Test&Measurement

High Current
Measurement
Application Guide

Precision Making
2

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . 3
What is Electrical Current? . . . . . 3
Measuring Current . . . . . . . 3
Key Specifications . . . . . . . . 4
Choosing a Sensor . . . . . . . . 5
Closed Aperture vs Clamp . . . . . 5
AC Transformers . . . . . . . 5
Rogowski Coils . . . . . . . 5
Hall Effect AC/DC Clamp . . . . . 5
Fluxgate Closed Loop . . . . . . 5
Sensor Technologies . . . . . . . 6
AC Current Transformers . . . . . 6
Hall-effect Sensors . . . . . . . 6
Rogowski Coils . . . . . . . 7
Fluxgate Sensors . . . . . . . 7
Errors . . . . . . . . . 8
Zero Flux Technique . . . . . . 8
Frequency Response . . . . . . 9
Output . . . . . . . . . 9
Product Selection . . . . . . . . 10
AC Current Transformers . . . . . 11
AC Current Clamps . . . . . . 12
AC/DC Hall-effect Current Clamps . . . 13
Closed Loop Fluxgate Current Transformers . 14
High Current Power Measurement Configuratoin
Examples . . . . . . . . . 15
Integration Considerations . . . . . . 16
Example Use Cases . . . . . . 16
Choose the Right Solution . . . . . . 21
 3

Introduction
Designing an instrumentation system for high current Measuring Current
measurement requires careful consideration of the trade-offs
associated with each type of sensing device. The purpose As shown in figure 1; current measurement is a series
of this guide is to help engineers understand the sensing measurement of electron flow. There are currently 2 ways to
choices available and the corresponding trade-offs with each make this measurement with a current sensor:
technology.
§§ Direct measurement by passing the current directly
through a sensing device itself (shunt type measurement)
What is Electrical Current? §§ Indirect measurement by passing a current carrying
conductor through the aperture of a current sensing
Electricity is the movement of negatively charged electrons in devices (clamp, current transformer).
a conductor from a region of high electron density to a region
of low electron density. The difference in electric potential This application guide is focused on indirect technologies
between these regions is known as Voltage (measured in as they apply to the measurement of measurement of
Volts). It provides the electromotive force to move electrons. electrical power. The devices in this application guide are
The rate of charge flow carried by these electrons per targeted toward the measurement of the inputs and outputs
second is what we know as electric current – measured in of electromechanical systems such as grid-tied inverters,
Amperes while the opposition to this current flow is known as variable speed motor drives, motors, chargers, generators,
resistance, measured in Ohms. appliances and transformers. The required bandwidth of such
systems is typically below 1MHz; if higher bandwidths are
Electric current is by convention said to flow from a region of required please see Yokogawa’s offering of high bandwidth
high electric potential to a region of low electric potential i.e. oscilloscope probes.
opposite to the direction of electron flow.

Electric Current:
The flow of electric charge
+
Voltage: Lightbult (load)
Force that compels
electric current to
flow due to potential
difference between Resistance:
+ and - terminals - Opposition to the passage
of electric current flow

Figure 1 - Basic components of electrical circuit

4

Key
Specifications
The use of a current clamp or current transformer greatly Once the specifications for the measurement system have
simplifies measuring high currents (>50A) where physical been defined, the sensor technology that can be used for
constraints (conductor sizes, insertion losses, safety) make current measurement will be determined. Perhaps the most
a direct measurement through the precision internal shunt important specification to consider is the purpose of the
of a power analyzer, DMM, or external shunt into a data measurement; this will often set the rest of the specifications.
acquisition impractical. This convenience comes with a cost,
and system designers must educate themselves on these For example, if a high current measurement is needed for
trade-offs in order to make the best practical engineering the purpose of benchmarking power, energy consumption,
decision. The following key specifications for each device and efficiency, then the accuracy specification will drive the
must be considered when selecting a current measurement appropriate technology.
device for your design.
Likewise, if a high current measurement is needed for the
Key System Design Specifications: purpose of getting a general idea of current consumption,
§§ Define the purpose of the measurement waveform shape, and event capture, then a different
§§ Budget constraint technology would likely be appropriate.
§§ Physical constraint
§§ Accuracy
§§ Frequency response
§§ Phase shift
§§ Maximum current to be measured (Peak/RMS)
§§ Minimum current to be measured (Peak/RMS)
§§ Output signal (voltage/current)

