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Function

The Didactum DC current transducer is a precise measuring converter for monitoring direct currents in the range of ±100 A. As a compact DC transducer with an open-loop design, it has been specifically developed for applications where precise current measurement is crucial for efficiency, safety, and operational continuity. It is used in energy monitoring systems, DC distribution networks, photovoltaic installations, industrial plants, and data centers.

With this sensor, electrical currents can be measured safely and accurately without interrupting the primary circuit. This allows for non-invasive and highly reliable current flow measurement. The current transducer converts the detected DC signals into an evaluable voltage that is transmitted to the Didactum monitoring system. Based on this data, users can continuously monitor current consumption, analyze loads, and develop intelligent energy strategies.

The DC connector serves as the interface between the current transducer and the Didactum monitoring main unit. This connection enables real-time monitoring and trend analysis of all current flows within the system. When defined thresholds are exceeded or undershot, the system can immediately trigger automatic actions – for example, alarm notifications by e-mail, SMS, or SNMP trap as well as activation of protective circuits or emergency processes. This allows potential faults, overloads, or power failures to be detected and prevented at an early stage.

A major advantage of the Didactum DC current transducer lies in its ability to deliver accurate measurements even in environments with high electromagnetic interference. This is achieved through the stable open-loop design and high-quality internal signal processing. The robust housing protects the sensor from external influences, ensuring long service life and reliable operation in industrial applications.

Mounting the current transducer is particularly simple and safe. It can be installed directly on cables or busbars, allowing existing systems to be expanded without major modifications. Through plug-and-play integration via the Didactum DC connector, the sensor is automatically recognized by the monitoring system. All operating parameters can be displayed, configured, and analyzed via the user-friendly web interface of the Didactum system.

For extensive system installations, the maximum number of connected sensors and the cable length to the monitoring unit can be flexibly extended with the help of a sensor unit expansion or a DIN expansion unit. This allows several measuring points to be operated over long distances and centrally monitored – ideal for power distribution, battery systems, or DC installations in industry and research.

In combination with other Didactum sensors – such as those for voltage, temperature, humidity, or smoke – a comprehensive monitoring infrastructure is created that provides a complete overview of all critical parameters. Integrating current measurement data into this infrastructure enables transparent visualization of energy flows and real-time comparison with other environmental data to assess possible deviations.

In the long term, the use of the Didactum DC current transducer significantly contributes to optimizing energy management and ensuring operational efficiency. Continuous data acquisition and analysis help improve load distribution, avoid excessive energy consumption, and detect potential electrical hazards such as overcurrents or overheating at an early stage. Companies benefit from increased system availability and sustainable reduction of operating costs.

With its combination of measurement precision, reliability, and easy system integration, the Didactum DC current transducer is an indispensable instrument for modern energy monitoring. It stands for safe, transparent, and intelligent current measurement in professional applications – from industry and energy supply to data center infrastructures.

Use Cases

Here are additional use cases for the DC current transducer and the DC current transceiver:

  1. Renewable Energy Systems:
    • Solar Power Monitoring: Used to track the current flow between solar panels and batteries or inverters in photovoltaic systems. The DC current transducer monitors the direct current from solar installations, and the DC connector transmits the data to the monitoring system for performance analysis and fault detection.
    • Wind Turbines: In wind turbines, the generated direct current is monitored to ensure proper charging of storage systems or feedback into the grid, contributing to maintaining optimal system performance.
  2. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: Monitoring the direct current flow between the grid and electric vehicles during the charging process to ensure safe and efficient charging. Irregularities can be detected to prevent overcharging or electrical faults in the charging system.
  3. Battery Management Systems (BMS):
    • Battery Discharge Monitoring: Measuring direct current to determine how much current is drawn from batteries in UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems or electric vehicle batteries.
    • Battery Charge Control: Ensuring that charging currents remain within safe limits to optimize battery life and ensure reliability.
  4. Data Centers: Energy monitoring: The combination of DC current transducer and DC connector helps monitor the power consumption of critical infrastructures in data centers, particularly in high-density server environments. It ensures that the power consumption of servers, cooling systems, and other equipment remains within optimal limits.
  5. Telecommunications: Power supply systems: In telecommunications facilities where uninterrupted power supply is crucial, the DC current transducer monitors the current flow from backup batteries to ensure proper performance during power outages, while the DC connector transmits this data for remote monitoring.
  6. Industrial Automation:
    • Motor Current Monitoring: In automation and robotics, monitoring the direct current supplied to motors helps with predictive maintenance. The DC current transducer ensures that motors operate within safe current ranges, while the DC connector integrates this data into a larger control system.
    • Process Control Systems: The transducer can be used in manufacturing plants to monitor machine currents, ensuring efficient operation without overloads.
  7. HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning): Monitoring the power supply to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in large commercial or industrial buildings. This ensures a stable power load and detects potential problems before equipment failures occur.

