30-01-2013, 04:43 PM
Current-Sense Transformer Application Design Guidelines
1Current-Sense Transformer.pdf (Size: 125.8 KB / Downloads: 106)
INTRODUCTION
The standard for precise current
measurement in instrumentation and
other high reliability equipment
applications has been the current sense
transformer. They are accurate, easy to
implement, and reliable under harsh
environmental and thermal conditions. In
electronic systems applications such as
switch-mode power supplies, current
transformers are generally used for
control, circuit-protection, and monitoring
features. With the increasing availability
of OTS (Off-The-Shelf) current
transformers, a simple guideline can
greatly help in the selection of proper and
cost-effective components for many
applications.
The Input Specifications
The selection of a current transformer must begin with the definition and verification
of certain factors such as size, frequency, function, and the range of current being
sampled – the accuracy and effectiveness will essentially be dependent on these
parameters. Aside from the possibility of compromising the transformer’s accuracy,
using a current transformer above the manufacturer’s rated current specification may
saturate the transformer and may cause circuit failures due to an uncontrolled rise in
operating temperature. On the other hand, a current transformer that is rated much
higher than the “sample current” might be restrictively too large and expensive for its
purpose. Typically, selecting a current-transformer that is rated approximately 30%
above the expected maximum of the “sample current” is a prudent starting point.
The Primary/Secondary Turns Ratio
Off the shelf current-transformers commonly have turns ratios ranging from 1:10 to
1:1000. The higher the turns ratio (r = Nsec/Npri), the higher the resolution of the
current measurement. However, care must be taken as too high of a turns ratio will
necessitate an increase in distributed capacitance and leakage inductance which
may decrease the transformer’s accuracy and capability to operate at higher
frequencies (due to self-resonance). However, if the number of turns is too low
(lower inductance), the output signal may distort or “droop” (in positively sloped
unipolar input signal) which may also cause instability in the control circuit and
inaccuracies in measurements.
Inductance and Excitation Current
The current transformer’s secondary inductance will determine the fidelity of the
output signal. The value of inductance is inversely proportional to the excitation
current – which is then subtracted to the “sensed current.”
The excitation current should be several times less than the magnitude of the sample
current (a maximum of 10% is ideal for most SMPS applications) – this will ensure
the maximum error tolerance of the transformer. For instance, if a circuit has to
maintain a maximum of 10% loss for a sample current of 1 A to 20 A at 100 kHz, the
excitation current must be set to a maximum of 100 mA (10% of the minimum sample
current value). A 1 A sample current will yield an error of 10% while a 20 A sample
will yield an error of 0.5%.
Conclusion
OTS components are inexpensive and instantly available, but as discussed in this
article, there are functional limitations on their usage. There are applications where
specific recommendations or even full customization may be required. It is therefore
advisable to procure these components from reputable manufacturers that have
strong engineering, manufacturing, and customer service capabilities.