XMR SENSORS WITH SERIAL SEGMENT STRIP CONFIGURATIONS

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a magnetoresistive sensor element comprising a magnetoresistive strip. The magnetoresistive strip includes a first linear segment, and a second linear segment arranged in series with the first linear segment. The second linear segment adjoins the first linear segment at a first inner corner corresponding to a first obtuse angle having a first magnitude. The magnetoresistive strip also includes a third linear segment arranged in series with the first and second linear segments, and a fourth linear segment arranged in series with the first, second, and third linear segments. The fourth linear segment adjoins the third linear segment at a second inner corner corresponding to a second obtuse angle having a second magnitude. Te second magnitude differs from the first magnitude.

Claims

1. A magnetoresistive sensor element comprising a magnetoresistive strip, the magnetoresistive strip comprising: a first linear segment; a second linear segment arranged in series with the first linear segment, the second linear segment adjoining the first linear segment at a first inner corner corresponding to a first obtuse angle having a first magnitude; a third linear segment arranged in series with the second linear segment; and a fourth linear segment arranged in series with the third linear segment, the fourth linear segment adjoining the third linear segment at a second inner corner corresponding to a second obtuse angle having a second magnitude, the second magnitude differing from the first magnitude.

2. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 1, wherein the magnetoresistive strip is one of a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) strip, a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) strip or an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) strip.

3. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 1, wherein the first linear segment and the second linear segment each have a first width, and the third linear segment and the fourth linear segment each have a second width that differs from the first width.

4. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 1, wherein the first linear segment, the second linear segment, the third linear segment, and the fourth linear segment are each arranged in series with one another on a continuous path extending from a first non-magnetic metal conductor to a second non-magnetic metal conductor.

5. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 4, further comprising: a fifth linear segment arranged in series with the fourth linear segment; and a sixth linear segment arranged in series with the fifth linear segment, the sixth linear segment adjoining the fifth linear segment at a third inner corner corresponding to a third obtuse angle having a third magnitude, the third magnitude differing from each of the first magnitude and the second magnitude.

6. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 5, wherein the first magnitude is greater than the second magnitude, and the second magnitude is greater than the third magnitude.

7. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 1, wherein the first linear segment and the second linear segment are arranged in series with one another on a first continuous substrip extending from a first non-magnetic metal conductor to a second non-magnetic metal conductor, and the third linear segment and the fourth linear segment are arranged in series with one another on a second continuous substrip extending from the second non-magnetic metal conductor to a third non-magnetic metal conductor.

8. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 7, wherein the first linear segment and the second linear segment each have a first width, and the third linear segment and the fourth linear segment each have a second width that differs from the first width.

9. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 7, wherein the first continuous substrip has a first set of segments that meet one another at a first plurality of angles whose magnitudes differ from one another, and the second continuous substrip has a second set of segments which meet one another at a second plurality of angles whose magnitudes differ from one another.

10. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 9, wherein the first plurality of angles when ordered from the first non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor and respectively equal to the second plurality of angles when ordered from the third non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor.

11. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of angles correspond to a plurality of inner corners, respectively, along the first continuous substrip, wherein the first plurality of angles have respective magnitudes that monotonically decrease when the first plurality of angles are ordered from the first non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor.

12. A magnetoresistive sensor element, comprising: a first non-magnetic metal conductor; a second non-magnetic metal conductor spaced apart from the first non-magnetic metal conductor; a magnetoresistive strip extending along a path between the first non-magnetic metal conductor and the second non-magnetic metal conductor, the magnetoresistive strip comprising: a first linear segment on the path, a second linear segment arranged in series with the first linear segment on the path, the second linear segment adjoining the first linear segment at a first inner corner corresponding to a first obtuse angle having a first magnitude; a third linear segment arranged in series with the first and second linear segments on the path, and a fourth linear segment arranged in series with the first, second, and third linear segments on the path, the fourth linear segment adjoining the third linear segment at a second inner corner corresponding to a second obtuse angle having a second magnitude, the second magnitude differing from the first magnitude.

13. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 12, wherein the magnetoresistive strip is one of a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) strip, a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) strip or an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) strip.

14. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 12, wherein the first linear segment and the second linear segment each have a first width, and the third linear segment and the fourth linear segment each have a second width that differs from the first width.

15. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 12, wherein the magnetoresistive strip extends continuously and entirely from the first non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor without any other non-magnetic metal conductors arranged between the first non-magnetic metal conductor and the second non-magnetic metal conductor.

16. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 12, further comprising: a third non-magnetic metal conductor disposed on the path and arranged between the second linear segment and the third linear segment, such that the first and second linear segments correspond to a first substrip extending continuously from the first non-magnetic metal conductor to the third non-magnetic metal conductor, and the third and fourth linear segments correspond to a second substrip extending continuously from the third non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor.

17. A magnetoresistive sensor element, comprising: a first non-magnetic metal conductor; a second non-magnetic metal conductor spaced apart from the first non-magnetic metal conductor; a third non-magnetic metal conductor spaced apart from the first non-magnetic metal conductor and spaced apart from the second non-magnetic metal conductor; a first magnetoresistive substrip extending along a first path between the first non-magnetic metal conductor and the second non-magnetic metal conductor, the first magnetoresistive substrip comprising a first linear segment and a second linear segment which are arranged in series with one another along the first path, the first linear segment and the second linear segment adjoining one another at a first inner corner corresponding to a first obtuse angle having a first magnitude; and a second magnetoresistive substrip extending along a second path between the second non-magnetic metal conductor and the third non-magnetic metal conductor, the second magnetoresistive substrip comprising a third linear segment and a fourth linear segment which are arranged in series with one another along the second path, the third linear segment and the fourth linear segment adjoining one another at a second inner corner corresponding to a second obtuse angle having a second magnitude; the second magnitude differing from the first magnitude.

18. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 17, wherein the first magnetoresistive substrip has a first set of segments that meet one another at a first plurality of angles each having the first magnitude, and the second magnetoresistive substrip has a second set of segments which meet one another at a second plurality of angles each having the second magnitude.

19. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 17, wherein the first magnetoresistive substrip has a first set of segments that meet one another at a first plurality of angles whose magnitudes differ from one another, and the second magnetoresistive substrip has a second set of segments which meet one another at a second plurality of angles whose magnitudes differ from one another.

20. The magnetoresistive sensor element of claim 19, wherein the first plurality of angles have respective magnitudes that monotonically decrease when the first plurality of angles are ordered from the first non-magnetic metal conductor to the second non-magnetic metal conductor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts xMR strip tilt angles according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts simulation results for various tilt angles according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts simulation results for a mean tilt angle according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6A depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6B depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6C depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6D depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6E depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts simulation results for various widths according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts an xMR strip according to an embodiment.

[0027] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments relate to xMR sensors, including giant magnetoresistive (GMR), tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) or anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR), and the configuration of xMR strips within xMR sensors. GMR and TMR structure can be of the so-called spin-valve type in embodiments. Basically, a spin-valve comprises two functional magnetic layers: a first ferromagnetic layer (e.g., CoFe, NiFe, etc.) is magnetically pinned to a natural antiferromagnet (eg., PtMn, IrMn, etc.), forming a fixed reference magnetization, and a neighboring second ferromagnetic layer is magnetically decoupled by a non-magnetic interlayer (e.g., Cu, etc.) and forms a so-called free layer which can ideally follow the direction of an external in-plane magnetic field. Often, the single pinned layer is replaced by an artificial antiferromagnet having a pinned layer coupled to a natural antiferromagnet and a so-called reference layer which is antiferromagnetically coupled to the pinned layer by the RKKY exchange. This construction is more stable with respect to high magnetic field strengths.

[0029] In an embodiment, an xMR strip comprises a plurality of differently sized and/or differently oriented serially connected portions. In another embodiment, an xMR strip comprises a varying width or other characteristic. Such configurations can address discontinuities associated with conventional xMR sensors and improve xMR sensor performance.

[0030] In an xMR sensor, the magnetic field angle where edge magnetization switching occurs can depend on an angle between the structure orientation (shape anisotropy axis) and the external magnetic field. For GMR and TMR structures, the orientation of the reference magnetization determines at which signal level the discontinuity occurs. In an embodiment, a plurality of serially connected elements with different orientations (i.e., tilt angles) with respect to the reference magnetization form an xMR strip. In a rotating field, a discontinuity will occur at different field angles for the varying strip element orientations, and the more pronounced discontinuities of conventional sensors are reduced by averaging over a number of phase-shifted discontinuities.

