◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: Basic Measurement Settings

By connecting an AC/DC current sensor to the Display Unit CM7290 and the Display Unit to a data logger or Memory HiCorder, you can output:

• A DC or AC (up to 5 kHz/10 kHz) current waveform as-is (using WAVE mode for waveform output)
• An analog signal generated by converting the input waveform to a series of RMS values (using RMS mode for RMS output)
• An analog signal generated by detecting the current waveform’s peak value (using PEAK mode for peak output
• An analog waveform generated by detecting the frequency of the current waveform (using FREQ mode for frequency output)

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: Compatible Current Sensors

You can use any of a selection of available AC/DC current sensors with ratings ranging from 100 A to 2000 A. The CM7290 supports two types of current sensor: AC/DC Auto-zero Current Sensors, which have a sensor frequency band ranging from DC to 5 kHz AC, and AC/DC Current Sensors, which have a frequency band ranging from DC to 10 kHz AC.

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: Auto-Zero Current Sensor Functionality

Because temperature variations cause the zero-point to shift when using a conventional DC current sensor to measure DC current, it is necessary to perform zero-adjustment periodically when recording data over an extended period of time with such a sensor. This shortcoming is caused by the effects of the Hall element that conventional DC current sensors use to to detect current. Hioki’s new auto-zero current sensors incorporate a new switching-based offset cancellation circuit developed to address this problem. The new design minimizes zero-point shift, making it possible to record DC current values over an extended period of time without the need for periodic zero-adjustment.

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: WAVE Waveform Output Function

The Display Unit CM7290 converts the current waveform for current flowing in a wire to which an AC/DC current sensor has been applied to a proportional voltage signal. By inputting that signal to a digital oscilloscope or Memory HiCorder, you can measure instantaneous AC or DC current waveforms such as a motor’s starting current waveform. Alternatively, by using the CM7290’s WAVE waveform output function in combination with a data logger, you can observe the DC current generated by a PV system’s solar panels over extended periods of time. Auto-zero current sensors are ideally suited to applications in which a DC current must be observed over an extended period of time.

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: RMS Mode for RMS Output

In this mode, the Display Unit CM7290 converts the current waveform for current flowing in a wire to which an AC/DC current sensor has been applied to a series of RMS values. It then outputs the result as a voltage signal (FAST: 45 Hz or greater, NORMAL: 10 Hz or greater, SLOW: 3 Hz or greater). This configuration is ideally suited to applications such as AC current measurement on the power supply side of a welding machine, which is characterized by abrupt current fluctuations, or long-term measurement of RMS values for the current waveform from an inverter operating at varying frequencies or a machine tool’s spindle motor.

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: PEAK Mode for Peak Output

In this mode, the Display Unit CM7290 detects the peak value of the current waveform for current flowing in a wire to which an AC/DC current sensor has been applied at the rate of 2 kS/s (= 500 μs). It then outputs its absolute value as a voltage signal with an output refresh time of 0.02 s (FAST), 0.2 s (NORMAL), or 1 s (SLOW). This configuration is ideally suited to applications in which the maximum current value of a rapidly fluctuating power supply line or load must be continuously recorded.

◈ Current Measurement Using an AC/DC Current Sensor: FREQ Mode for Frequency Output

In this mode, the Display Unit CM7290 calculates the frequency of the current waveform for current flowing in a wire to which an AC/DC current sensor has been applied at the user-specified interval. It then outputs the result as a voltage signal with an output refresh time of 0.2 s (FAST), 0.2 s (NORMAL), or 3 s (SLOW). In this configuration, the CM7290 can be used in applications such as frequency fluctuation inspections and testing of compressors and motors.