Yokogawa Unveils High-Precision Split Core Current Sensors for Space-Constrained Testing
Engineers conducting high-current performance validation in tightly packed assemblies will soon have access to a streamlined measurement solution, asYokogawaTest & Measurement Corporation announced the upcoming market launch of its CT500SA and CT200SA AC/DC split core current sensors. Scheduled for release on September 9, these palm-sized units are engineered to deliver through-hole level precision without requiring wire disconnection or harness disassembly—a common bottleneck during late-stage electrified vehicle (xEV) powertrain validation, renewable energy inverter evaluation, and data center power management testing.
Accommodating current ratings of 200 A and 500 A respectively, the CT200SA and CT500SA overcome longstanding accuracy limitations historically associated with clamp-on sensor architectures. Traditional split core configurations often struggle with measurement drift and loose alignment, forcing engineers to choose between the convenience of clamp-on designs and the stringent precision of feed-through current transducers. Yokogawa addresses this trade-off by guaranteeing a reading accuracy of ±0.09% of reading + 0.01% of full scale within a 23 ± 5°C temperature window. Furthermore, the CT500SA provides a frequency bandwidth up to 500 kHz (−3 dB), while the CT200SA extends up to 1 MHz (−3 dB), making both models suitable for capturing high-frequency pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching signals in modern SiC and GaN motor drives.
Designed specifically for tight engine bays and dense industrial control cabinets, the sensor housing measures just 110 mm wide by 62 mm high and 25 mm deep. A single-button latch allows test technicians to install or detach the transducer using one hand, while integrated mounting points—including an M4 screw receptacle and cable tie slots—ensure positional stability to maintain measurement repeatability. Eliminating the need for custom adapter cables, these devices interface directly with both digital power analyzers and multi-channel waveform instruments. This dual-compatibility reduces setup costs, prevents data synchronization errors, and eliminates equipment swapping between initial signal capture and detailed power efficiency analysis.
For manufacturing facilities maintaining distributed control platforms or sourcing replacement automation parts, utilizing trusted hardware likeYokogawa I/O modulesalongside precise test instrumentation ensures optimal signal integrity across the entire operational chain. As power electronics transition toward higher switching frequencies and tighter physical footprints, versatile tools such as the CT500SA and CT200SA offer a practical, non-intrusive path toward reliable efficiency verification in next-generation energy systems.
Written by Elena Rostova, a senior instrumentation engineer with 15 years of experience specializing in power electronics testing, industrial sensor calibration, and data acquisition systems.