NZ601886B - Rogowski coil assemblies and methods for providing the same - Google Patents
Rogowski coil assemblies and methods for providing the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ601886B NZ601886B NZ601886A NZ60188612A NZ601886B NZ 601886 B NZ601886 B NZ 601886B NZ 601886 A NZ601886 A NZ 601886A NZ 60188612 A NZ60188612 A NZ 60188612A NZ 601886 B NZ601886 B NZ 601886B
- Authority
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- rogowski coil
- circuit board
- rogowski
- coil sections
- printed circuit
- Prior art date
Links
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- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 38
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R15/00—Details of measuring arrangements of the types provided for in groups G01R17/00 - G01R29/00, G01R33/00 - G01R33/26 or G01R35/00
- G01R15/14—Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks
- G01R15/18—Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
- G01R15/181—Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers using coils without a magnetic core, e.g. Rogowski coils
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49124—On flat or curved insulated base, e.g., printed circuit, etc.
- Y10T29/4913—Assembling to base an electrical component, e.g., capacitor, etc.
Abstract
Patent 601886 Disclosed is a Rogowski coil assembly. The assembly includes a printed circuit board (105) and a plurality of Rogowski coil sections (130a-f) mounted to an external surface of the printed circuit board (105) by one or more respective circuit traces (140a-f). The circuit traces (140a-f) retain and connect the plurality of Rogowski coil sections (130a-f). 140a-f) retain and connect the plurality of Rogowski coil sections (130a-f).
Description
Patent Form No. 5
NEW ZEALAND
Patents Act 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
TITLE: ROGOWSKI COIL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING THE
SAME
We General Electric Company of 1 River Road, Schenectady, New York, 12345, United States of
America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us,
and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following
statement:
4003q
ROGOWSKI COIL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING THE SAME
This application claims priority from United States Application No. 13/212,818 filed on
18 August 2011, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to Rogowski coils, and more specifically to
Rogowski coil assemblies in which a plurality of Rogowski coil sections are mounted on a printed
circuit board.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A wide variety of different types of measurement devices are utilized to detect or
monitor current signals. For example, measurement devices are typically integrated into utility
meters in order to monitor the current on one or more phases of an electrical power signal. In
conventional devices, current transformers, shunts, and Hall Effect transducers were traditionally
used to monitor current signals. More recently, Rogowski coils have been utilized to monitor
current signals. With a Rogowski coil, current flowing through a conductor generates a magnetic
field that induces a voltage in the coil. Using the voltage output signal of the coil, current
conditions within the conductor can be calculated.
Conventional Rogowski coils are typically housed within a plastic casing or plastic
molding. Although the casing serves to hold the windings of the coils together, the casing
increases the size and cost of Rogowski coil assemblies. For example, the Rogowski coil
assemblies take up more space within a utility meter. Attempts have been made to reduce the size
of Rogowski coil assemblies by integrating or etching coils into a printed circuit board. For
example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0079418 to Rea, et al., entitled “High-Precision
Rogowski Current Transformer” and filed on September 29, 2006, describes a Rogowski coil
assembly that is integrated into a printed circuit board. However, measurement sensitivity is often
sacrificed due to an inability to achieve an acceptable number of windings or turns for the etched
Rogowski coils. Accordingly, improved Rogowski coil assemblies are desirable.
A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is
not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was known or that the information it
contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain
embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the invention may include Rogowski coil
assemblies and methods for forming the same. According to one embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a Rogowski coil assembly. The Rogowski coil assembly may include a printed
circuit board and a plurality of Rogowski coil sections mounted to an external surface of the
printed circuit board by one or more respective circuit traces. The circuit traces may retain and
connect the plurality of Rogowski coil sections.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method for
providing a Rogowski coil assembly. A printed circuit board may be provided, and a plurality of
Rogowski coil sections may be mounted to an external surface of the printed circuit board by one
or more respective circuit traces. The circuit traces may retain and connect the plurality of
Rogowski coil sections.
Additional systems, methods, apparatus, features, and aspects are realized through the
techniques of various embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the
invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. Other
embodiments, features, and aspects can be understood with reference to the description and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to
the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
is a block diagram of example Rogowski coil assemblies, according to an
illustrative embodiment of the invention.
is a flow diagram of an example method for providing a Rogowski coil
assembly, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the
invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to
like elements throughout.
