A magnetic sensor is provided. The magnetic sensor includes a
magnetoresistive multi-layered portion that has a first resistance region
and a second resistance region. At least two contacts are coupled to the
magnetoresistive multi-layered portion. A sensing current flows from a
first contact of the at least two contacts to a second contact of the at
least two contacts via the first resistance region and the second
resistance region of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion. The
first resistance region promotes a primary flow of the sensing current in
a first direction substantially perpendicular to surface planes of the
layers of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion, and the second
resistance region promotes the primary flow of the sensing current in a
second direction substantially in parallel to surface planes of the
layers of the magnetoresistive multi-layered portion.