MAGNETIC SWITCH AND MAGNETIC SENSOR

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic switch with high-speed switching operation by instantaneously switching an output signal from a magnetoresistive effect element. SOLUTION: The magnetic switch has magnetoresistive effect element 5 including a free layer 5d with orientation of magnetization changeable by an outer field. The magnetic switch includes a first magnet 7 and a second magnet 6 with different orientation and magnitude of field, and a external field shielding member 10 at changeable positions relative to the first and second magnets 6 and 7. The field shielding member 10 moves to a first position for exerting both fields of first and second magnets 6 and 7 on the magnetoresistive effect element 5 and making the magnetization of the free layer 5d in a first direction, and moves to a second position for exerting one of fields of the first and second magnets 6 and 7 on the magnetoresistive effect element 5 and making the magnetization of the free layer 5d in a second direction.