CMC Rogowski Current Probe

CMC Rogowski Current Probe

Powertek CMC Rogowski Current Probe for Bearing Spark Erosion Currents

High-Frequency Common Mode Current Probe for VSDs and Bearing Spark Erosion Detection

The CMC Rogowski Current Probe from Powertek is designed to measure high-frequency common mode currents in variable speed drives (VSDs), specifically targeting bearing spark erosion currents. These currents result from high-frequency voltages induced on the machine shaft due to capacitive coupling in VSD systems, which can lead to damaging discharges through motor bearings. Over time, these currents cause bearing erosion, resulting in premature motor failure, costly maintenance, and unplanned downtime.

The CMC probe is a flexible, clip-around current sensor that builds on Powertek's successful CWT Rogowski sensor range. It enables engineers to detect and measure the presence of bearing spark erosion currents, giving them a reference point to evaluate mitigation measures.
Key Features:

Ideal for Detecting Bearing Spark Erosion Currents in AC motor drives and high-frequency common mode currents.
Flexible Clip-around Coil: Easy installation around large conductors without interrupting the circuit.
Wide Coil Lengths: Available in 500mm, 700mm, and 1000mm standard lengths. Custom lengths available upon request.
High Peak Current Handling: From 10A peak to 150A peak.
High-Frequency Bandwidth: Up to 14MHz (-3dB) for the CMC06 model.
Low-Frequency Attenuation: Gain of typically -90dB at 50Hz to suppress large fundamental frequency currents.
Accurate Measurements: ±0.5% calibrated accuracy with conductor centrally positioned.
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +40°C for the integrator electronics, -20°C to +90°C for the coil and cable.

Technical Specifications:
SpecificationDetails
Peak Current (A)10A peak to 150A peak
Output Voltage±7.5V peak
High-Frequency BandwidthUp to 14MHz (-3dB) for the CMC06 (1000mm coil)
Low-Frequency BandwidthVaries by model, attenuates large fundamental frequency currents
Accuracy (typ.)Calibrated to ±0.5%, typical variation ±0.3% with conductor position
DC Offset±3mV maximum at 25°C
di/dt RatingAbsolute max: 70kA/µs (peak), 1.5kA/µs (rms)
Operating Temperature0°C to +40°C (integrator electronics), -20°C to +90°C (coil)
Coil Lengths500mm, 700mm, 1000mm (custom lengths available)
Coil Thickness8.5mm (max), 14mm with silicone sleeve for mechanical protection
Peak Coil Insulation10kV peak
Cable Length2.5m or 4m (custom lengths available)
Power Supply Options‘B’: 4 x AA alkaline batteries (25-hour life)
‘R’: 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (10-hour life)
Output SocketBNC socket, supplied with 0.5m BNC-BNC cable
Integrator Box Dimensions183mm x 93mm x 32mm
Output Load≥100.0kΩ for rated accuracy
Performance Characteristics:

Low-Frequency Attenuation:
The CMC06 integrator is designed to attenuate low-frequency components, such as fundamental 50Hz currents, with a gain of -90dB at 50Hz. This ensures minimal interference from low-frequency currents, allowing accurate measurement of high-frequency common mode currents.

High-Frequency Response:
The high-frequency response is determined by coil length, cable length, and integrator design. For the CMC06 with a 1000mm coil, the high-frequency bandwidth reaches up to 14MHz, allowing accurate measurement of fast transients.

Noise Characteristics:
The low-noise integrator design enhances the accuracy of high-frequency current measurements, offering a wide dynamic measurement range. Noise levels are kept minimal to ensure precise readings in challenging environments.

Delay Characteristics:
A predictable delay exists between the current and output signal, which is influenced by the coil and cable length. For the CMC03/B/2.5/1000, the delay is approximately 35ns.

Applications:

Measurement of Bearing Spark Erosion Currents: Detect high-frequency current flow through motor bearings in AC drive systems, preventing premature failure.
High-Frequency Common Mode Currents: Identify and monitor common mode currents in large motor drives and variable speed drives (VSDs).
Mitigation Verification: Use the probe to evaluate the effectiveness of grounding or filtering techniques designed to minimize bearing currents.

Ordering Information:
ModelPower OptionCable Length (m)Coil Length (mm)Peak Insulation (kV)
CMC06/B/2.5/500Battery2.550010kV
CMC03/B/2.5/1000Battery2.5100010kV
CMC06/R/4/700Rechargeable470010kV
All units are supplied with a user manual, factory calibration, hard carry case, and 0.5m BNC-BNC cable. Custom configurations and additional accessories available on request.

CMC Datasheet