Patent ID: 12235333

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An object of the technology is to provide a magnetic sensor that includes magnetoresistive elements each disposed on an inclined surface and in which a short between electrodes can be prevented.

In the following, some example embodiments and modification examples of the technology are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is directed to illustrative examples of the disclosure and not to be construed as limiting the technology. Factors including, without limitation, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, positions of the components, and how the components are coupled to each other are illustrative only and not to be construed as limiting the technology. Further, elements in the following example embodiments which are not recited in a most-generic independent claim of the disclosure are optional and may be provided on an as-needed basis. The drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like elements are denoted with the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions. Note that the description is given in the following order.

First Example Embodiment

First, a configuration of a magnetic sensor according to a first example embodiment of the technology will be described with reference toFIGS.1and2.FIG.1is a perspective view showing a magnetic sensor according to the example embodiment.FIG.2is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic sensor device including the magnetic sensor according to the example embodiment.

As shown inFIG.1, the magnetic sensor1is in the form of a chip having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The magnetic sensor1includes a top surface1aand a bottom surface located opposite to each other and also includes four side surfaces connecting the top surface1ato the bottom surface. The magnetic sensor1also includes a plurality of electrode pads disposed on the top surface1a.

Now, a description will be given of a reference coordinate system in the present example embodiment with reference toFIG.1. The reference coordinate system is an orthogonal coordinate system that is set with reference to a magnetic sensor1and defined by three axes. An X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined in the reference coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. In particular, in the example embodiment, a direction that is perpendicular to the top surface1aof the magnetic sensor1and is oriented from the bottom surface to the top surface1aof the magnetic sensor1is defined as the Z direction. The opposite directions to the X, Y, and Z directions will be expressed as −X, −Y, and −Z directions, respectively. The three axes defining the reference coordinate system are an axis parallel to the X direction, an axis parallel to the Y direction, and an axis parallel to the Z direction.

Hereinafter, the term “above” refers to positions located forward of a reference position in the Z direction, and “below” refers to positions opposite from the “above” positions with respect to the reference position. For each component of the magnetic sensor1, the term “top surface” refers to a surface of the component located at the end thereof in the Z direction, and “bottom surface” refers to a surface of the component located at the end thereof in the −Z direction. The phrase “when seen in the Z direction” means that an object is seen from a position at a distance in the Z direction.

As shown inFIG.2, the magnetic sensor1includes a first detection circuit20and a second detection circuit30. Each of the first and second detection circuits20and30includes a plurality of magnetic detection elements, and is configured to detect a target magnetic field to generate at least one detection signal. In particular, in the example embodiment, the plurality of magnetic detection elements are a plurality of magnetoresistive elements. The magnetoresistive elements will hereinafter be referred to as MR elements.

A plurality of detection signals generated by the first and second detection circuits20and30are processed by a processor40. The magnetic sensor1and the processor40constitute a magnetic sensor device100. The processor40is configured to, by processing the plurality of detection signals generated by the first and second detection circuits20and30, generate a first detection value and a second detection value respectively having correspondences with components of a magnetic field in two different directions at a predetermined reference position. In particular, in the present example embodiment, the foregoing two different directions are a direction parallel to an XY plane and a direction parallel to the Z direction. For example, the processor40is constructed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

The processor40may be included in a support supporting the magnetic sensor1, for example. The support includes a plurality of electrode pads. The first and second detection circuits20and30are connected to the processor40via the plurality of electrode pads of the magnetic sensor1, the plurality of electrode pads of the support, and a plurality of bonding wires, for example. In a case where the plurality of electrode pads of the magnetic sensor1are provided on the top surface1aof the magnetic sensor1, the magnetic sensor1may be mounted on the top surface of the support in such a posture that the bottom surface of the magnetic sensor1faces the top surface of the support.

Next, the first and second detection circuits20and30will be described with reference toFIGS.3to6.FIG.3is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the first detection circuit20.FIG.4is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the second detection circuit30.FIG.5is a plan view showing a part of the magnetic sensor1.FIG.6is a sectional view showing a part of the magnetic sensor1.

Here, as shown inFIG.5, a U direction and a V direction are defined as follows. The U direction is a direction rotated from the X direction to the −Y direction. The V direction is a direction rotated from the Y direction to the X direction. More specifically, in the present example embodiment, the U direction is set to a direction rotated from the X direction to the −Y direction by a, and the V direction is set to a direction rotated from the Y direction to the X direction by a. Note that a is an angle greater than 0° and smaller than 90°. For example, a is 45°. −U direction refers to a direction opposite to the U direction, and −V direction refers to a direction opposite to the V direction.

As shown inFIG.6, a W1direction and a W2direction are defined as follows. The W1direction is a direction rotated from the V direction to the −Z direction. The W2direction is a direction rotated from the V direction to the Z direction. More specifically, in the present example embodiment, the W1direction is set to a direction rotated from the V direction to the −Z direction by p, and the W2direction is set to a direction rotated from the V direction to the Z direction by p. Note that 3 is an angle greater than 0° and smaller than 90°. −W1direction refers to a direction opposite to the W1direction, and −W2direction refers to a direction opposite to the W2direction. The W1direction and W2direction both are orthogonal to the U direction.

The first detection circuit20is configured to detect a component of the target magnetic field in a direction parallel to the W1direction and generate at least one first detection signal which has a correspondence with the component. The second detection circuit30is configured to detect a component of the target magnetic field in a direction parallel to the W2direction and generate at least one second detection signal which has a correspondence with the component.

As shown inFIG.3, the first detection circuit20includes a power supply port V2, a ground port G2, signal output ports E21and E22, a first resistor section R21, a second resistor section R22, a third resistor section R23, and a fourth resistor section R24. The plurality of MR elements of the first detection circuit20constitute the first to fourth resistor sections R21, R22, R23, and R24.

The first resistor section R21is provided between the power supply port V2and the signal output port E21. The second resistor section R22is provided between the signal output port E21and the ground port G2. The third resistor section R23is provided between the signal output port E22and the ground port G2. The fourth resistor section R24is provided between the power supply port V2and the signal output port E22.

As shown inFIG.4, the second detection circuit30includes a power supply port V3, a ground port G3, signal output ports E31and E32, a first resistor section R31, a second resistor section R32, a third resistor section R33, and a fourth resistor section R34. The plurality of MR elements of the second detection circuit30constitute the first to fourth resistor sections R31, R32, R33, and R34.

