CURRENT AND VOLTAGE SENSORS
An entire suite of accurate and plug-and-play sensors
As the backbone of any feedback loop, high-quality current and voltage sensors are needed to push the boundaries of control implementation.
Imperix provides a complete solution from sensor to controller, giving confidence in the entire closed-loop control chain.
The latest generation of imperix sensors has been designed for optimal integration with the B-Box 4 controller, as it leverages its high-frequency analog inputs. While enabling high-speed control implementations over 500 kHz, these sensors also enable full-bandwidth datalogging in the MHz range on all channels.
Extending the measurement capabilities provided on all imperix power modules, these sensors fulfill the promise of a complete plug-and-play system, notably as they are powered directly by the B-Box range of controllers, utilizing shielded RJ45 cables to carry the measured signal back to the controller.
MHz-range bandwidth
Accelerate control loops, thanks to lower and consistent delays across the measuring range.
Outstanding CMTI/CMRR
Position sensors freely within the converter topology with no compromises on quality.
High accuracy
Trust plug&play, factory-calibrated sensors, optimized for low offset and gain errors.
A COMPREHENSIVE SENSORS PORTFOLIO
Every sensor was designed from the ground up to be reliable and accurate, ensuring that every measurement can be trusted when developing and testing the control. Imperix’s sensor portfolio can be sub-divided into two categories:
- High-performance sensors are specifically designed for control and data logging applications. Besides their larger bandwidth and better accuracy, they offer flexible connectivity (safety laboratory plugs and wire-in connectors), as well as factory calibration.
Models: VSR-1000-ISO, VSR-500-HBW, CSR-25-HBW - Cost-optimized sensors are from the previous generation. They are mostly optimized for control use (up to 100kHz), making them less suitable for datalogging and monitoring purposes.
Models: DIN800V, DIN50A
Voltage
Current
VSR-1000-ISO
VSR-500-HBW
CSR-25-HBW
DIN800V
DIN50A
EXPLORING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Imperix’s high-performance sensors have been designed in conjunction with the new B-Box 4 RCP controller, so as to provide engineers with a unified solution for rapid control prototyping, data-logging, and instrumentation.
OVERSAMPLING
With oversampling enabled, and the new sensors connected to the B-Box 4, all of the following can be done straight from the Cockpit monitoring software, without requiring an oscilloscope, nor expensive probes:
- Compare down-sampled control data with high-bandwidth signals.
- Evaluate the dynamics of high-frequency converters directly on the computer.
- Measure filter performance by visualizing the ripple, as well as the damping factor.
- Plot the harmonic performance using the FFT tool.
- Validate modulation strategies by comparing the generated PWM signals and measured voltages.
AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION
The B-Box 4 is capable of communicating with the new imperix sensors to automatically identify which sensor is connected to any of its 24 channels.
Stored into the sensors, factory calibration data can be automatically read back by the B-Box 4, and applied to the measured values in real rime.
CSR-25-HBW
±25A HIGH-BANDWIDTH CURRENT SENSOR
The isolated, ±25A-rated, CSR-25-HBW current sensor is a high-performance sensor suitable for any application, DC or AC. With a 1.5 MHz bandwidth, the sensor is ideal for control applications, and its usability can easily be extended further for datalogging purposes.
SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE
Outstanding CMTI
Measure switched nodes with confidence – unmatched at this price point
Togglable bandwidth
Select between a 150 kHz and 1.5 MHz bandwidth with a single switch.
Galvanically isolated
Work flexibly thanks to a galvanic isolation up to 3000Vrms.
EXAMPLE: MEASURING RESONANT TANK CURRENTS
A high fundamental frequency, and non-negligible distortions; these are the challenges imposed by resonant converters. The high bandwidth and excellent CMTI greatly simplifies taking this measurement.
VSR-1000-ISO
±1000V ISOLATED HIGH-VOLTAGE SENSOR
The VSR-1000-ISO is an isolated ±1000V voltage sensor is a great all-round sensor that can be used to measure everything from DC buses, AC grid voltages, and even faster-changing voltages. Its isolation and high voltage rating ensure that it remains a safe and reliable sensor, no matter the application.
SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE
Togglable bandwidth
Select between a 10 kHz and 100 kHz bandwidth with a switch.
Large measurement range
Measure a variety of voltages thanks to a nominal linear input range of ±1000V.
Galvanically isolated
Work flexiblythanks to the galvanic isolation up to 1500Vrms.
EXAMPLE: MEASURING GRID-VOLTAGE
In the Power Electronics Test Bench, the VSR-1000-ISO sensors are put in place to measure the grid voltage, a requirement to be able to synchronize a grid-connected inverter, as well as the DC voltage input to the boost stage.
VSR-500-HBW
±500V HIGH-BANDWIDTH VOLTAGE SENSOR
The ±500Vpk-rated VSR-500-HBW sensor is a voltage sensor designed to faithfully capture even the higher-frequency content of a given voltage. From measuring switch-node voltages to measuring harmonic content in the MHz range, this sensor can do it all.
SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE
Large bandwidth
Measure with a 3 MHz bandwidth – unmatched at this price point
Togglable bandwidth
Select between a 300 kHz and 3 MHz bandwidth with a switch.
Fast response time
A 165 ns response time ensures minimal delay in data aquisition.
EXAMPLE: MEASURING DAB VOLTAGES
Understanding how the switched voltage is behaving across the high-frequency transformer for various different modulation strategies of a DAB converter is something the VSR-500-HBW sensor facilitates.
PLUG AND PLAY INTEGRATION
Imperix current and voltage sensors are designed to be very easy to use along with our digital controllers. Thanks to the use of RJ45 cables, one single cable is enough to provide power supplies to the sensors, as well as to retrieve their measurements.
Sensors provide both banana connectors and screw-less connection terminals and can be instantly inserted on standard 35mm DIN rails. This way, with only a few units, engineers can easily reuse the same sensors across different projects.
INTEGRATED INTO SIMULINK/PLECS
Setting up the software for imperix sensors is easy. From the dedicated ADC block from ACG SDK, the sensor sensitivity can be easily preselected from a drop-down list, and the offset can be changed straight from simulation.
Tune the control taking into account sensor performance directly in Simulink and PLECS with its inclusion in the imperix Power Library!
PREVIOUS-GENERATION SENSORS
LEGACY SENSORS
Previous-generation imperix sensors are fully compatible with all B-Box controllers and remain available for purchase. However, newer variants are recommended for all use cases.
Imperix DIN-mountable voltage sensors are usable for both DC and AC measurements.
Imperix DIN-mountable current sensors are usable for both DC and AC measurements.