Pulse Electronics has expanded its range of surface mount current transformers (CSTS). The 13 mm x 10 mm x 7.2 mm EE8 platform extends the current carrying capacity of micro-CST products to 30 A, enabling very low DCR (maximum 0.35 mOhm) single-turn primary winding. The series includes a variety of secondary winding configurations, enabling primary to secondary turns ratios of 1:50 to 1:200.

     The current transformer provides isolation between the sensitive control circuit and the higher power rail being measured. They are a cost-effective and low loss method for measuring current in high frequency voltage regulators and switch mode power supplies. The current to be detected passes through the single-turn low-resistance primary winding to generate a magnetic field in the component core. This field is then coupled to a high multiturn winding, resulting in a lower current proportional to the ratio of turns. Since there is no electrical connection between primary and secondary, safe isolation is achieved