The first resistor section R31is provided between the power supply port V3and the signal output port E31. The second resistor section R32is provided between the signal output port E31and the ground port G3. The third resistor section R33is provided between the signal output port E32and the ground port G3. The fourth resistor section R34is provided between the power supply port V3and the signal output port E32.

A voltage or current of a predetermined magnitude is applied to each of the power supply ports V2and V3. Each of the ground ports G2and G3is connected to the ground.

The plurality of MR elements of the first detection circuit20will be referred to as a plurality of first MR elements50B. The plurality of MR elements of the second detection circuit30will be referred to as a plurality of second MR elements50C. Since the first and second detection circuits20and30are the components of the magnetic sensor1, it can be said that the magnetic sensor1includes the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C. Any given MR element will be denoted by the reference numeral50.

FIG.7is a side view showing the MR element50. The MR element50is a spin-valve MR element including a plurality of magnetic layers. The MR element50includes a magnetization pinned layer51having a magnetization whose direction is fixed, a free layer53having a magnetization whose direction is variable depending on the direction of a target magnetic field, and a gap layer52located between the magnetization pinned layer51and the free layer53. The MR element50may be a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) element or a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) element. In the TMR element, the gap layer52is a tunnel barrier layer. In the GMR element, the gap layer52is a nonmagnetic conductive layer. The resistance of the MR element50changes with the angle that the magnetization direction of the free layer53forms with respect to the magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer51. The resistance of the MR element50is at its minimum value when the foregoing angle is 0°, and at its maximum value when the foregoing angle is 180°. In each MR element50, the free layer53has a shape anisotropy that sets the direction of the magnetization easy axis to be orthogonal to the magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer51. As a method for setting the magnetization easy axis in a predetermined direction in the free layer53, a magnet configured to apply a bias magnetic field to the free layer53can be used. The magnetization pinned layer51, the gap layer52, and the free layer53are stacked in this order.

The MR element50may further include an antiferromagnetic layer disposed on the magnetization pinned layer51on the side opposite to the gap layer52. The antiferromagnetic layer is formed of an antiferromagnetic material, and is in exchange coupling with the magnetization pinned layer51to thereby pin the magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer51. Alternatively, the magnetization pinned layer51may be a so-called self-pinned layer (Synthetic Ferri Pinned layer, SFP layer). The self-pinned layer has a stacked ferri structure in which a ferromagnetic layer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a ferromagnetic layer are stacked, and the two ferromagnetic layers are antiferromagnetically coupled.

It should be appreciated that the layers51to53of each MR element50may be stacked in the reverse order to that shown inFIG.7.

InFIGS.3and4, solid arrows represent the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51of the MR elements50. Hollow arrows represent the magnetization directions of the free layers53of the MR elements50in a case where no target magnetic field is applied to the MR elements50.

In the example shown inFIG.3, the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51in each of the first and third resistor sections R21and R23are the W1direction. The magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51in each of the second and fourth resistor sections R22and R24are the −W1direction. The free layer53in each of the plurality of first MR elements50B has a shape anisotropy that sets the direction of the magnetization easy axis to a direction parallel to the U direction. The magnetization directions of the free layers53in each of the first and second resistor sections R21and R22in a case where no target magnetic field is applied to the first MR elements50B are the U direction. The magnetization directions of the free layers53in each of the third and fourth resistor sections R23and R24in the foregoing case are the −U direction.

In the example shown inFIG.4, the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51in each of the first and third resistor sections R31and R33are the W2direction. The magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51in each of the second and fourth resistor sections R32and R34are the −W2direction. The free layer53in each of the plurality of second MR elements50C has a shape anisotropy that sets the direction of the magnetization easy axis to a direction parallel to the U direction. The magnetization directions of the free layers53in each of the first and second resistor sections R31and R32in a case where no target magnetic field is applied to the second MR elements50C are the U direction. The magnetization directions of the free layers53in each of the third and fourth resistor sections R33and R34in the foregoing case are the −U direction.

The magnetic sensor1includes a magnetic field generator configured to apply a magnetic field in a predetermined direction to the free layer53of each of the plurality of first MR elements50B, and the plurality of second MR elements50C. In the present example embodiment, the magnetic field generator includes a coil80that applies a magnetic field in the predetermined direction to the free layer53in each of the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C.

Note that the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51and the directions of the magnetization easy axes of the free layers53may slightly deviate from the foregoing directions from the perspective of the accuracy of the manufacturing of the MR elements50and the like. The magnetization pinned layers51may be magnetized to include magnetization components in the foregoing directions as their main components. In such a case, the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51are the same or substantially the same as the foregoing directions.

In the present example embodiment, the MR element50is configured such that a current flows in the stacking direction of the plurality of magnetic layers, that is, the magnetization pinned layer51and the free layer53. As described below, the magnetic sensor1includes a lower electrode and an upper electrode for flowing a current through the MR element50. The MR element50is disposed between the lower electrode and the upper electrode.

Hereinafter, a specific structure of the magnetic sensor1will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.5and6.FIG.6shows a part of a cross section at a position indicated by the line6-6inFIG.5.

The magnetic sensor1includes a substrate301with a top surface301a, insulating layers302,303,304,305,307,308,309, and310, a plurality of lower electrodes61B, a plurality of lower electrodes61C, a plurality of upper electrodes62B, a plurality of upper electrodes62C, a plurality of lower coil elements81, and a plurality of upper coil elements82. It is assumed that the top surface301aof the substrate301is parallel to the XY plane. The Z direction is also a direction perpendicular to the top surface301aof the substrate301. The coil elements are a part of the coil winding.

The insulating layer302is disposed on the substrate301. The plurality of lower coil elements81are disposed on the insulating layer302. The insulating layer303is disposed around the plurality of lower coil elements81on the insulating layer302. The insulating layers304and305are stacked in this order on the plurality of lower coil elements81and the insulating layer303.

The plurality of lower electrodes61B and the plurality of lower electrodes61C are disposed on the insulating layer305. The insulating layer307is disposed around the plurality of lower electrodes61B and the plurality of lower electrodes61C on the insulating layer305. The plurality of first MR elements50B are disposed on the plurality of lower electrodes61B. The plurality of second MR elements50C are disposed on the plurality of lower electrodes61C. The insulating layer308is disposed around the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C on the plurality of lower electrodes61B, the plurality of lower electrodes61C, and the insulating layer307. The plurality of upper electrodes62B are disposed on the plurality of first MR elements50B and the insulating layer308. The plurality of upper electrodes62C are disposed on the plurality of second MR elements50C and the insulating layer308. The insulating layer309is disposed around the plurality of upper electrodes62B and the plurality of upper electrodes62C on the insulating layer308.

