Current sensors range completed.

Two new members to LEM's IN family of current sensors, suitable for a range of demanding systems in the medical, test and measurement, energy metering and power sectors have been introduced. The IN 1500-S current sensor is specifically designed for high performance and precision in 1500A nominal current applications, while the IN 1000-SHF current sensor is suitable for applications requiring very wide bandwidth. The new products are the latest additions to the highly successful IN family of high-precision sensors, known for their high reliability in applications such as MRI, calibration units, power meters, and energy measurement.

“Our high-precision range of current sensors is a flagship of unparalleled expertise in electrical measurement - no competitor has the same range, with the same performances,” said Marco Locatelli, Global Product Manager for smart grid and high precision at LEM. “The IN 1500-S offers all the advantages of the IN family for 1500A nominal current applications, such as high accuracy and low noise, while IN 1000-SHF is our champion for high bandwidth.”

With IN 1500-S, the IN family for current sensing now boasts eight devices, and it is LEM’s most advanced high-precision range of current sensors yet, underpinned by LEM’s closed-loop current transducers that use a highly-accurate zero-flux detectors based on LEM’s fluxgate technology. The current sensors achieve ultra-high precision current measurements for DC, AC and pulsed currents.

Using fluxgate technology in transducers for precise current measurement is not new; however, it has limitations linked to a ripple that stems from the excitation voltage. LEM’s innovation takes fluxgate current transducers to previously unachieved performance levels through digital technology, gaining not only a major reduction of the ripple from the fluxgate driving signal but significantly improving the device’s immunity to temperature effects, interference and supply voltage variation. In addition, LEM has used FPGAs for faster start-up, and the devices are also UL/UR certified for the Americas.

The IN family already boasts the IN 100-S, IN 200-S, IN 400-S, IN 500-S, IN 1000-S, IN 1200-S and IN 2000-S devices, for nominal currents of 100A, 200A, 400A, 500A, 1000A, 1200A and 2000A, respectively. Part IN 1500-S for 1500A now completes the lineup. All of them have a D-Sub 9-pin male interface connector, and large apertures for various sizes of cables and busbars. Their metal housing improves immunity to external interference and improves power dissipation. A status signal indicates the transducer’s state and an LED indicator confirms normal operation.

Their other main characteristics, including that of the new IN 1500-S device, are:

• Best-in-class accuracy, with excellent linearity (to ±0.0002%) and minimum electrical offset;
• Broad frequency bandwidth: up to 2MHz @ ±3dB;
• Overcurrent and protection embedded in the design;
• Extended operating temperature range, between -40°C and +85°C, except IN 1500-S which operates between -40°C and +50°C;
• Extremely high stability: up to 0.1ppm/month.

The second device LEM is launching now is the IN 1000-SHF, bringing a breakthrough in current measurement. IN 1000-SHF pushes the bandwidth to 2.5MHz (at ±3dB), with a delay time of just under 1ns (at 10% of nominal current) – that’s a thousand times quicker than the IN 1000-S model and over five times the bandwidth. Electrical offset is improved by a factor of two, to ±5ppm at +25°C, temperature drift by a factor of three, to ±0.1ppm/K over its full operating temperature range, and the peak-to-peak noise level is under 0.218ppm – more than 82 times better than the standard IN 1000-S model. Current output is 1A at Ip = 1000A.

Its operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C, and like with the IN 1500-S, an external LED shows its normal operation and there’s an additional output to show the state of the transducer. It is offered in a compact package, suitable for flat or vertical panel mounting.

With these characteristics, and its extreme accuracy, this makes in IN 1000-SHF a unique offering on the market.

All LEM IN devices are suitable for a wide range of industrial, laboratory and medical applications, which require high-precision sensors, including:

• Feedback elements in high-performance gradient amplifiers for MRI;
• Feedback elements in high-precision, high-stability power supplies, in power analysers and oscilloscopes;
• Calibration units;
• Energy measurement;
• Feedback element for power meters (e.g. EV test benches) and T&M equipment; and
• Medical equipment like various scanners.

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@LEM_Inc @NapierPR #TandM #Electrical

Enhanced current sensors for industrial and automotive applications.

Increased performance ideally suited for busbar current sensing in industrial inverters, motor drives, as well as power distribution and charging systems.

Molex has announced the Percept Current Sensors to address the growing demand for highly accurate busbar current sensing solutions in industrial and automotive applications. Percept Current Sensors leverage Infineon’s high-precision coreless current sensors and Molex's proprietary electronics packaging technology to further reduce sensor size and weight while simplifying installation and system integration significantly.

“The new Percept Current Sensors benefit from Infineon’s coreless sensor and our proprietary electronics packaging technology to set new standards for current-sensing accuracy, reliability and integration simplicity,” said Lily Yeung, director, Sensors, Transportation Innovative Solutions, Molex. “Together we can save customers valuable space and optimize product performance, while reducing major design and manufacturing complexities and costs.”

The compact, coreless design and unique electronics packaging of the Percept Current Sensors results in a solution that is 86% lighter and up to half the size of competing current sensors. This enables higher-density packaging within devices, which contributes to reductions in overall system weight while facilitating greater design flexibility.

