CURRENT SENSOR

摘要

A current sensor according to the present invention is provided with a magnetic sensor having a magneto-resistance effect element. As a current sensor that is capable of maintaining measurement accuracy even if a large current of approximately 100 A or more flows through a current path under measurement, the current sensor is provided with: an annular magnetic core that surrounds the current path under measurement and is capable of focusing the magnetic flux generated around the current path under measurement; and a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated in a gap provided in the magnetic core. The magnetic sensor is disposed within the gap of the magnetic core or in the vicinity of the gap and has a magneto-resistance effect element provided with: a plurality of element parts that each have a width in a planar view from 2 μm to 8 μm, extend in strip-like shapes, and are disposed in parallel with each other; and a plurality of conduction parts provided so as to connect the plurality of element parts in series. The plurality of element parts and plurality of conduction parts define a meandering shape. Each of the plurality of element parts has a fixed magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a free magnetic layer having a magnetization direction that changes in relation to external magnetic fields, and an antiferromagnetic layer that applies a bias magnetic field to the free magnetic layer through exchange coupling.