The insulating layer310is disposed on the plurality of upper electrodes62B, the plurality of upper electrodes62C, and the insulating layer309. The plurality of upper coil elements82are disposed on the insulating layer310. The magnetic sensor1may further include a not-shown insulating layer that covers the plurality of upper coil elements82and the insulating layer310.

The magnetic sensor1includes a support member supporting the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C. The support member includes at least one inclined surface inclined with respect to the top surface301aof the substrate301. In particular, in the example embodiment, the support member includes the insulating layer305. Note thatFIG.5shows the insulating layer305, the plurality of first MR elements50B, the plurality of second MR elements50C, and the plurality of upper coil elements82among the components of the magnetic sensor1.

The insulating layer305includes a plurality of protruding surfaces305ceach protruding in a direction (the Z direction) away from the top surface301aof the substrate301. Each of the plurality of protruding surfaces305cextends in a direction parallel to the U direction. The overall shape of each of the protruding surfaces305cis a semi-cylindrical curved surface formed by moving the curved shape (arch shape) of the protruding surface305cshown inFIG.6along the direction parallel to the U direction. The plurality of protruding surfaces305care arranged at predetermined intervals along a direction parallel to the V direction.

Each of the plurality of protruding surfaces305cincludes an upper end portion farthest from the top surface301aof the substrate301. In the example embodiment, each of the upper end portions of the plurality of protruding surfaces305cextends in the direction parallel to the U direction. Herein, focus is placed on a given protruding surface305cof the plurality of protruding surfaces305c. The protruding surface305cincludes a first inclined surface305aand a second inclined surface305b. The first inclined surface305arefers to the part of the protruding surface305con the side of the V direction of the upper end portion of the protruding surface305c. The second inclined surface305brefers to the part of the protruding surface305con the side of the −V direction of the upper end portion of the protruding surface305c. InFIG.5, a boundary between the first inclined surface305aand the second inclined surface305bis indicated by a dotted line.

The upper end portion of the protruding surface305cmay be the boundary between the first inclined surface305aand the second inclined surface305b. In such a case, the dotted line shown inFIG.5indicates the upper end portion of the protruding surface305c.

The top surface301aof the substrate301is parallel to the XY plane. Each of the first inclined surface305aand the second inclined surface305bis inclined with respect to the top surface301aof the substrate301, that is, the XY plane. In a cross section perpendicular to the top surface301aof the substrate301, a distance between the first inclined surface305aand the second inclined surface305bbecomes smaller in a direction away from the top surface301aof the substrate301.

In the example embodiment, since two or more protruding surface305care present, the number of each of the first inclined surfaces305aand the second inclined surfaces305bis also two or more. The insulating layer305includes the plurality of first inclined surfaces305aand the plurality of second inclined surfaces305b.

The insulating layer305further includes a flat surface305dpresent around the plurality of protruding surfaces305c. The flat surface305dis a surface parallel to the top surface301aof the substrate301. Each of the plurality of protruding surfaces305cprotrudes in the Z direction from the flat surface305d. In the example embodiment, the plurality of protruding surfaces305care disposed at predetermined intervals. Thus, the flat surface305dis present between the two protruding surfaces305cadjoining in the V direction.

The insulating layer305includes a plurality of protruding portions each protruding in the Z direction, and a flat portion present around the plurality of protruding portions. Each of the plurality of protruding portions extends in the direction parallel to the U direction and includes the protruding surface305c. The plurality of protruding portions are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction parallel to the V direction. The thickness (the dimension in the Z direction) of the flat portion is substantially constant. The insulating layer304has a substantially constant thickness (i.e., a dimension in the Z direction), and is formed along the bottom surface of the insulating layer305.

The plurality of lower electrodes61B are disposed on the plurality of first inclined surfaces305a. The plurality of lower electrodes61C are disposed on the plurality of second inclined surfaces305b. As described above, since each of the first inclined surfaces305aand the second inclined surfaces305bis inclined with respect to the top surface301aof the substrate301, that is, the XY plane, each of the top surfaces of the plurality of lower electrodes61B and each of the top surfaces of the plurality of lower electrodes61C are also inclined with respect to the XY plane. Thus, it can be said that the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C are disposed on the inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the XY plane. The insulating layer305is a member for supporting each of the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C so as to allow such MR elements to be inclined with respect to the XY plane.

Note that in the example embodiment, the first inclined surfaces305aare curved surfaces. Therefore, the first MR elements50B are curved along the curved surfaces (the first inclined surfaces305a). For the sake of convenience, in the present example embodiment, the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51of the first MR elements50B are defined as straight directions as described above. The W1direction and the −W1direction that are the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51of the first MR elements50B are also directions in which the tangents to the first inclined surfaces305aat the vicinity of the first MR elements50B extend.

Similarly, in the example embodiment, the second inclined surfaces305bare curved surfaces. Therefore, the second MR elements50C are curved along the curved surfaces (the second inclined surfaces305b). For the sake of convenience, in the present example embodiment, the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51of the second MR elements50C are defined as straight directions as described above. The W2direction and the −W2direction that are the magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers51of the second MR elements50C are also directions in which the tangents to the second inclined surfaces305bat the vicinity of the second MR elements50C extend.

As shown inFIG.5, the plurality of first MR elements50B are disposed so that two or more MR elements50B are arranged both in the U direction and in the V direction. The plurality of first MR elements50B are aligned in a row on one first inclined surface305a. Similarly, the plurality of second MR elements50C are disposed so that two or more MR elements50C are arranged both in the U direction and in the V direction. The plurality of second MR elements50C are aligned in a row on one second inclined surface305b. In the example embodiment, the row of the plurality of first MR elements50B and the row of the plurality of second MR elements50C are alternately arranged in the direction parallel to the V direction.

Note that one first MR element50B and one second MR element50C adjoining each other may or may not deviate in the direction parallel to the U direction when seen in the Z direction. Two first MR elements50B adjoining each other across one second MR element50C may or may not deviate in the direction parallel to the U direction when seen in the Z direction. Two second MR elements50C adjoining each other across one first MR element50B may or may not deviate in the direction parallel to the U direction when seen in the Z direction.

