Modelling of a Hall Effect-Based Current Sensor with an Open Core Magnetic Concentrator

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Hall effect sensors are crucial for non-contact current measurement.
• Open core magnetic concentrators enhance sensor sensitivity but can introduce distance dependencies.
• Accurate modeling is essential for optimizing sensor design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model and analyze a Hall effect current sensor with an open core magnetic concentrator.
• To investigate the influence of geometric parameters on sensor characteristics.
• To reduce the dependence of the sensor's output signal on the distance to the current conductor.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the finite element method (FEM) for 3D magnetic field modeling.
• Employed Comsol Multiphysics software for simulation.
• Analyzed two distinct rectangular core constructions.

Main Results:

• Identified core window length as the most influential geometric parameter.
• Demonstrated that geometric variations affect the sensor's characteristic curve.
• Quantified the impact of different parameters on reducing distance dependency.

Conclusions:

• The geometric design of the magnetic concentrator, particularly the core window length, is critical for Hall effect sensor performance.
• Further optimization of sensor construction can minimize output signal variations due to conductor distance.
• FEM modeling provides a valuable tool for Hall effect sensor design and analysis.