Disclosed are Rogowski coil assemblies and methods of providing and/or forming the
same. In one example embodiment of the invention, a Rogowski coil assembly may include a
printed circuit board and a plurality of Rogowski coil sections mounted to an external surface of
the printed circuit board by one or more respective circuit traces. In other words, Rogowski coil
sections that form a Rogowski coil may be soldered to the printed circuit board or otherwise
attached to the printed circuit board using any number of suitable circuit traces. The circuit traces
may retain or hold the Rogowski coil sections in place and inhibit the unwinding of the coil
sections. Additionally, the circuit traces may connect the Rogowski coil sections together by
forming conductive pathways between the Rogowski coil sections. Any number of Rogowski coil
sections may be utilized as desired in various embodiments of the invention. For example,
approximately three to twelve Rogowski coil sections may be utilized. In one example
embodiment, six Rogowski coil sections may be utilized. In other embodiments, such as
embodiments utilized in power substations, more than twelve Rogowski coil sections may be
utilized.
As desired in certain embodiments, a return current path for the Rogowski coil
sections may also be provided. For example, a return current path may be provided by one or
more current traces on the printed circuit board, such as a current trace formed on a surface of the
printed circuit board opposite the surface on which the Rogowski coil sections are mounted (e.g.,
the reverse side of the printed circuit board). As another example, a return current path may be
provided by a conductor or wire that passes through one or more of the Rogowski coil sections.
For example, a return path conductor may be passed through the center of the plurality of
Rogowski coil sections.
In certain embodiments of the invention, an opening may be provided in the printed
circuit board to receive at least one conductor that is monitored by the plurality of Rogowski coil
sections. For example, a circular or an elliptical opening may be formed through the printed
circuit board. As desired, the Rogowski coil sections may be positioned about or around a
periphery of the opening. For example, each of the Rogowski coil sections may be positioned an
approximately equal distance from the opening and/or from a center of the opening. In this
regard, the Rogowski coil sections may be utilized to monitor a current within the at least one
conductor once the at least one conductor is inserted into or passed through the opening.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, a capacitive shielding may be positioned within the
opening between the at least one conductor and the printed circuit board. Additionally, as desired
in certain embodiments, a slot or gap may be formed within the printed circuit board to facilitate
the positioning of the at least one conductor within the opening. For example, a gap or slot may
be formed between the opening and an edge of the printed circuit board.
As desired in certain embodiments of the invention, a measurements processing circuit
and/or circuitry may be attached to, formed on, and/or integrated into the printed circuit board.
The measurements processing circuit may include any number of suitable circuit components
configured to receive and process measurements data from the Rogowski coil sections. For
example, the measurements processing circuit may include suitable circuit components configured
to process a received voltage signal in order to determine and/or calculate a current signal present
on at least one conductor monitored by the Rogowski coil sections. In other embodiments, at
least one connector may be attached to, formed on, and/or integrated into the printed circuit board.
The at least one connector may be configured to provide measurements data collected by the
plurality of Rogowski coil sections to an external measurements processing circuit.
Certain embodiments of the invention described herein may have the technical effect
of providing a Rogowski coil assembly utilized to monitor current within at least one conductor,
such as a phase conductor associated with a utility meter. By mounting a plurality of Rogowski
coil sections to an external surface of a printed circuit board, the space taken up by the Rogowski
coil assembly may be reduced and/or minimized. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the cost
of the Rogowski coil assembly may be reduced by eliminating the need for a housing, such as a
plastic housing. Further, the mounted Rogowski coil sections may provide a higher level of
measurement accuracy than conventional assemblies in which Rogowski coils are fabricated or
etched into printed circuit boards.
is a block diagram of a plurality of example Rogowski coil assemblies,
according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In four example Rogowski coil
assemblies are illustrated in association with a single printed circuit board 100; however, it will be
appreciated that any number of Rogowski coil assemblies may be formed on a printed circuit
board. For example, a printed circuit board utilized in association with a power meter may
include a Rogowski coil section for each phase conductor of the power meter.
