In the context of modern technology, current sensors play a crucial role as nerve endings in electrical engineering. They are like precise antennae, delving deep into the microscopic world of electric currents, capturing the dynamics of those currents that are invisible to the naked eye. From the stable operation of industrial production lines to the safety monitoring of power systems, current sensors, with their diverse technical principles and application scenarios, ensure the accurate transmission and processing of current information. This article will lead readers to explore the diverse world of current sensors, from the simple and practical use of shunt resistor to the cutting-edge technology of fiber optic sensors. Each sensor has its unique charm and application value, woven together into a precise network covering current measurement.          

The principle and characteristics of current sensors
According to different measurement principles, current sensors are mainly divided into types such as shunt resistor, current transformers, Hall current sensors, fluxgate current sensors, Rogowski coil, giant reluctance current sensors, and fiber optic current sensors.
The shunt resistor utilizes the principle of voltage drop generated by direct current passing through a small resistor to convert the current signal into a voltage signal. It is suitable for measuring low-frequency small amplitude currents and has the characteristics of high accuracy and fast response. It is a low-cost current measurement solution in the industrial field.
Current transformers are based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which converts large currents into small currents by closing the iron core and winding. They are used for protection and measurement, with mature technology and high accuracy, but cannot measure direct current.
Hall current sensors are divided into open-loop and closed-loop types, respectively using Hall direct amplification principle and magnetic balance principle. Closed loop sensors have high accuracy and are widely used in current measurement.
The fluxgate current sensor utilizes the saturation excitation phenomenon of a high permeability magnetic core in an alternating magnetic field to measure weak magnetic fields and indirectly measure current. It has the characteristics of high resolution and wide measurement range, making it the preferred solution for high-performance current sensors.
The Rogowski coil is a circular coil uniformly wound on a non-ferromagnetic material. By measuring the differentiation of current over time and integrating it, the current can be measured in real time with fast response speed, making it suitable for high-frequency and high current measurements.
The giant magnetoresistance current sensor is based on the giant magnetoresistance effect, which means that the resistivity of magnetic materials changes significantly under the action of a magnetic field, and has high sensitivity, making it suitable for current measurement.
Fiber optic current sensors utilize the Faraday magneto optic effect to measure the magnetic field generated by current through fiber optic media, rotate the angle of polarized light, and measure current. They are mainly used for current measurement and accident diagnosis in power systems.
These current sensors each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios, from low-cost industrial measurements to high-precision power system monitoring, all of which have corresponding technical solutions.

The advantages of high-accuracy current sensors
With the continuous advancement of technology, high-precision current sensors have shown significant advantages in multiple fields. Taking CHIPSENSE as an example, its high-performance current and voltage sensors have multiple advanced features:
Isolation measurement, wide range, diverse models, and complete product specifications: All types of sensors provide excellent safety and can work safely in high-pressure environments. The rated measurement range of current sensors ranges from 5mA to 5000A, and the rated measurement range of voltage sensors ranges from 10V to 6400V. There are both copper bar perforated sensors and PCB mounted sensors; The measurement end connection methods include standard socket connection, nut installation, cable output, and PCB installation, meeting diverse application needs.
High precision and resolution: The key performance indicators of the product, such as precision, linearity, and temperature drift, reach or exceed those of similar products from European and American companies. The CMxA series of closed-loop sensors have an accuracy of within 0.1%, a linearity of around 0.02%, and a zero and gain temperature drift of around 30ppm/K, significantly surpassing traditional solutions. High precision not only improves measurement accuracy, but also maintains stability over a wide dynamic range, effectively reducing system costs.
Broadband, miniaturized design, strong reliability and adaptability.
With the continuous progress of technology, we have reason to believe that current sensors, especially high-precision current sensors, will continue to play a key role in promoting industrial upgrading and technological innovation, and contribute to building a more intelligent and efficient modern society.

CHIPSENSE is a national high-tech enterprise that focuses on the research and development, production, and application of high-end current and voltage sensors, as well as forward research on sensor chips and cutting-edge sensor technologies. CHIPSENSE is committed to providing customers with independently developed sensors, as well as diversified customized products and solutions.

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