Current sensor

US10247758B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Allegro MicroSystems, LLC · US

Inventors

• Shaun D. Milano · Dunbarton, US
• Peter Cisar · Lenzkirch, DE
• Stefan Kranz · Eutin, DE
• Stephan Schurt · Friedenweiler, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 8, 2016
• Grant date: Apr 2, 2019
• Expiry date: May 30, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R15/205
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A current sensor includes a ferromagnetic core having a substantially central opening for receiving a current conductor and at least two gaps portions, each of the gap portions having an associated gap spacing. A detector of the current sensor includes at least one first sensing element disposed in a first one of the gap portions and configured to generate a respective first magnetic field signal in response to a first magnetic field generated in the first gap portion in response to a current through the current conductor. The detector also includes at least one second sensing element disposed in a second one of the gap portions and configured to generate a respective second magnetic field signal in response to a second magnetic field generated in the second gap portion in response to the current through the conductor. A method of sensing a current through a current conductor is also provided.