to both of the first and the second directions (the first to fourth embodiments,FIGS. 8A, 8B, 12A, 12B, 13, and 14).

(25) The magnetic field direction converter comprises a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units (60a,60b) disposed to be substantially parallel to each other on a substrate. In an arrangement pattern including the first and the second magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a) and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit (60b) in a planar view of the substrate (the first and second embodiments,FIGS. 8A, 8B, 12A, and 12B).

(26) The magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is disposed to be substantially parallel to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit in the planar view of the substrate.

(27) A distance between the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is shorter than a distance between the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(28) The first and the second magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed to form a magnetic path of a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit, when a magnetic field is inputted in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(29) The first direction and the second direction are parallel to a plane of the substrate, and the third direction is perpendicular to the plane of the substrate.

(30) The second magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed to be displaced with respect to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(31) The magnetic field direction converter comprises a third magnetic flux concentrator unit and/or a fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit. The third magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the third magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit. The fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(32) The first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units are equipped with a first to a fourth magnetic flux concentrator members, respectively, disposed at the ends of the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units. The first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members form T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes, respectively, in the planar view of the substrate.

(33) The first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members forming T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes have gaps between one another.

(34) A part of the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector, the part extending along a long side of the magnetic field sensitive material, is covered with any one of the first or the second magnetic flux concentrator unit on the plane of the substrate.

(35) The magnetic sensor comprises an auxiliary magnetic detector (50c) including a magnetic field sensitive material having the same structure as a structure of the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector. The magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is disposed not to sense magnetic field components in the first to the third directions. The arrangement pattern includes the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector (for example, the second embodiment,FIGS. 12A, and 12B).

(36) The magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with any one of the first or the second magnetic flux concentrator units.

(37) The magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(38) In (24) to (37), the magnetic sensor comprises a plurality of the arrangement patterns.

(39) In the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and/or the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns are/is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and/or the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns, respectively.

(40) In the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

(41) In the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

(42) The magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is configured to detect the magnetic field component in only the first direction.

(43) The first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members are made of a soft magnetic material.

(44) The magnetic sensor comprises a controller configured to control another function block. The controller is configured to receive a signal obtained from an output of the magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed, and to control the another function block by using the signal in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

(45) The magnetic sensor comprises: a signal generator configured to generate a signal on the basis of an output of the magnetic detector and an output of the auxiliary magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed; and a controller configured to control another function block. The controller is configured to control the another function block by using the signal outputted from the signal generator, the signal being in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

(46) A magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic field components in two axis directions or three axis directions, the magnetic sensor comprises an arrangement pattern including: three or more magnetic detectors (50ato50d) disposed to be parallel to one another and parallel to a substrate plane (70); and a first to a third magnetic flux concentrator units (60ato60c) disposed to be parallel to one another and parallel to the substrate plane. The first to the third magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed to form respective magnetic paths of a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit (60a) and a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the third magnetic flux concentrator unit (60c), when a magnetic field is inputted in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit (60b). The three or more magnetic detectors are divided into a first magnetic detector group (50a,50b) disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and a second magnetic detector group (50cand/or50d) disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit (for example, the fifth embodiment,FIGS. 15A and 15B).

(47) All of the three or more magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in a first axis direction parallel to the substrate plane. The two axis directions include a second axis direction parallel to the substrate plane and perpendicular to the first axis direction and a third axis direction perpendicular to the substrate plane. The three axis directions include the first to the third axis directions.

(48) The three or more magnetic detectors are disposed such that inter-median-line distances are substantially equal to one another, the inter-median-line distances including first inter-median-line distances between a first virtual median line and centerlines of the respective magnetic detectors in the first magnetic detector group extending in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic detectors, the first virtual median line being a line midway between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit, and second inter-median-line distances between a second virtual median line and centerlines of the respective magnetic detectors in the second magnetic detector group extending in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic detectors, the second virtual median line being a line midway between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(49) Any one of the inter-median-line distances is not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times another of the inter-median-line distances.

(50) The second magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed to be displaced with respect to the first and the third magnetic flux concentrator units in the longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(51) A centroid position of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is not located on a virtual line connecting centroid positions of the first and the third magnetic flux concentrator units in a planar view.

(52) A first inter-edge distance between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is substantially equal to a second inter-edge distance between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(53) The first inter-edge distance is not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the second inter-edge distance.

(54) The magnetic sensor comprises a fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and/or a fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit. The fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit. The fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the third magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

(55) Magnetic flux concentrator members are disposed at the ends on the magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively. The magnetic flux concentrator units form magnetic flux concentrator units having T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes, respectively.

(56) The magnetic flux concentrator members of the magnetic flux concentrator units having T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes have gaps between each other.

(57) A part of each of the three or more magnetic detectors extending along a long side of the magnetic detectors is covered with any one of the first to the third magnetic flux concentrator units on the substrate plane.

(58) The arrangement pattern comprises an auxiliary magnetic detector (50e) in addition to the three or more magnetic detectors, wherein the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with one of the magnetic flux concentrator units (the fifth embodiments,FIGS. 15A and 15B).

(59) The three or more magnetic detectors are four magnetic detectors.

(60) The auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with any one of the first to the three magnetic flux concentrator units.

(61) In (40) to (61), the magnetic sensor comprises a plurality of the arrangement patterns.

(62) In the plurality of arrangement patterns, the third magnetic flux concentrator unit in each of the arrangement patterns serves as the first magnetic flux concentrator unit in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

(63) In the plurality of arrangement patterns, the three or more magnetic detectors and/or the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns are/is electrically connected to the three or more magnetic detectors and/or the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns, respectively.

(64) The magnetic sensor comprises a calculator configured to receive signals on the basis of outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors to calculate a magnetic field component of Y axis and a magnetic field component of Z axis, the Y axis being perpendicular to sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors and parallel to the substrate plane, the Z axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane.

(65) The magnetic sensor comprises a calculator configured to receive signals on the basis of outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors and an output from the auxiliary magnetic detector to calculate a magnetic field component of sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors, a magnetic field component of Y axis, and a magnetic field component of Z axis, the Y axis being perpendicular to the sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors and parallel to the substrate plane, the Z axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane.

(66) The calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic field component of the sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors by adding signals obtained by subtracting the signal on the basis of the output from the auxiliary magnetic detector from the signals on the basis of the outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors.

(67) A magnetic detecting method uses the magnetic sensor described in any one of (46) to (66).

(68) In a magnetic detecting method, magnetic field components in two axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs (RAto RC) from a first and a second magnetic detectors sandwiched between a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units and from a third magnetic detector sandwiched between the second and a third magnetic flux concentrator units. The first to the third magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in an identical first axis direction. The magnetic detecting method comprising: calculating a magnetic field component (2ΔRy) in a second axis direction (Y axis) on the basis of a value based on the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magnetic detector and a value based on the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) from the third magnetic detector; and calculating a magnetic field component (2ΔRz) in a third axis direction (Z axis) on the basis of the value based on the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magnetic detector and a value based on the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) from the second magnetic detector.

(69) In a magnetic detecting method, magnetic field components in two axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs (RAto RD) from a first and a second magnetic detectors sandwiched between a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units and from a third and a fourth magnetic detectors sandwiched between the second and a third magnetic flux concentrator units. The first to the fourth magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in an identical first axis direction. The magnetic detecting method comprising: calculating a magnetic field component (4ΔRy) in a second axis direction (Y axis) on the basis of a value (RC+RD−(RA+RB)) obtained by subtracting a sum (RA+RB) of values based on the outputs (RA, RB) from the first and the second magnetic detectors from a sum (RC+RD) of values based on the outputs (RC, RD) from the third and the fourth magnetic detectors; and calculating a magnetic field component (4ΔRz) in a third axis (Z axis) direction on the basis of a value (RB+RD−(RA+RC)) obtained by subtracting a sum (RA+RC) of the values based on the outputs (RA, RC) from the first and the third magnetic detectors from a sum (RB+RD) of the values based on the outputs (RB, RD) from the second and the fourth magnetic detectors, or calculating the magnetic field component (2ΔRy) in the second axis direction (Y axis) on the basis of the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magnetic detector and the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) from the third magnetic detector; and calculating the magnetic field component (2ΔRz) in the third axis direction (Z axis) on the basis of the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magnetic detector and the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) from the second magnetic detector.

(70) In the magnetic detecting method, magnetic field components in three axis directions are detected on the basis of the outputs from the first to third magnetic detectors and an output from an auxiliary magnetic detector covered with a magnetic flux concentrator unit. The first to the third magnetic detectors and the auxiliary magnetic detector have a sensitive axis in the first axis direction. The magnetic detecting method comprising calculating a magnetic field component (2ΔRx) in the first axis direction (X axis) on the basis of the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) from the second magnetic detector, the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) from the third magnetic detector, and the output (RE=R) from the auxiliary magnetic detector (50e), in addition to the calculating the magnetic field component in the second axis direction and the calculating the magnetic field component in the third axis direction.

(71) In the magnetic detecting method, magnetic field components in three axis directions are detected on the basis of the outputs from the first to fourth magnetic detectors and an output from an auxiliary magnetic detector covered with a magnetic flux concentrator unit. The first to the fourth magnetic detectors and the auxiliary magnetic detector have a sensitive axis in the first axis direction. The magnetic detecting method comprising calculating a magnetic field component (4ΔRx) in the first axis direction (X axis) on the basis of a total sum (RA+RB+RC+RD) of signals based on the outputs (RA, RB, RC, RD) from the first to the fourth magnetic detectors (50ato50d), the signals being obtained by subtracting a value based on the output (RE) from the auxiliary magnetic detector (50e) from values based on the outputs from the first to the fourth magnetic detectors (50ato50d), in addition to the calculating the magnetic field component in the second axis direction and the calculating the magnetic field component in the third axis direction.

(72) The second axis direction is perpendicular to the sensitive axes of the magnetic detectors and parallel to a substrate plane and the third axis direction is perpendicular to the substrate plane.

(73) The first axis direction is a direction of sensitive axes of the magnetic detectors.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a magnetic sensor capable of detecting at least a magnetic field perpendicular to a substrate and a magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where these magnetic field components are mixed and separable.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Before describing respective embodiments of the present invention, the principle of a magnetic field detection using a magneto-resistance element, as a premise of the magnetic sensor in the respective embodiments of the present invention, will be hereinafter described.

FIG. 6is a view illustrative of the operation principle of the magnetic field detection using the magneto-resistance element. In the drawing, a reference numeral31denotes a silicon substrate, reference numerals32ato32cdenote GMR elements as a kind of magneto-resistance element, and reference numerals33ato33ddenote metal wirings. As the plural GMR elements32ato32c, the GMR element illustrated inFIG. 1is used, for example. In addition, the arrows on the GMR elements in the drawing indicate the magnetization directions of the pinned layers. It is noted that the magnetic sensor used in the respective embodiments is not limited to the GMR element, and may be made of a magneto-resistance element such as TMR elements or AMR elements.

On the silicon substrate31, the plural GMR elements32ato32cand the plural metal wirings33ato33dare mounted, and the plural GMR elements32ato32care connected by the respective metal wirings33ato33d. The plural GMR elements32ato32care formed in a flat plate shape and have a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction coincides with the Y direction. In the drawing, the shapes of the GMR elements in a planar view (when viewed in the Z direction) are rectangular, but are not limited to rectangular. When a current i flows from the metal wiring33ato the metal wiring33dthrough the metal wirings33band33c, the plural GMR elements32ato32csense a magnetic field Bx in the X direction. The plural GMR elements32ato32care magneto-resistance elements responding to in only one direction, therefore, the plural GMR elements32ato32csense the magnetic field in the X direction when the magnetization directions of the pinned layers are the X direction, and do not sense the magnetic field in the Y or Z direction. The magneto-resistance RGMRof the GMR element in this case is represented as follows.
RGMR=R+ΔRx

Here, R represents the resistance which does not depend on the magnetic field, and ΔRx represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bx in the X direction.

FIG. 7is a view illustrative of the magnetic field detection in a case where the magneto-resistance element illustrated inFIG. 6is provided with magnetic flux concentrators. In the drawing, reference numerals41ato41fdenote magnetic flux concentrators. It is noted that the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIG. 6.

The plural magnetic flux concentrators41ato41fare formed on the plural GMR elements32ato32cand the plural metal wirings33ato33d. In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrators41ato41fhave thicknesses in the Z direction, and have a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose longitudinal direction coincides with the Y direction. The plural magnetic flux concentrators41ato41fare disposed in parallel to the Y direction. InFIG. 7, the magnetic flux concentrators are rectangular parallelepiped, but are not limited to rectangular parallelepiped.

Some magnetic flux concentrators41b,41d, and41famong the plural magnetic flux concentrators41ato41fare disposed to project from some other magnetic flux concentrators41a,41c, and41etoward the negative Y direction. And the some magnetic flux concentrators41b,41d, and41fare disposed to be adjacent to the plural GMR elements32ato32c, respectively, such that the some magnetic flux concentrators41b,41d, and41fare positioned on the negative sides in the X direction with respect to the plural GMR elements32ato32c, respectively. By providing with such plural magnetic flux concentrators41ato41f, it is possible to make the magneto-resistance elements respond to the magnetic field components of the three axes. The principle of detection is described below.

First, with respect to a magnetic path of the magnetic field Bx in the X direction, the detection at the magnetic flux concentrator41band the GMR element32ais described. A magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bx in the X direction is concentrated by the magnetic flux concentrator41b, passes through the magnetic flux concentrator41b, and traverses the GMR element32atoward a positive X direction is formed. Similarly, the magnetic field Bx in the X direction traverses the GMR elements32band32c. Thus the plural GMR elements32ato32csense the magnetic field Bx in the X direction. Then, when the current i flows from the metal wiring33ato the metal wiring33dthrough the metal wirings33band33c, the magnetic field Bx in the X direction sensed by the plural GMR elements32ato32cis detected.

Next, with respect to a magnetic path of the magnetic field By in the Y direction, the detection at the three magnetic flux concentrators41c,41d, and41e, and the GMR element32bis described. A magnetic path in which the magnetic field By in the Y direction passes through the magnetic flux concentrator41ctoward the negative X direction from the magnetic flux concentrator41dprojecting toward the negative Y direction, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By traverses the GMR element32btoward the positive X direction from the magnetic flux concentrator41dare formed. That is, the magnetic field By in the Y direction is converted into a magnetic field in the X direction, and traverses the GMR element32b. Similarly, the magnetic field By in the Y direction is converted into the magnetic field in the X direction, and traverses the GMR elements32aand32c, thus the plural GMR elements32ato32csense the magnetic field By in the Y direction. Then when the current i flows from the metal wiring33ato the metal wiring33dthrough the metal wirings33band33c, the magnetic field By in the Y direction sensed by the plural GMR elements32ato32cis detected.

Furthermore, with respect to a magnetic path of the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction, the detection at the magnetic flux concentrator41band the GMR element32ais described. A magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction traverses the GMR element32atoward the negative X direction, and is concentrated by the magnetic flux concentrator41bis formed. That is, the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction is converted into a magnetic field in the X direction, and traverses the GMR element32a. Similarly, the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction is converted into the magnetic field in the X direction, and traverses the GMR elements32band32c, thus the plural GMR elements32ato32csense the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction. Then when the current i flows from the metal wiring33ato the metal wiring33dthrough the metal wirings33band33c, the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction sensed by the plural GMR elements32ato32cis detected.