The plurality of first MR elements50B are connected in series by the plurality of lower electrodes61B and the plurality of upper electrodes62B. Herein, a method for connecting the plurality of first MR elements50B will be described in detail with reference toFIG.7. InFIG.7, the reference numeral61denotes a lower electrode corresponding to a given MR element50, and the reference numeral62denotes an upper electrode corresponding to the given MR element50. As shown inFIG.7, each lower electrode61has a long slender shape. Two lower electrodes61adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the lower electrodes61have a gap therebetween. MR elements50are disposed near both longitudinal ends on the top surface of each lower electrode61. Each upper electrode62has a long slender shape, and electrically connects two adjoining MR elements50that are disposed on two lower electrodes61adjoining in the longitudinal direction of the lower electrodes61.

Although not shown, one MR element50located at the end of a row of a plurality of aligned MR elements50is connected to another MR element50located at the end of another row of a plurality of MR elements50adjoining in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the lower electrodes61. Such two MR elements50are connected to each other by a not-shown electrode. The not-shown electrode may be an electrode that connects the bottom surfaces or the top surfaces of the two MR elements50.

In a case where the MR elements50shown inFIG.7are the first MR elements50B, the lower electrodes61shown inFIG.7correspond to the lower electrodes61B, and the upper electrodes62shown inFIG.7correspond to the upper electrodes62B. In such a case, the longitudinal direction of the lower electrodes61is parallel to the U direction.

Similarly, the plurality of second MR elements50C are connected in series by the plurality of lower electrodes61C and the plurality of upper electrodes62C. The foregoing description of the method for connecting the plurality of first MR elements50B holds true also for the method for connecting the plurality of second MR elements50C. In a case where the MR elements50shown inFIG.7are the second MR elements50C, the lower electrodes61shown inFIG.7correspond to the lower electrodes61C, and the upper electrodes62shown inFIG.7correspond to the upper electrodes62C. In such a case, the longitudinal direction of the lower electrodes61is parallel to the U direction.

Each of the plurality of upper coil elements82extends in a direction parallel to the Y direction. The plurality of upper coil elements82are arranged in the X direction. In particular, in the present example embodiment, when seen in the Z direction, each of the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C overlaps two upper coil elements82.

Each of the plurality of lower coil elements81extends in a direction parallel to the Y direction. The plurality of lower coil elements81are arranged in the X direction. The shape and arrangement of the plurality of lower coil elements81may be the same as or different from those of the plurality of upper coil elements82. In the example shown inFIGS.5and6, the dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of lower coil elements81is smaller than the dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of upper coil elements82. The distance between two lower coil elements81adjoining in the X direction is smaller than the distance between two upper coil elements82adjoining in the X direction.

In the example shown inFIGS.5and6, the plurality of lower coil elements81and the plurality of upper coil elements82are electrically connected so as to constitute the coil80that applies a magnetic field in a direction parallel to the X direction to the free layer53in each of the plurality of first MR elements50B and the plurality of second MR elements50C. Alternatively, the coil80may be configured to be able to, for example, apply a magnetic field in the X direction to the free layers53in the first and second resistor sections R21and R22of the first detection circuit20and the first and second resistor sections R31and R32of the second detection circuit30, and apply a magnetic field in the −X direction to the free layers53in the third and fourth resistor sections R23and R24of the first detection circuit20and the third and fourth resistor sections R33and R34of the second detection circuit30. The coil80may be controlled by the processor40.

Next, the first and second detection signals will be described. First, the first detection signal will be described with reference toFIG.3. As the strength of the component of the target magnetic field in the direction parallel to the W1direction changes, the resistance of each of the resistor sections R21to R24of the first detection circuit20changes either so that the resistances of the resistor sections R21and R23increase and the resistances of the resistor sections R22and R24decrease or so that the resistances of the resistor sections R21and R23decrease and the resistances of the resistor sections R22and R24increase. Thereby the electric potential of each of the signal output ports E21and E22changes. The first detection circuit20generates a signal corresponding to the electric potential of the signal output port E21as a first detection signal S21, and generates a signal corresponding to the electric potential of the signal output port E22as a first detection signal S22.

Next, the second detection signal will be described with reference toFIG.4. As the strength of the component of the target magnetic field in the direction parallel to the W2direction changes, the resistance of each of the resistor sections R31to R34of the second detection circuit30changes either so that the resistances of the resistor sections R31and R33increase and the resistances of the resistor sections R32and R34decrease or so that the resistances of the resistor sections R31and R33decrease and the resistances of the resistor sections R32and R34increase. Thereby the electric potential of each of the signal output ports E31and E32changes. The second detection circuit30generates a signal corresponding to the electric potential of the signal output port E31as a second detection signal S31, and generates a signal corresponding to the electric potential of the signal output port E32as a second detection signal S32.

Next, the operation of the processor40will be described. The processor40is configured to generate the first detection value and the second detection value based on the first detection signals S21and S22and the second detection signals S31and S32. The first detection value is a detection value corresponding to the component of the target magnetic field in the direction parallel to the V direction. The second detection value is a detection value corresponding to the component of the target magnetic field in the direction parallel to the Z direction. The first detection value is represented by a symbol Sv, and the second detection value is represented by a symbol Sz.

The processor40generates the first and second detection values Sa and Sz as follows, for example. First, the processor40generates a value Sa by an arithmetic including obtainment of the difference S21-S22between the first detection signal S21and the first detection signal S22, and generates a value Sb by an arithmetic including obtainment of the difference S31-S32between the second detection signal S31and the second detection signal S32. Next, the processor40calculates values Sc and Sd using the following expressions (1) and (2).
Sc=(Sb+Sa)/(2 cos α)  (1)
Sd=(Sb-Sa)/(2 sin α)  (2)

The first detection value Sv may be the value Sc itself, or may be a result of a predetermined correction, such as a gain adjustment or an offset adjustment, made to the value Sc. In the same manner, the second detection value Sz may be the value Sd itself, or may be a result of a predetermined correction, such as a gain adjustment or an offset adjustment, made to the value Sd.

Next, features of the structure of the magnetic sensor1according to the example embodiment will be described. Herein, a combination of the MR element50and the lower electrode61is referred to as an MR element structure, and is represented by the reference numeral70. The MR element structure70includes the lower electrode61and the MR element50disposed on the lower electrode61. The MR element50includes the magnetization pinned layer51and the free layer53. The MR element structure70is configured such that a current flows in the stacking direction of the lower electrode61and the MR element50.