Performance vs Technology
High Simple AC DC High Low Phase Low Wide Voltage
Accuracy Installation Current Current Frequency Shift Cost Measurement Output*
Range

Hall-effect
clamp X X X X X

Rogowski
Coil X X X X X

AC
Transformer X X X X
Clamp

AC
Transformer X X X X

Fluxgate
Transformer X X X X X X

*All other technologies are current output

 5

Choosing
a Sensor
Indirect current measurement relies upon sensing the
magnetic field generated by a current carrying conductor.
Sensing this field can be done with a variety of technologies
such as AC current transformers, Hall-effect sensors,
Rogowski coils, and fluxgate sensors. Each one of these
technologies will have associated trade-offs to be compared
with the system design specifications in order to make the
appropriate choice.

Below are some general selection guidelines by technology

and application:

Closed Aperture vs Clamp Rogowski Coils

§§ A “donut” style or “fully closed aperture” current §§ Rogowski coils are typically used when convenience is the
transformer design will generally perform better than deciding factor, obtaining a general wave shape for an AC
an “open clamp” or “split core” type solution. This is or pulsed signal is desired, and accuracy is not of utmost
due to the split core’s lack of symmetry and necessary importance. Rogowski coils are very sensitive to conductor
discontinuity of the magnetic core and associated position; this error alone can contribute up to 2% of total
windings. A split core makes the closed loop zero flux error excluding other sources (error >1%).
design impossible to construct, especially if multiple
cores and windings are needed for accuracy (e.g. fluxgate Hall Effect AC/DC Clamp
sensing with closed loop compensation).
§§ Hall Effect current clamps are typically used when
AC Transformers convenience is important, obtaining a general wave
shape for any type of AC or DC signal is desired, and high
§§ Purely AC current transformers are typically used in accuracy is not a concern (error =>1%)
line power or constant frequency applications where
the voltage waveform is of a static frequency and DC Fluxgate Closed Loop
components or transient phenomena are not of concern.
Many current transformer manufacturers target power line §§ Fluxgate based, closed loop zero flux current transformer
frequencies specifically (50/60Hz, 400Hz) and therefore the designs benefit from the combination of sensing
performance specifications around those frequencies are technologies (fluxgate sensor, AC transformer, zero flux
generally acceptable (error ≤ 1%). These come in clamp or compensation). They are capable of making measurements
donut style designs. on very complex AC/DC waveforms. This design will
generally provide the best linearity, accuracy, stability,
and frequency response. These devices are typically used
for benchmarking power measurements where switching
waveforms are present (inverters) and errors must be
minimal across a wide operating bandwidth (error ≤ 1%).
6

Sensor
Technologies
AC Current Transformers
Iron core
ISEC = IPRI/N AC current transformers rely upon Faraday’s law which states
that an electromotive force is generated in a coil when it is
placed in a time-varying electromagnetic field. The operation
AC ammeter

100

of a current transformer is similar to that of a voltage

0 200

Primary conductor transformer, the secondary output current is proportional to

passing through
centre of C.T. core the turn ratio. In some cases, the current transformer can be
Secondary winding a direct (series) measurement or an indirect measurement
N turns
(through CT opening). Because they require a changing
IPRI magnetic field, they cannot be used for DC measurements.
Like voltage transformers, these sensing devices are passive
Figure 2 - AC current transformer
and do not require excitation, consisting of wire wrapped
around a magnetic core.

Hall-effect Sensors
The Hall-effect utilizes a conductive sensing material carrying
a current and placed perpendicular to a magnetic field. The
magnetic field produces a Lorentz force, pushing the charge
carriers to one side of the material. The resulting voltage
IP difference across the material is proportional to the flow of
the current generating the magnetic field. In a current sensor,
the magnetic field is generated by the primary conductor that
is oriented 90 degrees from a Hall sensor placed inside an
IC airgap in the iron core. The gap in the core concentrates the
magnetic field around the sensor. The resulting differential
voltage across the sensing material is then amplified and
conditioned to an appropriate output signal (voltage or
Figure 3 - Hall-effect sensor
current). The Hall-effect principal applies for both AC and DC
signals. Hall-effect current clamps usually have mV/A or mA/A
output signal and may have a range switch.
 7

