Abstract: Integrated current sensors are used in AC electric power systems. An integrated current sensor according to one embodiment comprises: an inductor (101), wherein an AC current passes through the inductor (101); an integrator circuit (103), the integrator circuit (103) receiving a voltage associated with the AC current; a gain control circuit (116) operationally connected to the integrator circuit (103), the gain control circuit (116) outputting a gain controlled signal; and a compensation circuit (115) operationally connected to at least two of the integrator circuit (103), the gain control circuit (116), and the inductor (101), to compensate for parameter variation induced in the gain controlled signal or in the output of the integrator circuit (103).

Abstract: A current sensor includes: several magnetic-field-sensitive components which are disposed on a support such as to be distributed around a conductor through which a current to be measured flows, and a processing circuit which receives an output signal from the components, each component having at least one first terminal which is connected to a summing point by a summing resistor and a second terminal which is connected to a common point. Moreover, all of the resistors are connected to a first conductor which is connected to the summing point and all of the second terminals are connected to a second conductor which is connected to the common point. The support includes a printed circuit, while the two conductors include conductor tracks of the printed circuit, which are routed in a zigzag manner on the printed circuit such as to form a bunched or braided conductor.

Abstract: An auto-measuring universal meter is disclosed. The auto-measuring universal meter includes a main unit having a display and a single button. A pair of test probes is electrically connected to the main unit in a removable manner to detect a first input signal; an inductive clamp is formed on and electrically connected to the main unit for gripping a current-carrying conductor to detect a second input signal indicative of an alternating/direct current flowing through the current-carrying conductor. The main unit is designed so as to take measurement of the input signals in a self-judging mode based on the presence of and/or the differences between the input signals so that the alternating/direct current can also be measured.

Abstract: A current measurement device for measuring an electrical current, in particular in a contactless manner, in a current-carrying conductor, using a coil arrangement having a coil conductor and a circuit connected to the coil conductor, the coil arrangement being surrounded at least in portions by a coil shield. The coil shield and the circuit are connected to a ground potential independently of each other. The measurement accuracy is thereby increased.

Abstract: A method is described to provide temperature compensation and self-calibration of a current sensor based on a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor. A reference electrical current carried by a conductor positioned within the sensing window of the current sensor is used to correct variations in the output signal due to temperature variations and aging.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a capacitive magneto-MEMS component, a compensator and an output component for sensing magnetic fields and for providing, in response thereto, an indication of the current present in a respective conductor to be measured. In one embodiment, first and second mechanical sense components are electrically conductive and operate to sense a change in a capacitance between the mechanical sense components in response to a mechanical indicator from a magnetic-to-mechanical converter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of (1) providing continuous monitoring of various operating and environmental characteristics using RFID technology or similar wireless technology and (2) capturing data on historical events that have occurred on the circuits used for the transmission and distribution of electric power. The invention has the additional capability to communicate the information to operators at the site, in remote locations, or to other equipment (peer to peer). The invention provides a low cost method and apparatus to monitor and store operating characteristics and events on the electric power distribution circuit. The information can be used to reduce the duration of outages, for improving system reliability, to study the impact on the power grid of various environmental factors, to enhance the ability to react to operating conditions such as overloads, etc.

Abstract: A mounting structure for current detection resistor device has a feature that voltage detection terminal wiring is configured so as to extend along a current path in the resistor body first, and then, to bend at right angles to the current path, while maintaining electrical isolation from a resistor body of the current detection resistor device. The voltage detection terminal wiring connecting to the voltage detection terminals on the circuit board is disposed to extend for some distance in the same direction as the current path so as to cause mutual-inductance between that section of the voltage detection terminal wiring and the resistor body. This causes cancellation of induced voltage caused by the self-inductance of the resistor body, so that it is possible to nullify detection error generated by the voltage induced by the resistor body from the viewpoint of the measuring system.

Abstract: A current clamp meter having a current meter body and a detachable current clamp. The current meter body and the current clamp are configured so that the current clamp is detachable from the current meter body and the meter is operable with the current clamp either attached to the current meter body or detached from the current meter body.

Abstract: The device for measuring the intensity (1) of a strong current passing through a wire (1) comprises a magnetic sensor (2) in the form of a loop surrounding the wire (1), and a turn (3) of conductive material surrounding the wire (1) conducting a high-frequency counter-current, the intensity of which is adjusted to cancel the magnetic field (H) is characterized in that the turn (3) of conductive material is in short circuit and surrounds the magnetic sensor (2).