That is, by converting the directions of the magnetic fields with the plural magnetic flux concentrators41aand41f, it is possible to sense the magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z directions. The magneto-resistance RGMRof the GMR elements32ato32cinFIG. 7in this case is represented as follows.
RGMR=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz

Here, R represents the resistance which does not depend on the magnetic field (or the resistance when there is no magnetic field), ΔRx represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bx in the X direction, ΔRy represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field By in the Y direction, and ΔRz represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction. The sign of ΔRz is different from the signs of ΔRx and ΔRy, since the magnetic field in the X direction that is converted from the magnetic field Bz in the Z direction and traversing the plural GMR elements32ato32cis oriented toward the negative X direction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 8AandFIG. 8Bare views illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials and magnetic flux concentrator units in the first embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention.FIG. 8Ais a top view (a planar view, when viewed in the third direction), andFIG. 8Bis a cross-sectional view cut along A-A line inFIG. 8A. In the drawings, reference numerals50aand50bdenote magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials, a reference numeral50cdenotes an auxiliary magnetic detector having a magnetic field sensitive material, reference numerals60aand60bdenote the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units (magnetic field direction converter), respectively, a reference numeral71denotes the first virtual plane, a reference numeral72denotes the second virtual plane, a reference numeral70denotes a substrate plane, and reference numerals161aand162bdenote endpoints.

The magnetic sensor of the first embodiment includes the magnetic detector50aor50bhaving the magnetic field sensitive material detecting a magnetic field component in the first direction (X axis) and the magnetic field direction converters60aand60bconverting a magnetic field component in the second direction (Y axis) perpendicular to the first direction and a magnetic field component in the third direction (Z axis) perpendicular to both of the first and second directions into the magnetic field component in the first direction. The magnetic sensor outputs a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation.

The magnetic field direction converters60aand60binclude the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bdisposed on the substrate to be in parallel to each other. Then, in the arrangement pattern including the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60band the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50aor50bhas, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50aor50bhas is disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin a planar view of the substrate.

In addition, the magnetic sensor of the first embodiment include the auxiliary magnetic detector50chaving a magnetic field sensitive material having the same structure as the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50aor50bhas. The magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas is disposed not to sense the magnetic field components in the first to third directions. That is, the arrangement pattern is formed such that the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bencompasses the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas in the planar view.

That is, the magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare substantially parallel to each other and are substantially parallel to the substrate. The adjacent two units60aand60bare disposed such that one unit of the units60aand60bis displaced with respect to the other unit in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the magnetic detectors50aand50bare substantially parallel to the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b, and are disposed between the two magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bamong the plural magnetic flux concentrator units, in the planar view. That is, with respect to the magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b, the adjacent two units60aand60bare disposed such that the one unit of the units60aand60bare displaced with respect to the other unit in the direction parallel to the magnetic detectors50aand50bin the planar view.

In addition, the plural magnetic detectors include the first and second magnetic detectors50aand50b, which are disposed to be close to the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b, respectively, among the plural magnetic flux concentrator units, in the planar view. That is, the magnetic detectors are disposed between at least one pair of adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units among the plural magnetic flux concentrator units, such that one and the other of the magnetic detectors are close to the one unit and the other unit of the two magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, in the planar view. In some configuration, only one magnetic detector or no magnetic detector may be disposed between the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units.

In addition, the first magnetic detector50amay be disposed to be closer to the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60athan to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bof the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bamong the plural magnetic flux concentrator units, in the planar view. The second magnetic detector50bmay be disposed to be closer to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bthan to the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, in the planar view.

It will be described hereinafter in detail that the above-mentioned configuration can output a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the first and second directions are parallel to the substrate plane70, and the third direction is perpendicular to the substrate plane70.

The first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed on the first virtual plane71substantially parallel to the substrate plane70and have thicknesses in the third direction. The magnetic flux concentrator units overlapping (crossing or contacting) the first virtual plane71have substantially rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal directions coincide with the second direction. The units60aand60bare disposed in substantially parallel to the second direction.

In addition, the rectangular magnetic flux concentrator units illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8Bhave four right-angled corners, but at least one corner of the four corners may be rounded or chamfered. In addition, the shape of the magnetic flux concentrator unit overlapping with the first virtual plane71is not limited to rectangular, may be any of a quadrangle, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, whose longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the second direction.

Furthermore, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare parallel to the second direction and have long sides parallel to the second direction, the long sides being of the same length, however, the lengths of the long sides may be different from each other. In addition, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bhave short sides parallel to the first direction, the short sides being of the same length, however, the lengths of the short sides may be different from each other.

In addition, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed such that the bottom faces of the units60aand60bcontact the first virtual plane71, however, the units60aand60bmay be disposed such that a part of each of the units60aand60bcrosses the first virtual plane71. In addition, the thicknesses of the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bin the third direction are the same, however the thicknesses of the units60aand60bmay be different from each other.

In addition, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed such that the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bprojects from the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60ain the second direction (disposed to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60a). In more detail, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed such that a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the second direction including one endpoint161bof the two endpoints161band162bof the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71does not cross the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, the two endpoints161band162bbeing located on a negative side and a positive side in the second direction, respectively. And, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed such that a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the second direction including the other endpoint162bcrosses the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a. However, when the side at the end in the second direction of the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71is parallel to the first direction, the endpoint may be any one point on the side at the end.

Such a configuration forms magnetic path of a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bto the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60awhen a magnetic field is inputted to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin the longitudinal direction.

The magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are disposed on the second virtual plane72substantially parallel to the substrate plane70and are formed to sense only a magnetic field in the first direction in a state where there is no magnetic flux concentrator unit and the like. In other word, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detector50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas a sensitive axis in the first direction in a state where there is no magnetic flux concentrator unit and the like.

In addition, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are preferably formed in flat plate shapes. The shape of the magnetic field sensitive material overlapping with the second virtual plane72is most preferably rectangular in the planar view, when viewed in the third direction as illustrated. However, the magnetic field sensitive material may be formed in any shape. The shape of the magnetic field sensitive material may be, for example, any of a quadrangle, a quadrate, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, a triangle, a polygon, a circle, and an ellipse. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensitive material may be divided in the second direction, into a series of magnetic field sensitive materials. The series of magnetic field sensitive materials can be used as a cluster of magnetic field sensitive materials by connecting between the respective adjacent ones of the magnetic field sensitive materials with a metal wiring. In other word, for example, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas is not limited to a single magnetic field sensitive material, may be formed by connecting two or more magnetic field sensitive materials with metal wirings.

In addition, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are disposed such that the bottom faces of these magnetic field sensitive materials contact the second virtual plane72, however, these magnetic field sensitive materials may be disposed such that a part of each of these magnetic field sensitive materials crosses the second virtual plane72. In addition, the thicknesses of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas in the third direction are the same, however the thicknesses of these magnetic field sensitive materials may be different from each other.

The magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas is disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bso as to be adjacent to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a. In addition, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas is disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bso as to be adjacent to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. That is, when it is assumed that a virtual median line VM is a line midway between a side of the shape of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and a side of the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, the magnetic field sensitive material overlapping with the second virtual plane72that the magnetic detector50ahas is disposed to be closer to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60athan to the virtual median line VM.

That is, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas is disposed such that a distance M11is shorter than a distance M12. The distance M11is a distance between a side of the shape of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the magnetic detector50a, and a side of the shape of the magnetic detector50aoverlapping with the first virtual plane72which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a. The distance M12is a distance between a side of the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the magnetic detector50a, and a side of the shape of the magnetic detector50aoverlapping with the first virtual plane72which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. Similarly, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas is disposed such that the shape of the magnetic field sensitive material overlapping with the second virtual plane72that the magnetic detector50bhas is closer to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bthan to the virtual median line VM.

In addition, when the shapes of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detector50aand50boverlapping with the second virtual plane72have and the shapes of the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71are rectangular, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave may be disposed to be substantially parallel to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin the planar view (of the substrate) in the third direction. In such a configuration, a magnetic field in the first direction obtained by converting a magnetic field in the second direction or the third direction traverses the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave uniformly, thus the magnetic field in the second direction or the third direction can be detected with high accuracy.

With respect to the positional relationship between the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, it is important that the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas is disposed to be adjacent to an edge side of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aextending in the longitudinal direction, in the planar view, when viewed in the third direction. More preferably, a part of the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas, the part extending in the long side direction, may be covered with the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aon the substrate plane70. That is, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aoverlap with each other to some extent, in the planar view, when viewed in the third direction. This is also applied to the positional relationship between the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b.

The magnetic sensor of the first embodiment having such a configuration has an advantage of improving the sensitivity in detecting the magnetic field in each of the first to third directions.

It is preferable that the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas be disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, such that at least a part of the magnetic field sensitive material is positioned within a range R1, where a plane perpendicular to the second direction crosses the both of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and such that the magnetic field sensitive material within the range R1extending in the second direction senses the magnetic field in the first direction. It is more preferable that the entirety of the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas be disposed within the range R1extending in the second direction.

Similarly, it is preferable that the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas be disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, such that at least a part of the magnetic field sensitive material is positioned within the range R1extending in the second direction, and such that the magnetic field sensitive material within the range R1extending in the second direction senses the magnetic field in the first direction. It is more preferable that the entirety of the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas be disposed within the range R1extending in the second direction.

The magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas is disposed to be covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. Since the magnetic path in which the magnetic field in the first direction is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bis formed, the magnetic field in the first direction inputted to the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas becomes very small. In addition, the magnetic field in the second direction and the magnetic field in the third direction are not converted into the magnetic field in the first direction at the position of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas, thus are not detected.

Therefore, the auxiliary magnetic detector50chaving the magnetic field sensitive material with sensing the magnetic field in only first direction does not sense the magnetic field in any of the first to third directions. In addition, it is preferable that the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas be disposed at the center of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin the short direction. In addition, the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas only has to be disposed to be covered with at least one magnetic flux concentrator unit among the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b. In addition, the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas is disposed to be covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. However, the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas may be disposed to be covered with the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a.

In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas may be disposed to be covered with a magnetic flux concentrator unit, which is provided separately from the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b. In addition, the auxiliary magnetic detector50cmay have plural magnetic field sensitive materials.

It is preferable that the magnetic flux concentrator units be made of a soft magnetic material, such as NiFe, NiFeB, NiFeCo, CoFe, or the like. The magnetic field sensitive material may be any type of magneto-resistance element sensing only the magnetic field in one axis direction and having a resistance which changes depending on the sensed magnetic field, including, for example a giant magneto-resistance (GMR) element, a tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) element, an anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) element, and a semiconductor magneto-resistance (SMR) element.

The substrate may be any of a silicon substrate, a compound semiconductor substrate, a ceramic substrate. In addition, the substrate may be a silicon substrate on which an integrated circuit is mounted.

The first and second virtual planes71and72are disposed in the third direction such that the second virtual plane72is positioned above the substrate plane70, and the first virtual plane71is positioned above the second virtual plane72. Such a configuration is most preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing and performance, since it is possible to apply a simple method of forming the magnetic flux concentrator unit after forming a magnetic field sensitive material sensing the magnetic field in only the first direction on the substrate plane70. However, the first embodiment is not limited to such a configuration.

FIG. 9is a view illustrative of the operation of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 8A.

First, a magnetic path of the magnetic field By in the second direction is formed, the magnetic path traversing the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave toward the negative first direction from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, then passing through the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bis projecting in the second direction. In such a configuration, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave detect the magnetic field in the first direction, which is obtained by converting the magnetic field inputted in the second direction and is proportional to the magnitude thereof.

Next, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz in the third direction traverses the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas toward the negative first direction, and then is concentrated by the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz traverses the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas toward the positive first direction, and then is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, are formed. In such a configuration, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave detect the magnetic field in the first direction, which is obtained by converting the magnetic field inputted in the third direction and is proportional to the magnitude thereof.

Furthermore, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bx in the first direction is concentrated by the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, traverses the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave toward the positive first direction, and then is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60band passes through the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, is formed. In such a configuration, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detector50aand50bhave detect the magnetic field in the first direction.

FIG. 10is a view illustrative of output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 8A. In the drawing, a reference numeral62denotes a metal wiring, a reference symbol S denotes an output terminal at which the first terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are electrically coupled at one point, and reference symbols A, B, and C denote output terminals to which the second terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are connected, respectively. Then when RA, RB, and RCrepresent the magneto-resistances between the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, and between the output terminals C and S, respectively, the respective magneto-resistances are represented as follows.
RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz(1)
RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz(2)
RC=R(3)

Here, R represents the resistance which does not depend on the magnetic field (or the resistance when there is no magnetic field), ΔRx represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bx in the first direction, ΔRy represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field By in the second direction, and ΔRz represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bz in the third direction. Each of the magneto-resistances represented by the expressions (1) and (2) includes the amounts of the resistance change ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz depending on the magnitude of the three axis components of the magnetic field.

The each of signs of ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz corresponds to the orientation of each of the magnetic fields converted to the first direction when traversing the magnetic detectors50aand50b. The magneto-resistance represented by the expression (3) includes none of the amounts of the resistance change of the three axis components, since none of the magnetic fields in the first to third directions are sensed.

Furthermore, from the magneto-resistances represented by the expressions (1) to (3), the following expressions are obtained.

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract an output signal as a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation. That is, the magnetic sensor of the first embodiment can detect at least the magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate and the magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where these magnetic field components are mixed and separable. Furthermore, by adding the expressions (4) and (5), the magnetic field component parallel to the substrate is separated from the mixed magnetic field components. By subtracting the expression (4) from the expression (5), the magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate is separated from the mixed magnetic field components. Since only at least one magnetic field sensitive material has to be disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, the output signal represented by the expression (1) can be obtained by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas, and the output signal represented by the expression (4) can be obtained by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas. Or, the output signal represented by the expression (2) can be obtained by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and the output signal represented by the expression (5) can be obtained by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas.

InFIG. 10, the wiring used for connecting the magnetic field sensitive materials is a metal wiring, however, a wiring formed from the same material as the magnetic field sensitive material may be used, and both types of wiring can be used in mixture. In addition, the configuration in which the first terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are electrically coupled to one point and then connected to the output terminal S is most preferable, since the number of the output terminal can be reduced. However, the essence of the invention does not vary, even if the first terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are connected to output terminals, respectively.

FIG. 11is a configuration diagram of a specific circuit for the signal detection of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 10. In the drawing, reference numerals50aand50bdenote magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials, a reference numeral50cdenotes an auxiliary magnetic detector having a magnetic field sensitive material, a reference symbol S denotes an output terminal at which the first terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are electrically coupled at one point, and reference symbols A, B, and C denote output terminals to which the second terminals of the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave, and of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are electrically coupled, respectively, reference numerals90ato90cdenote the first to third constant current sources, respectively, a reference numeral111denotes the first electrical potential, and a reference numeral112denotes the second electrical potential.

The first electrical potential111is applied to the output terminal S. In addition, the output terminals A, B, and C are connected to the first terminals of the first to the third constant current sources90ato90c, respectively. In addition, the second terminals of the first to third constant current sources90ato90c, are electrically coupled to one point and the second electrical potential112is applied to the one point.

Currents of magnitude Is generated by the first to the third constant current sources90ato90care supplied to the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas, respectively, via the output terminals A to C connected thereto.

In such a configuration, the voltage VASbetween the output terminals A and S is VAS=IsRA=Is (R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz), thus the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (1) by Is is available. Similarly, from the voltages VBsand VCSbetween the output terminals B and S, and between the output terminals C and S, respectively, the signals obtained by multiplying the expressions (2) and (3) by Is are available, respectively.

Next, the differential voltage VAobtained from the voltage VASand the voltage VCSis VA=VAS−VCS=IsSA=Is (ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz), thus the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (4) by Is is available. Similarly, from the differential voltage VBobtained from the voltage VBSand the voltage VCS, the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (5) by Is is available.

