Hello,
I am designing an inverter PCB with an output current of up to 15A. I want to use a current sensor to measure output current for feedback.
I have found 2 types of sensors, a THT module (LAH 50-P) for about $20+ and a much smaller SMD module (ACS72981KLRATR-150B5) for about a quarter the price of the first one..
They differ a little bit in specs, with the latter being less accurate, but it runs on 5V rather than +/-12V for the first one!
VS
What is the best solution for an inverter application?

Thank you.

 

Or you could use a plain old current transformer, which cost as little as 30p and don't need any power supply.
Current transformers won't have as good a frequency response as a hall-effect device, but they are less noisy and don't have any problems with DC offset.

 

Bandwidth: 200khz & 250khz. about the same.
Many engineers will have a hard time with +/-12V.
I did not remember but most items like these have an output offset problem. For those the a +/- supply 0 Amps =0 volts. But for the 5V parts 0A = 1/2 supply or 1/2 an internal reference. Just remember to check where 0A is. (then the output is probably some mVolts off from where they say it is. [0A = 10mV}

 

Or you could use a plain old current transformer, which cost as little as 30p and don't need any power supply.
Current transformers won't have as good a frequency response as a hall-effect device, but they are less noisy and don't have any problems with DC offset.

Thank you for the suggestion, I might use the CU8965-ALC form Coilcraft
seems like a better option than the other 2 I mentioned.

 

Thank you for the suggestion, I might use the CU8965-ALC form Coilcraft
seems like a better option than the other 2 I mentioned.

You might not - because it's designed for 16kHz to 1MHz!

 

You might not - because it's designed for 16kHz to 1MHz!

What current is to be measured? If you want to watch the sine wave, then 100khz is probably good.
If you are watching the PWM current cycle by cycle then then 1Mhz is ok.
CoilCraft has 50/60hz transformers.

 

There are two different types if CS60 transformers. Also see CS2106. I have used them all. CoilCraft CT

I like the name "BrokenPin". I have spent too many hours fight that problem. What about "BoardShort"?

 

You might not - because it's designed for 16kHz to 1MHz!

I feel ashamed of myself

Then back to option 1 or 2 .. luckily, I have some of the big THT modules in my stock so I will probably just use those since I am planning to do only 3 boards, and the application is just meant to verify some inverter control methods ..

 

What current is to be measured? If you want to watch the sine wave, then 100khz is probably good.
If you are watching the PWM current cycle by cycle then then 1Mhz is ok.
CoilCraft has 50/60hz transformers.

the application is just to watch the sine wave, and i have checked there aren't any reasonably priced SMD/SMT current transformers that operate in 50/60hz to 100kHz so i will just stick with the THT module (LAH 50-P).

 

There are two different types if CS60 transformers. Also see CS2106. I have used them all. CoilCraft CT

I like the name "BrokenPin". I have spent too many hours fight that problem. What about "BoardShort"?

Thanks the CS2106 is a great alternative ..
BoardShort is harder problem

 

Thanks the CS2106 is a great alternative ..
BoardShort is harder problem

It could have been worse....ColdSolderJoint

 

A current transformer only works for AC, so if the inverter delivers AC at a frequency that the transformer can handle then ok For the little SMD sensor, iif the ratings match your requirements and it will work on the available supply voltage and the sensitivity is good enough, then that is the one to try.