Abstract: A method is described to provide temperature compensation and self-calibration of a current sensor based on a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor. A reference magnetic field generated within the current sensor housing is detected by the magnetic field sensors and is used to correct variations in the output signal due to temperature variations and aging.

Abstract: A method is described to provide temperature compensation and self-calibration of a current sensor based on a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor. A reference magnetic field generated within the current sensor housing is detected by a separate but identical magnetic field sensor and is used to correct variations in the output signal due to temperature variations and aging.

Abstract: A method is described to provide temperature compensation and reduction of drift due to aging for a current sensor based on a plurality of magnetic field sensors positioned around a current carrying conductor. The offset voltage signal generated by each magnetic field sensor is used to correct variations in the output signal due to temperature variations and aging.

Abstract: A fault indicator for indicating the occurrence of a fault in an electrical conductor is programmable, such as in the field, by placing a magnet in proximity to the housing of the fault indicator. A data processor senses the changed state of a magnetic switch and, after a predetermined delay, initiates a programming routine to enable selection of one of a plurality of trip settings for the fault indicator. During programming, display LEDs flash once for programming of the first trip setting, twice for setting of the second trip setting, and so forth. Removal of the magnet from proximity to the fault indicator while at the desired trip setting will result in programming of the fault indicator to that trip setting.

Abstract: An integrated current sensor includes a magnetic field transducer such as a Hall effect sensor, a magnetic core, and an electrical conductor. The conductor includes features for receiving portions of the Hall effect sensor and the core and the elements are dimensioned such that little or no relative movement among the elements is possible.

Abstract: A system for current sensing includes a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor constructed to provide feedback indicating current flow through a conductor susceptible to external magnetic flux. A housing is configured to position the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor about the conductor to provide generally magnitude equal feedback of the current flow through the conductor and generally polarity opposite feedback of the external magnetic flux.

Abstract: An integrated sensor includes a magnetoresistance element electrically coupled to a device disposed on or integrated in a silicon substrate. A conductor is provided proximate to the magnetoresistance element. The integrated sensor can be used to provide various devices, such as a current sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or an isolator. Further, the integrated sensor can be used in an open loop configuration or in a closed loop configuration in which an additional conductor is provided. The magntoresistance element may be formed over the silicon substrate or on a separate, non-silicon substrate. Also described is an integrated sensor comprising a substrate, a magnetic field transducer disposed over a surface of the substrate, and a conductor disposed over the surface of the substrate proximate to the magnetic field transducer. The magnetic field transducer can be a Hall effect transducer or a magnetoresistance element.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth attenuator input circuit for a measurement probe has a Z0 attenuator circuit coupled in series with a compensated RC attenuator circuit. The series attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits are coupled via a controlled impedance transmission line to the shunt attenuator elements of the Z0 and the compensated RC attenuator circuits. The shunt element of the Z0 attenuator element terminates the transmission line in its characteristic impedance. The junction of the series and shunt attenuator elements are coupled to the input of a buffer amplifier. At low and intermediate frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit attenuates an input signal while at high frequencies, the compensated RC attenuator circuit acts as a short and the Z0 attenuator circuits attenuates the input signal.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: A method with corresponding circuit arrangement is disclosed, whereby for evaluation of a measured signal arising as an analogue value with a potential greater than zero potential in a measuring device requiring a supply current, the measured information therefrom is transmitted as a digital signal to an analytical unit lying at earth potential after an A/D conversion. The generated digital signal thus provides the clock signal for a modulation of the supply current and thus also carries out the function of the carrier for the information content of the measured signal. Curved characteristic lines for compression/decompression of the signals are used. Suitable devices for temperature compensation may be similarly provided.