[0031] FIG. 1 depicts positive and negative tilt angles of an xMR strip 100. XMR strip 100 is depicted with both negative and positive tilt angles, (ϕ), with respect to an external field angle. The orientation of the pinned layer magnetization is constant.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a graph of simulated output signals for five different tilt angles, (ϕ): 0 degrees, +/−20 degrees and +/−45 degrees. Discontinuities for each angle are circled for convenience of illustration. As can be seen, discontinuities for the various tilt angles occur at different magnetic field angles. For example, a discontinuity for a tilt angle of −20 degrees occurs at a magnetic field angle of about 35 degrees, while a discontinuity for a tilt angle of +20 degrees occurs at a magnetic field angle of about 75 degrees.

[0033] If the signals depicted in FIG. 2 are averaged according to an embodiment, however, a significantly smoother characteristic can be obtained. This is shown in FIG. 3, which also includes the simulation for 0 degrees as depicted in FIG. 2 for comparison. As can be seen in FIG. 3, large discontinuities are no longer present in the mean signal, rather only minor ripples which are circled. In embodiments, these ripples can be removed through a further discretization of the mean signal. A discontinuity in the signal at 0 degrees can still be seen in FIG. 3.

[0034] Expanding on the results of FIG. 3, embodiments therefore form xMR strips of a plurality of serially connected xMR portions, segments or elements having varying tilt angles and configurations with respect to the reference magnetization axis. These varying tilt angles can provide a “mean” output signal with reduced or eliminated discontinuities in embodiments.

[0035] An embodiment of an xMR strip 200 is depicted in FIG. 4. XMR strip 200 comprises a plurality of xMR segments 200a-200n. The number of xMR segments 200a-200n can vary in embodiments. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, adjacent ones of the xMR segments 200a-200n have opposite tilt angles; while xMR segment 200a has a negative tilt angle, xMR segment 200b has a positive tilt angle. The degree of tilt angle also varies, as can be seen between xMR segment 200a when compared with xMR segment 200e. A central xMR segment 200j has a tilt angle of 0 degrees in this embodiment. In addition to have varying tilt angles, xMR segments 200a-200n can have varying lengths; compare again, for example, segment 200a with segment 200e. By varying the length of a particular element, its weight in the averaging function can be defined. The particular configuration of strip 200 is exemplary of only one embodiment, and other configurations having differently varying tilt angles and lengths are contemplated in other embodiments.

[0036] Another embodiment of an xMR strip 300 is depicted in FIG. 5. XMR strip 300 comprises a continuously increasing and decreasing tilt angle S-shape. The configuration of xMR strip 300 can be thought of as having three segments: a negatively curved segment 300a, a 0-degree segment 300b and a positively curved segment 300c. Because of the similar but opposite orientations of segments 300a and 300c, xMR strip 300 provides equal portions of positively and negatively tilted orientations to provide an effective averaging, as in other embodiments discussed above. As in FIG. 4, the particular configuration of strip 300 is exemplary of only one embodiment, and other configurations having differently curved segments, lengths and/or orientations are contemplated in other embodiments.

[0037] Other xMR strip embodiments are depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, XMR strip 400 can have a reduced height as compared with other embodiments by dividing strip 400 into a plurality of serially (FIG. 6A) or parallel (FIG. 6B) coupled adjacent substrips 402, 404 and 406 by suitable metal or other connectors 408. In embodiments, substrips 402, 404 and 406 are arranged substantially parallel to one another, as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6B additionally includes substri 407. Each substrip 402, 404 and 406 comprises a plurality of xMR segments having alternating tilt angles, as in other embodiments. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the degree of tilt angle generally varies between substrips. For example, the tilt angles of segments of substrip 402 are greater than those of segments of substrip 404, which are in turn greater than those of segments of substrip 406. Such a configuration can still present an effective signal averaging even under inhomogeneous magnetic field conditions. In addition, the width of the substrips can also vary, thereby influencing the angle phase of the switching discontinuity which can lead to an effective geometric averaging (refer, for example to FIG. 6B). As in FIGS. 4 and 5, the particular configuration of strip 400 is exemplary of only one embodiment, and other configurations having differently varying tilt angles, lengths, numbers and configurations of substrips and/or segments and other characteristics are contemplated in other embodiments.

[0038] Another xMR strip 450 is depicted in FIG. 6C. XMR strip 450 comprises serially coupled segments 452, 454, 456 and 458, each having a different width and with the same length axis orientation. Because of the width dependent shape anisotropy, each segment 452-458 exhibits a different phase angle of the switching discontinuity and, therefore, an averaging effect takes place. While the widths increase from segment 452 to 458, other configurations are possible in other embodiments, FIG. 6C being exemplary of but one embodiment.