Rogowski Coils
Rogowski coils consist of a helical coil of wire with a center
return lead wrapped around a straight primary conductor.
The change in current (derivative) through the primary
conductor induces a proportional voltage in the coil. This
voltage is then integrated via signal conditioning electronics
to produce a voltage that is proportional to the primary
current. This is why Rogowski coils require a continuously
Vin Vout changing (AC) or pulsed current in order to produce an
IP output. The coils typically have an air core (no solid core) and
therefore are flexible; also the coil wiring (center return lead)
means the construction is typically a flexible loop with an
Figure 4 - Rogowski coils open end.

Fluxgate Sensors
U(t) Fluxgate sensors are a saturable inductor constructed of
a magnetic core and wound coil. The sensor is excited
by a periodic square wave signal, sweeping the inductor
across the B-H curve in and out of saturation resulting in a
Fluxgate Sensing head
I symmetric current waveform. When an external magnetic
P
field is introduced (primary current through an aperture of
the CT) the flux density is changed and the current waveform
becomes asymmetric due to the change in time to reach
Figure 5 - Fluxgate sensor saturation. This asymmetry can be measured via a change
in duty cycle or via harmonic analysis, producing a linear
output with respect to the primary current. Fluxgate sensors
u(t) i(t)
i(t) are capable of sensing both AC and DC currents and
time time typically offer greater stability, resolution and accuracy when
compared to Hall sensors. Similar to a Hall clamp, a fluxgate
u(t)
sensor can be placed inside an airgap or can be constructed
out of a second magnetic core placed inside of the current
Figure 6 - Fluxgate sensor no Figure 7 - Fluxgate sensor with transformer itself.
primary current primary current
8

Errors Zero Flux Technique

All of these technologies will have measurement error Linearity errors can be compensated by operating the
attributed to factors such as linearity, offset, temperature and sensing technology in a “zero flux” condition where
noise. the magnetic field being measured by the sensor is
essentially zero. This is accomplished through the use of
§§ Errors in AC current transformers are can be a function of a compensation winding inside of the current transformer
manufacturing quality or residual flux. that generates an equal yet opposing magnetic field to that
§§ Hall-effect sensors are vulnerable to errors arising from the of the primary field. This winding is driven in a closed loop
necessity of sensing and amplifying very small voltages circuit formed by the sensor (fluxgate or Hall) and associated
and the properties of the Hall sensing material (offset, amplification circuitry as shown in figure 8. This allows the
temperature drift, noise). sensor to essentially operate around a zero sensing condition
§§ Rogowski coils are prone to positioning, droop/offset, and (a single point), minimizing any gain errors. Offset errors
phase delay errors. can further be eliminated by applying a zero offset or a
§§ Linearity error is a concern for any type of sensor, and is a “nulling function” in the sensing instrument that the current
function of the technology, construction, and temperature transformer is connected to (data acquisition, oscilloscope,
characteristics. or power analyzer).
§§ Fluxgate sensors provide more robust measurement due
IS
to a time-based measurement (duty or spectral analysis),
low magnetic offsets due to the cyclic excitation, and a low
temperature drift.

I PP

IC

IISS
Figure 8 - Closed loop Hall-effect zero flux CT

IP
IS
ΦP No
L = L (IP = 0)? lS = IP /NS

Yes

Adjusts IS

Figure 9 - Closed loop fluxgate zero flux CT

 9

Frequency Response Output

Current sensing technology and its associated electronics Another advantage of the closed loop design is that the
will always have limited bandwidth; however, an additional output signal is current based, providing a more robust signal
advantage to the closed loop zero flux configuration is at in high noise environments. It is also the preferred signal for
higher frequencies the compensation winding acts as an AC power analyzers which can directly measure current with high
current transformer. This significantly extends the bandwidth accuracy.
and reducing the response time of the transducer. This
means that a zero flux (closed loop) current transformer When dealing with any current transformer the output is
design essentially incorporates multiple current sensing considered a constant current source. This means as current
techniques, the AC current transformer technology as flows through the primary conductor, the secondary must
well as Hall-effect or fluxgate technologies. Thus zero flux never be left as an open circuit. An open circuit produces an
designs can be capable of measuring AC, DC and complex essentially infinite resistance, by Ohm’s law V= I*R, resulting
waveforms of any shape. a very high voltage that will damage the current transformer
and present a significant safety hazard. Therefore, systems
should be designed with caution so that the current
Frequency limit Current
transformer cannot be disconnected while performing a
of the electronics transformer area
measurement.
V