These use cases highlight the versatility of the DC current transducer and the DC connector in monitoring applications, ensuring safe operations and optimizing performance across various industries.

Connections

Components

The transducer consists of a plastic housing with an open/closed direct current circuit and a 4-pin screw terminal connection. The current transceiver is housed in a simple plastic enclosure with a 4-pin input, a 12V power supply, and an analog 0–5V RJ12 output.

Safety Instructions

Please observe the applicable regulations for installation in the country where the direct current transducer is installed and operated, as well as the national accident prevention regulations. Also, consider any existing internal company rules such as work, operational, and safety regulations if applicable.

The specified technical data and limit values must under no circumstances be exceeded. This applies especially to the specified ambient temperature range and the protection rating according to the IP classification.

Installation

Installation Instructions

Assembly Notes

Be careful, the maximum insulation voltage of the transducers is 2 kV. The transducer can measure the direct current on any conductor that is no thicker than 10 mm. Simply open the cover, place the conductor inside, and close it again.

The maximum distance between the direct current transducer and the monitoring unit is 50 meters.

Installation

The transducer and the transceiver are installed together. Attach the transducer using M4 screws and M4 nuts. The distance between the mounting holes is 50 mm.

Mount the current transceiver with M4 screws and M4 nuts. The distance between the mounting holes is 60 mm.

Use a 4-wire flat cable and two green connectors, supplied with the transceiver and the transducer, to assemble the connecting cable.

Kabelbelegung

Setup

Connect one end of the RJ11 / RJ12 cable to the monitoring unit and the other end to the analog output of the transceiver. Connect the transceiver to the 12V power supply. Connect the transceiver and the transducer with the connection cable. The monitoring system automatically recognizes the direct current transducer as a sensor.

The new sensor is displayed in the system’s web interface. Click on “System tree” in the menu and you will find a new sensor marked with a symbol containing the abbreviation "fV". Click on the sensor to open its properties.

A modal window with the sensor properties will appear. In it, you can view and configure detailed information and settings of the sensor. The window allows easy management and monitoring of the sensor data in the system interface.

Change the sensor type by selecting “Current”. The choice of sensor type does not affect the sensor properties but only changes the sensor icons for better clarity.

Change the name of the sensor, for example to “Current”.

Use the expression formula. 

In the case of the DC connector, when the initial current I=0, the output voltage V is about 2.5 V, the full measurement range corresponds to 5 V. For the DC current transducer with 100 A, 5 V corresponds to +100 A and 0 V to -100 A, which means B = -2.5 V, K = 40. The formula is: Expr = 40 * (x - 2.5) or 40 * x - 100.

Set the thresholds by dragging: Low alarm, Low warning, High warning, and High alarm.

For example, the above graph shows that the sensor status is currently in the “Normal” range, since 20.4 lies between the “Low warning” and “High warning” states, which is considered normal.

At the bottom of the “Properties” window, click “Save” or “Apply”. The page will reload, and the sensor will be updated by changing the sensor type symbol to "A".

Einsatzbeispiel:

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