Clamp-On Sensor Improves High-Precision Measurement

Danisense has launched the MK500ID, a high-precision DC and AC current clamp-on designed for galvanically isolated measurements up to 500 A, targeting advanced testing and power analysis applications.

Context: Demand for accurate current measurement
Accurate current measurement is critical in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and electric mobility applications. Engineers require measurement solutions that combine high accuracy, wide bandwidth, and stability across varying operating conditions.

Clamp-on devices offer flexibility for temporary setups and retrofit scenarios, but maintaining precision at high frequencies and low phase shift remains a technical challenge.

Technical design: Fluxgate-based precision sensing
The MK500ID uses closed-loop fluxgate technology to achieve high measurement accuracy and stability. This approach enables precise current sensing with minimal drift and consistent performance across a wide operating range.

The device supports both DC and AC measurements up to 500 A and provides galvanic isolation, making it suitable for high-power and safety-critical environments.

Performance characteristics: Accuracy and bandwidth
The clamp-on achieves a current measurement accuracy of ±0.1% and a linearity error of 20 ppm. It delivers a phase shift of 0.05° at frequencies below 100 Hz, improving measurement fidelity in low-frequency applications.

A high-frequency bandwidth of up to 1 MHz enables detailed analysis of fast-switching signals, supporting applications such as inverter testing and power electronics evaluation.

Mechanical design and operating conditions
With a 39 mm aperture, the MK500ID accommodates a wide range of conductor sizes. The clamp-on format allows quick installation without interrupting the circuit, making it suitable for field measurements and maintenance tasks.

The device operates across a temperature range from –40°C to +85°C, supporting use in harsh industrial environments. A 4-meter cable and D-sub-9 connector provide flexible integration, with optional voltage output configurations available.

Applications: Power electronics and energy systems
The MK500ID is designed for applications including electric vehicle battery testing, inverter efficiency measurement, and power analysis in renewable energy systems such as solar and wind.

It also supports measurement requirements in transmission and distribution networks, where accuracy and stability are essential for system monitoring and optimisation.

Availability
The MK500ID is available for order, with initial shipments scheduled for the end of June 2026 and standard lead times of approximately four weeks thereafter.

Conclusion: Flexible and precise current measurement
With its combination of high accuracy, wide bandwidth, and clamp-on flexibility, the MK500ID extends precision measurement capabilities to both laboratory and field environments, supporting advanced analysis in modern power electronics systems.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.

www.danisense.com