First, the MR element structure70of a first example will be described.FIG.8is a sectional view showing the MR element structure70of the first example.FIG.9is a sectional view showing the MR element50and the lower electrode61of the MR element structure70shown inFIG.8.

FIG.8shows a cross section crossing the MR element50disposed on a given inclined surface305eand parallel to a VZ plane. Hereinafter, a cross section parallel to the VZ plane will be referred to as a VZ cross section. The VZ cross section shown inFIG.8may be the one in which a cross section of the MR element50is seen from a position located forward in the U direction as inFIG.6. In such a case, the MR element50, the lower electrode61, and the inclined surface305erespectively correspond to the first MR element50B, the lower electrode61B, and the first inclined surface305a. Alternatively, the VZ cross section shown inFIG.8may be the one in which a cross section of the MR element50is seen from a position located forward in the −U direction. In such a case, the MR element50, the lower electrode61, and the inclined surface305erespectively correspond to the second MR element50C, the lower electrode61C, and the second inclined surface305b.

Herein, as shown inFIGS.8and9, a first direction D1and a second direction D2parallel to the VZ plane are defined. The first direction D1is a direction lying along the inclined surface305eand is also a direction away from a reference plane. In the present example embodiment, it is assumed that the top surface301aof the substrate301(seeFIG.6) is the reference plane. The Z direction is one direction perpendicular to the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301). The second direction D2is a direction lying along the inclined surface305eand is also a direction closer to the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301).

In the following description, a direction that lies along the inclined surface305eand is parallel to the first direction D1(a direction parallel to the second direction D2) will be simply referred to as a direction along the inclined surface305e. Such a direction is also a direction that lies along the inclined surface305eand in which a distance from the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301) changes.

The MR element50includes a bottom surface50afacing the inclined surface305e, a top surface50bon the side opposite to the bottom surface50a, a first side surface50c, and a second side surface50d. The first side surface50cconnects an end portion of the bottom surface50aon the side of the first direction D1and an end portion of the top surface50bon the side of the first direction D1. The second side surface50dis disposed forward of the first side surface50cin the second direction D2. The second side surface50dconnects an end portion of the bottom surface50aon the side of the second direction D2and an end portion of the top surface50bon the side of the second direction D2.

InFIG.8, the reference sign P1denotes a virtual plane crossing the MR element50and perpendicular to the inclined surface305e. In particular, in the present example embodiment, the top surface50bof the MR element50is curved. When the top surface50bof the MR element50shown inFIG.8is regarded as a part of a cylindrical surface, the virtual plane P1includes a central axis C1of the cylindrical surface, and also crosses the MR element50. The virtual plane P1crosses the center of the top surface50bin the direction along the inclined surface305e.

As shown inFIG.8, a part of the first side surface50cis inclined such that a distance between a part of the first side surface50cand the virtual plane P1becomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61. Similarly, the second side surface50dis inclined such that a distance between the second side surface50dand the virtual plane P1becomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61. A distance between the first side surface50cand the second side surface50dbecomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61.

The shape of the second side surface50dof the MR element50in a given cross section parallel to the VZ plane is different from the shape of the first side surface50cof the MR element50. Specifically, the shape of the second side surface50dis asymmetrical to the shape of the first side surface50cabout the virtual plane P1as the center. The distance between the first side surface50cand the virtual plane P1in a given cross section parallel to the inclined surface305eis greater than the distance between the second side surface50dand the virtual plane P1in a portion near the top surface61bof the lower electrode61. In portions other than the portion near the top surface61bof the lower electrode61, the distance between the first side surface50cand the virtual plane P1may be equal to the distance between the second side surface50dand the virtual plane P1.

As shown inFIG.9, the first side surface50cincludes a first portion S1and a second portion S2having different angles with respect to the inclined surface305e. In particular, in the first example, the angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the inclined surface305eis 0 or almost 0. The first portion S1extends along the top surface61bof the lower electrode61.

The second portion S2is disposed at a position farther from the inclined surface305ethan a position where the first portion S1is disposed. The angle that the second portion S2forms with respect to the inclined surface305eis larger than the angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the inclined surface305e. The angle that the second portion S2forms with respect to the direction parallel to the Z direction is smaller than the angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the direction parallel to the Z direction. The second portion S2is inclined such that the distance between the second portion S2and the virtual plane P1(seeFIG.8) becomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61. The distance between the second portion S2and the virtual plane P1is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the first portion S1and the virtual plane P1.

In the example shown inFIG.9, each of the first portion S1and the second portion S2is a curved surface. The angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the inclined surface305emay be an angle formed by a first tangent and a second tangent each parallel to the VZ plane. The first tangent is a tangent in contact with a given first point on the first portion S1. The second tangent is a tangent in contact with the inclined surface305enear the first point. Note that in a case where the first tangent and the second tangent are parallel to each other, the angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the inclined surface305eis 0. The angle that the second portion S2forms with respect to the inclined surface305emay also be defined in a similar manner to the angle that the first portion S1forms with respect to the inclined surface305e. Note that each of the first portion S1and the second portion S2is not limited to a curved surface, and may also be a flat surface.

As described above, the MR element50includes the magnetization pinned layer51as a first magnetic layer and the free layer53as a second magnetic layer. In particular, in the present example embodiment, the magnetization pinned layer51is provided between the inclined surface305eand the free layer53. At least a part of the first portion S1is constituted by a side surface of the magnetization pinned layer51. At least a part of the second portion S2is constituted by a side surface of the free layer53. In particular, in the first example, the second portion S2is constituted by a side surface of the magnetization pinned layer51in addition to the side surface of the free layer53. In other words, the second portion S2is formed across a region from the magnetization pinned layer51to the free layer53.

The first side surface50cfurther includes a third portion S3. The third portion S3is disposed at a position closer to the inclined surface305ethan a position where the first portion S1is disposed. The third portion S3is disposed forward of the first portion S1in the first direction D1.

As shown inFIG.9, the second side surface50dincludes a fourth portion S4and a fifth portion S5having different angles with respect to the inclined surface305e. The fifth portion S5is disposed at a position farther from the inclined surface305ethan a position where the fourth portion S4is disposed. The angle that the fifth portion S5forms with respect to the inclined surface305eis larger than the angle that the fourth portion S4forms with respect to the inclined surface305e. The angle that the fifth portion S5forms with respect to the direction parallel to the Z direction is smaller than the angle that the fourth portion S4forms with respect to the direction parallel to the Z direction.

The fourth portion S4is inclined such that the distance between the fourth portion S4and the virtual plane P1(seeFIG.8) becomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61. Similarly, the fifth portion S5is inclined such that the distance between the fifth portion S5and the virtual plane P1(seeFIG.8) becomes greater at positions closer to the lower electrode61. The distance between the fifth portion S5and the virtual plane P1is less than or equal to the minimum distance between the fourth portion S4and the virtual plane P1.

In the example shown inFIG.9, each of the fourth portion S4and the fifth portion S5is a curved surface. However, each of the fourth portion S4and the fifth portion S5may also be a flat surface.

At least a part of the fourth portion S4is constituted by a side surface of the magnetization pinned layer51. At least a part of the fifth portion S5is constituted by a side surface of the free layer53. The entire fourth portion S4may be constituted by the side surface of the magnetization pinned layer51, and the entire fifth portion S5may be constituted by the side surface of the free layer53. Alternatively, a part of each of the fourth portion S4and the fifth portion S5may be constituted by a side surface of the gap layer52. In such a case, a boundary between the first portion S1and the second portion S2may be present on the side surface of the gap layer52.

As shown inFIG.8, the lower electrode61includes a bottom surface61afacing the inclined surface305e, a top surface61bon the side opposite to the bottom surface61a, a third side surface61c, and a fourth side surface61d. The third side surface61cconnects an end portion of the bottom surface61aon the side of the first direction D1and an end portion of the top surface61bon the side of the first direction D1.

The fourth side surface61dis disposed on the side of a direction away from the third side surface61calong a top surface of the insulating layer305. Hereinafter, a first example and a second example of the fourth side surface61dwill be described. First, the first example of the fourth side surface61dwill be described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is a sectional view showing the first example of the fourth side surface61d. In the first example, the lower electrode61is formed on a region from the inclined surface305eto the flat surface305d. The fourth side surface61dconnects, on the flat surface305d, an end portion of the bottom surface61aand an end portion of the top surface61blocated above the flat surface305d.

Next, the second example of the fourth side surface61dwill be described with reference toFIG.11.FIG.11is a sectional view showing the second example of the fourth side surface61d. In the second example, the entire lower electrode61is disposed on the inclined surface305e. The fourth side surface61dis located on the inclined surface305e. The fourth side surface61dconnects an end portion of the bottom surface61aon the side of the second direction D2and an end portion of the top surface61bon the side of the second direction D2.

Note thatFIG.6shows the lower electrodes61each including the fourth side surface61dshown inFIG.11. However, the lower electrodes61inFIG.6may each include the fourth side surface61dshown inFIG.10.

The MR element structure70includes a bottom surface70afacing the inclined surface305e, and a top surface70bon the side opposite to the bottom surface70a. The bottom surface70aof the MR element structure70is constituted by the bottom surface61aof the lower electrode61. The top surface70bof the MR element structure70is constituted by the top surface50bof the MR element50.

The MR element structure70further includes a first surface70cconnecting the bottom surface70aand the top surface70b. The first surface70cis constituted by the first side surface50cof the MR element50, the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61, and a part of the top surface61bof the lower electrode61not covered with the MR element50.

The first surface70cincludes two steps. In other words, the first surface70cincludes a first step present between the first portion S1and the third portion S3of the first side surface50c, and a second step present between the third portion S3of the first side surface50cand the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61. The first step is present on the MR element50of the MR element structure70. The second step is present between the MR element50and the lower electrode61.

The MR element structure70further includes a second surface70dconnecting the bottom surface70aand the top surface70bon the side of a direction away from the first surface70calong the top surface of the insulating layer305. The second surface70dis constituted by the second side surface50dof the MR element50, the fourth side surface61dof the lower electrode61, and another part of the top surface61bof the lower electrode61not covered with the MR element50. The second surface70dincludes fewer steps than the first surface70c. In other words, the second surface70dincludes one step present between the second side surface50dand the fourth side surface61d.

The shape of the second surface70din a given cross section parallel to the VZ plane is different from the shape of the first surface70c. Specifically, the shape of the second surface70dis asymmetrical to the shape of the first surface70cabout the virtual plane P1as the center.

Next, the MR element structure70of a second example will be described.FIG.12is a sectional view showing the MR element structure70of the second example.

In the second example, the shape of the first side surface50cof the MR element50is different from the shape in the first example. In the second example, the first side surface50cof the MR element50does not include the third portion S3(seeFIG.9). In the second example, the shapes of the first side surface50cand the second side surface50dof the MR element50in a given cross section parallel to the VZ plane are substantially symmetrical or almost symmetrical. Specifically, the shape of the first side surface50cis symmetrical or almost symmetrical to the shape of the second side surface50dabout the virtual plane P1as the center. The distance between the first side surface50cand the virtual plane P1in a given cross section parallel to the inclined surface305eis equal to or almost equal to the distance between the second side surface50dand the virtual plane P1.

In the second example, the description of the fourth and fifth portions S4and S5of the second side surface50din the first example holds true also for the first and second portions S1and S2of the first side surface50cin the second example (seeFIG.9). Replacing the fourth and fifth portions S4and S5in the description of the fourth and fifth portions S4and S5of the second side surface50din the first example with the first and second portions S1and S2, respectively, can provide a description of the first and second portions S1and S2of the first side surface50cin the second example.

In the second example, the top surface61bof the lower electrode61includes a first portion61b1, a second portion61b2, and a third portion61b3. The MR element50is disposed on the first portion61bl. The second portion61b2is connected to the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61. Each of the first and second portions61b1and61b2extends along the inclined surface305e. The second portion61b2is located at a position closer to the inclined surface305ethan a position where the first portion61b1is located. The third portion61b3connects the first portion61b1and the second portion61b2.

In the second example, the first surface70cof the MR element structure70is formed by the first side surface50cof the MR element50, a part of the first portion61b1of the top surface61bnot covered with the MR element50, the second and third portions61b2and61b3of the top surface61b, and the third side surface61c. The first surface70cincludes a first step present between the first side surface50cof the MR element50and the third portion61b3of the top surface61bof the lower electrode61, and a second step present between the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61and the third portion61b3of the top surface61bof the lower electrode61. The first step is present between the MR element50and the lower electrode61. The second step is present on the lower electrode61.

Next, operations and effects of the magnetic sensor1according to the example embodiment will be described. In the present example embodiment, the first surface70cof the MR element structure70includes the first and second steps. In the first example, the first step is present on the MR element50of the MR element structure70. Provided that the first step is not present, the first side surface50cof the MR element50has a smooth profile in a region from the bottom surface50ato the top surface50bof the MR element50. When comparison is made under the condition that the dimension of the bottom surface50aand the dimension of the top surface50bof the MR element50in a direction along the inclined surface305eare the same, a gap between the first side surface50cof the MR element50and the upper electrode62in the present example embodiment is larger than in the case where the first step is not present. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, a short between the first side surface50cand the upper electrode62can be suppressed.

In the second example, the second step is formed on the lower electrode61. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, a gap between the lower electrode61and the upper electrode62can be increased than in the case where the second step is not present. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, a short between the lower electrode61and the upper electrode62can be suppressed.

In the present example embodiment, the magnetization pinned layer51is provided between the inclined surface305eand the free layer53. When comparison is made under the condition that the dimension of the top surface50bof the MR element50in the direction along the inclined surface305eis the same, the dimension of the magnetization pinned layer51in the direction along the inclined surface305ein the present example embodiment is greater than in the case where the first side surface50cdoes not include the first portion S1. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, the volume of the magnetization pinned layer51can be increased, and thus, a change in the magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer51can be suppressed.

In the present example embodiment, the second side surface50dincludes the fourth portion S4and the fifth portion S5having different angles with respect to the inclined surface305e. In particular, in the present example embodiment, the angle that the fifth portion S5forms with respect to the inclined surface305eis larger than the angle that the fourth portion S4forms with respect to the inclined surface305e. In a case where the second side surface50ddoes not include the fifth portion S5, that is, in a case where the entire second side surface50dis substantially the fourth portion S4, the angle that the second side surface50dforms with respect to the inclined surface305eis small as a whole. In such a case, the second side surface50dhas a gentle taper shape. An area in which the upper electrode62faces the second side surface50dbecomes larger as the taper is gentler.

In contrast, in the present example embodiment, the second side surface50dincludes the fifth portion S5in addition to the fourth portion S4. When comparison is made under the condition that the dimension of the bottom surface50aof the MR element50in the direction along the inclined surface305eis the same, an area in which the upper electrode62faces the second side surface50din the present example embodiment is smaller than in the case where the second side surface50ddoes not include the fifth portion S5. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, a short between the second side surface50dand the upper electrode62can be suppressed.

In the present example embodiment, at least a part of the fourth portion S4belongs to the magnetization pinned layer51. At least a part of the fifth portion S5belongs to the free layer53. When comparison is made under the condition that the dimension of the top surface50bof the MR element50in the direction along the inclined surface305eis the same, the dimension of the free layer53in the direction along the inclined surface305ein the present example embodiment is smaller than in the case where the second side surface50ddoes not include the fifth portion S5. The direction along the inclined surface305eis a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the MR element50(the direction parallel to the U direction), and is the short-side direction of the MR element50. Thus, according to the present example embodiment, the dimension in the short-side direction of the MR element50can be reduced, and thus, a decrease in the shape anisotropy (magnetic shape anisotropy) of the free layer53can be suppressed.

The shape anisotropy (magnetic shape anisotropy) of the free layer53also changes depending on the angle that a side surface (a part of the second side surface50d) of the free layer53forms with respect to the inclined surface305e. In other words, as the foregoing angle is smaller, the shape anisotropy (magnetic shape anisotropy) of the free layer53becomes smaller. In the present example embodiment, since the fifth portion S5is formed on the free layer53, the foregoing angle is larger than in the case where the fifth portion S5is not present. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, a decrease in the shape anisotropy (magnetic shape anisotropy) of the free layer53can be suppressed.

In the present example embodiment, when comparison is made under the condition that the dimension of the top surface50bof the MR element50in the direction along the inclined surface305eis the same, the dimension of the magnetization pinned layer51in the direction along the inclined surface305eis greater than in the case where the second side surface50ddoes not include the fourth portion S4. Thereby, according to the present example embodiment, the volume of the magnetization pinned layer51can be increased, and thus, a change in the magnetization direction of the magnetization pinned layer51can be suppressed.

Hereinafter, the MR element structure70of a third example will be briefly described. The MR element structure70of the third example includes the MR element50of the second example and the lower electrode61of the first example. In the present example embodiment, a pair of the MR element50of the first or second example and the MR element50of the third example can be selected as a pair of the first MR element50B and the second MR element50C of the present example embodiment. For example, the MR element50of the first or second example may be selected as the first MR element50B, and the MR element50of the third example may be selected as the second MR element50C. In such a case, each of the first and second surfaces70cand70dof the MR element structure70, which includes the second MR element50C, includes one step.

Alternatively, the MR element50of the first or second example may be selected as each of the first MR element50B and the second MR element50C.

Modification Examples

Next, first and second modification examples of the magnetic sensor1according to the present example embodiment will be described. First, the first modification example will be described with reference toFIGS.13and14.FIG.13is a sectional view showing an MR element structure of the first modification example.FIG.14is a sectional view showing a magnetoresistive element and a lower electrode of the MR element structure shown inFIG.13.

FIG.13shows the VZ cross section crossing the MR element50disposed on a given inclined surface305f. The VZ cross section may be the one in which a cross section of the MR element50is seen from a position located forward in the U direction as inFIG.6. In such a case, the MR element50, the lower electrode61, and the inclined surface305frespectively correspond to the second MR element50C, the lower electrode61C, and the second inclined surface305b. Alternatively, the VZ cross section shown inFIG.13may be the one in which a cross section of the MR element50is seen from a position located forward in the −U direction. In such a case, the MR element50, the lower electrode61, and the inclined surface305frespectively correspond to the first MR element50B, the lower electrode61B, and the first inclined surface305a.

Herein, as shown inFIGS.13and14, a third direction D3and a fourth direction D4parallel to the VZ plane are defined. The third direction D3is a direction lying along the inclined surface305fand is also a direction away from the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301). The fourth direction D4is a direction lying along the inclined surface305fand is also a direction closer to the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301).

In the following description, a direction that lies along the inclined surface305fand is parallel to the third direction D3(a direction parallel to the fourth direction D4) will be simply referred to as a direction along the inclined surface305f. Such a direction is also a direction that lies along the inclined surface305fand in which a distance from the reference plane (the top surface301aof the substrate301) changes.

InFIG.13, the reference sign P2denotes a virtual plane crossing the MR element50and perpendicular to the inclined surface305f. When the top surface50bof the MR element50shown inFIG.13is regarded as a part of a cylindrical surface, the virtual plane P2includes a central axis C2of the cylindrical surface, and also crosses the MR element50. The virtual plane P2crosses the center of the top surface50bin the direction along the inclined surface305f.

The description of the MR element structure70of the first example holds true also for the MR element structure70of the first modification example except for a plurality of points described below. Replacing the inclined surface305e, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the virtual plane P1in the description of the MR element structure70of the first example with the inclined surface305f, the third direction D3, the fourth direction D4, and the virtual plane P2, respectively, can provide a description of the MR element structure70of the first modification example.

In the first modification example, the shape of the first side surface50cof the MR element50is different from the shape in the first example. In the first modification example, the first side surface50cdoes not include the third portion S3.

In the first modification example, the first surface70cof the MR element structure70is constituted by the first side surface50cof the MR element50and the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61. The first surface70cincludes one step present between the second portion S2of the first side surface50cand the third side surface61cof the lower electrode61.

Next, the second modification example will be described with reference toFIG.15.FIG.15is a sectional view showing an MR element structure of the second modification example.

In the second modification example, the shape of the first side surface50cof the MR element50is different from the shape in the first modification example. In the second modification example, the first portion S1of the first side surface50cis constituted by a side surface of the free layer53in addition to a side surface of the magnetization pinned layer51. In other words, the first portion S1is formed across a region from the magnetization pinned layer51to the free layer53.

Second Example Embodiment

A magnetic sensor1according to a second example embodiment of the technology will now be described with reference toFIG.16.FIG.16is a sectional view showing a part of the magnetic sensor1according to the present example embodiment.

In the present example embodiment, each of the plurality of protruding surfaces305cof the insulating layer305has a triangular roof-like overall shape formed by moving the triangular shape of the protruding surface305cshown inFIG.16in the direction parallel to the U direction. All the plurality of first inclined surfaces305aand the plurality of second inclined surfaces305bof the insulating layer305are flat surfaces. Each of the plurality of first inclined surfaces305ais a flat surface parallel to the U direction and the W1direction. Each of the plurality of second inclined surfaces305bis a flat surface parallel to the U direction and the W2direction.

Like the example shown inFIG.6, the insulating layer305may include a plurality of protrusions for forming the plurality of protruding surfaces305c. Alternatively, the insulating layer305may include a plurality of slopes arranged in the direction parallel to the V direction. The plurality of slopes each include a first wall surface corresponding to a first inclined surface305aand a second wall surface corresponding to a second inclined surface305b. A protruding surface305cis constituted by the first wall surface of one slope and the second wall surface of another slope adjoining on the −V direction side of the one slope.

In the example shown inFIG.16, the plurality of slopes each have a bottom surface corresponding to the flat surface305d. However, the plurality of slopes do not need to have a bottom surface each.

The configuration, operation, and effects of the present example embodiment are otherwise the same as those of the first example embodiment.

The technology is not limited to the foregoing example embodiments, and various modifications may be made thereto. For example, the shape of each of the first and second surfaces70cand70dof the MR element structure70is not limited to the example shown in each example embodiment, and may be any shape as long as the requirements of the claims are met. The first surface70cmay include three or more steps. In such a case, the second surface70dmay include fewer steps than the first surface70c.

The magnetic sensor1may further include a third detection circuit configured to detect a component of the target magnetic field in a direction parallel to the XY plane, and generate at least one third detection signal having a correspondence with the component. In such a case, the processor40may be configured to generate a detection value corresponding to a component of the target magnetic field in the direction parallel to the U direction based on the at least one third detection signal. The third detection circuit may be integrated with the first and second detection circuits20and30, or may be included in a chip separate from the first and second detection circuits20and30.

As described above, the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology includes a substrate including a reference plane; a support member disposed on the substrate, the support member including an inclined surface inclined with respect to the reference plane; and a magnetic detection element structure disposed on the inclined surface, the magnetic detection element structure including a bottom surface facing the inclined surface, a top surface on a side opposite to the bottom surface, and a first surface connecting the bottom surface and the top surface and including two steps.

In the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology, the magnetic detection element structure may further include a second surface connecting the bottom surface and the top surface on a side of a direction away from the first surface along the inclined surface. The second surface may have a shape asymmetrical to a shape of the first surface about a virtual plane as a center, the virtual plane crossing the magnetic detection element structure and being perpendicular to the inclined surface. The second surface may include fewer steps than the first surface.

In the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology, the magnetic detection element structure may include a lower electrode and a magnetic detection element disposed on the lower electrode, and may be configured such that a current flows in a stacking direction of the lower electrode and the magnetic detection element. The magnetic detection element may include a free layer and a magnetization pinned layer, the free layer having a magnetization whose direction is variable depending on an external magnetic field, the magnetization pinned layer having a magnetization whose direction is fixed, the magnetization pinned layer being provided between the free layer and the inclined surface. One of the two steps may be present on the magnetic detection element, and the other of the two steps may be present between the magnetic detection element and the lower electrode. Alternatively, one of the two steps may be present between the magnetic detection element and the lower electrode, and the other of the two steps may be present on the lower electrode.

In the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology, the first surface may include a curved surface portion.

In the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology, the inclined surface may be a curved surface. Alternatively, the inclined surface may be a flat surface.

The magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology may further include an insulating layer and an upper electrode. The magnetic detection element structure may include a lower electrode and a magnetic detection element disposed on the lower electrode. The upper electrode may be disposed at a position where the magnetic detection element is sandwiched between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The insulating layer may be disposed around the magnetic detection element structure between the lower electrode and the upper electrode.

In the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology, the support member may include a protruding surface protruding in a direction away from the reference plane. The protruding surface may include the inclined surface and another inclined surface inclined with respect to the reference plane and facing a direction different from a direction of the foregoing inclined surface. In such a case, the magnetic sensor according to one embodiment of the technology may further include another magnetic detection element structure disposed on the other inclined surface and including a bottom surface facing the other inclined surface, a top surface on a side opposite to the bottom surface, and two surfaces each connecting the bottom surface and the top surface. Each of the two surfaces of the other magnetic detection element structure may include fewer steps than the first surface.

Obviously, various modification examples and variations of the technology are possible in the light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof, the technology may be practiced in other embodiments than the foregoing example embodiments.