Abstract: The present invention determines temperature and current from resistance measurements of a single magnetoresistive sensor. A dual-purpose sensor includes the magnetoresistive sensor having a single pair of terminals. The sensor is multiplexed under separate current conditions to produce both a temperature measurement and a current measurement in a vicinity of the sensor. A sensor system includes the dual-purpose sensor, a resistance sensing subsystem and a controller that controls the current conditions. A method of measuring temperature and current includes measuring a first resistance of the dual-purpose sensor while a first current is flowing in a conductor adjacent to the sensor, and measuring a second resistance of the sensor while a second current is flowing in the conductor. The first current has a known value while the second current has an unknown value. The temperature and current are determined respectively from the first and second resistance measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring alternating current in a conductor comprises first and second coils a1x, d1x having substantially the same turns-area product and substantially parallel axes and located on the circumference of a circle with the first coil having its axis tangential to the circle and the second coil having its axis radially of the circle, and third and fourth coils a1y, d1y also having substantially the same turns-area product and substantially parallel axes, the third and fourth coil means being located on the circumference of the same circle close to the first and second coil means respectively but having their axes orthogonal thereto. The coils are mounted on a support means configured to allow a conductor to be introduced into the centre of the said circle with the axis of the conductor normal to the plane containing the coils.

Abstract: A system for identifying a selected electrical circuit of interest from a number of electrical circuits, by locating a circuit interrupter connected to interrupt the flow of electrical power from an electrical power supply to the selected circuit of interest. The system includes a remote portion configured to detect when the selected circuit is energized, and in response to generate a wireless signal indicative thereof to a receiver portion located in the vicinity of the circuit interrupter. In response to the wireless signal, the receiver portion is configured to generate an alert indicative to an operator that the flow of electrical power is not interrupted to the selected circuit. By switching the circuit interrupter between the ON and OFF positions, the operator is able to determine from the alert at the receiver portion whether the selected circuit interrupter is connected to control the flow of electrical power to the electrical outlet, load, fixture, or wiring of interest.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component a structural component comprising a silicon substrate and a compliant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride, a magnetic-to-mechanical converter coupled to the structural component to provide a mechanical indication of the magnetic field, and a strain responsive component coupled to the structural component to sense the mechanical indication and to provide an indication of the current in the current carrying conductor in response thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described according to various embodiments, for flowing current from one region of a coil to another region of the coil. The flowing induces—through flux linkage —a voltage across a second coil. A second current substantially does not flow though the second coil. The method and apparatus also includes measuring the current with the voltage between the two coils.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resistor arrangement, especially for current measurement in a vehicle electrical system, with two plate-shaped connection elements separated from each other and a plate-shaped first resistive element, which is arranged between the two connection elements and is electrically and mechanically connected to these elements. According to the invention, at least one of the other plate-shaped resistive elements, which are separated from the first resistive element and which are arranged between one of the two connection elements of the first resistive element and another connection element is connected electrically and mechanically to these connection elements.

Abstract: A differential termination and attenuator network receives a differential input signal having a DC common mode voltage. The network circuit includes input termination resistors coupled in parallel with corresponding resistive attenuator circuits. A monitoring circuit coupled to input nodes of the network generates an output signal representative of the combination of a DC common mode voltage on the input nodes and an applied termination voltage. A control circuit receives the output signal from the monitoring circuit and the applied termination voltage and generates a scaled termination voltage and a scaled compensation voltage and drive currents. The scaled termination and compensation voltages and drive currents provide DC currents through the input termination resistances and the attenuators for nulling DC currents at the network input nodes and provides a DC common mode voltage output from the attenuators for optimizing the dynamic range of a differential measurement amplifier.

Abstract: A differential termination and attenuator network having an internal common mode termination voltage generator includes first and second termination resistors coupled in parallel with corresponding resistive attenuator circuits. A monitoring circuit coupled to input nodes of the network generates an output signal representative of the combination of a DC common mode voltage on the input nodes and an internal termination voltage. A control circuit generates scaled termination and compensation voltages and associated drive currents using the internal termination voltage and the monitoring circuit output signal. The scaled termination voltage and the scaled compensation voltage operate on the differential termination and attenuation network to optimize the dynamic range of a differential amplifier connected to the first and second attenuator outputs and null the DC currents at the input of the network.

Abstract: A differential termination and attenuator network having an automated common mode termination voltage generator includes first and second termination resistors coupled in parallel with corresponding resistive attenuator circuits. A monitoring circuit coupled to input nodes of the network generates an output signal representative of the combination of a DC common mode voltage on the input nodes and an adjustable termination voltage. A control circuit generates scaled termination and compensation voltages and associated drive currents using the adjustable termination voltage and the monitoring circuit output signal. The scaled termination voltage and the scaled compensation voltage operate on the differential termination and attenuation network to optimize the dynamic range of a differential amplifier connected to the first and second attenuator outputs.

Abstract: A non-invasive powerline communications system includes: means for generating communication signals at a first location for transmission on a powerline; means for reactively coupling the communication signals to the powerline; and means for receiving said communication signals at a second location.