As seen above, it is possible to extract an output signal as a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation. Since only at least one magnetic field sensitive material has to be disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (1) by Is is available by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas, and the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (4) by Is is available by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas. Or, the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (2) by Is is available by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (5) by Is is available by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas.

Now, in other words, the differential voltage VAand VBare a voltage between the output terminals A and C, and a voltage between the output terminals B and C, respectively, thus it is possible to extract the signals obtained by multiplying the expressions (4) and (5) by Is without extracting the signals obtained by multiplying the expressions (1) to (3) by Is, by directly measuring the voltage between the output terminals A and C and the voltage between the output terminals B and C.

The first electrical potential111and the second electrical potential112are, but not limited to, a ground potential and a power supply potential of a power supply device.

In addition, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are connected to the first to third constant current sources90ato90c, respectively, and are supplied with currents. However, switches may be provided with the output terminals A, B and C, respectively, for example, so as to supply the current to each of the magnetic field sensitive materials from the at least one constant current source by operating the switches.

In addition, the magnetic sensor of the first embodiment can respond to a magnetic field in any direction, thus the degree of freedom in designing a device is improved, and further miniaturization and space saving of the device can be achieved. Furthermore, the small magnetic sensor with low power consumption, high sensitivity, and high accuracy, configured to output a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation, can be achieved.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 12AandFIG. 12Bare views illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials and magnetic flux concentrator units in the second embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, which is a modification of the magnetic sensor of the first embodiment.FIG. 12Ais a top view (a planar view, when viewed in the third direction), andFIG. 12Bis a cross-sectional view cut along A-A line inFIG. 12A. In the drawings, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

The arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG. 12Ais symmetrical with the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIG. 8Awith respect to a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the first direction. InFIG. 8A, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed in the order of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60btoward the positive first direction. However, inFIG. 12A, the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bare disposed in the order of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60band the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60atoward the positive first direction.

In addition, inFIG. 8A, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are disposed in the order of the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas, and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas toward the positive first direction. However, inFIG. 12A, the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave and the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are disposed in the order of the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas, the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas, and the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas toward the positive first direction.

In such a configuration, a magnetic path of the magnetic field By is formed, the magnetic path traversing the magnetic field sensitive materials that the magnetic detectors50aand50bhave toward the positive first direction from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bprojecting toward the negative second direction, then passing through the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a.

Therefore, similarly toFIG. 10, when the magnetic detector50ais connected between the output terminals A and S, the magnetic detector50bis connected between the output terminals B and S, and the auxiliary magnetic detector50cis connected between the output terminals C and S, the magneto-resistances RA, RB, and RCbetween the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, and between the output terminals C and S, respectively, are represented as follows.
RA=R+ΔRx+ΔRy+ΔRz(6)
RB=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz(7)
RC=R(8)

Furthermore, from the magneto-resistances in the expressions (6) to (8), the following expressions are obtained.

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract an output signal as a magnetic signals which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation. That is, the magnetic sensor of the second embodiment can detect at least the magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate and the magnetic field parallel to the substrate in a state where these magnetic field components are mixed and separable. Furthermore, by adding the expressions (9) and (10), the magnetic field component parallel to the substrate is separated from the mixed magnetic field components. By subtracting the expression (9) from the expression (10), the magnetic field perpendicular to the substrate is separated from the mixed magnetic field components. Since only at least one magnetic field sensitive material has to be disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, the output signal represented by the expression (6) can be obtained by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas, and the output signal represented by the expression (9) can be obtained by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas. Or, the output signal represented by the expression (7) can be obtained by providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50bhas between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and the output signal represented by the expression (10) can be obtained by further providing the magnetic field sensitive material that the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials and magnetic flux concentrator units in third embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention. In the drawing, reference numerals60cand60ddenote the third and fourth magnetic flux concentrator units, and reference numerals61ato61ddenote the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members. It is noted that, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B.

The magnetic sensor of the third embodiment further includes the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61din addition to the arrangement pattern of the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8A.

The magnetic field direction converter has the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60cand/or the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60d. The third magnetic flux concentrator unit60cis disposed at the position where the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60ais sandwiched between the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60cand the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. The fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60dis disposed at the position where the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bis sandwiched between the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60dand the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a.

That is, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units include three or more magnetic flux concentrator units (60ato60d), and one magnetic flux concentrator unit60ais displaced with respect to another two magnetic flux concentrator units60band60cin the longitudinal direction. The two magnetic flux concentrator units60band60care disposed to face each other so as to sandwich the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60ain the planar view.

In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed such that the respective centroid positions of the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed zigzag in the planar view. In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed such that alternate ones of the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dface each other in the planar view.

The first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed such that the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60band the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60cproject from the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aand the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60din the second direction. In such a configuration, in addition to the magnetic paths in the first embodiment described above, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By in the second direction traverses on the virtual plane72toward the positive first direction from the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60cprojecting toward the negative second direction and passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By traverses on the virtual plane72toward the positive first direction from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bprojecting toward the negative second direction and passes through the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60d, are formed.

In addition, the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed to have rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal direction coincides with the second direction. An inter-edge distance M1is a distance between a side of the shape of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60c, and a side of the shape of the third magnetic flux concentrator unit60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a. An inter-edge distance M3is a distance between a side of the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit60d, and a side of the shape of the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60doverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. An inter-edge distance M2is a distance between a side of the shape of the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b, and a side of the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a.

In addition, the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare disposed such that the inter-edge distances M1, M2and M3are substantially equal to one another. More specifically, it is preferable that any two of the three inter-edge distances M1, M2and M3be not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the other one of M1, M2and M3. In such a configuration, especially when plural arrangement patterns are employed in the fourth embodiment described later, the magnetic fluxes passing through the first and second magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bbecome substantially even, thus the magnetic field in the first direction obtained by converting the magnetic field in the second direction can uniformly traverse the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas. Therefore, the magnetic sensor of the third embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second direction with high accuracy. In the drawing, both of the third and fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60cand60dare disposed, however, any one of units60cand60ddoes not have to be disposed.

In addition, the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dare equipped with the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61d, respectively, disposed at the end of units60ato60d. Each of respective combinations of the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dwith the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61d, respectively forms a T-shape or an L-shape, in the planar view (of the substrate) when viewed in the third direction.

The first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61dare disposed such that there is a gap Gad between the first magnetic flux concentrator member61aand the fourth magnetic flux concentrator member61d, and there is a gap Gbc between the third magnetic flux concentrator member61cand the second magnetic flux concentrator member61b.

In such a configuration, it is possible to inhibit that the magnetic field Bx in the first direction is intensely concentrated by the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61d. Thus, a magnetic path uniformly traversing the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas can be formed. Therefore, the magnetic sensor of the third embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the first direction with high accuracy. In addition, the magnetic field By in the second direction traverses the end of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bafter the second magnetic flux concentrator member61bdisposed at the end of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60bconcentrates the magnetic field By in a wide range, then traverses the magnetic field sensitive material that the magnetic detector50ahas from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit60b. Then a magnetic path, in which the magnetic field By in the second direction passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator member61aafter passing the first magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, is formed. Therefore, the magnetic sensor of the third embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second direction with high sensitivity.

In theFIG. 13, each of the respective combinations of the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dwith the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61dforms a T-shape or an L-shape. However, even if the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61dare disposed so as to form a Y-shape, the magnetic sensor of the third embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second direction with high sensitivity. In addition, all of the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61dare disposed, however, some of the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61ddo not have to be disposed.

It is preferable that the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60dand the first to fourth magnetic flux concentrator members61ato61dbe made of a soft magnetic material, such as NiFe, NiFeB, NiFeCo, CoFe, or the like.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 14is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magnetic detectors having magnetic field sensitive materials and magnetic flux concentrator units in the fourth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention. In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 8A and 8B. The magnetic sensor of the fourth embodiment has plural arrangement patterns of the magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60b, the magnetic detector50a, and the auxiliary magnetic detector50cillustrated inFIG. 13.

InFIG. 14, the four above-mentioned arrangement patterns are disposed, each of the magnetic detector50aand the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas a group of four magnetic field sensitive materials. Then, in each of the groups, the four magnetic field sensitive materials are electrically connected with one another in series. The respective first terminals of the groups of four magnetic field sensitive materials are electrically coupled to one point, and then connected to the output terminal S. The second terminals of the groups are connected to the output terminals A and C, respectively.

The magnetic sensor of the fourth embodiment having such a configuration can detect the magnetic fields in the first to third directions with higher sensitivity in comparison with the a single arrangement pattern. InFIG. 14, the four magnetic field sensitive materials that each of the magnetic detector50aand the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas may be electrically connected with one another in parallel, instead of in series. The manner connecting the magnetic field sensitive materials is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration.

In addition, all the four magnetic field sensitive materials that each of the magnetic detector50aand the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are electrically connected with one another, however some of magnetic field sensitive materials do not have to be electrically connected. In addition, the wirings used for connecting the four magnetic field sensitive materials that each of the magnetic detector50aand the auxiliary magnetic detector50chas are a metal wiring, however, wirings formed from the same material as the magnetic field sensitive material may be used, and both types of wiring can be used in mixture.

In addition, inFIG. 14, the auxiliary magnetic detector50cis disposed in the plural repeating arrangement patterns. However, even if only the magnetic detector50ais disposed without the auxiliary magnetic detector50c, it is possible to output a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation.

Now, each of the magnetic sensors of the first and fourth embodiments may include a controller (not illustrated) configured to control another function block. The controller may be configured to receive a signal obtained from the output of the magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed and to control the other function block by using the signal in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

In addition, each of the magnetic sensors of the first and fourth embodiments may include a signal generator (not illustrated) configured to generate a signal on the basis of the output of the magnetic detector and the output of the auxiliary magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed, and a controller configured to control another function block. The controller may be configured to control the other function block by using the signal outputted from the signal generator, the signal being in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

The controller calculates the magnitude itself of the magnetic field, rather than the magnetic field components in two or three orthogonal axis directions, based on a signal obtained from the output of the magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed. Then, the controller controls the other function block on the basis of the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field. Possible examples of the other function block include a function block turning on and off of the display screen of the portable module or the like.

As seen above, the magnetic sensors of the first to fourth embodiments can respond to a magnetic field in any direction, thus the degree of freedom in designing a device is improved, and further miniaturization and space saving of the device can be achieved. Furthermore, the small magnetic sensor with low power consumption, high sensitivity, and high accuracy, configured to output a magnetic signal which contains three orthogonal components of a magnetic field in a mixed state without separation, can be achieved.

Furthermore, the magnetic sensors of the first to fourth embodiments are preferable for an application to determination of the presence of a magnetic field, or responding to the magnetic field components in two or three orthogonal axis directions to measure the magnitude itself of the magnetic field. For example, the magnetic sensors of the first to fourth embodiments can be preferably used for a magnetic sensor IC for detecting the opening and closing of a portable module, a current sensor for measuring an amount of current flowing in a conductor.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 15AandFIG. 15Bare views illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the fifth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention.FIG. 15Ais a top view (a planar view, when viewed in the Z axis direction), andFIG. 15Bis a cross-sectional view cut along A-A line inFIG. 15A. In the drawings, reference numerals50ato50edenote the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements (magnetic detectors), reference numerals60ato60cdenote the first to third magnetic flux concentrators (magnetic flux concentrator units). In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

In the magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment, each of the plural magneto-resistance elements has a sensitive axis in the first axis (X axis) direction parallel to the substrate plane70. The magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment detects the magnetic fields in the two axis directions including the second axis (Y axis) and the third axis (Z axis) directions, or the magnetic fields in the three axis directions including the first axis to the third axis (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) directions, the second axis being parallel to the substrate plane70and perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane70. InFIGS. 15A and 15B, the plural magneto-resistance elements include the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e.

In addition, the first magnetic detector50amay be disposed to be closer to the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60athan to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bof the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bamong the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60c, in the planar view. The second magnetic detector50bmay be disposed to be closer to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bthan to the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60a, in the planar view. That is, the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60aof the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units60aand60bamong the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60cis disposed to be displaced with respect to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin the direction parallel to the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e, in the planar view. In addition, the other magnetic flux concentrator unit60cof the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units60band60camong the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60cis disposed to be displaced with respect to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60bin the direction parallel to the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e, in the planar view. The two magnetic detectors are disposed between at least one pair of adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units among the plural magnetic flux concentrator units, such that one unit and the other unit of the two magnetic detectors are close to the one unit and the other unit of the two magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, in the planar view. In some configuration, only one magnetic detector or no magnetic detector may be disposed between the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units. In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units include three or more magnetic flux concentrator units (60ato60c), and one magnetic flux concentrator unit60ais displaced with respect to another two magnetic flux concentrator units60band60cin the longitudinal direction. The two magnetic flux concentrator units60band60care disposed to face each other so as to sandwich the one magnetic flux concentrator unit60ain the planar view.

In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60care disposed such that the respective centroid positions of the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60care disposed zigzag in the planar view. In addition, the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60care disposed such that alternate ones of the plural magnetic flux concentrator units60ato60cface each other in the planar view.

It will be described hereinafter that the arrangement pattern including the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eand the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60ccan detect the magnetic fields in three axis directions.

The substrate may be any of a silicon substrate, a compound semiconductor substrate, a ceramic substrate. In addition, the substrate may be a silicon substrate on which an integrated circuit is mounted.

The first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed on the first virtual plane71substantially parallel to the substrate plane. The first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60chave thicknesses in the third axis direction (Z axis direction), and the magnetic flux concentrators overlapping (crossing or contacting) the first virtual plane71have substantially rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal directions coincide with the second axis direction (Y axis direction). In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed in substantially parallel to the second axis direction, and the second magnetic flux concentrator60bis centrally located. That is, the plural magnetic flux concentrators (magnetic flux concentrator units)60ato60care parallel to one another and are parallel to the substrate, one of the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrators is displaced with respect to the other of the magnetic flux concentrators in the longitudinal direction. In more detail, the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that the one magnetic flux concentrator60bis displaced with respect to the two magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cin the longitudinal direction, and the two magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cface each other so as to sandwich the one magnetic flux concentrator60bin the planar view. In the drawing, the rectangular magnetic flux concentrators have four right-angled corners, but at least one corner of the four corners may be rounded or chamfered. In addition, the shape of the magnetic flux concentrator overlapping with the first virtual plane71is not limited to rectangular, may be any of a quadrangle, a parallelogram, and a trapezoid, whose longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the second axis direction.

Furthermore, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care parallel to the second axis direction and have long sides parallel to the second axis direction, the long sides being of the same length, however, the lengths of the long sides may be different from each other. In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60chave short sides parallel to the first axis direction (X axis direction), the short sides being of the same length, however, the lengths of the short sides may be different from each other. In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that the bottom faces of the concentrators60ato60ccontact the first virtual plane71, however, the concentrators60ato60cmay be disposed such that a part of each of the concentrators60ato60ccrosses the first virtual plane71. In addition, inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the thicknesses of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the third axis direction are the same, however the thicknesses of the concentrators60ato60cmay be different from one another.

In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that the second magnetic flux concentrator60bprojects from the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the third magnetic flux concentrator60cin the second direction. In more detail, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the second axis direction including one endpoint161bof the two endpoints161band162bof the shape of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71crosses neither of the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60c, the two endpoints161band162bbeing located on a negative side and a positive side in the second axis direction, respectively. And, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the second axis direction including the other endpoint162bcrosses both of the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60c. However, when the side at the end in the second axis direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71is parallel to the first axis direction, the endpoint is any one point on the side at the end.