With reference to an example printed circuit board assembly 100 that includes
four example Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125 formed on a printed circuit board
(“PCB”) 105 is illustrated. The PCB 105 may be any suitable board configured to mechanically
support and electrically connect the Rogowski coil sections of any number of Rogowski coil
assemblies, such as the assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125 illustrated in The PCB 105 may
include a substrate or base formed from any number of dielectric materials, including but not
limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene, FR-4, FR-1, composite epoxy material-1 (“CEM-1”), CEM-3,
other fiberglass cloth materials, and/or other epoxy resin materials. As desired, the base may
include a plurality of dielectric layers that are laminated together with one or more suitable epoxy
resins and/or epoxy resin pre-preg materials. Any number of vias or connections may be provided
between the layers. The base may also be coated or covered with a solder mask that facilitates the
formation of electrical connections.
As desired, any number of circuit traces and/or conductive paths may be included in
the PCB 105 or formed on the PCB 105. The circuit traces may be configured to hold the various
Rogowski coil sections of a Rogowski coil assembly 110, 115, 120, 125 in place. In other words,
the circuit traces may secure the Rogowski coil sections, preventing the coils from unwinding.
Additionally, the circuit traces may be configured to connect the Rogowski coil sections together
and/or to form a return current path for the Rogowski coil assembly. As desired, the circuit traces
may also be configured to connect the Rogowski coil sections to a connector and/or to various
measurements processing circuits. A few example circuit traces are described in greater detail
below with reference to the example Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125.
Turning to the first example Rogowski coil assembly 110, the assembly 110 may
include any number of Rogowski coil sections. For example, as illustrated, the Rogowski coil
assembly 110 may include six coil sections 130a-f. In other embodiments, the coil assembly may
include approximately three to eight coil sections, although other numbers of coil sections may be
utilized as desired. Each Rogowski coil section (individually referred to with reference numeral
130) may include a helical coil of a conductor, such as wire, that is coiled or wound on a non-
magnetic core. As desired, any number of windings or coils may be formed by the conductor to
create the Rogowski coil section 130. A few examples of suitable Rogowski coil sections are
discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0025304 to Lint, et al., entitled “Current Sensing
Devices and Methods” and filed September 25, 2009; and in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2011/0025305 to Lint, et al., entitled “Current Sensing Devices and Methods” and filed January 7,
2010. Each of these publications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In certain
embodiments of the invention, the Rogowski coil section 130 may include a greater number of
windings or coils than can be formed by etching a Rogowski coil into a printed circuit board. In
this regard, the Rogowski coil section 130 may provide relatively greater sensitivity and/or
accuracy than conventional printed circuit board coil assemblies.
According to an aspect of the invention, each of the Rogowski coil sections 130 may
be mounted to an external surface of the PCB 105. For example, each of the Rogowski coil
sections 130 may be mounted to a surface of the PCB 105 and secured in place by one or more
circuit traces. In certain embodiments, each end of a coil associated with the coil section 130 may
be secured in place by a respective circuit trace. In this regard, the circuit traces may prevent the
coil section 130 from unwinding. Additionally, the circuit traces may attach the coil section 130
to the PCB 105. Further, the circuit traces may connect the coil section 130 to one or more other
coil sections. For example, the coil section 130 may be connected to adjacent coil sections.
Additionally, the PCB 105 may include an opening for each of the Rogowski coil
assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125. Each of the openings may be configured to receive one or more
respective conductors that are monitored by the Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125.
For example, with reference to the first coil assembly 110, an opening 135 may be provided
through the PCB 105. The opening 135 may be configured to receive at least one conductor that
is monitored by the first coil assembly 110, such as a phase conductor associated with a utility
meter. As desired, the opening 135 may include any number of dimensions. For example, the
opening 135 may be an approximately circular or an approximately elliptical opening. Other coil
assemblies 115, 120, 125 may be associated with similar openings configured to receive at least
one conductor.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f associated
with a Rogowski coil assembly, such as the first assembly 110, may be formed around or about
the opening 135. For example, the coil sections 130a-f may be formed around or about a
periphery of the opening 135. In certain embodiments, each of the coil sections 130a-f may be
positioned an approximately equal distance “d” from the center of the opening 135 (or from the
edge of the opening 135). In this regard, the coil sections 130a-f may be utilized to monitor at
least one conductor inserted into the opening 135.
