Designed for SiC and GaN systems, the probes target high frequency current measurement challenges that emerge as power electronics switch faster.
Hioki has developed two current probes, the CT6704 and CT6705, for observing high frequency, large current waveforms in modern power electronics systems. The probes are aimed at applications such as SiC and GaN inverters, DC/DC converters, motor drives, high frequency power supplies, and battery backup units, where engineers need to analyse fast switching behaviour with greater accuracy.
As power conversion systems become more compact and efficient, semiconductor devices are operating at higher switching frequencies and current levels. This makes it increasingly important to capture transient events such as current spikes, ringing, and switching responses, which directly influence efficiency, thermal performance, electromagnetic interference, and reliability.
One of the key challenges in such measurements is maintaining accuracy during prolonged testing. The probes use a fluxgate detection method to minimise offset drift caused by sensor self heating, helping maintain waveform stability even during long duration measurements or under varying temperatures.
The design also addresses inductive heating, a common limitation in high frequency, high current measurements. A redesigned sensor core reduces heat generation and expands the usable operating range under demanding test conditions.
For capturing fast switching behaviour, the CT6704 offers a bandwidth of DC to 30 MHz with a rated current of 200 A, while the CT6705 supports DC to 15 MHz and currents up to 500 A. Both models feature BNC outputs, allowing integration with a wide range of oscilloscopes and waveform recording systems without requiring specialised instrumentation.
The probes are intended for tasks including double pulse testing, power supply transient analysis, inverter development, motor phase current measurement, induction heating evaluation, and observation of high speed current transients in energy storage and backup power systems.
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