Aim Dynamics: Understanding Current Sensing

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Understanding Current Sensing

Current sensing is used to measure the flow of electricity that passes through a point. Specifically, it measures how much current is flowing in a wire. Commonly used for circuit protection and controlling, it’s also intended for monitoring electricity and enhancing its performance.


Current sensing can be done with the use of a current sensor, a device that can detect and convert currents to a more understandable and measurable output.
The two types of current sensing are direct and indirect. Direct current sensing is used for a machine directly connected to a circuit, which makes its line exposed to voltage. Indirect current sensing is where there is isolation of the current from the voltage for safety measures.

Since there are two types of voltages─ direct current and alternating current ─ there are also two types of sensors. The DC current sensor measures the one-directional (forward) flow of a DC current while the AC current sensor measures the reversing (backward and forward) directional flow of an AC current.

DC sensors can be used in gauging batteries or machines that connect with sockets and switches. The electric charges in a DC current cannot travel long distances. AC sensors are mostly used to measure machines, generators that cater to electric power with wide distributions like radio signals.


Current sensing is often used for safety issues, especially when regulating electricity usage. Understanding the current flow and the measurement can tell the speed and direction of a motor, or monitor currents to improve performance. 

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