A fiber-optic current sensor for aerospace applications
- NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH (US)
- National Inst. of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO (US)
A robust, accurate, broad-band, alternating current sensor using fiber-optics is being developed for space applications at power frequencies as high as 20 kHz. It can also be used in low and high voltage 60 Hz terrestrial power systems and in 400 Hz aircraft systems. It is intrinsically EMI immune and has the added benefit of excellent isolation. The sensor uses the Faraday effect in optical fiber and standard polarimetric measurements to sense electrical current. The primary component of the sensor is a specially treated coil of single-mode optical fiber, through which the current carrying conductor passes. Improved precision is accomplished by temperature compensation by means of signals from a novel fiber optic temperature sensor embedded in the sensing head. This paper reports on the technology contained in the sensor and also relates the results of precision tests conducted at various temperatures within the wide operating range. It also shows the results of early EMI tests.
- OSTI ID:
- 5232500
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Vol. 5:12; ISSN 0885-8985; ISSN IAEME
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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