A High Accuracy AC+DC Current Transducer for Calibration

Facing a lack of high accuracy current standards in the calibration of AC (Alternating Current) + DC (Direct Current) measurement devices that function to measure DC and AC simultaneously, a measurement method with high accuracy is proposed based on zero-flux self-oscillating fluxgate. An iron core and two windings are added onto the single-iron-core double-winding structure of the traditional self-oscillating fluxgate. The added iron core and its upper winding are used to weaken the influence of ripple on the sensor’s accuracy. The other one of the added windings is used for the feedback from the AC+DC magnetic potential, allowing the sensor to work in a zero-flux state and to measure AC+DC simultaneously. An AC+DC transducer prototype with an AC ranging from 0–500 A and DC 0–300 A is developed by selecting the core parameters and an optimized design of the circuit. The test results of the prototype show that the prototype can measure the AC and DC simultaneously, and the measurement accuracy reaches class 0.05 level in the nominal current range. This transducer can be used as a calibration standard of measurement devices for AC only, DC only, or AC and DC simultaneously. Compared with the AC+DC current transducer with the same accuracy level, the proposed transducer has fewer cores and simpler measuring circuit.