The Percept Current Sensors offer increased sensing opportunities in space-constrained applications as well as those sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). They also provide accuracy within 2% across a wide temperature range and entire product lifespan, along with low sensitivity and offset errors. Additionally, Infineon’s differential Hall-effect sensor design suppresses noise from stray magnetic fields, which are commonly found in demanding industrial motor-drive and automotive applications.

“Infineon’s XENSIV™ TLE4973 and TLE4972 are part of our family of high precision coreless magnetic current sensors with a measurement range of 0A to 2000A, offering tremendous flexibility for different power ranges. When combined with Infineon’s sensor, Molex’s innovative package creates a small, efficient and robust solution for the automotive and industrial markets,” said Matthias Grewe, vice president and head of Product Line Magnetic Sensing, Infineon Technologies.

Molex’s proprietary electronics packaging technology enables seamless integration of high-current conductors, connectors, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), busbars, and heat sinks, among other mechanical components, into a single device. This capability is highly suited for assemblies that must withstand high temperatures, high currents and harsh environments. Percept Current Sensors take advantage of this proprietary packaging method to ensure flexible system integration and boost accuracy from precise chip placement and factory calibration. Pre-calibrated systems not only lead to simpler, streamlined installation, but also can dramatically speed assembly time.

This novel packaging technology uses 99% less water than typical PCB manufacturing and does not require any chemicals or generate copper sludge, enabling a more environmentally friendly manufacturing method. Versatile and configurable design options, including the sensor-in-busbar design, provide customers with a complete package for plug-and-play deployments that do not require excessive development time, resources or cost.

These Sensors are available in industrial- and automotive-grade options, encompassing full-differential and single-ended output modes and bi-directional sensing. Available current ranges include +/-450.0 to +/-1,600.0A; operating temperatures extend from -40 to 125°C in accordance with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards. Sensors for industrial applications are slated for October 2024 availability, followed by automotive application product approval process planned for the first half of 2025. Limited engineering samples for industrial applications are available today.

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@MolexConnectors @Infineon @NapierPR #Pauto #Automotive 

Smaller current sensor for high-power apps.

The transition to a decarbonized economy is accelerating fast and the demand for innovative technologies is increasing to support the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Lightweight and compact design of power electronic components is key to enabling efficient design and increasing the driving range of EVs – adding value to Tier 1 supplier / OEM system engineers and consumers.

After working closely together for several years, LEM and Semikron Danfoss have designed a new concept, called Nano, that merges the capabilities of LEM’s range of current sensors with Semikron Danfoss’s DCM half-bridge power module platform for high-power automotive applications. The collaboration results in a core-based sensor that is 60% smaller than anything previously available without any compromise on performance.

“The Nano current sensor is a great example of how LEM is able to work hand-in-hand with industry specialists to tackle customers’ system challenges and create innovative current sensing solutions that deliver optimal performance levels. This project was a significant challenge, and the beauty of its success lies in the perfect collaboration with Semikron Danfoss. Both teams have been able to work almost like one single team. We have been able to push the boundaries because we created a synergy from our different expertise.” says Damien Coutellier, Senior electronics engineer and Nano project manager at LEM.

The newly developed sensor makes it possible to completely integrate the sensing function into the power module, minimizing component footprint, simplifying assembly and keeping costs down.

It is particularly ideal for use with electric vehicle (EV) traction inverters with the DCM platform, but also compatible with other Semikron Danfoss power module platforms. The innovative idea behind the Nano concept was to design a core-based current sensor that could fit into the unused space between the top side of the power module and the gate driver board.

This enables the footprint of the current sensor to overlap with the footprint of the power module. As a result, the Nano current sensor does not take up additional space in the inverter. Also, no additional components are required to fixate the sensor mechanically and connect it electrically to the driver board. This delivers the highest level of integration that a core-based current sensor can achieve. The Nano current sensor is mounted on the DCMTM power module, which uses the latest generation of 750V and 1200V SiC MOSFETs and has a rated current of 200A to 1000A.

Characteristics of the DCM platform mean that the new device satisfies insulation coordination requirements for 800V batteries per IEC 60664-1. At the same time, superior mechanical robustness, high-temperature stability and protection from humidity and vibrations enable inverters to deliver stable and reliable performance in a range of environments.

“By working hand-in-hand with LEM, Semikron Danfoss was able to develop a unique solution that combined the best of both worlds – our expertise in power electronics with LEM’s current sensing and metrology knowledge. As a result, this plug-and-play solution will save our customers a great deal of time and effort because they will no longer have to worry about the current sensor footprint, assembly, validation, testing or even performance – they are all taken care of in a single package,” says Thomas Zöls, Senior Electrical Engineers at Semikron Danfoss.

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@LEM_Inc @semikrondanfoss #EV #Automotive

Current monitors.

LEM has launched a new product in its CDSR series of Residual Current Monitors. Now available with three output types - fault output, SPI bus, and analog output - the new product brings an increased level of safety and reliability to AC wall boxes and charging cables.

The new LEM CDSR offers cost-effective leakage current detection, reduces electromagnetic interference, aids preventive maintenance and improves the reliability of AC electric vehicle chargers and gives users confidence in the safety of their charging system.

Based on LEM’s Fluxgate technology, offering best in class performance, the new LEM CDSR is an RCM type B.

Compliant with international tripping standards (IEC 62752/62955/UL 2231), the CDSR family is suitable for 3.3 to 22 kW AC charging systems and is offered in both single and three phase versions.

