PCIM: Fast precision current sensors up to 1,500A

LEM had introduced two fast precision high current sensors for ac, dc and pulsed currents: a 2MHz 1,500A type and 1ns 1,000A type.

LEM IN 1000SHF current sensor

IN 1500-S is for measuring up to 1.5kA across a 2MHz (±3dB) bandwidth and -40 to +50°C temperature – which is less than the -40°C and +85°C that the rest of the IN family is rated across.

With an output of 1A/kA, linearity can be as good as ±0.0002%, claimed the company, while stability is up to 0.1ppm/month.


The other new part is also in the IN family, and the fastest in that family: IN 1000-SHF has a 2.5MHz ±3dB bandwidth and a 1ns delay time at 10% of nominal current – “that’s a thousand times quicker than the IN 1000-S model and over five times the bandwidth”, said LEM.


Offset is ±5ppm at +25°C and drift is said to be ±0.1ppm/°C over -40 to+85°C.

Noise is 218ppb p-p “more than 82 times better than the IN 1000-S”, said LEM.

A LED is included to indicate normal operation, as does an electrical output.

Inside both sensors is the company’s FPGA-based take on flux-gate technology.

“Fluxgate technology has limitations linked to a ripple that stems from the excitation voltage,” it said. “LEM’s [is] through digital technology, gaining not only a major reduction of ripple from the fluxgate driving signal, but significantly improving immunity to temperature effects, interference and supply voltage variation.”

The devices are UL/UR certified, and are expected to be used in MRI scanners, calibration units, power meters and energy measurement.

See the new parts at PCIM in Nurember next month: 6 – 8 May 2025, hall 9 stand 202.

At the other end of the current scale, Allegro recently introduced a couple of current sensor ICs

Steve Bush

Steve Bush is the long-standing technology editor for Electronics Weekly, covering electronics developments for more than 25 years. He has a particular interest in the Power and Embedded areas of the industry. He also writes for the Engineer In Wonderland blog, covering 3D printing, CNC machines and miscellaneous other engineering matters.

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