Reference will now be made to the second Rogowski coil assembly 115 to describe
example traces that may be utilized to secure and/or connect the Rogowski coil sections. The
second coil assembly 115 may include components that are similar to those described above for
the first coil assembly 110. For example, the second coil assembly 115 may include a plurality of
Rogowski coil sections that are positioned around or about an opening within the PCB 105.
Additionally, the Rogowski coil sections may be secured in place and connected via any number
of suitable circuit traces. For simplicity, the same reference numerals as those utilized with
respect to the first coil assembly 110 will be utilized to refer to the Rogowski coil sections of the
second coil assembly 115.
As one example of circuit traces, a first circuit trace 140a may be utilized to secure one
end of the first coil section 130a and to connect an end of the first coil section 130a to a
corresponding end of the adjacent second coil section 130b. A second circuit trace 140b may then
be utilized to secure the opposite end of the second coil section 130b and to connect the opposite
end of the second coil section 130b to a corresponding end of the third coil section 130c. In a
similar manner, additional circuit traces 140c-f may secure and connect the other Rogowski coil
sections 130c-f. In this regard, a complete Rogowski coil circuit may be formed. A final circuit
trace 140f may be utilized to secure an end of the last coil section 130f that is not connected to
another coil section. Each of the circuit traces may be formed from any suitable conductive
material, such as copper, another conductive metal, or a conductive alloy.
Additionally, according to an aspect of the invention, a return path may be formed for
each of the Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125. For example, with reference to the
second coil assembly 115, a return path 145 may be formed. In certain embodiments, the return
path 145 may be formed by one or more circuit traces. For example, a circuit trace may be
formed on a back side of the PCB 105 or on an opposite surface of the PCB 105 from the surface
on which the coil sections 130a-f are mounted. In other embodiments, the return path 145 may be
formed from a conductor (e.g., a wire, etc.) that passes through the center of each of the Rogowski
coil sections 130a-f. The return path 145 may reach from the last coil section 130f within a
Rogowski coil circuit back to the first coil section 130a. As desired, a suitable circuit trace may
be formed on the PCB 105 at the end of the return path 145 to connect the return path to another
component of the Rogowski coil assembly 115, such as a measurements circuit or a connector.
Additionally, a suitable circuit trace 147 may be formed to connect the other component to the
first coil section 130a. In this regard, a complete Rogowski circuit may be formed that facilitates
the monitoring of at least one conductor.
The other two Rogowski coil assemblies 120, 125 may include components similar to
those described above for the first two coil assemblies 110, 115. For example, the third and
fourth coil assemblies 120, 125 may include a plurality of Rogowski coil sections that are formed
around an opening and secured and connected by a plurality of suitable circuit traces.
In certain embodiments of the invention, a suitable measurements processing circuit
may be formed on the PCB 105 and associated with a Rogowski coil assembly. For example, a
measurements processing circuit 150 may be associated with the first Rogowski coil assembly
110. Similarly, a measurements processing circuit 155 may be associated with the third
Rogowski coil assembly 120. A measurements processing circuit 150 may include any suitable
circuits and/or circuit components, such as integrators, that are configured to receive a voltage
signal measured by a Rogowski coil assembly 110 and process the received voltage signal to
determine a current flowing through a monitored conductor. In certain embodiments, the
measurements processing circuit 150 may be attached to a surface of the PCB 105. In other
embodiments, the measurements processing circuit 150 may be integrated into the PCB 105. For
example, the measurements processing circuit 150 may be etched into the PCB 105.
In certain embodiments of the invention, a suitable connector may be formed on the
PCB 105 and associated with a Rogowski coil assembly. For example, a connector 160 may be
associated with the second Rogowski coil assembly 115. Similarly, a connector 165 may be
associated with the fourth Rogowski coil assembly 125. A connector 160 may include any
suitable terminators (e.g., pins, etc.) and/or associated circuit components that are configured to
receive a voltage signal measured by a Rogowski coil assembly 115 and provide the received
voltage signal to an external measurements processing circuit or measurements processing
component. In other words, a connector 160 may provide a voltage signal to a measurements
processing circuit that is not attached to the PCB 105. In certain embodiments, the connector 160
may be attached to a surface of the PCB 105.