Figure 10 - Frequency response of closed loop design

Compensation
Amplifier

Low frequency
correction
V+
+ Second
+
Harmonic
-– Detector
V– High frequency
correction
Iµ- Iµ+

Ic WS1 WS3 WS4

φμ φμ
IP & wP1
Square wave
generator

C1 φP C2
Zero flux
φP C3

WS2
Ic WS2
current
WS2
Rm
Output voltage

Figure 11 - Multi-core closed loop fluxgate design

10

Product Selection
Once the system design specifications have been established, and the key trade-offs of each technology is understood, a product
can be selected. The following pages highlight Yokogawa current measurement products and technologies for use with test and
measurement equipment including Power Analyzers, Power Scopes, Oscilloscopes and ScopeCorders.
 11

AC Current Transformers Yokogawa AC Current Transformers

Model 2241 2242
Ideal For: High voltage, high current 50/60HZ AC systems
Primary Current Rating 10/15/30/50/100/250/ 10/15/30/50/100/250/
300/500/750/1500A 300/500/750/1500A
The Yokogawa 2241 and 2242 AC transformers serve to
convert a very wide range of AC currents to levels that are Secondary Current
5A 5A
Rating
suitable for measurement while offering isolation from the
instrument. These transformers are capable of handling Rated Burden 15VA 15VA
very large currents from high power systems, however have Relative Error 0.2% (50/60Hz) 0.2% (50/60Hz)
multiple taps offering measurement ranges from 1500A to 0.7% (3kHz) 0.7% (3kHz)
10A (taps located on top of the CT). Currents less than 100A Max Phase
± 10 minutes ± 10 minutes
are wired in series, while larger currents are passed through Displacement
the aperture. Max Line Voltage 3450V 6900V

Frequency Response 50/60Hz (rated) 50/60Hz (rated)

3kHz (reference) 3kHz (reference)

Dimensions 12.5"x9.75"x5" 13.75”x10.5”x6”

Weight 19.8lbs 23.4lbs

Example of wiring connection for 50A input as primary current

<Primary Circuit>

L 50A 15A

Power
supply

100A 300A 10A 5A

<Secondary Circuit>

Load
Meter
Knife switch
Short: If the secondary circuit is open, it must be shorted
Open: It should be opened at measurement
12
AC Current Clamps AC transformer clamps are a convenient option for taking
AC current measurements. Voltage and current output
Ideal For: Taking convenient AC measurements options are available for connections to oscilloscopes, data
acquisition, or power analyzers when a portable waveform
capture or an approximate power measurement is needed.

Yokogawa AC Current Clamps

Model SR651 SR661 SR701 JM813

Measurement Range 0.1 to 1200A

0.1 to 1000A 1mA to 1000A 1 to 3000A
(12/120/1200A)

Output Signal Voltage Voltage Current Current

Transformation Ratio (3 ranges)

100mV/A: 0.1A to 12A 1000:1 3000:3
1mV/A (1V@1000A)
10mV/A: 0.1A to 120A 1mA/A (1A@1000A) 1mA/A (3A@3000A)
1mV/A: 1A to 1200A

Accuracy (% of reading)* 3%(1mA),

0.75% (200A), 1.5% (150A) to
3% / 2% / 1% 0.5%(10A),
0.5% (1000A) 0.5% (3000A)
0.3%(1000A)

Phase Shift* 0.75° (200A) to 2° (1A) to 1.5° (150A) to

15° / 5° / 1°
0.5° (1000A) 0.7° (1000A) 0.5° (3000A)

Frequency Range 30Hz to 5kHz 1Hz to 100kHz 30Hz to 5kHz 30Hz to 5kHz

Load Impedance 1MΩ @ 47 pF

100kΩ min 5Ω max ≤0.6Ω
(oscilloscope)

Common Mode Voltage 600 V Cat. III 600 V Cat. III 600 V Cat. III 600 V Cat. III

Output Connection Banana Jack 6.5ft BNC Banana Jack Banana Jack

* Rated at 45-65Hz. Frequency deratings apply, see mfg user manual for full set of specifications.
 13
AC/DC Hall-effect Current Clamps Hall effect clamps are a convenient option for making both
AC and DC current measurements. These units provide
Ideal For: AC/DC waveform capture and basic measurement a voltage output for connections to oscilloscopes or data
acquisition and provide a quick and portable means for
capturing complex waveforms and making approximate
AC/DC measurements where accuracies >1% are acceptable.

