Magnetic-resistor sensor and a magnetic encoder using such a sensor

摘要

A magnetic-resistor sensor is provided with two or more comb-like patterns of different pitches formed on a single base plate and each comb-like pattern is adapted for use in combination with a magnetic scale of a corresponding information pitch so that one magnetic-resistor sensor could span magnetic scales of different information pitches. Such a universal magnetic-resistor sensor is used for a magnetic encoder having a magnetic scale in which a magnetic information pattern and a reference position pattern are formed in the same single track, thereby conserving space on the magnetic scale.