Hall-Effect Sensor Isolator for High-Voltage Current Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gap isolation technologies, such as optocouplers, are limited in handling high current and often require external resistors, increasing costs, while inductance couplers introduce scaling issues, and none can directly manage high voltage and current systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system employing a hall-effect sensing technology with a leadframe and sensor assembly that isolates input and output sides via a gap filled with a non-conductive medium, allowing direct connection to high-voltage sources and converting high currents into manageable magnetic fields for accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optocouplers are used for gap isolation, then voltage isolation protection is improved, but the ability to handle high current directly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical signal transmission mechanism of optocouplers with a magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. The hall-effect sensor detects magnetic fields generated by high current through the gap without requiring direct electrical contact, enabling both voltage isolation and high current handling capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the high current circuit and the sensing circuit. The magnetic field couples the two sides across the isolation gap, allowing the hall-effect sensor to measure high current indirectly while maintaining electrical isolation and avoiding the need for current-limiting resistors.
2Ease of operation
If external resistors are used to limit current in optocouplers, then current control is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hall-effect sensor inherently provides current measurement capability without requiring external current-limiting resistors. The sensor's internal circuitry is designed to handle the full range of currents through the gap, eliminating the need for additional protective components and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If inductance couplers are used for signal transmission, then voltage isolation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to scaling factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for signal transmission from inductance coupling to magnetic field sensing. The hall-effect sensor directly measures the magnetic field strength proportional to the current, providing a linear relationship without the scaling factors inherent in inductance couplers, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining voltage isolation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective monitoring and isolation of high-voltage and high-current systems without the need for external resistors, reducing costs and avoiding scaling issues, while maintaining reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A coupling system employing a hall-effect sensing technology with a leadframe and sensor assembly that isolates input and output sides via a gap
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler is disclosed that employs hall-effect sensing technology. Specifically, the coupler is configured to produce an output voltage by converting the magnetic field generated by a current conductor at an input side. The output and input sides may be electrically isolated from one another but may be coupled via the hall-effect sensing technology, such as a hall-effect sensor.