Multilayered magnetic sensors with GMR

Although magnetoresistive sensors are only a small part of the magnetic sensor field, it covers itself a large application range from low frequency Earth field measurement in microcompasses, to high frequency read head for hard disks. Ten years ago magnetoresistive sensors were based on the Anisotropic Magnetoresistive Effect. The discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance has leaded to magnetoresistive sensors with better performances and at the same time new applications. However, in order to determine the best solution one should accurately define the application. For example Giant Magnetoresistance leads to much better read heads whereas, as we consider nanoTesla detection, Anisotropic Magnetoresistive sensors remain more convenient.