Such a configuration forms a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator60bto the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator60bto the third magnetic flux concentrator60cwhen a magnetic field is inputted to the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin the longitudinal direction.

In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed to have rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal direction coincides with the second axis direction. An first inter-edge distance Lab is a distance between a side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. An second inter-edge distance Lbc is a distance between a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, and a side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b.

In more detail, the first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc are defined as follows. The first inter-edge distance Lab is a distance between a side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator60ain a first range R1in the second axis direction, the first range R1being a range where a plane perpendicular to the second axis direction crosses both of the first and second magnetic flux concentrators60aand60b. Then, the second inter-edge distance Lbc is a distance between a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, and a side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin a second range R2in the second axis direction, the second range R2being a range where a plane perpendicular to the second axis direction crosses both of the second and third magnetic flux concentrators60band60c.

In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that the inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc are substantially equal to each other. More specifically, it is preferable that one of the inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc be not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the other of Lab and Lbc. The magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment having such a configuration can minimize variation in each of sensitivities to the magnetic fields in the first to third directions, when the variation in the first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc due to production tolerance falls within such a range.

The first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare disposed on the second virtual plane72substantially parallel to the substrate plane70and are formed to sense only the magnetic field in the first axis direction in a state where there is no magnetic flux concentrator and the like. In other words, the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ehave a sensitive axis in the first axis direction in a state where there is no magnetic flux concentrator and the like.

In addition, the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare preferably formed in flat plate shapes. The shape of the magneto-resistance element overlapping with the second virtual plane72are not limited to rectangular as illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B(when viewed in the third axis direction, that is, in the planar view). The magneto-resistance element may be formed in any shape. The shape of the magneto-resistance element may be, for example, any of a quadrangle, a quadrate, a parallelogram, a trapezoid, a triangle, a polygon, a circle, and an ellipse. In the case of GMR elements, the shape of the magneto-resistance element overlapping with the second virtual plane72is preferably substantially rectangular as illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B(when viewed in the third axis direction, that is, in the planar view). The magneto-resistance elements may be divided in the second axis direction into a series of magneto-resistance elements. The series of magneto-resistance elements can be used as a cluster of magneto-resistance elements by connecting between the respective adjacent ones of the magneto-resistance elements with a metal wiring. In other word, for example, the first magneto-resistance element50ais not limited to a single magneto-resistance element, may be formed by connecting two or more magneto-resistance elements with metal wirings.

In addition, the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare disposed such that the bottom faces of these magneto-resistance elements contact the second virtual plane72, however, these magneto-resistance elements may be disposed such that a part of each of these magneto-resistance elements crosses the second virtual plane72. In addition, the thicknesses of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ein the third axis direction are the same, however the thicknesses of these magneto-resistance elements may be different from one another.

In addition, the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dinclude two magneto-resistance elements50aand50b(first magnetic detector group) disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and another two magneto-resistance elements50cand50d(second magnetic detector) disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator60band the third magnetic flux concentrator60c. With respect to the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d, the first magneto-resistance element50aamong the two magneto-resistance elements50aand50bis disposed to be adjacent to the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the second magneto-resistance elements50bis disposed to be adjacent to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b. Furthermore, the third magneto-resistance element50camong the other two magneto-resistance elements50cand50dis disposed to be adjacent to the second magnetic flux concentrator60band the fourth magneto-resistance elements50dis disposed to be adjacent to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c. That is, the plural magneto-resistance elements (magnetic detectors)50ato50dare substantially parallel to the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c. The magneto-resistance elements50aand50bare disposed between the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrators60aand60bamong the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c, such that the magneto-resistance elements50aand50bare close to the magnetic flux concentrators60aand60b, respectively, in the planar view. In addition, the magneto-resistance elements50cand50dare disposed between the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrators60band60camong the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c, such that the magneto-resistance elements50cand50dare close to the magnetic flux concentrators60band60c, respectively, in the planar view.

With respect to the positional relationship between the first magneto-resistance element50aand the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, it is important that the first magneto-resistance element50ais disposed to be adjacent to an edge side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aextending in the longitudinal direction, in the planar view, when viewed in the third axis direction. That is, it is important that the first magneto-resistance element50ais disposed to be closer to the other magnetic flux concentrator60aamong the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrators60aand60bthan to the one magnetic flux concentrator60b. In addition, it is important that the second magneto-resistance element50bis disposed to be closer to the one magnetic flux concentrator60bamong the two adjacent magnetic flux concentrators60aand60bthan to the other magnetic flux concentrator60a. More preferably, a part of the first magneto-resistance element50a, the part extending in the long side direction, may be covered with the first magnetic flux concentrator60ain the planar view. That is, the first magneto-resistance element50aand the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlap with each other to some extent, in the planar view, when viewed in the third axis direction. This is also applied to the positional relationship between the second magneto-resistance element50band the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, the positional relationship between the third magneto-resistance element50cand the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and the positional relationship between the fourth magneto-resistance element50dand the third magnetic flux concentrator60c.

The magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment having such a configuration has an advantage of improving the sensitivity in detecting the magnetic field in each of the first to third axis directions. In addition, the magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment has an advantage of minimizing variation in each of sensitivities to the magnetic fields in the first to third directions even if the magnetic sensor is formed to have, due to production tolerance, a displacement of the position of the magneto-resistance element in the first axis direction with respect to the magnetic flux concentrator or variation of the width of the magnetic flux concentrator.

It is preferable that the two magneto-resistance elements50aand50bbe disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, such that at least a part of the magneto-resistance element50aand at least a part of the magneto-resistance element50bare positioned within the first range R1extending in the second axis direction, so as to sense the magnetic field in the first axis direction in the first range R1. It is more preferable that the entirety of the two magneto-resistance elements50aand50bbe disposed within the first range R1. Similarly, it is preferable that the other two magneto-resistance elements50cand50dbe disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator60band the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, such that at least a part of the magneto-resistance element50cand at least a part of the magneto-resistance element50dare positioned within the second range R2extending in the second axis direction, so as to sense the magnetic field in the first axis direction in the second range R2. It is more preferable that the entirety of the two magneto-resistance elements50cand50dbe disposed within the second range R2.

In addition, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed to have rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal directions coincide with the second axis direction. The first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dalso are disposed to have rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal directions coincide with the second axis direction.

The first virtual median line VM1is a line midway between a side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. The first inter-median-line distance L1is a distance between the first virtual median line VM1and a line midway between two edge sides of the first magneto-resistance element50aoverlapping with the second virtual plane72, the two edge sides being perpendicular to the first axis direction. In addition, the second inter-median-line distance L2is a distance between the first virtual median line VM1and a line midway between two edge sides of the second magneto-resistance element50boverlapping with the second virtual plane72, the two edge sides being perpendicular to the first axis direction.

Similarly, the second virtual median line VM2is a line midway between a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, and a side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b. The third inter-median-line distance L3is a distance between the second virtual median line VM2and a line midway between two edge sides of the third magneto-resistance element50coverlapping with the second virtual plane72, the two edge sides being perpendicular to the first axis direction. In addition, the fourth inter-median-line distance L4is a distance between the second virtual median line VM2and a line midway between two edge sides of the fourth magneto-resistance element50doverlapping with the second virtual plane72, the two edge sides being perpendicular to the first axis direction.

In more detail, the first to fourth inter-median-line distances L1to L4are defined as follows. It is assumed that the first virtual median line VM1is a line including the first virtual intersection VP1and parallel to the second axis direction, the first virtual intersection VP1being an intersection between the second virtual plane72and a line extending in the third axis direction from the midpoint of the line segment of the first inter-edge distances Lab.

In addition, it is assumed that the first virtual line I1is a line parallel to the first axis direction including the midpoint between the ends in the second axis direction of the first magneto-resistance element50awithin the first range R1. In addition, it is assumed that the second virtual line I2is a line parallel to the first axis direction including the midpoint between the ends in the second axis direction of the second magneto-resistance element50bwithin the first range R1.

Similarly, it is assumed that the second virtual median line VM2is a line including the second virtual intersection VP2and parallel to the second axis direction, the second virtual intersection VP2being an intersection between the second virtual plane72and a line extending in the third axis direction from the midpoint of the line segment of the second inter-edge distances Lbc.

In addition, it is assumed that the third virtual line I3is a line parallel to the first axis direction including the midpoint between the ends in the second axis direction of the third magneto-resistance element50cwithin the second range R2. In addition, it is assumed that the fourth virtual line I4is a line parallel to the first axis direction including the midpoint between the ends in the second axis direction of the fourth magneto-resistance element50dwithin the second range R2.

Then, the first inter-median-line distance L1is the length of a line segment connecting the intersection between the first virtual line I1and the first virtual median line VM1to a point midway between two ends of the first magneto-resistance element50aon the first virtual line I1. In addition, the second inter-median-line distance L2is the length of a line segment connecting the intersection between the second virtual line I2and the first virtual median line VM1to a point midway between two ends of the second magneto-resistance element50bon the second virtual line I2.

Similarly, the third inter-median-line distance L3is the length of a line segment connecting the intersection between the third virtual line I3and the second virtual median line VM2to a point midway between two ends of the third magneto-resistance element50con the third virtual line I3. In addition, the fourth inter-median-line distance L4is the length of a line segment connecting the intersection between the fourth virtual line I4and the second virtual median line VM2to a point midway between two ends of the fourth magneto-resistance element50don the fourth virtual line I4.

The first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dand the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed such that the first inter-median-line distance L1, the second inter-median-line distance L2, the third inter-median-line distance L3, and the fourth inter-median-line distance L4are substantially equal to one another. More specifically, it is preferable that any three of the first to fourth inter-median-line distances L1to L4be not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the other one of L1to L4.

The magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment having such a configuration has an advantage of minimizing variation in each of sensitivities to the magnetic fields in the first to third directions, when the variation in the first to fourth inter-median-line distances L1to L4due to production tolerance falls within such a range. For example, it was confirmed from the result of magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method that the variation in the sensitivity to the magnetic field in the third axis direction was equal or less than about 5 percent when the magnetic field in the third axis direction was applied.

The fifth magneto-resistance element50e(auxiliary magnetic detector) is disposed to be covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator60b. Since the magnetic path in which the magnetic field in the first axis direction is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator60bis formed, the magnetic field in the first axis direction inputted to the fifth magneto-resistance element50ebecomes very small. In addition, the magnetic field in the second axis direction and the magnetic field in the third axis direction are not converted into the magnetic field in the first axis direction at the position of the fifth magneto-resistance element50e, thus are not detected. Therefore, the fifth magneto-resistance element50edoes not sense the magnetic field in any of the first to third directions. As illustrated, it is preferable that the fifth magneto-resistance element50ebe disposed at the center of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin the short direction. The fifth magneto-resistance element50eonly has to be disposed to be covered with at least one magnetic flux concentrator among the first to third magnetic flux concentrators. InFIGS. 15A and 15B, the fifth magneto-resistance element50eis disposed to be covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, in the planar view. However, the fifth magneto-resistance element50emay be disposed to be covered with the first magnetic flux concentrator60aor the third magnetic flux concentrator60c.

In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, the fifth magneto-resistance element50emay be disposed to be covered with a magnetic flux concentrator, which is provided separately from the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c. In addition, the plural fifth magneto-resistance elements50emay be provided.

It is preferable that the magnetic flux concentrators be made of a soft magnetic material, such as NiFe, NiFeB, NiFeCo, CoFe, or the like. The magneto-resistance element is not limited to the GMR element illustrated inFIG. 1, and may be any type of element sensing only the magnetic field in one axis direction and having a resistance which changes depending on the sensed magnetic field, including a tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) element, an anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR) element, and a semiconductor magneto-resistance (SMR) element, for example.

The first and second virtual planes71and72are disposed in the third axis direction such that the second virtual plane72is positioned above the substrate plane70, and the first virtual plane71is positioned above the second virtual plane72. Such a configuration is most preferable from the viewpoint of manufacturing and performance, since it is possible to apply a simple method of forming the magnetic flux concentrator, after forming a magneto-resistance element sensing the magnetic field in only the first axis direction on the substrate plane70. However, the fifth embodiment is not limited to such a configuration.

Preferable numerical examples in the fifth embodiment will be hereinafter described. It is necessary that the lengths in the first axis direction (widths) of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dare selected appropriately by a designer depending on the desired magnetic detection characteristics. When the size of the sensor is not restricted, the width of magneto-resistance element is preferably in a range of 0.5 to 20 μm. The length in the first axis direction (width) of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bonly has to be in a range within which the second magnetic flux concentrator60bcovers the entirety of the fifth magneto-resistance element50eand has a sufficient magnetic shield effect on the fifth magneto-resistance element50e. The width of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bis preferably not shorter than 1.5 times the width of the fifth magneto-resistance element50e, more preferably not shorter than 3 times the width of the fifth magneto-resistance element50e. The widths of the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cequivalent to the width of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bfacilitate the manufacturing. However, since the fifth magneto-resistance element50eas an auxiliary magnetic detector is not provided at the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60c, the widths of the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cmay be selected to be shorter than the width of the second magnetic flux concentrator60b. The positional relationship among the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the second axis direction is important. As the protruding length of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bfrom the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cis longer, the flux concentration effect is enhanced. It is preferable that the protruding length be equal to or several times the width of the magnetic flux concentrator.

FIG. 16is a view illustrative of the operation of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

First, two magnetic paths of the magnetic field By in the second axis direction is formed, one of the magnetic paths traversing the second and first magneto-resistance elements50band50atoward the negative first axis direction from the second magnetic flux concentrator60bprojecting toward the negative second axis direction, then passing through the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, the other of the magnetic paths traversing the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50dtoward the positive first axis direction from the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, then passing through the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, In such a configuration, the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddetect the magnetic field in the first axis direction, which is obtained by converting the magnetic field inputted in the second axis direction and is proportional to the magnitude thereof.

Next, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction traverses the first magneto-resistance element50atoward the negative first axis direction, and then is concentrated by the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz traverses the second magneto-resistance element50btoward the positive first axis direction, and then is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, are formed. In addition, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction traverses the third magneto-resistance element50ctoward the negative first axis direction, and then is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bz traverses the fourth magneto-resistance element50dtoward the positive first axis direction, and then is concentrated by the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, are formed. In such a configuration, the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddetect the magnetic field in the first axis direction, which is obtained by converting the magnetic field inputted in the third axis direction and is proportional to the magnitude thereof.

Furthermore, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction is concentrated by the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, traverses the first and second magneto-resistance elements50aand50btoward the positive first direction, is concentrated by the second magnetic flux concentrator60band passes through the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, traverses the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50dtoward the positive first direction, and then is concentrated by the third magnetic flux concentrator60cand passes through the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, is formed. In such a configuration, the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddetect the magnetic field in the first axis direction.

FIG. 17is a view illustrative of output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B. In the drawing, a reference numeral62denotes a metal wiring, a reference symbol S denotes an output terminal at which the first terminals of the first to the fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare electrically coupled at one point, and reference symbols A, B, C, D, and E denote output terminals to which the second terminals of the first to the fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare connected, respectively. Then when RA, RB, RC, RD, and RErepresent the magneto-resistances between the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, between the output terminals C and S, between the output terminals D and S, and between the output terminals E and S, respectively, the respective magneto-resistances are represented as follows.
RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz(11)
RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz(12)
RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz(13)
RD=R+ΔRx+ΔRy+ΔRz(14)
RE=R(15)

Here, R represents the resistance which does not depend on the magnetic field (or the resistance when there is no magnetic field), ΔRx represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction, ΔRy represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field By in the second axis direction, and ΔRz represents the amount of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction. Each of the magneto-resistances represented by the expressions (11) to (14) includes the amounts of the resistance change ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz depending on the magnitude of the three axis components of the magnetic field.