Hall-effect Clamps
Model SL261 MH60 MR410 CPC - xxxx

Measurement Range (AC/DC)

0.05 to 100A(DC) 1 to 250A
0.5 to 100A (AC/DC) 1 to 600A(DC)
0.035 to 70A(AC) 1 to 500A
(hall/transformer) 1 to 400A(AC)
(10A/100ADC) 1 to 1100A
1 to 2200A

Output Signal (2 ranges)

8mV/A
10ADC (7AAC):
600ADC (400AAC): 4mV/A
100mV/A 10mV/A
1mV/A 2mV/A
100ADC (70AAC):
1mV/A
10mV/A

Accuracy (% of reading)* 3%±50mA (10ADC), 1.5%±0.1mV (64A), 1.5%±1A (100ADC),

12%±50mA (40ADC), 4%±1A (90A), 2% (400ADC), 1% (full scale)
15% (100ADC) 5% (100A) ** 2.5% (600ADC)

Phase Shift* 1.5° (7AAC) 2.5° (200AAC)

1° 1°
1° (70AAC) 2° (400AAC)

Frequency Range DC to 1kHz

DC to 100kHz DC to 10kHz DC to 75kHz
(3kHz/30kHz ranges)

Load Impedance >1MΩ/100pF 1MΩ/100pF >100kΩ/100pF 10-15Ω/>1nF

Common Mode Voltage 600 V Cat. II

600 V Cat. III 600 V Cat. III NA
300 V Cat. III

Power Source rechargeable battery (8 hrs)

9V battery (55hrs) 9V battery (100hrs) USB powered
w/USB power

Output Connection 6.5ft BNC (signal) 4.9ft BNC (signal)

6.5ft BNC 5ft Banana
µUSB type B (power) USB type A (power)

* Rated at 45-65Hz (**400Hz). Frequency deratings apply, see mfg user manual for full set of specifications.
14
Closed Loop Fluxgate Current Closed-loop compensated, fluxgate sensor based current
transformers employ advanced technology for providing
Transformers highly accurate measurements on AC and DC waveforms.
Ideal For: Benchmarking measurements with a power These units have a current output that is ideal for noise
analyzer immunity and interface to the direct current inputs of a power
analyzer. Precise high current measurements can be made on
complex current waveforms often encountered in switching
power electronic systems such as inverter-based motor
drives and power conversion systems.

IT-60,200,400,700-S IT-1000-S IN 1000-S IN 2000-S

Closed Loop Fluxgate Transformers

Model IT 60-S IT 200-S IT 400-S IT 700-S IT 1000-S IN 1000-S IN 2000-S ITZ 5000-S

Measurement Range 0-60Apk 0-200Apk 0-400Apk 0-700Apk 0-1000Apk 0-1500Apk 0-3000Apk 0-5000Apk
0-42Arms 0-141Arms 0-282Arms 0-495Arms 0-707Arms 0-1000Arms 0-2000Arms 0-3535Arms

Transformation Ratio 600:1 1000:1 2000:1 1750:1 1050:1 1500:1 2000:1 2500:1
100mApk 200mApk 200mApk 400mApk 1Apk 1Apk 1.5Apk 2Apk
707mArms 141mArms 141mArms 283mArms 707mArms 667mArms 1Arms 1.41Arms

Accuracy (% of reading)* 0.05% + 0.05% + 0.05% +

0.05% + 0.02%*
30µA to 30µA to 0.05%* 0.05%* 0.05%* 30µA to
30µA to 4kHz (full scale)
100kHz 30kHz 40kHz

Phase Shift* <1° to <1° to

<1°* <1°* <1° to 10kHz <1°* <1° to 5kHz <1°*
100kHz 100kHz

Frequency Range DC to DC to DC to DC to DC to DC to
DC to 40kHz DC to 80kHz*
800kHz 500kHz 500kHz* 500kHz* 300kHz 230kHz*

