Current Sensors

Current sensors measure AC and/or DC current levels. They receive current inputs and provide outputs as analog voltage signals, analog current levels, switches, or audible signals. They can also provide frequency and modulated frequency outputs. For example, some current sensors produce sine waves or pulse trains. Others provide amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or pulse width modulation (PWM). Self-powered current sensors are also commonly available. Handheld products are portable and do not require special mounting hardware.  

Electrical voltage sensors are current sensors that mount on panels and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Through hole technology (THT) mounts components on a printed circuit board by inserting component leads through holes in the board and then soldering the leads in place on the opposite side of the board. Surface mount technology (SMT) adds current sensors to the printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering component leads or terminals to the top surface of the board.

There are two basic types of current sensors: open loop and closed loop. Open loop sensors are used typically in battery-powered applications. They require less power than closed loop sensors and are better able to withstand overloads. Closed loop current sensors provide faster response times and better linearity than open loop sensors. They also produce less noise, making them a good choice for power supply switching. Both open loop current sensors and closed loop current sensors are used in hazardous environments. Current sensors that are identified as intrinsically safe (IS) equipment are low-power devices that meet design, installation, and maintenance standards established by the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation (ISA) society.

There are a variety of applications for current sensors. For example, some devices are used for power metering, control system diagnosis, current supply measurement, and the control of complex loads from electric motors. Others are used for charge integration and condition monitoring of re-chargeable batteries. Specialized current sensors such as those used in commercial appliances often incorporate safety cut-off features and surge trips. High voltage current sensors are also available. PCB-mounted current sensors combine the benefits of a small footprint with the advantages of signal processing that can be achieved by using an existing microprocessor. 

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Part Numbers for Current Sensors