LEM Current Sensor Selection Guide: Parameters & Application Matching

Selecting the right current sensor requires careful consideration of application requirements, signal usage (control, protection, display), and key parameters including primary current rating, measuring range, accuracy, response time, bandwidth, and operating temperature. This comprehensive guide covers sensor selection guidelines for frequency converters (inverters), UPS and communication power supplies, wind and solar power generation, and welding machines. It also introduces main parameters such as rated primary current, measuring resistor, output signal, accuracy calculation factors, response time, and bandwidth differences between open-loop (100 kHz), closed-loop (200 kHz), and fluxgate (500 kHz) sensor technologies.

Sensor Selection Guidelines

Before selecting a sensor, consider the following aspects to ensure optimal performance for your application.

Application & Industry

Target industries: Frequency converters (inverters), UPS and communication power supplies, new energy (renewable energy), welding machines, etc.

Signal usage:

  • Control → requires high accuracy and fast response time
  • Protection → requires fast response time
  • Display → output signal type (voltage or current)

Key Selection Parameters

  • Primary signal: Rated current or voltage of the primary conductor
  • Output signal: Accuracy, linearity, response time, bandwidth
  • Mounting method: Mechanical installation type
  • Input/Output wiring: Type of connectors or terminals
  • Environmental conditions: Temperature range, electromagnetic interference

Application Areas and Recommended Sensors

Frequency Converters (Inverters)

Widely used in transportation, petrochemicals, home appliances, papermaking, textiles, military, elevators, machine tools, variable-frequency air conditioners, washing machines, fans, electric vehicles, radar, etc.

Advantages: High efficiency, energy saving, intelligent automation, safety, and reliability.

UPS and Communication Power Supplies

UPS is widely used in networks, servers, hospitals, banking, etc. Communication power supplies are applied in telecommunications, mobile communications, broadcasting, public security, railways, transportation, petroleum, and other fields.

Recommended sensors: HAS-S/SP** series, HOP-SB series, LA58, LT08 series (current); LV25-P/SP**, LV28-P series (voltage)

New Energy — Wind Power Generation

Generator power ratings: 1500 kW, 1200 kW, 750 kW, etc.

Recommended sensors: HAX, HAT series; LT, LF series (current); LV series, CV series (voltage)

New Energy — Solar Power Generation

Recommended sensors: HX, HXS series; LTS, LTSR series; CT series (current); LV28 series (voltage)

Welding Machines

General welding: HAS-S/SP* series or HAS-S/SP50 series; LT08 series

Submerged arc welding: BLFK-S* series, HOP series, HTR series

Power Range Sensor Selection

Power Range Recommended Sensor Series
High power (>500 A) HAT series; LF, LT series
Medium power (50–500 A) LA, LAH, LT08 series; HAS-S/SP** series
Low power (<50 A) HX, HXS, HMS series; LTSR series; FHS40-S/SP600

Main Parameter Introduction

Primary Current/Voltage Ratings

Rated primary current (IPN) or rated primary voltage (VPN) — in RMS value. The sensor can operate continuously at or below this rating.

Measuring Range

Measuring range (IP or VP) — peak value. Note the difference between open-loop and closed-loop sensors in terms of measuring range.

Measuring Resistor / Load Resistor

Closed-loop sensors: RM converts the current output into a voltage signal. Open-loop sensors: RL limits the output current within the allowable range.

Accuracy Calculation

Accuracy is specified under two basic conditions: rated primary current (IPN) and ambient temperature T = 25 °C. Factors affecting accuracy include:

  • Zero offset (offset voltage/current)
  • Linearity error
  • Gain error
  • Coil turns error
  • Measuring resistor tolerance
  • Hall device non-linearity
  • Circuit linearity error

Bandwidth by Technology

  • Open-loop sensors: up to 100 kHz
  • Closed-loop sensors: up to 200 kHz
  • Fluxgate (magnetic modulation) sensors: up to 500 kHz

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