Abstract: A voltage sensor is described that consists of a plurality of identical series-connected sections, where each section is comprised of an arrangement of impedance elements. The sensor is optimized to provide an output ratio that is substantially immune to changes in voltage, temperature variations or aging. The voltage sensor can be scaled to various voltage levels by varying the number of series-connected sections.

Abstract: A current detection equipment comprises a first coil and a second coil connected in series with the first coil. The current detection equipment is capable of detecting a current flowing through an object which is provided between the first and second coils or provided in a vicinity of the first or second coil. Each of the first and second coils having first conductive patterns provided on a surface of a substrate, a second conductive patterns provided on a back of the substrate and connecting parts which connect the first and second conductive patterns. A semiconductor device including the current detection equipment to measure the current flowing in a semiconductor element is also proposed.

Abstract: A low-cost, current sensor suitable for mass production and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The current sensor is small with high sensitivity and can be packaged in a standard assembly line which is normally used when an integrated circuit is manufactured. Further, it is possible to obtain a sufficient shielding effect against a disturbance flux without degrading the detecting sensitivity of a flux. A first magnetic material 50 is bonded to the lower part of a current conductor 22C. The first magnetic material 50 has the function of converging and amplifying a flux 3 generated by the current to be measured. A second magnetic material 51 is bonded above a magnetic sensor chip 20. The second magnetic material 51 has a shielding function against a disturbance flux entering from the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing semiconductor devices, such as individual integrated circuits in semiconductor chips, by directing a current in each circuit through a respective selected predetermined path to establish, in each circuit, a respective focused magnetic field and converting each such magnetic field into a respective voltage which, when fed to respective amplifier gated with a respective selected frequency, will modulate each such respective voltage. Each such respective voltage is then used to create a respective pulsating magnetic field that when detected by a respective remote magnetic sensor will provide a series of respective signals representative of the current in the respective circuit from which the pulsating magnetic field was derived.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current sensor is described as including a first conductor, a magnetic field shaping component for shaping a magnetic field produced by a current in the first conductor, and a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component including a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the shaped magnetic field and, in response thereto, providing an indication of the current in the first conductor. A method for sensing a current using MEMS is also described as including shaping a magnetic field produced with a current in a first conductor, sensing the shaped magnetic field with a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a magneto-MEMS component magnetic field sensing circuit, and providing an indication of the current in the first conductor.

Abstract: A long-range wireless phasing voltmeter having a high impedance AC voltmeter in series between two high impedance probes. Shielding surrounds and electrically isolates the voltmeter and probes that communicate wirelessly via a pair of frequency translators, thus eliminating the cable customarily used to connect the probes and enabling measurements of the voltages, voltage differences, phases and phase difference between two conductor that may be miles apart. The signal transmitted from the first probe to the second may be analog or digital and is automatically compensated to correct the synchronization of the transmitted signal for the delay required to send it via the two translators.

Abstract: An electric current detection apparatus has a single magnetic sensor for detecting a first current which flows from a battery and also a second current which flows into or from the battery during different occasions from the first current and is substantially smaller than the first current. The magnetic sensor has a magnetic core surrounding first and second conductors, with the second conductor carrying the second current and with the first conductor being shunted by a third conductor such as to conduct a predetermined proportion of the first current.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the magnitude and direction of net electrical power and current flow to or from a power generation facility over the transmission lines operably connected thereto allows for the estimation of the power output of that facility. The method includes detecting and measuring the magnetic field emanating from the monitored transmission line(s), and detecting a signal synchronized to the power system frequency, typically the electric field, emanating from the transmission lines. The method further includes evaluating, storing, and transmitting the data on the electromagnetic (EM) fields that are recorded.

Abstract: An electric current sensor includes: a core having a ring shape and including a plurality of core pieces, which are laminated and integrated to provide the core; a magnetic gap disposed on a predetermined part of the core; a Hall element disposed in the magnetic gap; a body for accommodating the core and the Hall element; and a seal member for sealing the core and the Hall element into the body. Each core piece has a thin plate shape, and the core includes deformation preventing means for preventing a deformation of the magnetic gap.