Common Mode Voltage 1000V 1000V

2350V 2350V 2350V 1950V 650V 4000V
Cat. III** Cat. III
Cat. III** Cat. III** Cat. III** Cat. III** Cat. III** Cat. III
(4200V) (6000V)

Power Source IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab IST Ultrastab
ITZ Ultrastab
(6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2 (6ch) or /PD2
(1ch)
(4-6ch) (4-6ch) (4-6ch) (4-6ch) (4-6ch) (4-6ch) (4-6ch)

Output Connection Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana

Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Jack (IST) Banana Jack
A1628WL A1628WL A1628WL A1628WL A1589WL A1628WL A1628WL (ITZ)
(PD2) (PD2) (PD2) (PD2) (PD2) (PD2) (PD2)

Aperture Size 26mm 26mm 26mm 30mm 30mm 38mm 70mm 140mm

* Not all models have been fully characterized by Yokogawa. Range and error information can also be obtained from OEM
** HAR07 Cable
 15

High Current Power Measurement

Configuratoin Examples

IT-60,200,400,700-S

up to :
6x ITxxxx or IN1000-S
4x IN2000-S*
IN 1000-S

WT1800E w/ 6ch Power Supply (PD2)

A1628WL
A1589WL

* WT1800 - Total current consumption for IN 2000-s cannot exceed 6Arms (+2Arms secondary)
IN 2000-S
* PX8000 - Total current consumption for IN 2000-s cannot exceed 4Arms (+2Arms secondary)

Figure 12 - Power analyzer with built-in power supply

IT-60,200,400,700-S

up to 6 banana connections
(current output)
up to :
6x ITxxxx or IN1000-S
4x IN2000-S*
IN 1000-S
IST Ultrastab 6ch Power Supply**
WT Power Analyzer

* Total current consumption for IN 2000-s cannot exceed 6Arms (+2Arms secondary)
IN 2000-S
* Yokogawa M114** kits include IT or IN CT’s and IST power supply (banana/ fork terminals not included)

Figure 13 - Power analyzer with external power supply kit

16

Integration Example Use Cases

Considerations
Case 1
A manufacturer of UPS systems is engineering an
instrumentation system to monitor and make measurements
on 6 phases of AC voltage, current, power and one DC
Once a current sensing product has been selected, phase (480Vrms, 75Arms). Power and harmonic monitoring is
integration of the device into the measurement system must important, however capturing distorted waveshapes during
be carefully engineered. The output signal types, accuracy, changeover events is critical. The instrumentation system
measurement range and interconnections must all be is data acquisition based and must have the ability to easily
evaluated appropriately. move to different installations.

In this case, the engineer has selected a Hall based

clamp style sensor. The Hall-effect is valid for any type of
waveshape (AC/DC); data acquisition systems typically
take voltage type signals, ease of installation is of concern,
accuracy is not critical. Data acquisition systems are not
typically highly accurate when making power measurements,
so it makes little sense to select a highly accurate current
device.

Engineering Considerations:
§§ The output voltages from Hall-effect clamps are often in
mV/A, where the maximum output voltage is less than 1V.
The data acquisition system should have a comparable
full-scale input range, e.g. utilizing a 10V input range would
result in poor resolution measurement. The proper scaling
for the instrument must also be considered when using
clamps that have multiple range switches (400A/40A);
changing range on the clamp requires a range change on
the instrument.
§§ Hall-effect clamps must be powered, usually this is
supplied by a small 9V or AA batteries, USB power, or a
wall style AC to DC plug.
§§ Many Hall-effect clamps have a BNC style interconnection,
the data acquisition system should have the same or an
adapter may be needed if banana jacks are used.
§§ Hall-effects are prone to offset drift; and because of this
the nulling (zero offset) function of the probe itself and/or
the data acquisition should be used before making critical
measurements.

