Abstract: A linear positional displacement detector including a magnetic sensor unit (23) having a magnetic sensing surface formed by a ferromagnetic magnetoresistance element (23a) having a predetermined pattern, and an elongated permanent magnet (22) having a magnetic pole face (22a) at each end. The permanent magnet (22) is movable along its longitudinal axis and magnetically coupled with the magnetic sensor unit (23) with the longitudinal axis positioned on an extended surface of the magnetic sensing surface (23b). A positional displacement of the permanent magnet (22) along the longitudinal axis is detected as a change in the direction of a magnetic flux crossing in parallel the magnetic sensing surface (23b).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a position detector having a movable permanent magnet (5) and a circuit board (6) having a magnetic sensor circuit (10.about.13) mounted thereon for detecting the displacement of the permanent magnet. A selective connection portion (8,9) in the magnetic sensor circuit capable of being selectively placed into at least two different circuit patterns exhibiting two different output characteristics (A,B) is provided. Then, the connection in the selective connection portion (8,9) is changed by adding an electrical conductor (FIGS. 1a, 1b) or removing (FIGS. 2a, 2b) portions of pattern conductors in the selective connection portion (8,9) to place the magnetic sensor circuit into either one of the at least two different circuit patterns (FIGS. 4,5) according to necessity.