For industrial process control instruments, analog 4–20mA current loops are commonly used for analog signaling, with 4mA representing the lowest end of the range and 20mA the highest. The key advantages of the current loop are that the accuracy of the signal is not affected by voltage drop in the interconnecting wiring, and that the loop can supply operating power to the device. Even if there is significant electrical resistance in the line, the current loop transmitter will maintain the proper current, up to its maximum voltage capability. Continue reading Arduino 4-20mAmp Current Loop Measurement
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AC Current Measurement using ACS712
The ACS712 measures current in two directions. It means that if we sample fast enough and long enough, we sure to find the peak in one direction and the peak in another direction as the ACS712 have 5 μs output rise time in response to step input current. We are measuring AC current of 50Hz i.e. 20mSec per cycle and we get around 4000 Samples in one cycle.
With both peaks known, it is a matter of knowing the shape of the waveform to calculate the current. In the case of line or mains power, we know that waveform to be a SINE wave. Knowing that allows us to apply a basic electronic formula to yield a decent result.
RMS Current = root(2) * Peek Current Continue reading AC Current Measurement using ACS712
DC Current Measurement using ASC712-05A
Definition
An electric current is a flow of electric charge. In electric circuits this charge is often carried by moving electrons in a wire. It can also be carried by ions in an electrolyte, or by both ions and electrons such as in plasma. It is measured in Ampere. Continue reading DC Current Measurement using ASC712-05A