The each of signs of ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz corresponds to the orientation of each of the magnetic fields converted to the first direction axis when traversing the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d. The magneto-resistance represented by the expression (15) includes none of the amounts of the resistance change of the three axis components, since none of the magnetic fields in the first to third directions are sensed. Output signals corresponding amounts of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic fields in the respective axes are extracted from the magneto-resistances represented by the expressions (11) to (15) as follows.

Furthermore, following expressions are obtained.

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract output signals in respective axes. That is, the magnetic field components in respective axes are obtained by solving the simultaneous equations with respect to resistances.

InFIG. 17, the wiring used for connecting the magneto-resistance elements is a metal wiring, however, a wiring formed from the same material as the magneto-resistance elements may be used, and both types of wiring can be used in mixture. In addition, the configuration in which the first terminals of the first to the fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare electrically coupled to one point and then connected to the output terminal S is most preferable, since the number of the output terminal can be reduced. However, the essence of the invention does not vary, even if the first terminals of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare connected to output terminals, respectively.

FIG. 18is a configuration diagram of a circuit for a calculator of the output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B. In the drawing, a reference numeral80denotes a calculator, reference numerals81ato81edenote signal obtainers, reference numerals82ato82ddenote subtractors and a reference numeral83denotes an adder-subtractor.

The calculator80calculates the magnetic fields in the respective axes by calculation on the basis of the outputs of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dand of the fifth magneto-resistance element50e. That is, the calculator80calculates the magnetic fields in the respective axes by calculation on the basis of the resistances of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e. Specifically, the calculator80obtains the magnetic fields in the respective axes by solving the simultaneous equations with respect to resistances of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e.

In this example, the calculator80includes the signal obtainers81ato81econfigured to receive the signals on the basis of the magneto-resistances from the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e, respectively, to output signals corresponding the expressions (11) to (15), respectively, the subtractors81ato81dconfigured to subtract the expression (15) from the expressions (11) to (14), respectively, to output signals corresponding the expressions (16) to (19), respectively, and the adder-subtractor83configured to calculate and output the magnetic field components in the first to third axis directions by using the expressions (16) to (19).

FIG. 19is a configuration diagram of a specific circuit for the signal detection of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 17. In the drawing, reference numerals50ato50edenotes the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements, a reference symbol S denotes an output terminal at which the first terminals of the first to the fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare electrically coupled at one point, and reference symbols A, B, C, D, and E denote output terminals to which the second terminals of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare connected, respectively, reference numerals90ato90edenote the first to fifth constant current sources, respectively, a reference numeral111denotes the first electrical potential, and a reference numeral112denotes the second electrical potential.

The first electrical potential111is applied to the output terminal S. In addition, the output terminals A, B, C, D, and E are connected to the first terminals of the first to the fifth constant current sources90ato90e, respectively. The second terminals of the first to the fifth constant current sources90ato90eare electrically coupled to one point and the second electrical potential112is applied the one point.

Currents of magnitude Is generated by the first to fifth constant current sources90ato90eare supplied to the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e, respectively, via output terminals A, B, C, D, and E connected thereto.

In such a configuration, the voltage VASbetween the output terminals A and S is VAS=IsRA=Is (ΔR+Rx−ΔRy−ΔRz), thus the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (11) by Is is available. Similarly, from the voltages VBS, VCS, VDS, and VESbetween the output terminals B and S, between the output terminals C and S, between the output terminals D and S, and between the output terminals E and S, the signals obtained by multiplying the expressions (12), (13), (14), and (15) by Is are available, respectively.

Next, the differential voltage VAobtained from the voltage VASand the voltage VESis VA=VAS−VES=IsSA=Is (ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz), thus the signal obtained by multiplying the expression (16) by Is is available. Similarly, from the differential voltage VBobtained from the voltage VBSand the voltage VES, the differential voltage VCobtained from the voltage VCSand the voltage VES, and the differential voltage VDobtained from the voltage VDSand the voltage VES, the signals obtained by multiplying the expression (17), (18), and (19) by Is are available.

As seen above, it is possible to extract the output signal ΔRx in the first axis direction in the form of 4ΔRx=(VA+VB+VC+CD)/Is, the output signal ΔRy in the second axis direction in the form of 4ΔRy=(−VA−VB+VC+CD)/Is, and the output signal ΔRz in the third axis direction in the form of 4ΔRz=(−VA+VB−VC+CD)/Is.

Now, in other words, the differential voltage VA, VB, VC, and VDare a voltage between the output terminals A and E, a voltage between the output terminals B and E, a voltage between the output terminals C and E, and a voltage between the output terminals D and E, respectively. That is, it is possible to extract the signals obtained by multiplying the expressions (16) to (19) by Is, by directly measuring the voltages between the output terminals A and E, between the output terminals B and E, between the output terminals C and E, and between the output terminals D and E, so as to obtain output signals in respective axes.

The above-mentioned calculation method is merely an example, the simultaneous equations with respect to resistances of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ecan be formed and solved in anyway as long as ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz can be obtained.

In addition, the first electrical potential111and the second electrical potential112are, but not limited to, a ground potential and a power supply potential of a power supply device.

In addition, the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare connected to the first to fifth constant current sources90ato90e, respectively, and are supplied with currents. However, switches may be provided with the output terminals A, B, C, D, and E, respectively, for example, so as to supply the current to each of the magneto-resistance elements from the at least one constant current source by operating the switches.

In addition, the magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment can detect magnetic fields in the two or three axis directions on a substrate while suppressing the increase in current consumption. In addition, a small magnetic sensor with high resolution is achieved by using magneto-resistance elements having a sensitive axis in one direction.

Sixth Embodiment

In the magnetic sensor of the sixth embodiment, each of the plural magneto-resistance elements has a sensitive axis in the first axis (X axis) direction parallel to the substrate plane70. The magnetic sensor of the sixth embodiment detects the magnetic fields in the two axis directions including the second axis (Y axis) and the third axis (Z axis) directions, or the magnetic fields in the three axis directions including the first axis to the third axis (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) directions, the second axis being parallel to the substrate plane70and perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane70.

The plural magneto-resistance elements includes the fifth magneto-resistance element50eand any three of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddisposed in the same way as the arrangement pattern of the fifth embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

It will be described hereinafter that the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, from which the fourth magneto-resistance element50dis removed for example, including the first to third magneto-resistance elements50ato50c, the fifth magneto-resistance element50e, and the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60ccan detect the magnetic fields in three axis directions.

InFIG. 17, when the fourth magneto-resistance element50dand the output terminal D are not present, the magneto-resistances RA, RB, RC, and REbetween the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, between the output terminals C and S, and between the output terminals E and S are obtained, respectively. Now, output signals corresponding amounts of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic fields in respective axes are extracted from the magneto-resistances represented in the expressions (11) to (13), and (15) so as to obtain the expressions (16) to (18). Furthermore, following expressions are obtained.

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract output signals in respective axes. It has been described here that the magnetic fields in the three axis directions can be detected by an example in which the fourth magneto-resistance element50damong the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dis removed. However, the similar magnetic fields in the three axis directions can be also detected in the case where any one of the first to third magneto-resistance elements50ato50cis removed. In short, any configuration can be employed as long as the simultaneous equations can be formed and solved so as to extract ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz.

Seventh Embodiment

In the magnetic sensor of the seventh embodiment, each of the plural magneto-resistance elements has a sensitive axis in the first axis (X axis) direction parallel to the substrate plane70. The magnetic sensor of the seventh embodiment detects the magnetic fields in the two axis directions including the second axis (Y axis) and the third axis (Z axis) directions, or the magnetic fields in the three axis directions including the first axis to the third axis (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) directions, the second axis being parallel to the substrate plane70and perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane70. The plural magneto-resistance elements includes the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddisposed in the same way as the arrangement pattern of the fifth embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, and does not include the fifth magneto-resistance element50e.

It will be described hereinafter that the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, from which the fifth magneto-resistance element50eis removed, including the first to forth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d, and the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60ccan detect the magnetic fields in two axis directions.

InFIG. 17, when the fifth magneto-resistance element50eand the output terminal E are not present, the magneto-resistances RA, RB, RC, and RDbetween the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, between the output terminals C and S, and between the output terminals D and S are obtained, respectively. Now, output signals corresponding amounts of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic fields in respective axes are extracted from the magneto-resistances represented in the expressions (11) to (14) as follows.

In addition,

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract output signals in respective axes. In short, any configuration can be employed as long as the simultaneous equations can be formed and solved so as to extract ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz.

Eighth Embodiment

In the magnetic sensor of the eighth embodiment, each of the plural magneto-resistance elements has a sensitive axis in the first axis (X axis) direction parallel to the substrate plane70. The magnetic sensor of the eighth embodiment detects the magnetic fields in the two axis directions including the second axis (Y axis) and the third axis (Z axis) directions, or the magnetic fields in the three axis directions including the first axis to the third axis (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) directions, the second axis being parallel to the substrate plane70and perpendicular to the first axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane70. The plural magneto-resistance elements includes any three magneto-resistance elements among the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddisposed in the same way as the arrangement pattern of the fifth embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, and does not include the fifth magneto-resistance element50e.

It will be described hereinafter that the arrangement pattern illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, from which the fourth and fifth magneto-resistance elements50dand50eare removed for example, including the first to third magneto-resistance elements50ato50c, and the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60ccan detect the magnetic fields in two axis directions.

InFIG. 17, when the fourth and fifth magneto-resistance elements50dand50eand the output terminals D and E are not present, the magneto-resistances RA, RB, and RCbetween the output terminals A and S, between the output terminals B and S, and between the output terminals C and S are obtained, respectively. Now, output signals corresponding amounts of the resistance change depending on the magnitude of the magnetic fields in respective axes are extracted from the magneto-resistances represented in the expressions (11) to (13) so as to obtain the expressions (20) and (22).

As seen above, it can be understood that it is possible to extract output signals in respective axes. It has been described here that the magnetic fields in the two axis directions (the axis direction perpendicular to the substrate and the axis direction parallel to the substrate) can be detected by an example in which the fourth magneto-resistance element50damong the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dis removed. However, the similar magnetic fields in the two axis directions can be also detected in the case where any one of the first to third magneto-resistance elements50ato50cis removed.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 20is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the ninth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention. In the drawing, reference numerals60dand60edenote the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators, and reference numerals61ato61edenote the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates (magnetic flux concentrator member). In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

The magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment further includes the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60ein addition to the arrangement pattern of the fifth embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

The fourth magnetic flux concentrator60dis disposed at the position where the fourth and second magnetic flux concentrators60dand60bsandwich the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. In addition, the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60eis disposed at the position where the fifth and second magnetic flux concentrators60eand60bsandwich the third magnetic flux concentrator60c. In addition, in the drawing, the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eare disposed such that the second magnetic flux concentrator60band the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60eproject from the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60cin the second axis direction. In such a configuration, in addition to the magnetic paths described in the fifth embodiment, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By in the second axis direction traverses on the substrate plane70toward the positive first axis direction from the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60dprojecting in the second direction and passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, and a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By traverses on the substrate plane70toward the negative first direction from the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60eprojecting in the second direction and passes through the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, are formed.

In addition, the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eare disposed to have rectangular shapes, whose longitudinal directions coincide with the second axis direction. An inter-edge distance M1is a distance between a side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60d, and a side of the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60doverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. An inter-edge distance M4is a distance between a side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60e, and a side of the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60eoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c. An inter-edge distance M2(that is, the first inter-edge distance Lab) is a distance between a side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60aoverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. An inter-edge distance M3(that is, the second inter-edge distance Lbc) is a distance between a side of the second magnetic flux concentrator60boverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, and a side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60coverlapping with the first virtual plane71which is the closest to the second magnetic flux concentrator60b.

The first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eare disposed such that the inter-edge distance M1, the inter-edge distance M2, the inter-edge distance M3, and the inter-edge distance M4are substantially equal to one another. More specifically, it is preferable that any three of the four inter-edge distances M1to M4be not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the other one of M1to M4. In such a configuration, the magnetic fluxes passing through the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cbecome substantially even, thus the magnetic field in the first axis direction obtained by converting the magnetic field in the second axis direction can uniformly passing through the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d. Thus, the magnetic sensor of the fifth embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second axis direction with high accuracy. InFIG. 20, both of the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60eare disposed, however, any one of concentrators60dand60edoes not have to be disposed.

Furthermore, the magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment includes the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61edisposed at the end of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60e. The first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eform T-shapes or L-shapes, in the planar view, when viewed in the third direction.

In addition, the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eare disposed such that there is a gap Gdb between the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61band the fourth magnetic flux concentrator plate61d, there is a gap Gbe between the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61band the fifth magnetic flux concentrator plate61e, and there is a gap Gac between the first magnetic flux concentrator plate61aand the third magnetic flux concentrator plate61c.

In such a configuration, it is possible to inhibit that the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction is intensely concentrated by the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61e. Thus, a magnetic path uniformly traversing the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dcan be formed. Thus the magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the first axis direction with high accuracy. In addition, a magnetic path in which the magnetic field By in the second axis direction traverses the end of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bafter the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61bdisposed at the end of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bconcentrates the magnetic field By in a wide range, then traverses the first and second magneto-resistance elements50aand50bfrom the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and passes through the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the first magnetic flux concentrator plate61ais formed. A magnetic path in which the magnetic field By traverses the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50dfrom the second magnetic flux concentrator60b, and passes through the third magnetic flux concentrator60cand the third magnetic flux concentrator plate61cis formed. Therefore, the magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second axis direction with high sensitivity. In addition, the magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment can concentrates the magnetic field component inputted from the negative side toward the positive side of the second axis and the magnetic field component inputted from the positive side toward the negative side of the second axis at almost the same magnetic flux gain.

As the protruding length of the second magnetic flux concentrator60bfrom the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60c, the distance between the first magnetic flux concentrator60aand the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61b, or the distance between the third magnetic flux concentrator60cand the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61bis longer, the magnetic flux concentration is enhanced. It is preferable that the protruding length and these distances be equal to or several times the length in the first axis direction (width) of the magnetic flux concentrator. The other numerical examples are equivalent to those of the ninth embodiment.

In theFIG. 20, the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60aand60eform T-shapes or L-shapes. However, even if the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates are disposed so as to form Y-shapes, the magnetic sensor of the ninth embodiment can detect the magnetic field in the second axis direction with high sensitivity. In addition, all of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eare disposed, however, some of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61edo not have to be disposed.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 20is based on the fifth embodiment, the same configuration can be applied to the sixth to the eighth embodiments.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 21is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the tenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention. In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 15A, 15B, and 17.

The magnetic sensor of the tenth embodiment has plural arrangement patterns illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

In the plural arrangement patterns, the third magnetic flux concentrator60cin each of arrangement patterns serves as the first magnetic flux concentrator60ain another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of arrangement patterns. In addition, the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ein each of arrangement patterns are electrically connected to the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of arrangement patterns, respectively.

InFIG. 21, four arrangement patterns are disposed, thus the third magnetic flux concentrators60cserve as the first magnetic flux concentrators60aat the three pairs of adjacent arrangement patterns. In addition, each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ehas a group of four magneto-resistance elements. In each of the groups, the four magneto-resistance elements are electrically connected with one another in series. The first terminals of the groups of four magneto-resistance elements are electrically coupled to one point, respectively, and then connected to the output terminal S. The second terminals of the groups are connected to the output terminals A, B, C, D and E, respectively.

The magnetic sensor of the tenth embodiment having such a configuration can detect the magnetic fields in the first to third axis directions with higher sensitivity in comparison with the single arrangement pattern. The four magneto-resistance elements of each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50emay be electrically connected with one another in parallel, instead of in series. The manner connecting the magneto-resistance elements is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration.