As electric vehicles become more popular, users need a reliable and safe way to charge their vehicles from their home AC supply. Because EVs use a high voltage battery, they are also a high-power energy source. This needs to be carefully monitored to avoid any electrical shock to users or damage to household switchboard protection such as the RCM A that protects the house from electrical hazards.

Meeting these requirements demands a highly accurate method of monitoring AC and DC current leakages, with the ability to measure leakages as low as 5 mA, some 10,000 times smaller than the current flowing in the conductor.

The LEM CDSR family achieves this using LEM’s fluxgate technology with fixed jumpers phase current. This uses mechanical placement to optimize performance, making it the most accurate contactless technology available today.

It also ensures easy integration and layout of the power track design thanks to its unique vertical shape. Offering isolation in a compact solution, the CDSR’s external test winding is also readily accessible to the customer to test the sensor.

The high reliability and safety of the LEM CDSR family ensures manufacturers and users of AC wall boxes and charging cables can take full advantage of the benefits offered by current leakage sensors. Amongst these are a reduction in electromagnetic interference that can affect nearby electronic equipment, improving the overall electromagnetic compatibility of the charger.

The CDSR can also aid in preventive maintenance, flagging up potential issues before they become severe and reducing long-term repair costs. The device allows the detection of minor leakages from the very first signs of a drift from normal behaviour.

By ensuring that current leakage issues are detected and resolved promptly, the CDSR family improves the overall reliability of AC EV chargers, reducing unplanned downtime.

It also gives more confidence to EV owners, with the presence of current leakage sensors in an EV charger demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to safety and quality. LEM has backed this up with the high reliability of the CDSR, which is offered with a five-year guarantee.

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@LEM_Inc @NapierPR #Electrical #EV

Power consumption in plants.

STEGO Elektrotechnik has introduced the Smart Sensor Current ESS 076, which revolutionizes efficiency and spending in industrial plants. This smart sensor offers solutions to a wide range of challenges faced by plant operators. As an IO-Link sensor, the ESS 076 enables the rapid adjustment of parameters and the transmission of real-time data. With its additional 4-20 mA interface, the ESS 076 can be integrated easily into current projects.

Monitoring electricity consumption helps identify inefficient operating conditions and/or energy wastage. The ESS 076 provides accurate measurement of power consumption, enabling plant operators to take action to improve energy efficiency and reduces costs. The sensor, using contactless technology, measures AC currents up to 100 A on cables up to 11.4 mm in diameter to detect power consumption. With its analogue 4-20 mA and digital IO-Link interface, the ESS 076 can be easily integrated into existing systems to collect energy efficiency data. In addition, the sensor directly outputs energy consumption digitally via parameterization of the mains voltage.

Continuous current measurements allow for finer process control and optimization of plant operations. With the ESS 076, manufacturers monitor power consumption in real time and use the data to adjust processes to optimize plant performance and output. Due to the advanced mounting options, existing plants can also be easily retrofitted with it.

Continuous monitoring of electricity consumption enables companies to control the energy costs better and ensure energy savings. The ESS 076 provides precise data that helps to avoid unnecessary expenditure. This is because, with its high-precision measurement technology, the ESS 076 enables real-time monitoring and provides an analysis of the power consumption of facilities to reduce operating costs sustainably. Seamless integration into existing infrastructure enables easy implementation, thereby ensuring no interruption to production in the long term. The collected electricity data from the ESS 076 can be used for decision-making and long-term planning to support investments in energy efficiency projects or capacity expansions.

The ESS 076 from STEGO is the answer to the challenges of energy efficiency, plant optimization and cost control in industrial plants. It enables companies to increase their efficiency and look to the future in an economical and environmentally friendly way.

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@UkStego @stego_de @PresseBox #PAuto #Manufacturing

Current measurement at trackside.

LEM has introduced a new current transducer series, ideal for retrofitting trackside applications or for reducing the cost of new installations. Due to its robust design and standardized 4-20 mA out, it can also be used in automation or the control of PV-plants. The transducer’s innovative primary circuit (patent pending), in combination with two ASiCs to detect the magnetic field, enables precise current measurement.

The HTRS-series will be available in three current ranges (10 A / 30 A / 50 A), with peak current measurement up to twice that of nominal. Despite the very high insulation test voltage of 6.0 kV, the HTRS-series is compact, measuring 72 mm x 29 mm x 26 mm. The HTRS series also offers very good temperature stability, while mounting adapters allow the unit to be installed in existing applications.

The transducer complies with the International Railway Industry Standards (IRIS). With the HTRS, users in the field of railway technology have a versatile series of sensors at their disposal, regardless of whether they work in the field of rail or signalling technology. The HTRS series is suitable for measuring currents in point machines, crossing gates and signalling systems. It can also be used in industrial applications, such as process automation or DC current collection in solar parks.

A split core design offers a very high overall accuracy of 2% at +25 °C and high temperature stability in the operating temperature range between -40 and +85 °C. The HTRS has a measuring frequency bandwidth ( -3 dB point) of 1 kHz and also offers a fast response time of 10 μs at 90% of the rated current. The current consumption at maximum primary current is less than 50 mA at a supply voltage of +12 VDC or +24 VDC.

