WHEATSTONE-BRIDGE MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE

• Main Authors: CASTANO FERNANDO J, ROSS CAROLINE A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.03.2008
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; INDUCTANCES; INFORMATION STORAGE; MAGNETS; PHYSICS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES; STATIC STORES; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TRANSFORMERS

A magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetoresistive ring structure includes a first magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic material. A second magnetic layer also includes a ferromagnetic material. A non-magnetic spacer is positioned between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A vacant open region is positioned in the center region of the magnetoresistive ring structure. A plurality of magnetic states can exist in either the first magnetic layer or second magnetic layer. Furthermore, the magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a plurality of voltage and current contacts arranged symmetrically upon the magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetic state of the ring is detected by measuring its resistance.