| 摘要 |
A magnetic encoder in which a magnetic sensor employing a magnetoresistance effect element converts a change in magnetic field into an electric signal to detect position, etc. In order to measure a magnetic field that changes at high or low speeds using a magnetic encoder, it is necessary to generate electric signals or output signals having different number of pulses. In most of conventional magnetic encoders, however, only one array of magnetic poles is arranged as means for generating magnetic signals, and it cannot accurately detect various changes. According to the invention, there are provided with magnetic signal generating means that have a plurality of arrays of magnetic poles, and magnetoresistance effect elements corresponding to the arrays of magnetic pole sequences. In order that a magnetic field smaller than the anisotropic magnetic field by patterning is applied to the thin-film pattern, forming the magnetoresistance effect elements, one of the following factors is varied: the distance between the arrays of magnetic poles and the magnetoresistance effect elements, the width of thin-film pattern and the thickness of the magnetic recording medium in which the arrays of magnetic poles are made. |