[0039] Another embodiment is depicted in FIG. 6D. In FIG. 6D, xMR strip 460 comprises a plurality of serially coupled strip segments 462, 464, 466 and 468, each having the same nominal width and length axis orientation. Because segments 462-468 do not have identical values for the shape anisotropy, e.g. because of local fluctuations of the xMR structuring process, the phase angle of the switching discontinuity will differ for the individual segments 462-468. As a result, an averaging effect takes place. This also occurs if a long strip is subdivided into substrips which are serially connected by connectors, thereby keeping the full strip length, as is depicted in strip 470 in FIG. 6E. The decoupling of the magnetic properties allows single substrips 472, 474, 476 to react individually according to natural fluctuations of their magnetic properties on the external magnetic field, which leads to an averaging effect.

[0040] Another xMR strip 500 is depicted in FIG. 7, somewhat similar conceptually to FIG. 5. XMR strip 500 comprises two segments 500a and 500b serially connected by a suitable metal or other connector 502. As in xMR strip 300, strip 500 presents a continuous distribution of tilt angles, providing a highly effective geometric averaging of the magnetic behavior of segments 500a and 500b.

[0041] As previously mentioned, discontinuities can also be addressed in embodiments by an xMR strip comprising a varying width or other characteristic, such as a shape anisotropy. Conventional xMR sensors comprise strips such as those depicted in FIG. 1, isotropic rectangles. Such strips, however, can generate 180 degree domain walls because the free layer magnetization is exposed to rotating fields with opposing senses of rotation due to parasitic By components. Embodiments discussed herein, however, avoid these domain walls and their related discontinuities by preventing the magnetizations from fully rotating by a varying, adapted xMR strip width. A reduced strip width results in an increased shape anisotropy therefore in an enhanced stabilization of the magnetization in regions in which a rotation of the magnetic field takes place. The stronger the By component of a rotating field, the smaller the strip width needs to be. As a consequence, the strip width is continuously reduced toward the strip ends in an embodiment.

[0042] An embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, xMR strip 600 has a first width w/at each end and a second width w2 in the middle, with the width varying between each end and the middle. In another embodiment, strip 600 has different widths at each end.

[0043] Simulation results for xMR strip 600 are depicted in the graph of FIG. 9, in which w/is 1 micrometer (μm) and w2 is 1.5 μm. Also depicted are simulation results for two conventional strips having widths of 1 μm and 1.5 μm. As can be seen, no discontinuities or sudden jumps in the output signal are observed for the wedge-shaped strip 600 because no 180-degree domain walls are generated. Further, for the conventional strip with a width of 1 μm, no sudden jump in the output signal is seen, but the enhanced shape anisotropy leads to a disadvantageous reduction in sensitivity.

[0044] Additional embodiments are depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. In FIG. 10, an XMR strip 700 has a similar profile to that of strip 600 of FIG. 8, but strip 700 comprises a plurality of individual strip segments 700a-700e coupled by suitable metal or other connectors 702. While strip 700 comprises five segments 700a-700e, other embodiments can comprise more or fewer segments. Further, each individual segment can be an isotropic rectangle or have a varying width in various embodiments.

[0045] In FIG. 11, an xMR strip 800 has an inverse wedge shape in which w1 at each end is greater than w2 in the middle. Strip 800 is similar to but the opposite of strip 600 of FIG. 8. As for strip 600, strip 800 can also have different widths at each end. Strip 800 can be used in embodiments when a backbias magnet with a magnetization perpendicular to the sensor plane is used, comprising a symmetric, bipolar bias field along the strip length (By component). The magnitude of the By component increases from the center to the strip ends. An increase of the strip width towards the ends leads to a gradually reduced shape anisotropy which therefore has a compensating effect on the reduced sensitivity by the By component. As a result, the sensitivity of the entire strip 800 is not unnecessarily decreased.

[0046] Embodiments can also comprise hybrid configurations of various strips discussed herein. For example, strip 200 can comprise segments 200a-200n shaped like strip 600. Various other configurations are also possible, as appreciated by those having skill in the art, for example the combination of different widths and angles.

[0047] Embodiments discussed herein can therefore address discontinuities associated with conventional xMR sensors. Embodiments thus can improve xMR sensor performance and provide advantages over conventional sensors, including reduced or eliminated discontinuities.

[0048] Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, implantation locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0049] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0051] For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.