Thanks to the primary circuit the maximum deviation caused by neighbouring conductors with the same current is only around 0.3% (typical). The positioning error of the primary conductor is negligibly small compared to previous solutions.

Weighing only 35 g, the transducer is more than 70% lighter than previous split core current transducers for such applications. Other performance features include compliance with various internationally recognized railway standards as well as IRIS specifications.

The current sensor has been designed to the latest standards for railway technology and industry, including UL and UKCE,and is based on materials that meet all relevant fire protection requirements for railway applications. A CE certificate is available and, like all LEM current transducers for railway applications, the HTRS series comes with a LEM warranty of five years.

@LEM_Inc @NapierPR #IRIS, #Transportation

Why are current sensors important?

A new whitepaper for engineers involved in developing power management solutions for a wide range of industrial applications has been issued. Written by Khagendra Thapa, VP Current Sensor Product for ACEINNA, this new whitepaper outlines the basic issues that are addressed by current sensors and why they are important.

The white paper also explains what AMR (Anisotropic Magnetoresistive) technology is and what are its advantages for current sensing versus other technologies like hall effect, transformers and shunt resistor.

“Integrated, AMR based current censors provides the best performance for the price in the industry,” says Khagendra Thapa, VP Current Sensor Product for ACEINNA. “An AMR based sensor is especially valuable for applications where isolation is needed, due to its construction, compared to legacy methods.”

Additionally, this white paper explains how a unique U shaped current path architecture that utilizes two side by side AMR sensors is able to nullify external magnetic fields, providing the design engineer with a great deal more flexibility regarding the sensors placement on the end device.

@MEMSsensortech #Power

Current sensors based on AMR Technology.

Aceinna has announced its new MCx1101 family of ±5A, ±20A, and ±50A Current Sensors for industrial and power supply applications. The first high accuracy wide bandwidth AMR-based current sensors on the market, units and evaluation boards are available now for sampling and volume shipments.

“Our new integrated, AMR based Current Sensor family provides the best performance for the price in the industry,” says Khagendra Thapa, VP Current Sensor Product for ACEINNA. “There are other AMR based current sensing solutions on the market, but they require a great deal of integration to make them work. Ours are plug and play.”

The MCx1101 are fully integrated, bi-directional current sensors that offer much higher DC accuracy and dynamic range compared with alternative solutions. For example, the ±20A version has a typical accuracy of ±0.6% and are guaranteed to achieve an accuracy of ±2.0% (max) at 85°C.

These new current sensors also guarantee an offset of ±60mA, or ±0.3% of FSR (max) over temperature, which means that high accuracy can be achieved over a roughly 10:1 range of currents. This is a roughly 10x improvement in dynamic range vs. leading Hall-sensor-based devices.

These devices deliver a unique combination of high accuracy, 1.5MHz signal bandwidth with industry benchmark phase shift vs. frequency and 4.8kV isolation making them ideal for high- and low-side sensing in fast current control loops for high performance power supplies, inverters and motor control applications.

The fast response and high bandwidth of the MCx1101 is also ideal for fast switching SiC and GaN based power stages enabling power system designers to make use of the higher speeds and smaller components enabled by wide band-gap switches. Output step response time is 0.3us. The MCx1101 also provides an integrated over current detection flag to help implement OCP (Over Current Protection) required in modern power systems. Over current detection response time is fast 0.2us.

The family includes ±50, ±20, and ±5A ranges, and is offered in both fixed gain (MCA1101) and ratiometric gain (MCR1101) versions. It is packaged in an industry standard SOIC-16 package with a low impedance (0.9 milli-ohm) current path and is certified by UL/IEC/EN for isolated applications.

@MEMSsensortech #Power

Detecting risky residual currents.

Residual currents in low voltage networks represent a fundamental safety risk, if they go undetected or if they are detected too late. They may cause operations to be interrupted unexpectedly, incurring damage to man and machine and in the final instance, leading to high costs. "Detect early, warn and take action" are the watchwords in risk prevention. Permanent monitoring of residual currents is essential and is used to detect deterioration in the distribution system's insulation in a timely manner.

The residual current module for the SINEAX AM/DM, LINAX PQ and CENTRAX CU series is being introduced by Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG to detect residual currents in electrical systems. It provides an RCM (Residual Current Monitoring) function as well as direct measurement of the earth conductor currents in electrical systems. The RCM function is based on Kirchhoff's First Law (Junction Law). This rule states that in a junction in an electrical network, the sum of the incoming currents is equal to the sum of the currents leaving the junction. If there is a difference cause by leakage current flowing through the earth, then a residual current is detected and reported. The operator is then requested to take action. The causes of residual current in a system can often originate in defective components, for example in switching power supplies (LED lighting, computers, photovoltaic rectifiers, rapid charge points, etc.), or defective insulation in electrical connections and devices, defective PEN connections, etc.

In the optimum case, six current channels are used for monitoring, as shown here. Channel 5 is used for RCM and Channel 6 is used to directly measure the earth current (up to max. 1,000A).

Measurement of residual currents is performed by residual current transformers. To provide this function, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG has included residual current transformers to its product portfolio, in bushing-type and split-core versions. An individual alarm threshold and early warning threshold can be defined for each residual current channel. When the alarm threshold is violated, or if the measurement (RCM) conductor is broken, this activates the device's group alarm. Additionally, in devices with a data logger, all status changes are logged in the alarm log and early warning threshold violations are recorded in an event list. The alarm signal can be routed to digital outputs and displayed by the SMARTCOLLECT database software. The residual current values that are currently being measured can be visualised directly on the device display or on the device website (WebGUI) and can also be output on analogue outputs. The values can also be read via bus interfaces.

