Magnetic-field sensing method

An electronic compass, comprising a magnetoresistive sensing device provided on a substrate plane and a gravity sensor, wherein:

• the substrate plane defines an x-axis and a y-axis that are perpendicular to each other and a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and a first sensed magnetic-field component in parallel with the x-axis (Xsens);
• a second sensed magnetic-field component in parallel with the y-axis (Ysens) of an external magnetic field forming a first inclination angle ( ) with the x-axis and a second inclination angle (Ø) with the y-axis can be determined;
• and
• the first inclination angle ( ) and the second inclination angle (Ø) can be adjusted by a gravity sensor when the external magnetic field is a terrestrial magnetic field;
• the magnetoresistive sensing device comprises:
• at least one first magnetoresistive sensing unit, comprising:
• a first electrode, disposed on the substrate plane;
• a second electrode, disposed on the substrate plane;
• and
• a first magnetic layer, disposed on the substrate plane, having a first magnetization direction in parallel with the x-axis and a first current path for conducting the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a first angle is formed between the first current path and the first magnetization direction;
• and
• at least one second magnetoresistive sensing unit, comprising:
• a third electrode, disposed on the substrate plane;
• a fourth electrode, disposed on the substrate plane;
• and
• a second magnetic layer, disposed on the substrate plane, having a second magnetization direction in parallel with the y-axis, and a second current path for conducting the third electrode and the fourth electrode, wherein a second angle is formed between the second current path and the second magnetization direction.