This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Current Sensors category on DigiKey.com
Current Sensors are designed to detect and respond to changes in the flow of electricity in a wire or circuit. The sensor types are current switch, flux gate, hall effect, current indicator, current sensor, magnetic modulator, magnetoresistive, and transformer w/conditioning with current sensing ranging from programmable to 5mA to 2500A for measuring AC or DC current.
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which current sensor is right for your application.
For Measuring: Indicates the quantity, process parameter, or other variable(s) that a device is intended to measure.
Sensor Type: There are different circuit designs that all measure current. Sensor type refers to what type of circuit is being used to measure the current.
Current - Sensing: The upper limit of a transducer’s valid input range.
Number of Channels: How many currents can be sensed simultaneously.
Output: Indicates the type of electrical signal the device provides, such as analog, digital, or ratiometric.
Sensitivity: The amount of change in the output per unit of input. For example if the sensitivity is 1mV/A the output will change by 1mV for every amp (A) of change in the input.
Frequency: The frequency range of the input over which the device can operate and sense current.
Linearity: Characterizes deviations of a device’s transfer function from an ideal straight line.
Accuracy: Typically listed as +/- and a percentage this is the maximum amount of variation in the current reading from the actual current that may exist.
Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
Response Time: How quickly the sensor can respond to changes in current. If the current changes at a faster rate than your response time you will miss some of the changes. Ideally your response time should always be shorter than the amount of time between current changes.
Current - Supply (Max): This represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Polarization: Indicates whether a device is designed to measure currents that flow bidirectionally through a conductor, or in one direction only.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package/Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | MLX91221KDC-ABR-020-RE |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 413-MLX91221KDC-ABR-020-RETR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Melexis Technologies NV |
| DESCRIPTION | IC CURRENT SENSOR P&P 8SOIC |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | TLI4971A050T5E0001XUMA1 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 448-TLI4971A050T5E0001XUMA1TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Infineon Technologies |
| DESCRIPTION | Current Sensor 50A 1 Channel Hall Effect, Open Loop Unidirectional 8-PowerTDFN |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | LES 25-NP |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 398-1195-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | LEM USA Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | SENSOR CURRENT HALL 25A UNIPOLAR |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | CR9321-PNP |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 582-1022-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | CR Magnetics Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | Current Sensor 100A 1 Channel Current Switch Bidirectional Module, Single Pass Through |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | DC200IF |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 2186-DC200IF-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Danisense A/S |
| DESCRIPTION | Current Sensor 200A 1 Channel Flux Gate, Closed Loop Bidirectional Module, Single Pass Through |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Current Sensors for High-Current Monitoring
Introducing the Smart Current Sensor
Riedon SSA Smart Current Sensors
Articles
The Basics of Current Sensors
Current Sensor Measurement and Challenges
A Novel Contactless Current Sensor HEVEV and Renewable Energy Applications
Active Current Measurement Saves Power
Product Training Modules
Product Training Modules on Current Sensors
TechForum
TechForum posts on Current Sensors