By recording the average value of the residual current, it is possible to detect a gradual change in the residual current.

The advantages of permanent residual current monitoring are evident. On the one hand, it can eliminate costly periodic manual inspections, which only indicate the status quo at the time of measurement. On the other hand, continuous monitoring improves fire protection and also makes a significant contribution to protection against personal injury and damage to property. Applications for RCM, which is often in used in an energy metering and network quality analysis context, are frequently to be found in data centres, hospitals, hotels and other public buildings (for example shopping centres, airports, etc.), industrial installations, sensitive production units, banks etc. In such cases, to avoid any safety risk, threshold values in compliance with EN 62020 are applied (for example 100 mA).

• Camille Bauer products are marketed in Ireland through Irish Power & Process.

 #CamilleBauer #PAuto #TandM @irishpwrprocess 

Detecting risky residual currents.

Residual currents in low voltage networks represent a fundamental safety risk, if they go undetected or if they are detected too late. They may cause operations to be interrupted unexpectedly, incurring damage to man and machine and in the final instance, leading to high costs. "Detect early, warn and take action" are the watchwords in risk prevention. Permanent monitoring of residual currents is essential and is used to detect deterioration in the distribution system's insulation in a timely manner.

The residual current module for the SINEAX AM/DM, LINAX PQ and CENTRAX CU series is being introduced by Camille Bauer Metrawatt to detect residual currents in electrical systems. It provides an RCM (Residual Current Monitoring) function as well as direct measurement of the earth conductor currents in electrical systems. The RCM function is based on Kirchhoff's First Law (Junction Law). This rule states that in a junction in an electrical network, the sum of the incoming currents is equal to the sum of the currents leaving the junction. If there is a difference cause by leakage current flowing through the earth, then a residual current is detected and reported. The operator is then requested to take action. The causes of residual current in a system can often originate in defective components, for example in switching power supplies (LED lighting, computers, photovoltaic rectifiers, rapid charge points, etc.), or defective insulation in electrical connections and devices, defective PEN connections, etc.

In the optimum case, six current channels are used for monitoring, as shown here. Channel 5 is used for RCM and Channel 6 is used to directly measure the earth current (up to max. 1,000A).

The residual current module lowers the safety risk in electrical installations in low voltage networks and provides an early warning when gradual deviations occur.  

Measurement of residual currents is performed by residual current transformers. To provide this function, Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG has included residual current transformers to its product portfolio, in bushing-type and split-core versions. An individual alarm threshold and early warning threshold can be defined for each residual current channel. When the alarm threshold is violated, or if the measurement (RCM) conductor is broken, this activates the device's group alarm. Additionally, in devices with a data logger, all status changes are logged in the alarm log and early warning threshold violations are recorded in an event list. The alarm signal can be routed to digital outputs and displayed by the SMARTCOLLECT database software. The residual current values that are currently being measured can be visualised directly on the device display or on the device website (WebGUI) and can also be output on analogue outputs. The values can also be read via bus interfaces.

By recording the average value of the residual current, it is possible to detect a gradual change in the residual current.

The advantages of permanent residual current monitoring are evident. On the one hand, it can eliminate costly periodic manual inspections, which only indicate the status quo at the time of measurement. On the other hand, continuous monitoring improves fire protection and also makes a significant contribution to protection against personal injury and damage to property. Applications for RCM, which is often in used in an energy metering and network quality analysis context, are frequently to be found in data centres, hospitals, hotels and other public buildings (for example shopping centres, airports, etc.), industrial installations, sensitive production units, banks etc. In such cases, to avoid any safety risk, threshold values in compliance with EN 62020 are applied (for example 100 mA).

 #CamilleBauer #PAuto 

Measuring & monitoring heavy current networks.

The SINEAX AM series from Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG is a range of compact devices for measuring and monitoring heavy current networks. The quality of the display, intuitive controls, and measurement precision are all signs of the Swiss comprehension of product quality.

The measurement part of the device can detect more than 1500 measurement parameters which can be used to determine the mains supply status, energy consumption and mains quality. The parameterization is done either by control buttons and the intuitive TFT display or else using a web browser. In low voltage networks, nominal voltages up to 690 V with measurement category CATIII can be directly connected. By logging relevant data when an event occurs it is also possible to safeguard the mains quality (Power Quality).

The devices offer a wide range of functions which can be further extended with optional components. They can be integrated into the process environment by means of communications interfaces, digital I/Os, analogue outputs or relays. The universal measurement system can be applied directly to any type of power network. It is suitable of all kinds of power network from single phase up to 4-wire unbalanced circuits.

The devices are designed for versatile use in industrial systems, building automation or energy distribution. The SINEAX AM series devices are available in two different sizes for control panel installation and three different versions (AM1000, AM2000, AM3000) depending on the application and space requirements. The flexibility of the technical features of the AM series allows the device to be integrated in a high-level control and management system (for example a SCADA system or SMARTCOLLECT from Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG).

• Camille Bauer Metrawatt products are marketed in Ireland through Irish Power & Process.