In addition, all the four magneto-resistance elements of each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare electrically connected with one another, however some of magneto-resistance elements do not have to be electrically connected. In addition, the wirings used for connecting the four magneto-resistance elements of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50emay be metal wirings, or wirings formed from the same material as the magneto-resistance elements. Both types of wiring can be used in mixture.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 21is based on the fifth embodiment, the same configuration can be applied to the sixth to the ninth embodiments.

FIG. 22is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators when the ninth and tenth embodiments are combined. InFIG. 22, four arrangement patterns are disposed, thus the third magnetic flux concentrators60cserve as the first magnetic flux concentrators60aat the three pairs of adjacent arrangement patterns. At the left end in the first axis direction, the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60dis disposed at the position where the fourth and second magnetic flux concentrators60dand60bsandwich the first magnetic flux concentrator60a. In addition, at the right end in the first axis direction, the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60eis disposed at the position where the fifth and second magnetic flux concentrators60eand60bsandwich the third magnetic flux concentrator60c.

In addition, the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eare disposed at the end of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60e. The first to fifth magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eform T-shapes or L-shapes, in the planar view, when viewed in the third direction. In addition, each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ehas a group of four magneto-resistance elements. In each of the groups, the four magneto-resistance elements are electrically connected with one another in series. The first terminals of the groups of four magneto-resistance elements are electrically coupled to one point, respectively, and then connected to the output terminal S. The second terminals of the groups are connected to the output terminals A, B, C, D and E, respectively. In such a configuration, the magnetic fields in the two axes or three axes can be detected with high sensitivity and high accuracy.

Additionally, in the tenth embodiment, no magneto-resistance element is disposed in the sections where the plural arrangement patterns do not overlap with each other, that is, in the vicinities of the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60einFIG. 22. The magnetic field distributions at the vicinities of the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60edisposed at the left and right ends in the first axis direction of the plural arrangement patterns, respectively, are different from the magnetic field distribution at the inner portion of the plural arrangement pattern. For example, magnetic fields in the first and second axis directions at the vicinities of the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60dand60eare larger than those at the inner portion. Therefore, when no magneto-resistance element is disposed at the vicinities of the magnetic flux concentrators disposed at the both ends in the first axis direction of the plural arrangement patterns, it is possible to apply a substantially even magnetic field to each of magneto-resistance elements.

Modification of Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 23is a view illustrative of the modification of the magnetic sensor of the tenth embodiment, and of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators. In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 15A, 15B, and 17.

The magnetic sensor of the modification of the tenth embodiment includes the plural arrangement patterns illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, similarly toFIG. 21.

InFIG. 23, four arrangement patterns are disposed from the right end in the first axis direction, each of the arrangement patterns including three or more magneto-resistance elements, thus the third magnetic flux concentrators60cserve as the first magnetic flux concentrators60aat the three pairs of adjacent arrangement patterns. The magnetic sensor include, the fourth magneto-resistance element50dand the second magnetic flux concentrator60bat the left end in the first axis direction, in addition to the four arrangement patterns.

From another viewpoint, the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60ccan be perceived as projecting from the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin the second axis direction. Therefore, the magnetic sensor can be perceived as being configured such that four arrangement patterns is disposed from the left end in the first axis direction, each of the four arrangement patterns includes three or more magneto-resistance elements, and the third magneto-resistance element50cand the third magnetic flux concentrator60care added at the right end in the first axis direction. From either viewpoint, each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ehas a group of four magneto-resistance elements, and in each of the groups, the four magneto-resistance elements are electrically connected with one another in series.

The major difference betweenFIG. 21andFIG. 23is whether or not the number of the second magnetic flux concentrators60bis equal to the number of the first magnetic flux concentrators60aor the third magnetic flux concentrators60c. InFIG. 21, both numbers are not equal, InFIG. 23, both numbers are equal. Such a modification does not change the essence of the invention and can detect the magnetic fields in two or three axes.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 24AandFIG. 24Bare views illustrative of the eleventh embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and are views illustrative of the function of the gaps in the magnetic sensor of the tenth embodiment illustrated inFIG. 22, having the plural arrangement patterns.

In the configuration of the magnetic sensor used inFIG. 24A, seven arrangement patterns are repeatedly disposed, each adjacent ones of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eare not separated from each other and have no gap. Specifically, the first magnetic flux concentrator plate61ais connected to the third magnetic flux concentrator plate61c(that is, Gac=0), and the fourth magnetic flux concentrator plate61dis connected to the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61b(that is, Gdb=0), and the second magnetic flux concentrator plate61bis connected to the fifth magnetic flux concentrator plate61e(that is, Gbe=0).

It is assumed that the thickness of each of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the third axis direction is 5 μm. It is assumed that the width of each of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the first axis direction is 4 μm. It is assumed that the first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc are 6 μm. It is assumed that the distance between the first virtual plane71and the second virtual plane72is 0.5 μm, regardless of the thickness of each of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50e.

In the configuration of the magnetic sensor used inFIG. 24B, each adjacent ones of the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eare separated from each other and have gaps (Gac, Gdb, and Gbe=2 μm). It is assumed that thickness of each of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the third axis direction, the width of each of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the third axis direction, the first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc, and the distance between the first virtual plane71and the second virtual plane72are the same as those of the magnetic sensor used inFIG. 24A.

InFIGS. 24A and 24B, magnetic flux gains when the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic sensor in the first axis direction (that is, the sensitive axis direction) are plotted, which is calculated by the magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method. The magnetic flux gains are obtained by dividing the magnetic field components in the first axis direction at respective positions on a line extending in the first axis direction on the second virtual plane72and passing the center of the magnetic sensor when viewed in the third axis direction, by the input of the magnetic field in the first axis direction.

InFIG. 24A, the uniformity of the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux gains along the first axis direction is poor in comparison withFIG. 24B. InFIG. 24B, the uniformity of the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux gains along the first axis direction is improved.

InFIG. 24A, the magnetic fluxes intensely pass through the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61ewith no gap, thus the magnetic fluxes cannot sufficiently enter into the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cdisposed at inner portion of the sensor structure. Therefore, the values of the magnetic flux gains in the first axis direction at the positions of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dbecome low.

InFIG. 24B, when the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61ehave gaps, thus the magnetic flux flows are impeded at the gaps. Therefore, the magnetic fluxes flowing into the magnetic sensor are not concentrated and are distributed. In addition, through the effect of such a distribution, the uniformity of the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux gains along the second axis direction is also improved.

In this manner, by providing gaps among the first to fifth magnetic flux concentrator plates61ato61eso as to increase the impedance of the magnetic flux flow sufficiently and to form a more uniform magnetic field distribution in the space inside the sensor, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the spatial distributions of the magnetic flux gains along the first and second axis directions at the positions of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eon the second virtual plane72.

In the magnetic field numerical analysis, improvement in the uniformity of the spatial distributions of the magnetic flux gains is found when the length (Gac, Gdb, and Gbe) of the gaps is 0.5 μm, as is in the case of 2 μm. Thus, the length of the gap can be reduced up to the processing limit of the magnetic flux concentrator. However, it is preferable that the length of the gap be almost equal to or less than the length in the first axis direction (width) of the second magnetic flux concentrators60b, practically.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 25AandFIG. 25Bare views illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the twelfth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention.FIGS. 25A and 25Bindicate the same structural unit as illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B. In the drawing, the same numerals are assigned to the components having the same functions as those inFIGS. 15A and 15B.FIG. 25Ais a top view when viewed in the third direction, andFIG. 25Bis a cross-sectional view cut along A-A line inFIG. 25A. In the drawings, a reference numeral71denotes the first virtual plane71and the second virtual plane72.

In the magnetic sensor of the twelfth embodiment, the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60care disposed on the first virtual plane71parallel to the substrate plane70, and the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements50ato50eare disposed on the second virtual plane72parallel to the substrate plane70.

The arrangement pattern inFIGS. 15A and 15Bis configured such that a part extending in the short side direction (the first axis direction) of each of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50ddoes not overlap with a part extending in the short side direction (the first axis direction) of any of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c, along the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d.

On the other hand, the arrangement pattern inFIGS. 25A and 25B, the part extending in the short side direction (the first axis direction) of each of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50doverlaps with the part extending in the short side direction (the first axis direction) of any of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60c, along the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d.

That is, the part of the first magneto-resistance element50a, which is extending to the first magnetic flux concentrator60ain the short side direction (the first axis direction), is covered with the first magnetic flux concentrator60aalong the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the first magneto-resistance element50a. In addition, the part of second magneto-resistance element50b, which is extending to the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin the short side direction (the first axis direction), is covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator60balong the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the second magneto-resistance element50b. The part of third magneto-resistance element50c, which is extending to the second magnetic flux concentrator60bin the short side direction (the first axis direction), is covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator60balong the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the third magneto-resistance element50c. The part of fourth magneto-resistance element50d, which is extending to the third magnetic flux concentrator60cin the short side direction (the first axis direction), is covered with the third magnetic flux concentrator60calong the long side direction (the second axis direction) of the fourth magneto-resistance element50d.

When a value OL is defined as a value obtained by normalizing the length in the first axis direction of the overlapping portion between the magneto-resistance element and the magnetic flux concentrator adjacent thereto in a planar view when viewed in the third axis direction, by the length in the first axis direction (width) of the magneto-resistance element, OL inFIGS. 25A and 25Bis represented as a positive value. When there is no overlapping portion and no gap between the first magneto-resistance element50aand the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, OL=0.

In the case where OL>0 as illustrated inFIGS. 25A and 25B, in comparison with the case where OL=0, the magnetic field component in the first axis direction becomes large on the magnetic field sensitive surface of the magneto-resistance element having a sensitive axis in the first axis direction. Thus the amounts of the resistance change ΔRx, ΔRy and ΔRz, depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field components of three axes can be detected with higher sensitivity. In addition, when the length in the first axis direction of the magneto-resistance element varies, there is an effect of suppressing the variation in the magnetic field component in the first axis direction on the magnetic field sensitive surface of the magneto-resistance element, thus there is an effect of suppressing the variation in the amounts of the resistance change ΔRx, ΔRy and ΔRz depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field components of three axes.

The preferable example of the value OL will be described hereinafter. In the assumed configuration, the length of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the short side direction (the width of the rectangular shape) along the first axis direction is 6 μm to 12 μm, the first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc corresponding to the space between the magnetic flux concentrators are 1 to 2 times the length of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the short side direction (the width of the rectangular shape) along the first axis direction, the thickness of the magnetic flux concentrators is 5 μm to 15 μm, the length of the shape of the magneto-resistance elements in the first axis direction (the width of the plate) is 1 μm to 4 μm, the distance in the third axis direction between the first virtual plane71corresponding to the bottom faces of the magnetic flux concentrators having the thickness and the second virtual plane72on which the tabular magneto-resistance elements are located is 0.25 μm to 0.5 μm.

In the above case, an example of the preferable value of OL is ⅕ to ½. It was confirmed by the magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method that, when OL was within such a range and the width of the magneto-resistance elements was 1 μm, the sensitivity to the magnetic field in the third axis direction was improved by 5 percent, and when the width of the magneto-resistance elements was 4 μm, the sensitivity was improved by 15 percent, in comparison with the case where OL=0.

Thirteenth Embodiment

In the fifth to eleventh embodiments, an example of the preferable value of the length of the shape of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the first axis direction (the width of the rectangular shape) is 6 μm to 18 μm. In addition, an example of the preferable first and second inter-edge distances Lab and Lbc corresponding to the space between the magnetic flux concentrators is 1 to 4 times the length of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the first axis direction. In addition, an example of the preferable value of the thickness of the first to third magnetic flux concentrators60ato60cin the third axis direction is 5 μm to 15 μm.

An example of the preferable value of the distance between the first virtual plane71and the second virtual plane72is about 0.1 μm to 1 μm. In the combination of the above examples, it is confirmed by the magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method that, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOX/BIX) in the first axis direction is obtained to be about 0.1 to 3, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOX/BIX) being a ratio of the magnetic field (BOX) to the magnetic field (BIX), the magnetic field (BIX) being a magnetic field in the first axis direction, the magnetic field (BOX) being a magnetic field in the first axis direction which is converted from the magnetic field (BIX) by the magnetic flux concentrators and passes through each of the magnetic field sensitive surfaces of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d. In addition, it is confirmed by the magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method that, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOY/BIY) in the second axis direction is obtained to be about 0.1 to 3, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOY/BIY) being a ratio of the magnetic field (BOY) to the magnetic field (BIY), the magnetic field (BIY) being a magnetic field in the second axis direction, the magnetic field (BOY) being a magnetic field in the first axis direction which is converted from the magnetic field (BIY) by the magnetic flux concentrators and passes through each of the magnetic field sensitive surfaces of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d. In addition, it is confirmed by the magnetic field numerical analysis based on the integral element method that, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOX/BIZ) in the third axis direction is obtained to be about 0.1 to 3, the magnetic conversion ratio (BOX/BIZ) being a ratio of the magnetic field (BOX) to the magnetic field (BIZ), the magnetic field (BIZ) being a magnetic field in the third axis direction, the magnetic field (BOX) being a magnetic field in the first axis direction which is converted from the magnetic field (BIZ) by the magnetic flux concentrators and passes through each of the magnetic field sensitive surfaces of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d.

As mentioned above, the fifth to thirteenth embodiments can detect magnetic fields in the two or three axis directions on a substrate while suppressing the increase in current consumption. That is, it is possible to achieve a small magnetic sensor using magneto-resistance elements having a sensitive axis in one direction capable of suppressing the increase in current consumption.

Next, an example of the magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments will be described.

In one magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, the magnetic field components in the two axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs (RAto RC) from the first and second magneto-resistance elements sandwiched by the first and second magnetic flux concentrators and from the third magneto-resistance element sandwiched by the second and third magnetic flux concentrators.

The first to third magneto-resistance elements have a sensitive axis in an identical direction. The magnetic field component (2ΔRy) in the second axis direction (Y axis) is calculated on the basis of a value based on the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magneto-resistance element and a value based on the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) from the third magneto-resistance element. The magnetic field component (2ΔRz) in the third axis direction (Z axis) is calculated on the basis of a value based on the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) from the first magneto-resistance element and a value based on the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) from the second magneto-resistance element.

Additionally, in another magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, the magnetic field components of the three axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs from the first to third magneto-resistance elements described above and an output from the fifth magneto-resistance element covered with the magnetic flux concentrator.

The first to third magneto-resistance elements, and the fifth magneto-resistance element have a sensitive axis in an identical direction. In addition to the above-mentioned calculation of the magnetic field components in the second and third axis directions, the magnetic field component (2ΔRx) in the first axis direction (X axis) is calculated on the basis of the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) from the second magneto-resistance element, the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) from the third magneto-resistance element, and the output (RE=R) from the fifth magneto-resistance element.

Additionally, in still another magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, the magnetic field components of the two axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs (RAto RD) from the first and second magneto-resistance elements sandwiched by the first and second magnetic flux concentrators and from the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements sandwiched by the second and third magnetic flux concentrators.

The magnetic field component (4ΔRy) in the second axis direction (Y axis) is calculated on the basis of a value (RC+RD−(RA+RB)) obtained by subtracting the sum (RA+RB) of values on the basis of the outputs (RA, RB) from the first and second magneto-resistance elements from the sum (RC+RD) of values based on the outputs (RC, RD) from the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements. The magnetic field component (4ΔRz) in the third axis direction (Z axis) is calculated on the basis of a value (RB+RD−(RA+RC)) obtained by subtracting the sum (RA+RC) of values on the basis of the outputs (RA, RC) from the first and third magneto-resistance elements from the sum (RB+RD) of values on the basis of the outputs (RB, RD) from the second and fourth magneto-resistance elements.

