Current- and Voltage Sensors

AST's current sensors are based on indirect current measurement using a 3D Hall ASIC specially developed for this task. This measures the magnetic field created by the current in a conductor with extreme precision. In particular, the strengths of this measuring method come into play when high currents (>500 A) are involved, because in contrast to shunt-based systems there is no additional power loss at the measuring element. The shape of the current-carrying conductor can, by and large, be adapted to accommodate the installation space and measuring range requirements of the respective application. The current is measured under complete galvanic isolation following the electromagnetic principle. Voltage measurements are also galvanically isolated. Isolation is achieved by means of an isolated digital interface, which enables high sampling rates so that dynamic signals can be reliably recorded. The current/voltage sensors are primarily used in the powertrain of battery-powered electric and fuel cell-based vehicle drive systems and the corresponding DC fast-charging infrastructure as a version conforming to calibration regulations. The current measurement range of the application-specific sensors extends up to 2,500 A thus supporting future generations of fast charging stations and vehicle architectures.

DC METERS (compliant with calibration law)

Sensors for measuring current and voltage in charging stations

The continuous measurement of high currents and voltages is a challenging task. Based on 3D Hall ASIC technology (AST patent) developed in-house, the AST DC meters enable continuous measurement up to 1,000 A and 1,000 V. This high measuring range especially qualifies AST sensors for use in fast charging stations as well as in megawatt charging stations for the bus and truck sector.

AST DC meters comply with German calibration regulations and meet the requirements of the following certification authorities:

UL certification (US)
German calibration law, certified according to Modules B and D
MID certification
French calibration law (Décision n° 22.00.570.001.1 du 1er mars 2022)
UKCA Certification

Even under continuous loads of 1,000 A and 1,000 V, the AST DC meter meets the Class B requirements of MID 2014/32/EU and accuracy class 1 of IEC 62053-41:2021.

To take account of trends in charging station infrastructure at an early stage, our DC meters are already designed for bi-directional charging processes.

The DC Meter is available in two different designs: as a compact measuring unit with an integrated display or as a version with a remote display and greater flexibility in complex installation situations.

Produktflyer

Further information

High Current/High Voltage Sensors

Sensors for measuring current and voltage in electric powertrains

Measuring currents in the range of thousands of amperes is a challenging task. The 3D Hall ASIC developed by AST enables the measurement of completely galvanically isolated currents without introducing additional resistance (shunts) to the path of the electric current. Even at currents above 1,000 A, the power dissipation is very low, and the temperature rise is well below that of shunt-based systems. AST's 3D Hall technology eliminates the need for ferromagnetic flux conducting elements and thus avoids the disruptive effects of hysteresis. The voltage measurement is based on an isolated high-speed digital interface and allows fast sampling rates for recording highly dynamic signals.

Produktflyer

Battery Sensor

Sensors for measuring the current, voltage, temperature, and condition of vehicle batteries

The rise of vehicle electrification is putting onboard batteries in an increasingly important role. Our high-precision battery sensors contactless determine the current, voltage, temperature, and condition of starter batteries. This allows them to provide information on the aging effects and accurately predict the remaining service life and performance.

In turn, failures due to discharged batteries and, especially in the commercial segment, cost-intensive downtimes are avoided.

Our contactless measurement method naturally has many other advantages: it is always available and also works smoothly in combination with start-stop functions and other emission-reducing measures.