#PAuto #CamilleBauer @irishpwrprocess 

Accurate smart current sensors.

LEM has upgraded “ART” Rogowski current sensor to measure current of up to 10000A AC and beyond with Class Accuracy 0.5. The ART achieves IEC 61869 Class 0.5 accuracy without the need for additional components like resistors or potentiometers, which can drift over time. In addition, the ART benefits from “Perfect Loop” technology, a unique patented coil clasp that eliminates the inaccuracy caused by sensitivity to the position of the conductor inside the loop as well as providing an innovative, robust and fast “Twist and Click” closure.

An internal shield is provided as standard to guard against external fields, improving accuracy and optimising performance for small current measurements.

The ART series provides the same ease of installation as existing split-core transformers, but with the benefits of being thinner and more flexible.

Whatever the chosen dimension - 50, 70, 125, 175, 200 & 300 mm diameter for the aperture – the ART can be mounted very quickly by simply clipping on to the cable to be measured. Contact with the cable is not necessary, and the ART ensures a high level of safety as well as providing a high rated insulation voltage (1000 V Cat III PD2 - reinforced).

The ART also allows disconnection of the coil to be detected through the use of a security seal passed through a specially designed slot, making it really useful when used with a meter. It can be used in applications requiring a protection degree up to IP 67.

This Class Accuracy 0.5 ART updated version completes the LEM City product solutions for the AC current measurement dedicated for future Smart Cities offering innovative and high quality solutions for measuring electrical parameters in Smart Grids and Industry 4.0.

Intelligent electricity network (Smart Grid) applications such as Power Generators, Medium Voltage/Low Voltage Substations, Sub-metering integrate more and more current sensors to ensure reliable integration of distributed renewable energy, energy storage, production and consumption. This leads to the implementation of more current sensors to allow control rooms to automate, to monitor remotely and share real-time data of equipment.

ART series current sensors are CE marked and conform to the IEC 61869 standard, as well as being covered by LEM’s five-year warranty.

@lemcity #PAuto 

Current sensors and renewable energy.

Harting has released information for the first time about the uptake of its current sensors by the renewable energy industry.

Cabinet housing current sensors!

Their current sensors are presently ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of wind turbines for major wind farm installations around the world. One of the world’s major wind turbine manufacturers is using 1000A rated Harting HCS 1000 Hall-effect sensors to monitor the input & output power feeds of the main power inverter.

The current sensors are directly linked to the main wind turbine control cabinet. The galvanically isolated, induced secondary measuring currents produced are proportionate to a primary system operating current. If they fall outside an allowed working range, e.g., sensing an over-current condition, the sensors can provide system shut-down protection to prevent operational failure.

Similar system failure prevention and condition monitoring of electrical power conversion can be also applied to the other renewable energy applications of wave, tidal and solar power.

Harting’s Current Sensors can be used with primary currents in the range of 100A to 3600A, measured with a high degree of accuracy and are available in both open and closed loop styles.

Howard Forryan, Product Market Specialist at Harting Ltd, said: “Harting current sensors offer some key technical performance benefits over our competitors in the market, for example, high immunity to interference, an extended operating temperature range and a more stable housing construction for harsh environment applications. In addition, Harting provides increased levels of customer service and support by offering customised solutions for low volume demands. Such customised solutions include optional I/O connectors and full EMC screened cable assemblies, depending on project requirements”.

#energy @Harting #Power #PAuto 

High current 4mm plugs and test leads.

JPR Electronics has announced the availability of the Schützinger GmbH range of products, including the 4mm high current lamella-basket plugs, widely used in test and measurement and instrumentation applications. Founded in 1950, Schützinger are a family managed independant company, providing flexible, high quality connector solutions into the railway, mechanical engineering, medical, automotive and low-voltage lighting sectors.

The Schützinger range of 4mm plugs feature lamella baskets made from high-grade copper-beryllium and are characterised by their high current carrying capacity with minimal contact resistance and low self-heating. The plug connectors are extremely robust, secure against vibration when plugged-in and guarantee excellent contact reliability.

39 standard models are available rated at 16 or 32A and with screw, solder or crimp cable termnations accepting cables up to 2.5mm diameter. Safety shielded touch-proof versions are available and a number of models feature in-line sockets for additional connectivity. For direct panel mounting a range of 2-sided fasteners with an M3, M4 or M5 thread in various lengths or stud for pressing into plastic or metal are also available. Contacts are may be supplied nickel or gold plated and all-metal versions for use up to 1000V according to EN 61010-031 are available.

Standard sleeve colours include black, red, blue, green, yellow and grey with customer specific versions available to order. Other lamella-basket plugs are available in 2mm and 2.4 mm diameters.

Paul Raynor, Director of JPR Electronics, commented, “Schützinger offer an extensive range of high quality connectors for test, development, laboratory and educational requirements.  With in-house design and manufacture and short component supply chain we can offer our customers an excellent product on a short lead time at a competitve cost.“

@Jprelec #PAuto 

4-20mA DC clamp meter.

A Current Clamp Meter measuring 4-20mA DC that wirelessly relays measurements has been added by Fluke to the other Fluke Connect™ enabled master units or the Fluke Connect mobile App. The a3004 FC Wireless DC Clamp Meter is a fully functional current clamp meter which measures 4mA to 20mA signals without “breaking the loop”. It is ideal for use by process control technicians and for industrial technicians maintaining PLCs and controls, as well as in automotive and HVAC applications.