As desired in certain embodiments, one or more gaps or slots in the PCB 105 may be
utilized in association with one or more respective Rogowski coil assemblies. For example, a gap
170 may be associated with the third Rogowski coil assembly 120. Similarly, a gap 175 may be
associated with the fourth Rogowski coil assembly 125. A gap 170 may be formed through the
PCB 105 between an edge of the PCB 105 and an opening within the PCB 105. The gap 170 may
allow at least one conductor to be easily threaded through the PCB 105 and positioned within the
opening. In other words, the gap 170 may allow a Rogowski coil assembly to be relatively easily
positioned about a conductor that will be measured or monitored by the Rogowski coil assembly.
In embodiments in which a gap 170 is included, any number of suitable jumpers or other
connections may be utilized to connect Rogowski coil sections positioned on either side of the gap
170.
In certain embodiments of the invention, one or more suitable capacitive shields may
be formed within an opening. For example, with reference to the second Rogowski coil assembly
115, a capacitive shield 180 may be formed within the opening such that the capacitive shield 180
will be positioned between the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f and at least one conductor
positioned within the opening and monitored by the coil sections 130a-f. The capacitive shield
180 may include any suitable materials, including but not limited to, copper, Aluminum, and/or
other nonferrous conducing materials. As desired, capacitive shielding material may be used as
multiple turns or layers. Alternatively, a shielding sheet may be formed. Additionally, the
capacitive shield 180 may act as an electrostatic shield or a Faraday cage that reduces common
mode noise on the sensors. Additionally, the capacitive shield 180 may act as a low pass filter for
high frequency noise, thereby improving electromagnetic compatibility and/or electromagnetic
interference (“EMC/EMI”) compliance for the Rogowski coils.
As desired, embodiments of the invention may include Rogowski coil assemblies with
more or less than the components illustrated in The Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115,
120, 125 illustrated in are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be
limiting.
is a flow diagram of an example method 200 for providing a Rogowski coil
assembly, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The method may be utilized
to provide a Rogowski coil assembly in which a plurality of Rogowski coil sections are mounted
to a printed circuit board. For example, the method may be utilized to provide one of the
Rogowski coil assemblies 110, 115, 120, 125 illustrated in The method 200 may begin at
block 205.
At block 205, a printed circuit board (“PCB”), such as the PCB 105 illustrated in may be provided. According to an aspect of the invention, an opening may be provided within
the PCB 105, and the opening may be configured to receive at least one conductor that will be
monitored by the Rogowski coil assembly. In certain embodiments, the PCB 105 may be formed
or fabricated with the opening. In other embodiments, an opening may be cut from an existing
PCB. Additionally, as desired in certain embodiments of the invention, a gap may be formed
within the PCB 105 to facilitate the positioning of at least one conductor within the opening. The
gap may allow a Rogowski coil assembly to be positioned about the at least one conductor for
monitoring purposes.
At block 210, a plurality of Rogowski coil sections, such as the Rogowski coil sections
130a-f described above with reference to may be provided. Each of the Rogowski coil
sections 130a-f may include a helical coil of a conductor, such as wire, that is coiled or wound on
a non-magnetic core. As desired, any number of windings or coils may be formed by the
conductor to create the respective Rogowski coil sections 130a-f. Together, the Rogowski coil
sections 130a-f may provide a Rogowski coil that is configured to monitor at least one conductor,
such as a phase conductor associated with a utility meter.
At block 215, the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f may be mounted to an external
surface of the PCB 105. For example, the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f may be positioned on
the external surface around the opening in the PCB 105. In certain embodiments, each of the
Rogowski coil sections 130a-f may be positioned an approximately equal distance from the
opening or from the center of the opening. In this regard, a relatively accurate Rogowski coil
measurement assembly may be provided.
At block 220, a plurality of circuit traces may be provided to retain and/or secure the
Rogowski coil sections 130a-f to the PCB 105. For example, a plurality of solder connections
and/or other conductive traces may be formed on the PCB 105 to secure the Rogowski coil
sections 130a-f. As desired, the ends of each of the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f may be
secured to the PCB 105 by one or more suitable circuit traces. In this regard, unwinding of the
Rogowski coil sections 130a-f may be prevented. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the
invention, the plurality of circuit traces may be utilized to connect the various Rogowski coil
sections 130a-f. For example, adjacent coil sections 130a-f may be connected to one another in
order to form a Rogowski coil that is suitable for monitoring at least one conductor.