Figure 14 is an example of a system configuration using

Yokogawa Instrumentation.
 17

2x
6x

High Current

720254 MH60

3x 6x 6x

758921
DL850E ScopeCorder w/ Power Math
High Voltage
or
758933
720268
758929
Figure 14 - 6-phase high power monitoring system

Yokogawa DL850E ScopeCorder with Real-Time Power

QTY Part Number Description

1 DL850E-D-HE/M1/HD1/G2/G5 DL850E ScopeCorder Chassis with power math

3 720268 1MS/s 16bit 2ch analog input module High voltage module, isolation to 1000Vrms, 3 modules for 6 phases of voltage

2 720254 1MS/s 16bit 4ch analog input module 4 channel module 16bit resolution to handle 6 phases of current clamps

6 MH60 current probe 100 AC/DC Hall-effect current clamps with rechargeable battery, BNC connection

6 758933 measurement lead set Connects to 720286 for voltage measurement, 1000V

6 758929 large alligator clip leads Connects to 758933 for voltage measurement, 1000V (alligator clip)

6 758921 fork terminal adapter Connects to 785933, for voltage measurement, 1000V (screw terminal)
18
Case 2 Engineering Considerations:
A manufacturer of inverter based motor drives is §§ This is a “donut style” design, therefore the primary cable
engineering an instrumentation system for benchmarking must be able to pass through the center aperture (check
power measurements on 3 phases of PWM based AC diameter). In some cases a bus bar or smaller cable with
voltage, current, power and one DC input phase (800Vrms, smaller diameter insulation may be needed.
1100Arms). Waveforms are of interest; however, capturing §§ This is a powered device and requires a power supply
the most accurate power measurements is most critical with the appropriate voltage and current capacities and a
as the efficiencies of new inverter designs are over 90%. location for mounting (rack).
The instrumentation system is power analyzer based and §§ Combining the fluxgate AC current transformer
must provide highly accurate power, energy, and harmonic technologies in a closed loop method; there is always
measurements. a constant current output on the secondary when the
primary has current flow. The current transformer cannot
In this case, the engineer has selected a fluxgate based zero be disconnected when a measurement is being performed.
flux current transformer. The fluxgate is valid for any type of Appropriate labels or design considerations should be
waveshape (AC/DC) and will provide the highest accuracy made for safety and to avoid damage to the device.
solution for PWM application requiring high bandwidths. §§ The closed loop sensor will provide a current based
Power analyzers are highly accurate devices, and therefore output which is less susceptible to noise. Also, this is the
the most precise current measurement is required to preferred signal type for high bandwidth power analyzer
keep errors to a minimum. A low accuracy clamp or fixed which employs a unique shunt design that has the proper
frequency current measurement device would not be a good impedance, drift, and conditioning electronics for precision
selection. current measurement.
§§ The full scale output of the secondary current must be
sized appropriately in relation to the power analyzer. For
example, a 2000:1 ratio for a 280Arms transformer will
result in a 140mA full scale output. The power analyzer
should have comparable low current measurement ranges.
A power analyzer with a 40A input and a 500mA minimum
full scale range would be far too large. A better choice
would be a power analyzer with a 5A range and a 5mA
minimum full scale range.
§§ While closed loop sensor designs are less prone to offset
drift, the nulling (zero offset) function of the power analyzer
can be used to further reduce offset error.
 19

4x 4x
4x

IST Ultrastab 6ch Power Supply

IN 1000-S 760902
Yokogawa WT5000
M1114FD IN 1000-S System with 4 IN 1000-S

Figure 15 - WT5000 example configuration

Yokogawa WT5000 Power Analysis System

QTY Part Number Description

1 WT5000/MTR1/US-HE-D High performance power analyzer chassis, motor option

4 760902 5A High accuracy element 4x 5A high accuracy input elements for WT5000 (voltage and current connectors included)

1 4x 1000Arms high accuracy AC/DC current transformers, fluxgate, zero-flux design 0.6A
M1114FD IN 1000-S System with 4 IN 1000-S
output w/ rack mounted power supply

4x 4x

4x

758921

IN 1000-S A1628WL

WT1800E w/ 6ch Power Supply (PD2)

Figure 16 - WT1800E example configuration

Yokogawa WT1800E Power Analysis System

QTY Part Number Description

1 WT1804E-5A4-50A0-HE-D/G6/PD2/MTR Mid-range power analyzer, 4x 5A elements, integrated current transformer power, motor eval

4 90.N6.60.000.0 LEM IN-1000 Current Transducer 1000Arms high accuracy AC/DC current transformers, fluxgate, zero-flux design 0.6A output

4 A1628WL direct current input cable Cable powering IN-1000’s, and providing signal to WT1800E (plug into fork terminal )

