Current-Sense Transformer Application Design Guidelines By Ariel General Applications Engineer, Datatronic Distribution Inc.

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. Figure 1. is a simple chart for the selection proces