At block 225, a return current path or return path may be provided for the Rogowski
coil assembly. In certain embodiments, the return path may be formed by one or more circuit
traces. For example, a circuit trace may be formed on a back side of the PCB 105 or on an
opposite surface of the PCB 105 from the surface on which the coil sections 130a-f are mounted.
In other embodiments, the return path may be formed from a conductor (e.g., a wire, etc.) that
passes through the center of each of the Rogowski coil sections 130a-f. The return path may
reach from the last coil section 130f within a Rogowski coil circuit back to the first coil section.
At block 230, a connector or measurements processing circuit may be provided. For
example, a suitable connector may be formed on the PCB 105 and associated with a Rogowski
coil assembly. A connector may include any suitable terminators (e.g., pins, etc.) and/or
associated circuit components that are configured to receive a voltage signal measured by a
Rogowski coil assembly and provide the received voltage signal to an external measurements
processing circuit or measurements processing component. In other words, a connector may
provide a voltage signal to a measurements processing circuit that is not attached to the PCB 105.
In other embodiments, a measurements processing circuit may be formed on the PCB
105 and associated with the Rogowski coil assembly. A measurements processing circuit may
include any suitable circuits and/or circuit components, such as integrators, that are configured to
receive a voltage signal measured by a Rogowski coil assembly and process the received voltage
signal to determine a current flowing through a monitored conductor. In certain embodiments, the
measurements processing circuit may be attached to a surface of the PCB 105. In other
embodiments, the measurements processing circuit 150 may be integrated into the PCB 105. For
example, the measurements processing circuit 150 may be etched into the PCB 105.
The method 200 may end following block 230.
The operations described and shown in the method 200 of may be carried out or
performed in any suitable order as desired in various embodiments of the invention. Additionally,
in certain embodiments, at least a portion of the operations may be carried out in parallel.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, less than or more than the operations described in
may be performed.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of
the appended claims.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best
mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making
and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable
scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to
those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if
they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they
include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of
the claims.
Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in
this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the
stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more
other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereto.
PARTS LIST
100 - Circuit Board Assembly
105 - Printed Circuit Board
110 - Rogowski Coil Assembly
115 - Rogowski Coil Assembly
120 - Rogowski Coil Assembly
125 - Rogowski Coil Assembly
130a-f - Rogowski Coil Section(s)
135 - Opening
140-140a-f - Circuit Trace(s)
145 - Return Path
147 - Circuit Trace
150 - Measurements Processing Circuit
155 - Measurements Processing Circuit
160 - Connector
165 - Connector
170 - Gap or Slot
175 - Gap or Slot
180 - Capacitive Shield
200 - Method
205 - Block
210 - Block
215 - Block
220 - Block
225 - Block
230 - Block
Claims (8)
1. A Rogowski coil assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board; and 5 a plurality of Rogowski coil sections mounted to an external surface of the printed circuit board by one or more respective circuit traces, wherein the circuit traces retain and connect the plurality of Rogowski coil sections.
2. The Rogowski coil assembly of Claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board comprises 10 an opening configured to receive at least one conductor that is monitored by the plurality of Rogowski coil sections.
3. The Rogowski coil assembly of Claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of Rogowski coil sections is positioned an approximately equal distance from the opening.
4. The Rogowski coil assembly of Claim 2, wherein the plurality of Rogowski coil sections are positioned around the opening.
5. The Rogowski coil assembly of any one of Claims 2 to 4, further comprising: 20 a capacitive shielding positioned within the opening between the printed circuit board and the at least one conductor.
6. The Rogowski coil assembly of any one of Claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a slot in the printed circuit board between the opening and an edge of the printed 25 circuit board.
7. The Rogowski coil assembly of any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising: at least one connector attached to the printed circuit board and configured to provide measurements data collected by the plurality of Rogowski coil sections to an external 30 measurements processing circuit.
8. The Rogowski coil assembly of any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a measurements processing circuit attached to the printed circuit board and configured to receive measurements data collected by the plurality of Rogowski coil sections and process
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/212,818 | 2011-08-18 | ||
US13/212,818 US8872611B2 (en) | 2011-08-18 | 2011-08-18 | Rogowski coil assemblies and methods for providing the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ601886A NZ601886A (en) | 2014-02-28 |
NZ601886B true NZ601886B (en) | 2014-06-04 |
Family
ID=
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