Patent ID: 6844799
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A current sensor for use in an electrical device having a current rating, the current sensor comprising: a mixed material magnetic core having at least a first plurality of layers of material having a relatively high magnetic permeability and at least a second plurality of layers of material having a relatively low magnetic permeability arranged proximate said first plurality of layers material; wherein said core has a profile with at least one opening therethrough for accepting a current carrying conductor; wherein said profile is substantially O shaped, substantially C shaped, substantially figure-eight shaped, or any combination comprising at least one of the foregoing shapes; and a signal generator that provides an output signal representative of the magnetic flux associated with said current carrying conductor; wherein said mixed material magnetic core exhibits a dynamic range greater than a dynamic range of a similarly shaped magnetic core having only one of said first plurality of layers of material and said second plurality of layers of material.