Circular arrays of magnetic sensors for current measurement

A single solid-state magnetic sensor can measure a current flowing in a con ductor in a non contact way. In order to improve the accuracy of the measur ing system and to reduce the crosstalk effects of other magnetic fields, ci rcular arrays of magnetic sensors can be fabricated, still preserving low c osts. In those kind of arrays, the sensing elements are assembled on a circ le around the conductor [1], [2]. The sum of the sensor output signals is a n approximation of the Ampere's circulation. A quite satisfactory crosstalk effects reduction can be thus achieved. More sophisticated algorithms that combine sensor output signals are necess ary in order to further reduce crosstalk effects. This paper presents an al gorithm that is able to calculate the intensity of a dc current flowing in a rectangular bus-bar, in the presence of crosstalk fields.