Alternatively, the magnetic field component (2ΔRy) in the second axis direction (Y axis) may be calculated on the basis of the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) of the first magneto-resistance element and the output (RC=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz) of the third magneto-resistance element, and the magnetic field component (2ΔRz) in the third axis direction (Z axis) may be calculated on the basis of the output (RA=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz) of the first magneto-resistance element and the output (RB=R+ΔRx−ΔRy+ΔRz) of the second magneto-resistance element.

Additionally, in yet another magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, the magnetic field components of the three axis directions are detected on the basis of outputs from the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements described above and an output from the fifth magneto-resistance element covered by the magnetic flux concentrator.

The first to fifth magneto-resistance elements have a sensitive axis in an identical direction. In addition to the above-mentioned calculation of the magnetic field components in the second and third axis directions, the magnetic field component (4ΔRx) in the first axis direction (X axis) is calculated on the basis of a total sum (RA+RB+RC+RD) of signals on the basis of the outputs (RA, RB, RC, RD) from the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements, the signals being obtained by subtracting a value on the basis of the output (RE) from the fifth magneto-resistance element from the respective values on the basis of the outputs from the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements. In short, in the magnetic detecting methods described above, the magnetic field components of the respective axis directions are obtained by solving the simultaneous equations with respect to resistances.

In addition, the second axis direction (Y axis) is perpendicular to the sensitive axes of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements and parallel to the substrate plane. The third axis direction (Z axis) is perpendicular to the substrate plane. The first axis direction (X axis) is the direction of the sensitive axes of the first to fifth magneto-resistance elements.

As seen above, the magnetic detecting method using the magnetic sensors of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments can detect magnetic fields in the two or three axis directions on a substrate with high resolution while suppressing the increase in current consumption. In addition, it is possible to achieve a magnetic detecting method through a small magnetic sensor using magneto-resistance elements having a sensitive axis in one direction.

Fourteenth Embodiment

FIG. 26is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the fourteenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and a view illustrative of the structure of the magnetic sensor of the fourteenth embodiment in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor of the fourteenth embodiment has a configuration obtained by removing the fifth magneto-resistance element50efrom the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B. The fifth magneto-resistance element50eis further disposed on the left side of the first magnetic flux concentrator60ain the first axis direction, and the sixth magneto-resistance element50fis further disposed on the right side of the third magnetic flux concentrator60cin the first axis direction. The ends of the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60care connected via the magnetic flux concentrator plate61a.

When the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction is inputted to the magnetic sensor of the fourteenth embodiment, the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction is inputted to the fifth magneto-resistance element50e, thus, the resistance changes by ΔRx. Then the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction is inputted to the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, and is curved to the second axis direction by the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aconnected to the third magnetic flux concentrator60c. The curved magnetic field passes through the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aand is outputted from the third magnetic flux concentrator60cin the first axis direction. The magnetic field outputted from the third magnetic flux concentrator60cis inputted to the sixth magneto-resistance element50f. The resistance of the sixth magneto-resistance element50fchanges by ΔRx. As seen above, by the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aconnecting the first and third magnetic flux concentrators60aand60c, the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dare shielded from the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction. Thus, the magnetic field Bx is inputted to only the fifth and sixth magneto-resistance elements50eand50f.

When the magnetic field By in the second axis direction is inputted, according to the similar principle as the embodiments described above, the magnetic field By in the second axis direction is inputted to the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50d, the resistances of the first and second magneto-resistance elements50aand50bchange by −ΔRy, the resistances of the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50dchange by ΔRy.

The magnetic field By in the second axis direction is curved by the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, a magnetic field is inputted to the fifth magneto-resistance element50ein the same direction as those of the magnetic fields inputted to the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50d. Therefore, the resistance of the fifth magneto-resistance element50echanges by ΔRy. On the other hand, the magnetic field By in the second axis direction is inputted to the sixth magneto-resistance element50fby the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, in the same direction as those of the magnetic field By inputted to the first and the second magneto-resistance elements50aand50b. Therefore, the resistance of the sixth magneto-resistance element50fchanges by −ΔRy.

Also when the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction is inputted, according to the similar principle as the embodiments described above, the resistances of the first and third magneto-resistance elements50aand50cchange by −ΔRz, the resistances of the second and fourth magneto-resistance elements50band50dchange by ΔRz. The magnetic field in the third axis direction is inputted to the fifth magneto-resistance element50eby the first magnetic flux concentrator60a, in the same direction as those of the magnetic field in the third axis direction inputted to the second and the fourth magneto-resistance elements50band50d. Then, the resistance of the fifth magneto-resistance element50echanges by ΔRz. The magnetic field in the third axis direction is inputted to the sixth magneto-resistance element50fby the third magnetic flux concentrator60c, in the same direction as those of the magnetic field in the third axis direction inputted to the first and third magneto-resistance elements50aand50c. Then, the resistance of the sixth magneto-resistance element50fchanges by −ΔRz.

FIG. 27is a view illustrative of wirings for extracting output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 26. The first terminals of the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare electrically connected to the terminal S, and the second terminals of the magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare electrically connected to the terminals A to F, respectively. Now, by connecting the terminal S to the ground and connecting the terminals A to F to the current sources so as to flow predetermined currents to the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50f, it is possible to extract the signals indicate the mixed magnetic field components of the three axis from the terminals A to F.

Next, the method for extracting the signals of the magnetic field components of the respective axes from the magneto-resistance elements will be described. When the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction, the magnetic field By in the second axis direction, and the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction are applied to the magnetic sensor of the fourteenth embodiment, the resistances RAto RFof the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare represented by the following expressions.
RA=R−ΔRy−ΔRz(24)
RB=R−ΔRy+ΔRz(25)
RC=R+ΔRy−ΔRz(26)
RD=R+ΔRy+ΔRz(27)
RE=R+ΔRx+ΔRy+ΔRz(28)
RF=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz(29)

Similarly to the description of the embodiments described above, the outputs of the magnetic field components of the respective axes can be calculated by solving the simultaneous equations with respect to the expressions (24) to (29).

An example of the calculation method of ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz will be described hereinafter. The following expressions are obtained.

Then, the following results are obtained.

Then, the following result is obtained.

In this manner, the magnetic field components of the respective axes can be obtained as indicated by the expressions (35), (36) and (38).

FIG. 28is a configuration diagram of a specific circuit for detecting the signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 27. Similar toFIG. 19, the terminal S is connected to the ground, the terminals A to F are connected to the first terminals of plural current sources whose supply currents are identical to one another, respectively, and the second terminals of the plural current sources are connected to a power supply voltage terminal. In such a configuration, predetermined currents can be supply to the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50f, and voltages based on a resistance change in a state where the magnetic field Bx in the first axis direction, the magnetic field By in the second axis direction, and the magnetic field Bz in the third axis direction are applied are outputted from the terminals A to F.

FIG. 29is a configuration diagram of a circuit for a calculator of the output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 26.

The calculator80includes signal obtainers81ato81f(RAto RF), subtractors82ato82d(A to D), adders82e(E) and82f(F). The signal obtainers81ato81fobtain the voltages depending on the resistances of the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50fat the terminals A to F, respectively. That is, the signal obtainers81ato81fobtain the signals indicated by the expressions (24) to (29), respectively. Then, the subtractors82ato82dand the adder82ecalculate the expressions (30) to (34), respectively, the adder82fcalculates the expression (37). Finally, the adder-subtractor83in the subsequent stage calculates the expressions (35), (36), and (38) to obtain the output in the first axis direction, the output in the second axis direction, and the output in the third axis direction.

It is noted that the outputs depending on ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz are obtained the above-mentioned steps in the fourteenth embodiment, however, the fourteenth embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned steps. That is, any configuration in which the calculator80solves simultaneous equations so as to obtain ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz can be employed.

The fourteenth embodiment described above does not need the fifth magneto-resistance element50efor reference included in the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15Bwhich does not sense the magnetic field in any of the first to third directions. In addition to the effects of the fifth to thirteenth embodiments, the fourteenth embodiment has an effect of increasing sensitivity, since the fourteenth embodiment does not use a magneto-resistance element as reference but use it as the magneto-resistance element E or F.

Fifteenth Embodiment

FIG. 30is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the fifteenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and a view illustrative of the structure of the magnetic sensor of the fifteenth embodiment in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor of the fifteenth embodiment includes, in addition to the magnetic sensor of the fourteenth embodiment described above, the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60fand60g. The fourth magnetic flux concentrator60fis disposed on the left side in the first axis of the magnetic flux concentrator60adisposed at the left end in the first axis direction among the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60e, in the planar view. The fifth magnetic flux concentrator60gis disposed on the right side in the first axis of the magnetic flux concentrator60edisposed at the right end in the first axis direction, in the planar view. In addition, in the magnetic sensor of the fifteenth embodiment, each of the combination of the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60fand the magnetic flux concentrator plate61fconnecting thereto, and the combination of the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60gand the magnetic flux concentrator plate61gconnecting thereto form an L-shape, in the planar view. It is noted that each of the combination of the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60fwith the magnetic flux concentrator plate61fconnecting thereto, and the combination of the fifth magnetic flux concentrator60gwith the magnetic flux concentrator plate61gconnecting thereto may form a T-shape or a Y-shape, similarly to the embodiments described above. Then, the magnetic flux concentrators facing with each other so as to sandwich an adjacent magnetic flux concentrator displaced therewith in the longitudinal direction, among the plural the magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eare connected with each other via the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aor61b, That is, the respective ends of the plural the magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eare alternately connected to the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aor61b.

FIG. 31is a view illustrative of wirings for extracting output signals of the magnetic sensor illustrated inFIG. 30. The magneto-resistance elements to which the same numerals are assigned among the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare connected to each other in series. The first terminal of each of the magneto-resistance elements are connected to the terminal S, and the second terminals of the magneto-resistance elements are connected to the terminals A to F, respectively. Similarly to the fourteenth embodiment described above, the terminal S is connected to the ground, the terminals A to F are connected to the current sources supplying the predetermined currents. The specific circuit configuration for supplying currents to the respective magneto-resistance elements to extract the signals depending on the resistances of the respective magneto-resistance elements is similar toFIG. 28.

According to the similar principle as the fourteenth embodiment described above, the signals depending on the resistances of the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dare the same as the expressions (24) to (27), when the magnetic flux gain is normalized. With respect to the fifth and sixth magneto-resistance elements50eand50f, the components in the second axis direction at the right and left magneto-resistance elements have opposite signs from each other, only the component in the first axis direction and the component in the third axis direction appear as a resistance change. That is, the signals depending on the resistances of the fifth and sixth magneto-resistance elements50eto50fare represented by the following expressions, when the magnetic flux gain is normalized.
RE=R+ΔRx+ΔRy+ΔRz(39)
RF=R+ΔRx−ΔRy−ΔRz(40)

Then, similarly to the fourteenth embodiment described above, the outputs of the magnetic field components of the respective axes can be obtained by using the calculator80to solve the simultaneous equations with respect to the expressions (24) to (27), the expression (39), and the expression (40).

The steps for solving the simultaneous equations may be the same as the steps in the fourteenth embodiment described above. That is, when the calculation is performed by the above-mentioned steps, the circuit configuration of the calculator80is similar toFIG. 29.

Sixteenth Embodiment

FIG. 32is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the sixteenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and a view illustrative of the configuration of the magnetic sensor of the sixteenth embodiment in the planar view and the wirings for detecting signals from the magnetic sensor.

The magnetic sensor of the sixteenth embodiment has a configuration obtained by alternately connecting the ends of the plural the magnetic flux concentrators60ato60gof the magnetic sensor of the fifteenth embodiment with one another, via the magnetic flux concentrator plate61aor61b. That is, in the magnetic sensor of the sixteenth embodiment, the respective ends of the plural magnetic flux concentrators60a,60c, and60eare connected to one another via the magnetic flux concentrator plate61a, the respective ends located on the side facing toward the displacing direction toward which the plural magnetic flux concentrators are displaced in the longitudinal direction. The respective ends of the remaining magnetic flux concentrators60f,60b,60d, and60gare connected to one another via the magnetic flux concentrator plate61b, the respective ends located on the side facing toward the direction opposite to the displacing direction.

The method for extracting the signals depending on the resistances of the respective magneto-resistance elements and the method for solving the simultaneous equations to output the magnetic field components of the respective axes are similar to those of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments described above, thus, the descriptions thereof are omitted.

Seventeenth Embodiment

FIG. 33is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the seventeenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and a view illustrative of the configuration of the magnetic sensor of the seventeenth embodiment in the planar view and the wirings for detecting signals from the magnetic sensor.

The magnetic sensor of the seventeenth embodiment has a configuration obtained by removing, from the magnetic sensor of the fifteenth embodiment described above, the fourth and fifth magnetic flux concentrators60fand60g, and the magnetic flux concentrator plates61fand61g, disposed on the left end and the right end in the first axis direction and forming the L-shapes, and the sixth magneto-resistance element50fdisposed on the left end in the first axis direction, and the fifth magneto-resistance element50edisposed on the right end in the first axis direction, among the magneto-resistance elements. The magneto-resistance elements to which the same numerals are assigned among the first to fourth magneto-resistance elements50ato50dare connected to each other in series. The first terminal of each of the first to sixth magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare connected to the terminal S, and the second terminals of the magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare connected to the terminals A to F, respectively. The method for flowing the predetermined currents to the terminals A to F to extract the signals depending on the resistances of the respective magneto-resistance elements and the method for solving the simultaneous equations to output the magnetic field components of the respective axes are similar to those of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments described above, thus, the descriptions thereof are omitted.

Eighteenth Embodiment

FIG. 34is a view illustrative of an arrangement pattern of magneto-resistance elements and magnetic flux concentrators in the eighteenth embodiment of the magnetic sensor according to the present invention, and a view illustrative of the configuration of the magnetic sensor of the eighteenth embodiment in the planar view and the wirings for detecting signals from the magnetic sensor.

The configuration of the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60fand the magnetic flux concentrator plates61a,61b,61e, and60fof the magnetic sensor of the eighteen embodiment is obtained by arranging the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eof the seventeenth embodiment such that the end of the magnetic flux concentrator60edisposed at right end in the first axis direction is not connected to the end of the magnetic flux concentrator60cdisposed at the center via the magnetic flux concentrator plates61a, and the magnetic flux concentrator60fand the magnetic flux concentrator plate61fforming an inverted T shape is further disposed to be spaced apart from the magnetic flux concentrator60adisposed at the left end in the first axis direction among the plural magnetic flux concentrators60ato60eof the seventeenth embodiment described above. Then, in the magnetic sensor of the eighteen embodiment, the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50ddisposed between the two magnetic flux concentrators60dand60elocated on the right side in the first axis of the magnetic sensor of the seventeenth embodiment described above are replaced with the sixth and fifth magneto-resistance elements50fand50eon the right side of the fifteenth embodiment, furthermore, the sixth magneto-resistance element50fat the right end in the first axis direction of the seventeenth embodiment described above is disposed between the magnetic flux concentrator60aand the fourth magnetic flux concentrator60fforming an inverted T shape with the magnetic flux concentrator plate61fso as to be close to the magnetic flux concentrator60fforming the inverted T shape.

The magneto-resistance elements to which the same numerals are assigned among the first and second magneto-resistance elements50aand50band the fifth and sixth magneto-resistance elements50eand50fare connected to each other in series. The first terminal of each of the magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare connected to the terminal S, and the second terminals of the magneto-resistance elements50ato50fare connected to the terminals A to F, respectively.

