A planar Hall effect element be formed upon or can include a the P-type substrate. The planar Hall effect element can also include a Hall plate region. The Hall plate region can include a first portion of an N-type layer disposed over the P-type substrate. The first portion of the N-type layer can include a top surface distal from the P-type substrate, and a continuous N-type outer boundary intersecting the top surface of the Hall plate region. The planar Hall effect element can also include an isolation region having a continuous outer boundary and having a continuous inner boundary, the continuous inner boundary in contact with all of the outer boundary of the Hall plate region, the P-type substrate and the first portion of the N-type layer not forming a P/N junction.