Circular arrays of magnetic sensors for current measurement

Abstract

A single solid-state magnetic sensor can measure a current flowing in a conductor in a noncontact way. In order to improve the accuracy of the measuring system and to reduce the crosstalk effects of other magnetic fields, circular arrays of magnetic sensors can be fabricated, still preserving low costs. In those kind of arrays, the sensing elements are assembled on a circle around the conductor. The sum of the sensor output signals is an approximation of Ampere's circulation. A quite satisfactory crosstalk effects reduction can be thus achieved. More sophisticated algorithms that combine sensor output signals are necessary in order to further reduce crosstalk effects. This paper presents an algorithm that is able to calculate the intensity of a dc current flowing in a rectangular bus-bar, in the presence of crosstalk fields.