Compass applications using giant magnetoresistance sensors (GMR)

Abstract

The use of giant magnetoresistors, or GMR, for compass magnetometers is a recent trend in Earth field sensing. Thin film compass devices are often used in applications in global positioning systems (GPS) to aid in navigation. A GPS system can only tell a user about the direction of travel as long as the user is in motion. A compass indicates static orientation of the user which, with the addition of gyroscopic information along with GPS data can give precise location and orientation to users. Modern digital devices often incorporate compass devices with location applications to better aid consumers in locating services.