Current detecting device using ferromagnetic magnetoresistance element

A current detecting device comprising:

• (a) a substrate;
• (b) a conducting member having two ends, both of which being respectively connected to terminals of first two-terminal means for application of a current to be measured;
• (c) a magnetism sensing member having two ends, both of which being respectively connected to terminals of second two-terminal means for measurement of a resistance of said magnetism sensing member;
• and
• (d) an insulating member for electrically isolating between said conducting member and said magnetism sensing member, whereby said conducting member, said magnetism sensing member, and said insulating member form a detecting member, and said detecting member being formed on said substrate;
• wherein a ratio Wm/Wa is determined as at least 1.3 where Wm is a pattern width of said magnetism sensing member and WA is a pattern width of said conducting member so that magnetic flux due to said current to be measured is effectively received by said magnetism sensing member.

A current detecting device comprising:

• (a) an insulating substrate;
• (b) a conducting layer provided on said insulating substrate such that said insulating substrate is partially covered, said conducting layer having at least one edge which forms a step between a surface of said conducting layer and a surface of said insulating substrate, said conducting layer having two ends, both of which being respectively connected to terminals of first two-terminal means for application of a current to be measured;
• (c) an insulating layer provided on said conducting layer and said insulating substrate such that said insulating layer covers said at least one edge;
• and
• (d) a magnetism sensing layer provided on said insulating layer such that said conducting layer is located below said magnetism sensing layer when viewed from said magnetism sensing layer, said magnetism sensing layer overlying said edge, said magnetism sensing layer having two ends, both of which being respectively connected to terminals of second two-terminal means for measurement of a resistance of said magnetism sensing layer.