High GMR structure with low drive fields

A multi-layer structure, comprising:

• a plurality of multi-layer periods, each multi-layer period including:
• a triad structure having three magnetic layers separated by intervening non-magnetic layers, the magnetic layers including a middle magnetic layer and two outer magnetic layers, the triad structure being characterized by anti-ferromagnetic coupling between the middle and outer magnetic layers, and having an overall magnetization orientation that is parallel with a magnetization orientation of the middle magnetic layer;
• and
• a monad structure adjacent and separated from the triad structure by an intervening non-magnetic layer, the monad structure comprising one magnetic layer;
• wherein each monad structure has an active magnetic interface with the outer magnetic layer of one or more adjacent triad structures, the intervening non-magnetic layer having a thickness such that the active magnetic interface is characterized by ferromagnetic coupling, and wherein when relative magnetization orientations across each active magnetic interface are reversed, a resistance of the multi-layer structure changes.

A solid-state component, comprising:

• a network of resistive elements, the network having a plurality of nodes, each node representing a direct electrical connection between two of the resistive elements, first and second nodes of the plurality of nodes comprising power terminals, and third and fourth nodes of the plurality of nodes comprising an output, wherein at least a first one of the resistive elements comprises a multi-layer structure, comprising:
• a plurality of multi-layer periods, each multi-layer period including:
• a first structure having a plurality of magnetic layers separated by intervening non-magnetic layers, the plurality of magnetic layers including outer magnetic layers, the first structure being characterized by anti-ferromagnetic coupling between adjacent ones of the magnetic layers, and having an overall magnetization orientation that is antiparallel with magnetization orientations of the outer magnetic layers;
• and
• a second structure adjacent and separated from the first structure by an intervening non-magnetic layer, the second structure comprising one or more magnetic layers;
• wherein each second structure has an active magnetic interface with the outer magnetic layer of one or more adjacent first structures, the intervening non-magnetic layer having a thickness such that the active magnetic interface is characterized by ferromagnetic coupling, and wherein when relative magnetization orientations across each active magnetic interface are reversed, a resistance of the multi-layer structure changes;
• and
• a first input conductor inductively coupled to the first resistive element for applying a first magnetic field thereto;
• wherein the network of resistive elements and the first input conductor are configured such that the solid-state component is operable to receive an input current on the first conductor and, in response to the input current, to generate an output signal at the output which is a function of the input current and which is substantially proportional to a power current applied via the power terminals.