The Fluke a3004 FC Wireless 4-20mA DC Clamp Meter features a detachable clamp with extension cable for measurements in tight locations and can be used as a standalone meter or as part of a system. A logging function enables the recording and saving of up to 65,000 measurements. It is suitable for measurement of 4-20mA control loops, 4-20mA signal measurements, testing analog input/output signals and other low level DC current measurements.

The Fluke Connect system allows maintenance technicians to wirelessly transmit measurement data from Fluke test tools such as the a3004 FC to their smart phone for secure storage on the cloud, thus enabling access by any team member in the field. Maintenance technicians make better, faster decisions when they have field access to maintenance records and when they can review measurements in real time with team members and supervisors who may be in different locations. Fluke Connect facilitates access to records by all team members wherever they are and at the same time increases the safety of technicians working with energised equipment.

The Fluke Connect app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. More than twenty Fluke tools connect wirelessly with the Connect app, including digital multimeters, infrared cameras, insulation testers, process meters, and specific voltage, current and temperature meters.

Compact Hall-effect current sensors for 200 A and 300 A current ranges!

Harting has added two new high-current models to its range of Hall-effect current sensors. In addition to offering primary current measurements at up to 200 A and 300 A, respectively, the new models are only half the size and weight of previous versions. They also operate over a wider temperature range: from -40°C to +85°C, allowing them to be deployed in thermally critical applications.

The new sensors use the closed-loop measurement principle, which provides a direct representation of the primary current with an accuracy of up to ±0.5%. They can measure both direct and alternating currents, as well as signals with complex waveforms, over a frequency range from 0 to 100 kHz. A particular benefit of these devices is high resistance to interference from magnetic fields generated by external current-carrying conductors.

The sensors come in a range of standard sizes and their compact construction offers a high degree of freedom for integration into individual applications.

Typical applications are in photovoltaic inverters, frequency converters or power supplies for welding applications.

Wireless AC current meter

Meter with a flexible measurement loop offering measurement at a safe distance

Fluke has introduced an AC Current Meter with a flexible measuring loop that can be used to take and store individual readings, and to wirelessly log readings on a PC using an optional PC adapter. It is an ideal tool for industrial maintenance technicians, electricians, control technicians and facilities maintenance technicians. It can also be used as one unit in a wireless Fluke CNX 3000 measurement system, sending readings for display on a master device up to 20 metres away. The Fluke CNX system allows users to place modules in hazardous or awkward places and then watch and record the readings from a safe distance.

The Fluke CNX i3000 iFlex AC Wireless Current Module is a true-RMS current meter with a back-lit LCD display. The flexible measurement loop enables readings of up to 2500A around awkward sized conductors and makes wire access easier. The iFlex module can store up to 65,000 sets of min/max/avg readings and has a CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V safety rating. It comes complete with a Fluke iFlex i2500-10 Flexible Current Probe, Fluke TL175 Test Leads, Fluke AC175 Alligator Clips and a magnetic hanging strap, all at a recommended price in the UK of £129. An optional £39 CNX pc3000 Wireless PC Adapter and Software wirelessly offers real-time PC recording or graphing of data from the Current Module up to 20 metres away. The software also enables the user to download logged data from the module.

The CNC i3000 iFlex can also be used as part of a Fluke CNX Wireless System to wirelessly relay measurements to a CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V safety-rated Fluke CNX 3000 Wireless Multimeter. The Fluke CNX Wireless System is the first set of test tools that wirelessly connects multiple measurement modules and sends simultaneous readings to a master device up to 20 metres away, allowing users to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently. Based on their troubleshooting needs, a user can choose other wireless modules in the family which include AC Voltage, AC Current Clamp, and K-Type Temperature units. The Multimeter can display its readings along with live readings from up to three other measurement modules. For more complex troubleshooting, users can view live measurements from up to 10 modules simultaneously on a PC equipped with the CNX PC Adapter, with customised CNX module parameters and settings, including the module name, logging interval and duration of the logging session.

New type of probe measures current in PCB tracks directly

Aim-TTi has launched an entirely new type of current probe which is cable of measuring currents in PCB tracks.

The Aim I-prober 520 positional current probe uses a patented technology to observe and measure current without the need to break or surround the conductor.

Measurement of current normally requires either the insertion of a shunt resistor, or for the conductor to be passed through a closed magnetic loop. Typically this is done using some form of split clamp device. Whereas this is suitable for individual wires, it is of no use for measuring current in PCB tracks.

The I-prober 520 is a compact hand-held probe which is used with an oscilloscope. By placing the insulated tip of the probe onto a PCB track, the current flowing in the track can be observed and measured.

The probe has a bandwidth of DC to 5 MHz and a dynamic range of 10 mA to 20 A peak to peak. It is safety rated to 300 V Cat II (600 V Cat I) and is suitable for connection to any oscilloscope.

The Aim I-prober 520 operates by sensing the field in very close proximity to the track. To achieve a calibrated measurement, the field sensor must be capable of maintaining a precise distance from the track. To achieve good sensitivity this distance must be very small because field reduces with the square of distance (to a first-order approximation).