4 758921 Fork Terminal Adapter Connect to A1628WL and WT1800E binding post for current
20
Cable Length Considerations The specifications for the 5A 760902 WT5000 module state
the internal resistance is 0.11Ω at >500mA and 0.5Ω at
When it is necessary to lengthen the cables of the IT or IN
<200mA. The IN 2000-S specifications show the maximum
series current transformers, the voltage drop in power supply
burden resistance at 3000Apk is approximately 1 Ω @ 25C,
lines and total burden resistance seen by the transformer
with a transformation ratio of 2000:1 (NS), and an overhead
needs to be considered.
current consumption of about 200mA (IC).
§§ The voltage drop across the power supply cables must be
<%5 of the +15V lines.
§§ Power supply cables must be sized to maintain <0.75V
§§ The total resistance seen by the secondary of the current
drop when operating at 3000Apk primary current or 1Apk
transformer must be less than the transformers RM
of secondary current ~1.2Apk total supply current.
(burden resistance) specification. This is specified as curve
§§ At 2000Apk primary current (1Apk secondary) the total
of primary current vs resistance with multiple operating
resistance of the signal cables from the current transformer
temperatures. It is important to consider the resistance of
to the power analyzer must be <0.89 Ω @ 25 (1Ω-0.11Ω).
the entire signal length from transformer to power analyzer
as well as the internal resistance of the power analyzer.
Recommendations on wire types and shielding for the power
§§ IN 2000-s Current transformer
supply cables are found in the IST power supply user manual.
§§ WT5000 Power analyzer w/ 760902 5A element
For long runs, twisting of the signal wires from the power supply
§§ Maximum operating current 3000Apk
to the power analyzer is recommended to reduce the influence of
noise; however this will increase the total length of these wires.

IN 2000-S power supply voltage drop WT Power Analyzer

must be within %5 of ±15V IST Ultrastab Power Supply R
internal

Total signal cable resistance + internal

resistance must be less than RM

Figure 17 - Lengthening IN/IT transformer cables

Input Voltage Maximum Measuring Resistor vs.

±UC = ±14.25 V
Impedence 10 MΩ ±1%//approx. 15 pF Primary Current & Temperature
8
Current
7 -40ºC
Direct Input: 0.5 Ω ±10% + approx. 0.3 µH (200 mA or lower)
25ºC
0.11 Ω ±10% + approx. 0.3 µH (500 mA or higher) 6 85ºC
Maximum RM (Ω)

# of Secondary 4
NS 2000
turns
3
Positive Current
+IC 180 200 225 Add IS for 2
Consumption
mA total current
Negative Current consumption
1
-IC 80 89 100
Consumption 0
1800 1900 2000 2100 2200 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 2900 3000
Primary current Ip (A)
Figure 18 - WT5000 and IN 2000-S specifications
 21

Choose the Right

Combining Uncertainty for Power Measurements
Power analyzer uncertainty is stated as % of reading + %

Solution
of range error. Current transformers are often stated as a %
of reading + offset. The following examples show methods
for estimating the total uncertainty in a power analyzer and
current transformer system.

Example (sum of errors, worst case):

Input conditions: 200V, 100A, power factor: 1,

effective power: 20kW
IT-60,200,400,700-S
Range settings: 300V/500A, (150kW effective range,
internal current range 0.5A)
Current transformer 200A, 1000:1 ratio (0.2A)
rating:
Power analyzer 0.05% of reading + 0.05% of range
uncertainty:
Current transformer 0.05% of reading + IT-1000-S IN 1000-S
uncertainty: 30µA(30µ[email protected] = 0.015% range)

Total power error can be estimated by:

Power Errorworst case = (effective power * ∑ reading error)

+ (effective range * ∑ range error)
IN 2000-S

Where:

∑ range error = % range power analzyer +

% range current transformer
Current Clamps

∑ reading error = % reading power analzyer +

% reading current transformer

Reading Error = 20kW * (0.05% + 0.05%) = 0.02kW

Range Error = 150kW * (0.05% + 0.015%) = 0.0975kW
Total Power Error = 0.1175kW (0.5875% of reading)
WT5000
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research and development, much of it aimed at core technologies like test and measurement. As a result, Yokogawa’s annual corporate revenues have
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