Abstract: In order to create a circuit configuration for a gradiometric current sensor with a bridge circuit in the form of a Wheatstone bridge for measuring gradients of the magnetic field strength of a current-carrying conductor, with four magnetoresistive resistors, two of which resistors form a sub-bridge in each case, while the sub-bridges are arranged symmetrically in relation to sub-conductors of the current-carrying conductor, and with a compensating circuit associated with the bridge circuit, which compensating circuit comprises compensating conductors associated with the magnetoresistive resistors, to which compensating conductors a compensating current can be applied, by means of which circuit configuration mounting tolerances can be compensated in a simple manner, it is provided that the sub-bridges (22, 24) can each have a separate compensating current (Icomp1, Icomp2) applied to them.

Abstract: A device for detecting a motor drive current is arranged without substantially requiring additional space. The device for detecting a motor drive current, detects the currents of the phases flowing through the feeder lines that connect the motors to an inverter using a first bus bar for each of the phases arranged in parallel relative to each other and second bus bars extending from the ends of the first bus bars in a direction to intersect the axes of the first bus bar to which attached, by using magnetic field detector elements of each of the phases arranged near the feeder lines, wherein processing means for detecting the currents relying on the magnetic field detector elements of each of the phases are provided on a common circuit board. The magnetic field detector elements are disposed near the first bus bars of each of the phases, and the circuit board is arranged in a space sandwiched between the outermost first bus bars.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for indicating events at various locations in a power distribution system.

Abstract: System for measuring a thickness of a circuit component on a printed circuit board (PCB). The system includes a first circuit, a power plane, a power strip, a calibration strip, a temperature sensor, and a second circuit. The power plane is coupled to the first circuit. The power strip is for providing power to the power plane and is disposed in the PCB connected to the power plane. The power strip has at least two vias. The calibration strip has a predetermined width and is disposed in said PCB. The calibration strip has at least two vias for measuring a voltage drop. The temperature sensor is coupled to the calibration strip and configured to measuring a temperature of the calibration strip. The second circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to determine the thickness of the calibration strip based on at least the temperature of the calibration strip.

Abstract: A power detector for measuring the power transfer between a circuit for emitting an electrical signal and a first conductor that receives the emitted electrical signal. The emitted signal causes a magnetic field to be generated in the first conductor. A coupling detection circuit measures an electric current that arises in a second conductor that is proximate and electrically coupled to the first conductor. The measured electric current in the second conductor is used to determine the power transfer between the emitting circuit and the first conductor. The first and second conductors can be bond wires within an integrated circuit package, and the coupling detection circuit can be disposed in a semiconductor substrate within the integrated circuit package.

Abstract: A circuit configuration includes a power switch and a measuring configuration for detecting the load current through the power switch. The circuit configuration utilizes a voltage drop across a connecting line, in particular a bonding wire, which is connected in series with the power switch for the purpose of determining the load current. A method for determining a current through a power semiconductor component is also provided.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: In a method, system and apparatus of measuring electrical power to consumers (16a–d) in a power distribution network (12), an electromagnetic field is sensed around at least one electrical conductor (12) in a power meter (30a–d) located at a consumer. The current flowing through the conductor is then derived from the sensed electromagnetic field. Instantaneous current values are stored in an electronic memory powered by the electromagnetic field. These instantaneous values or values derived from the instantaneous values are transmitted as digital information on the network to a receiver (20) provided at a distance from the power meter.

Abstract: A clamp type digital multimeter has one or more digital displays mounted so as to permit at least one of the displays to be read even when attachment of the clamp jaws about a conductor forces the display into an orientation that renders it inaccessible. The meter either has a single display that can be pivoted to an orientation convenient for viewing, or it has dual displays mounted on separate surfaces of the meter's housing. A protective flap may cover one or both of the displays when it is not needed for viewing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the capacitance and the dissipation factor in a transformer bushing and extracting gas dissolved in the insulating fluid of said bushing. The apparatus comprises a porous cylindrical member associated with a tap connector and covered by a thin layer of a gas permeable but liquid impermeable membrane. The porous member allows passive diffusion of the permeated gas extracted from the insulating fluid of a transformer bushing to a gas storage chamber for further analysis, thereby helping to prevent high costs related to damage or destruction of the bushing.

Abstract: A time varying current sensor is constructed using surface coils uniformly spaced around a central cavity adapted to receive the conductor through which the current to be measured flows. Accurate and uniform coil geometry is achieved using printed circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the high cost of precision toroidal coil winding. An optional hinge in the housing can allow the sensor to be easily installed on existing conductors without the need to disconnect and reconnect.