To create a practical current measurement probe, a very special type of miniaturised sensor was needed. The requirements included very small size with precision dimensions, DC sensing capability, wide AC bandwidth, and low noise. None of the existing sensor technologies used within field and current probes was suitable for this.

Instead, the I-prober 520 uses a patented miniaturised version of a fluxgate magnetometer, developed in conjunction with Cambridge University. It is the patented miniaturisation that enables it to measure the field at a precise point in space. In addition, the miniature sensor has much lower noise and much wider bandwidth than a conventional fluxgate magnetometer.

As well as measuring currents in PCB tracks, the probe can be used on component leads or any other current-carrying conductor. An interesting example occurs in ground planes, where it can be used to observe circulating currents, interference injection points and “hot spots” in order to optimise design.

The Aim I-prober 520 is supplied with a control box and calibrator, power supply, and a clip-on toroid assembly which can convert it into a convention closed magnetic loop current probe.

Single- and 3-Phase Non-invasive AC Current Probes

GMC-I PROSyS enables a new level of accuracy and ease-of-use with the introduction of its PRO-flex ACP 3000 series of flexible AC current probes.  The probes measure AC current from 100 mA to 3 kA, or to 6 kA, depending on the model. Each features three ranges (30/300/3000A or 60/600/6000A) covering almost every light-industrial or industrial measurement application, including power quality and transient currents,  machine monitoring and commissioning, and welding.

The PRO-flex ACP 3000 probe head offers a combination of attributes not previously available in a single unit. Measurements are totally non-invasive, requiring no disconnection of primary conductors, or electrical connections to the primary circuit.  Rogowski-coil technology is employed, ensuring accuracy, linearity and wide dynamic range measurements.  The sensing coil or coils (one per phase in the case of the three-phase model) are flexible, air-cored and lightweight, permitting the user to place them around primary conductors even in the most confined or hard-to-reach locations.  Each individual detecting coil features an advanced coupling design (allowing the user to open the loop to pass it around the conductor) that ensures accurate, consistent closure of the loop, provides sealing to IP65 for use in harsh environments, and virtually eliminates the influence of external magnetic fields and off-centre conductor position on measured results.

GMC-I PROSyS’ use of Rogowski coil technology guarantees absence of any magnetic saturation or hysteresis effects, and enables a frequency response that extends from 10 Hz to 10 kHz (flat within 1 dB) for harmonic measurements in power-quality applications.  At mains frequencies (45 to 65 Hz), phase error is below 1 degree; excellent transient voltage (dV/dt) rejection provides reliable operation in electrically-noisy environments.  The probes feature a 2000-hour battery life on internal power.  There is also an external power option available. The PRO-flex ACP 3000 probe head and integrator design meet the safety requirements for 600V CAT IV, 1000V CAT III rating.  Probes output a calibrated voltage level that is directly related to the target current, enabling direct connection to almost any multimeter, oscilloscope or data logger. An innovative design of integrator filters low frequency noise and resonant peaks without affecting lower-frequency measurements.

The PRO-flex ACP 3000’s integrator unit measures just 110 x 65 x 23 mm, and connects to the probe-head coil assemblies via 2m of cable.

Flexible AC current probes measure up to 2000A

GMC-I PROSyS has extended its range of non-invasive current measurement probes with the MICRO-flex ACP 2005 and the ACP 2015, providing a convenient, flexible and accurate means of measuring AC currents from 200 mA to 2000A, with no requirement for disconnecting or breaking into primary circuits.

The MICRO-flex ACP 2005 measures AC current in three switched ranges, with full-scale values of 20, 200, and 2000A, making the unit ideal for monitoring currents in Power Quality and Energy management applications and in any mains-powered device, electric motor, or uninterruptible power supply. It provides an output, in each range, of 0 – 2.0V full scale, simplifying connection to any digital multimeter, oscilloscope or chart recorder. The probe features accuracy of ± 1% of reading.

It uses the Rogowski coil principle to measure AC current. Integrating the signal from the coil yields an output that accurately represents the primary current. The design of the MICRO-flex allows measurements to be made in confined spaces that afford only limited access. In the ACP 2005 the detection coil takes the form of a thin, 6 mm diameter, flexible assembly; the user opens the loop, passes it around the primary conductor and re-connects it to the probe head. An advanced coupling design ensures consistent closure of the loop, and totally repeatable results.

A Rogowski coil is air-cored and free from saturation and circuit-loading problems: the principle is noted for its linearity and accuracy. In the ACP 2005 measurement error due to off-centre conductor positioning within the magnetic loop is only ± 2% of reading: linearity across the range is within ± 0.2% of reading. Three model variants, with differing magnetic loop lengths, cater for primary current conductor diameters of 50, 70 and 100 mm. Frequency response of the ACP 2005 is from 20 Hz to 100 kHz. The ACP 2015 also offers all of the same facilities and extends the frequency range to 1 MHz. With the ACP 2015 driving a digital storage oscilloscope, switching losses in power-semiconductor circuits can be examined in detail. Both series have fast response and faithfully reproduce rapid changes in the measured current.

The probes carry safety approvals to EN61010-2-032 600V CATIV and can be used in hazardous areas; they offer a maximum safe voltage rating of 1000 V, ACrms or DC. They can be powered from two AA alkaline batteries, or an external supply of 3V at 100 mA, and the integrator unit measures 110 x 65 x 23 mm.