The method to extract the signals depending on the resistances of the respective magneto-resistance elements when flowing the predetermined currents to the terminals A to F is similar to those of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments described above. Additionally, similarly to the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments described above, the outputs of magnetic field components of the respective axes can be obtained by solving the simultaneous equations with respect to the signals depending on the resistances of the magneto-resistance elements50ato50fobtained from the terminals A to F.

In the eighteenth embodiment, when assuming that the resistances of the third and fourth magneto-resistance elements50cand50dto which no magnetic field is applied are equal to the resistances of the first and second magneto-resistance elements50aand50band the fifth and sixth magneto-resistance elements50eand50fto which no magnetic field is applied, the outputs of the respective magneto-resistance elements at the terminals A to E are the same as those of the fourteenth embodiment described above. However, the sign of ΔRy in the signal RFobtained from the terminal F in the eighteenth embodiment is different from the sign of ΔRy in the signal RFin the fourteenth embodiment, as following expression.
RF=R+ΔRx+ΔRy−ΔRz(41)

In addition, RE+RFis represented the following expression.
RE+RF=2R+2ΔRx+2ΔRy(42)

That is, in the eighteenth embodiment, it is possible to obtain 4ΔRx by configuring the adder-subtractor83of the calculator80of the fourteenth embodiment described above so as to subtracting 4ΔRy in the expression (35) from a value obtained by calculating 2×(42)−(37). As is clear from the above description, any method or steps for solving can be employed as long as ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz can be obtained. That is, the calculator80has any configuration solving the simultaneous equations so as to output ΔRx, ΔRy, and ΔRz.

As seen above, the magnetic sensors of the fourteenth to eighteenth embodiments are characterized by utilizing the property that the magnetic field in the first axis direction is different from the magnetic field in the first axis direction at the inner portion of the arrangement pattern in the gaps formed by the magnetic flux concentrators disposed at the both ends in the first axis direction and the magnetic flux concentrators adjacent thereto.

Several aspects of the magnetic sensor and the method for detecting the magnetic field explained above will be hereinafter described.

A magnetic sensor comprising:

a plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to a substrate, one of two adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units being displaced with respect to another of the two adjacent ones in a longitudinal direction;

a plurality of magnetic detectors substantially parallel to the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units, disposed between two adjacent magnetic flux concentrator units of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units in a planar view;

wherein, the plurality of magnetic detectors includes a first and a second magnetic detectors disposed to be close to the two adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 1, wherein

the first magnetic detector is disposed to be closer to one magnetic flux concentrator unit than to another magnetic flux concentrator unit of the two adjacent ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units, in the planar view, and

the second magnetic detector is disposed to be closer to the another magnetic flux concentrator unit than to the one magnetic flux concentrator unit, in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein

the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units include three or more magnetic flux concentrator units, and wherein

one magnetic flux concentrator unit of the three or more magnetic flux concentrator units is disposed to be displaced with respect to two other magnetic flux concentrator units in the longitudinal direction and the two other magnetic flux concentrator units face with each other to sandwich the one magnetic flux concentrator unit, in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 3, wherein respective inter-edge distances between the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are substantially equal to each other.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein respective centroid positions of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed zigzag in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, wherein alternate ones of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units face each other in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 3 to 6, wherein a magnetic flux concentrator member is provided at an end of one of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 7, wherein the one of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic flux concentrator member form a magnetic flux concentrator unit having a T-shape, a Y-shape or an L-shape.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, further comprising a third magnetic detector disposed to be covered with one of the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 7, wherein the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units are alternately connected to each other via the magnetic flux concentrator member.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 10, further comprising a fourth and a fifth magnetic detectors disposed outside of magnetic flux concentrator units disposed at ends, among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, in the planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 7, wherein

a magnetic flux concentrator unit disposed at an end, among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic flux concentrator member form a magnetic flux concentrator unit having a T-shape, a Y-shape or an L-shape, in the planar view, and

magnetic flux concentrator units among the plurality of magnetic flux concentrator units other than the magnetic flux concentrator unit disposed at the end are alternately connected to each other via the magnetic flux concentrator member.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 3 to 8, and 12, wherein sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors are an identical first axis direction.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 13, comprising a calculator configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 14, wherein the calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 9, wherein sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector are an identical first axis direction.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 16, comprising a calculator configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 17, wherein the calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors and of the third magnetic detector.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 11, wherein sensitive axes of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors are an identical first axis direction.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 19, comprising a calculator configured to calculate a magnetic field in a second axis direction and a magnetic field in a third axis direction, on the basis of respective outputs of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 20, wherein the calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions, on the basis of respective resistances of the plurality of magnetic detectors, and of the fourth and the fifth magnetic detectors.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 15, 18 or 21, wherein the calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic fields in the second and the third axis directions by solving simultaneous equations with respect to the respective resistances.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 13 to 22, wherein

the first axis direction is parallel to the substrate,

the second axis direction is parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the first axis direction, and

the third axis direction is perpendicular to the substrate.

A magnetic sensor comprising:

a magnetic detector including a magnetic field sensitive material configured to detect a magnetic field component in a first direction, and

a magnetic field direction converter configured to convert a magnetic field component in a second direction and a magnetic field component in a third direction into the magnetic field component in the first direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, the third direction being perpendicular to both of the first and the second directions.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 24, wherein

the magnetic field direction converter comprises a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units disposed to be substantially parallel to each other on a substrate, and

in an arrangement pattern including the first and the second magnetic flux concentrator units and the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is disposed between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit in a planar view of the substrate.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 25, wherein the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is disposed to be substantially parallel to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit in the planar view of the substrate.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 26, wherein a distance between the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is shorter than a distance between the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 27, wherein the first and the second magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed to form a magnetic path of a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit, when a magnetic field is inputted in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 28, wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to a plane of the substrate, and the third direction is perpendicular to the plane of the substrate.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 29, wherein the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed to be displaced with respect to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 30, wherein,

the magnetic field direction converter comprises a third magnetic flux concentrator unit and/or a fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit,

the third magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the third magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit, and

the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 31, wherein

the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units are equipped with a first to a fourth magnetic flux concentrator members, respectively, disposed at the ends of the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units, and

the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members form T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes, respectively, in the planar view of the substrate.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 32, wherein the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members forming T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes have gaps between one another.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 33, wherein a part of the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector, the part extending along a long side of the magnetic field sensitive material, is covered with any one of the first or the second magnetic flux concentrator unit on the plane of the substrate.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 25 to 34, comprising an auxiliary magnetic detector (50c) including a magnetic field sensitive material having the same structure as a structure of the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector, wherein

the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is disposed not to sense magnetic field components in the first to the third directions, and

the arrangement pattern includes the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 35, wherein the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with any one of the first or the second magnetic flux concentrator units.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 36, wherein the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 24 to 37, comprising a plurality of the arrangement patterns.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 38, wherein, in the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and/or the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns are/is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector and/or the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns, respectively.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 39, wherein, in the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 39, wherein, in the plurality of arrangement patterns, the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensitive material included in the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 24 to 41, wherein the magnetic field sensitive material included in the magnetic detector is configured to detect the magnetic field component in only the first direction.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 24 to 42, wherein the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator units and the first to the fourth magnetic flux concentrator members are made of a soft magnetic material.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 24 to 43 comprising a controller configured to control another function block, wherein

the controller is configured to receive a signal obtained from an output of the magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed, and to control the another function block by using the signal in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 24 to 43 comprising:

a signal generator configured to generate a signal on the basis of an output of the magnetic detector and an output of the auxiliary magnetic detector, the signal being in a state where magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed; and

a controller configured to control another function block, wherein

the controller is configured to control the another function block by using the signal outputted from the signal generator, the signal being in the state where the magnetic field components in the first to third directions are summed.

A magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic field components in two axis directions or three axis directions, the magnetic sensor comprising an arrangement pattern including:

three or more magnetic detectors disposed to be parallel to one another and parallel to a substrate plane; and

a first to a third magnetic flux concentrator units disposed to be parallel to one another and parallel to the substrate plane, wherein

the first to the third magnetic flux concentrator units are disposed to form respective magnetic paths of a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and a magnetic flux component from the second magnetic flux concentrator unit to the third magnetic flux concentrator unit, when a magnetic field is inputted in a longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit,

the three or more magnetic detectors are divided into a first magnetic detector group disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and a second magnetic detector group disposed between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 46, wherein

all of the three or more magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in a first axis direction parallel to the substrate plane,

the two axis directions include a second axis direction parallel to the substrate plane and perpendicular to the first axis direction and a third axis direction perpendicular to the substrate plane, and

the three axis directions include the first to the third axis directions.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 46 or 47, wherein the three or more magnetic detectors are disposed such that inter-median-line distances are substantially equal to one another, the inter-median-line distances including first inter-median-line distances between a first virtual median line and centerlines of the respective magnetic detectors in the first magnetic detector group extending in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic detectors, the first virtual median line being a line midway between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit, and second inter-median-line distances between a second virtual median line and centerlines of the respective magnetic detectors in the second magnetic detector group extending in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic detectors, the second virtual median line being a line midway between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 48, wherein any one of the inter-median-line distances is not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times another of the inter-median-line distances.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 49, wherein the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed to be displaced with respect to the first and the third magnetic flux concentrator units in the longitudinal direction of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 50, a centroid position of the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is not located on a virtual line connecting centroid positions of the first and the third magnetic flux concentrator units in a planar view.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 51, wherein a first inter-edge distance between the first magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit is substantially equal to a second inter-edge distance between the second magnetic flux concentrator unit and the third magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 52 wherein the first inter-edge distance is not shorter than 0.7 times and not longer than 1.3 times the second inter-edge distance.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 53, comprising a fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and/or a fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit, wherein

the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the first magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fourth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit, and

the fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit is disposed at a position where the third magnetic flux concentrator unit is sandwiched between the fifth magnetic flux concentrator unit and the second magnetic flux concentrator unit.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 54, wherein

magnetic flux concentrator members are disposed at the ends on the magnetic flux concentrator units, respectively, and

the magnetic flux concentrator units form magnetic flux concentrator units having T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes, respectively.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 55, the magnetic flux concentrator members of the magnetic flux concentrator units having T-shapes, Y-shapes, or L-shapes have gaps between each other.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 56, wherein a part of each of the three or more magnetic detectors extending along a long side of the magnetic detectors is covered with any one of the first to the third magnetic flux concentrator units on the substrate plane.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 57, wherein the arrangement pattern comprises an auxiliary magnetic detector in addition to the three or more magnetic detectors, wherein the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with one of the magnetic flux concentrator units.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 58, wherein the three or more magnetic detectors are four magnetic detectors.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 58 or 59, wherein the auxiliary magnetic detector is covered with any one of the first to the three magnetic flux concentrator units.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 60, comprising a plurality of the arrangement patterns.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 61, wherein, in the plurality of arrangement patterns, the third magnetic flux concentrator unit in each of the arrangement patterns serves as the first magnetic flux concentrator unit in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 61 or 62, wherein, in the plurality of arrangement patterns, the three or more magnetic detectors and/or the auxiliary magnetic detector in each of the arrangement patterns are/is electrically connected to the three or more magnetic detectors and/or the auxiliary magnetic detector in another arrangement pattern in a stage adjacent and subsequent to the each of the arrangement patterns, respectively.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 63, comprising a calculator configured to receive signals on the basis of outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors to calculate a magnetic field component of Y axis and a magnetic field component of Z axis, the Y axis being perpendicular to sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors and parallel to the substrate plane, the Z axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane.

The magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 58 to 60, comprising a calculator configured to receive signals on the basis of outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors and an output from the auxiliary magnetic detector to calculate a magnetic field component of sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors, a magnetic field component of Y axis, and a magnetic field component of Z axis, the Y axis being perpendicular to the sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors and parallel to the substrate plane, the Z axis being perpendicular to the substrate plane.

The magnetic sensor according to aspect 65, wherein the calculator is configured to calculate the magnetic field component of the sensitive axes of the three or more magnetic detectors by adding signals obtained by subtracting the signal on the basis of the output from the auxiliary magnetic detector from the signals on the basis of the outputs from the three or more magnetic detectors.

A magnetic detecting method of using the magnetic sensor according to any one of aspects 46 to 66.

A magnetic detecting method for detecting magnetic field components in two axis directions on the basis of outputs from a first and a second magnetic detectors sandwiched between a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units and of a output from a third magnetic detector sandwiched between the second and a third magnetic flux concentrator units, wherein

the first to the third magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in an identical first axis direction, and

the magnetic detecting method comprising:

calculating a magnetic field component in a second axis direction on the basis of a value based on the output from the first magnetic detector and a value based on the output from the third magnetic detector; and

calculating a magnetic field component in a third axis direction on the basis of the value based on the output from the first magnetic detector and a value based on the output from the second magnetic detector.

A magnetic detecting method for detecting magnetic field components in two axis directions on the basis of outputs from a first and a second magnetic detectors sandwiched between a first and a second magnetic flux concentrator units and of outputs from a third and a fourth magnetic detectors sandwiched between the second and a third magnetic flux concentrator units, wherein

the first to the fourth magnetic detectors have a sensitive axis in an identical first axis direction, and

the magnetic detecting method comprising:

calculating a magnetic field component in a second axis direction on the basis of a value obtained by subtracting a sum of values based on the outputs from the first and the second magnetic detectors from a sum of values based on the outputs from the third and the fourth magnetic detectors; and

calculating a magnetic field component in a third axis direction on the basis of a value obtained by subtracting a sum of the values based on the outputs from the first and the third magnetic detectors from a sum of the values based on the outputs from the second and the fourth magnetic detectors, or

calculating the magnetic field component in the second axis direction on the basis of the output from the first magnetic detector and the output from the third magnetic detector; and

calculating the magnetic field component in the third axis direction on the basis of the output from the first magnetic detector and the output from the second magnetic detector.

The magnetic detecting method according to aspect 68, wherein,

magnetic field components in three axis directions are detected on the basis of the outputs from the first to third magnetic detectors and an output from an auxiliary magnetic detector covered with a magnetic flux concentrator unit,

the first to the third magnetic detectors and the auxiliary magnetic detector have a sensitive axis in the first axis direction, and

the magnetic detecting method comprising calculating a magnetic field component in the first axis direction on the basis of the output from the second magnetic detector, the output from the third magnetic detector, and the output from the auxiliary magnetic detector, in addition to the calculating the magnetic field component in the second axis direction and the calculating the magnetic field component in the third axis direction.

The magnetic detecting method according to aspect 69, wherein,

magnetic field components in three axis directions are detected on the basis of the outputs from the first to fourth magnetic detectors and an output from an auxiliary magnetic detector covered with a magnetic flux concentrator unit,

the first to the fourth magnetic detectors and the auxiliary magnetic detector have a sensitive axis in the first axis direction, and

the magnetic detecting method comprising calculating a magnetic field component in the first axis direction on the basis of a total sum of signals based on the outputs from the first to the fourth magnetic detectors, the signals being obtained by subtracting a value based on the output from the auxiliary magnetic detector from values based on the outputs from the first to the fourth magnetic detectors, in addition to the calculating the magnetic field component in the second axis direction and the calculating the magnetic field component in the third axis direction.

The magnetic detecting method according to any one of aspects 68 to 71, wherein the second axis direction is perpendicular to the sensitive axes of the magnetic detectors and parallel to a substrate plane and the third axis direction is perpendicular to the substrate plane.

The magnetic detecting method according to any one of aspects 69 to 72, wherein the first axis direction is a direction of sensitive axes of the magnetic detectors.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The magnetic sensor and the magnetic detecting method according some embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the field of the portable device or the like in which miniaturization, space saving and power saving are strongly requested.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST