Patent ID: 7834619

Claim:
A magnetic detection device comprising: a sensor unit including a sensor pattern having a plurality of magnetoresistance effect films that utilize a magnetoresistance effect in which electric resistance values vary in accordance with an external magnetic field applied, and electrode units disposed at both ends of the sensor pattern in a longitudinal direction thereof, ends of the plurality of magnetoresistance effect films in a length direction thereof being coupled via return portions, wherein a non-magnetic conductor is electrically connected across a top surface of one magnetoresistance effect film and a top surface of another magnetoresistance effect film, the one magnetoresistance effect film and the other magnetoresistance effect film being disposed so as to be coupled via a corresponding one of the return portions, and a resistance value between the electrode units is adjusted, wherein each of the magnetoresistance effect films has a laminate structure including a magnetic layer and a non-magnetic layer, a topmost layer of the laminate structure being a non-magnetic protective layer, and wherein a magnetic layer underlies the protective layer, and the conductor is connected to a top surface of the magnetic layer with the protective layer and a portion of the magnetic layer having been removed in a portion to be connected to the conductor.