In-Depth Analysis of IN 1500-S Current Sensors
1. One-Sentence Description
The IN 1500-S is a high-precision, wide-bandwidth, electrically isolated closed-loop current sensor designed for electronic measurement of direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulse currents, supporting continuous current detection up to ±1500A.
2. Core Features
- Closed-loop compensation technology: Adopts zero-flux detection principle to eliminate non-linear errors through closed-loop control, achieving ultra-high precision.
- Multi-scenario adaptability: Supports DC, AC, and pulse current measurement with excellent linearity (±2ppm) and low temperature drift (0.02ppm/℃).
- Safety and protection: Metal housing enhances EMC immunity, UL/IEC multiple safety certifications, and supports wide temperature operation from -40℃ to 85℃.
- Visual monitoring: LED indicators real-time display normal operation status, and D-Sub interface provides status signal feedback.
- Flexible installation: 38mm large aperture adapts to cables/busbars, supports horizontal/vertical installation, and is compatible with natural heat dissipation.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Typical Value/Range |
|---|---|---|
| Current Measurement Capability | Rated Current (IPN) | ±1500A (Continuous) |
| Peak Current (IPM) | ±2300A (3ms Pulse) | |
| Accuracy and Bandwidth | Linearity Error | ±2ppm (Full Scale) |
| Bandwidth (±1dB) | 325kHz | |
| Electrical Characteristics | Supply Voltage (±UC) | ±15V (Typical) |
| Output Current | ±1.5mA (Corresponding to 1500A Input) | |
| Environmental Adaptability | Operating Temperature | -40℃ to 85℃ |
| Storage Humidity | 20%~80% (Non-condensing) |
4. The Story Behind the Chip
The IN 1500-S embodies decades of technical expertise of the LEM Group in the current sensing field. It was originally developed to provide non-intrusive and highly stable current detection solutions for medical equipment (such as MRI gradient amplifiers) and high-precision industrial power supplies. Through its closed-loop zero-flux architecture, the sensor maintains a low noise performance of ±0.07ppm in strong electromagnetic interference environments, making it a core component in new energy testing (such as electric vehicle EV Test Benches).
5. Design Philosophy
- Extreme precision-oriented: The patented zero-flux compensation algorithm reduces non-linear errors to ±2ppm, meeting laboratory-level calibration requirements.
- Safety redundancy design: Dual insulation (basic/reinforced insulation) and 30mm creepage distance ensure reliability in high-voltage scenarios.
- Low-power optimization: Static current is only 0.13mA (no-load), and dynamic power consumption is intelligently adjusted with load to reduce system heat burden.
- Enhanced anti-interference: Metal shielding housing and IEC 61000-4 series EMC certification protect against external magnetic field interference.
6. Application Scenarios
- Medical imaging: Closed-loop control of MRI gradient coil current to ensure imaging accuracy and patient safety.
- New energy testing: Real-time current monitoring of electric vehicle motor drives, supporting fast dynamic response.
- Industrial automation: Feedback regulation of high-precision power supplies for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- Scientific research instruments: Current waveform analysis for particle accelerators and laser systems, meeting high-frequency bandwidth requirements.
7. Unique Advantages
- Zero insertion loss: Closed-loop design eliminates the need for sampling resistors, avoiding energy loss and temperature rise issues.
- Ultra-low noise output: Noise in the 10Hz to 100kHz frequency band is only 0.07-10ppm, suitable for weak signal detection.
- Transient response capability: Delay time <1μs when di/dt is up to 100A/μs, capturing fast current changes.
- Long-term stability: Annual drift <0.1ppm, reducing calibration frequency and maintenance costs.
8. Key Considerations for Engineers in Selection
- Power supply constraints: ±UC must be stable within ±15V±10%, overvoltage may damage internal circuits.
- Heat dissipation design: Calculate temperature rise under continuous large current, recommended housing temperature <85℃.
- Grounding specifications: Single-point grounding of the shielding layer to avoid common-mode noise; the housing must be reliably grounded.
- Safety warning: Primary conductor temperature must not exceed 100℃, and the status port switches to high impedance under overload.
- Certification compliance: Medical equipment must comply with IEC 60601-1, and industrial scenarios must match UL 61010-1 CAT III rating.
Conclusion
The IN 1500-S redefines the performance boundaries of current sensing with ±2ppm extreme precision, and its modular design and rigorous safety standards make it the preferred solution for high-end industrial and medical equipment. Engineers should focus on heat dissipation, grounding, and certification requirements during selection to fully unleash its potential.
