Magnetic field sensor with a plurality of magnetoresistive thin-film layers having an end at a common surface

A magnetic field sensing structure for providing at an output thereof representations of magnetic field changes provided therein from a source of such magnetic field changes, said sensing structure comprising:

• a pair of pole structures spaced apart from one another to form a gap space therebetween each comprising a permeable material and each having an end thereof substantially in a common surface;
• and
• a plurality of field sensor structures supported in said gap space so as to be positioned successively between said pole structures to each have an end thereof substantially in said common surface, each of said plurality of field sensor structures being formed of a plurality of magnetoresistive, anisotropic, ferromagnetic thin-film layers at least two of which are separated from one another by a nonmagnetic layer positioned therebetween, and each of said plurality of field sensor strictures being electrically connected to one another adjacent said common surface.