Pintech DK Series Flexible Current Probe

Overview

The Pintech DK Series Flexible Current Probe is an ideal tool for electronic power development and application. This compact, flexible, accurate, and safe device is compatible with all oscilloscopes and digital multimeters. It can measure currents from low to high levels and display waveforms on an oscilloscope. With a maximum frequency of 30MHz, it is highly suitable for research and development in various electronic fields.

DK Flexible Current Probe Structure Diagram

The flexible current probe consists of the following components:

• ① Flexible Coil
• ② Connecting Port
• ③ Fixing Screw
• ④ Cable Connection Line
• ⑤ Adapter Interface
• ⑥ Output BNC Connector
• ⑦ Power Switch
• ⑧ Battery Cover
• ⑨ 4*AA (1.5V) Batteries
• ⑩ LED Indicator (Green: Normal Voltage, Red: Low Voltage)

Description of Flexible Current Sensor

What is a Flexible Current Sensor?

A flexible current sensor is a detection device that senses information about the measured current. It converts the sensed information into electrical signals or other required formats according to specific standards, facilitating information transmission, processing, storage, display, recording, and control.

How Does a Flexible Current Sensor Work?

The working principle of a flexible current sensor involves placing a toroidal coil directly around the conductor being measured. The alternating current flowing through the conductor generates an alternating magnetic field around it. This magnetic field induces an alternating voltage signal in the coil, which is proportional to the current ratio. Based on this principle, the current sensor is manufactured with a special structural design and processing method. The resulting flexible current sensor provides a signal acquisition unit with good linearity, high accuracy, and convenient installation for various current monitoring instruments, making it the optimal current sensor for secondary development.

Diagram: A diagram shows a flexible current sensor coil around a conductor, connected to an amplifier circuit.

Technical Features of Flexible Current Sensor

The flexible current probe is a safe instrument that can be used with all oscilloscopes and digital multimeters (with a dedicated conversion connector) or power recorders.

• High Linearity: The coil does not contain magnetic saturation components, ensuring a linear relationship between the output signal and the measured current.
• Wide Measurement Range: It can measure frequencies from 50Hz to 30MHz and currents from 0.7A to 350,000A without requiring additional accessories.

It is also suitable for research and development in electronics, control of electronic power devices, high-frequency power waveform testing, measurement of fault currents, transient or short-circuit currents, harmonic current analysis, and measurement of ground leakage current in three-phase power systems. The output is a peak voltage of 7V, which can be directly connected to data acquisition equipment, digital multimeters, or power recorders.

Easy Calibration: High linearity makes calibration very easy. Common reference signals can be used for calibration in system applications. Within the calibrated range, the linearity is maintained, ensuring highly accurate measurements.

Convenient Installation: The flexible coil allows for measurement on various objects and easy insertion into confined spaces. The coil can be locked in place. The measurement accuracy of the acquisition unit is ±1%+2mV during measurement. It does not require modification of the main circuit and offers advantages for measuring irregular conductors.

Safety Information

WARNING: To prevent electric shock, injury, or death, please read the following information carefully before use.

Adhere to the precautions to avoid damage to this product or any connected products.

To avoid potential hazards, use this product strictly according to the instructions and guidance in this manual.

Avoid fire or personal injury.

Correct Connection and Disconnection:

Before connecting the flexible current probe to the circuit to be tested, connect the output end of the flexible current probe to the measuring instrument. Disconnect the input end and ground wire of the flexible current probe from the circuit before disconnecting the flexible current probe from the measuring instrument.

Observe All Terminal Markings:

To prevent fire or personal injury, observe all data and markings on the product. Read the manual for further measurement information before connecting the product.

Battery Replacement:

Replace the battery only with the correct type and specified battery.

Do not operate the product without the cover or panel removed.

Avoid exposed circuits. Do not touch exposed connections or parts when the power is on.

Do not operate if there is any doubt about a malfunction. If you suspect the product is damaged, have it inspected by qualified service personnel or returned to the manufacturer.

Ensure all equipment is properly grounded during operation.

Do not operate in wet conditions.

Do not operate in flammable environments.

Safety Statements and Symbols:

• WARNING: Indicates situations or practices that could cause injury or death.
• CAUTION: Indicates situations or practices that could cause damage to this product or other property.

Product Statements: These statements may appear on the product:

• DANGER indicates immediate injury.
• WARNING indicates a risk of injury that is not immediate.
• CAUTION indicates damage to property, including the product.

Product Markings: These markings may appear on the product:

• Warning Symbol: ⚠️

• Double Insulation Symbol: ?

Power Supply

The DK Series can be powered by batteries or an external adapter.

• Battery Type: 4*1.5V AA
• Battery Life: 50 hrs typ
• DC Voltage: 5V
• External Power Adapter
• Low Battery Indicator: When the red light is on, it indicates low voltage (LOW BATT). Please replace the battery as soon as possible.

Precautions

• Note: The current direction on the probe is indicated by “→”, signifying that the current output direction is consistent with the probe's current direction.
• If using two or more probes simultaneously, ensure they do not touch each other (keep probes separated) to avoid affecting measurement accuracy.
• Before use, ensure all equipment is powered off and properly grounded.
• Operating Temperature and Humidity: 0℃ - 50℃ / 20-75% RH.
• Caution: Do not clamp the flexible current probe on circuits exceeding 3000VAC (as shown in Figure 1). Doing so may result in personal injury or damage to the probe.

For voltages exceeding 3000V, please contact the manufacturer!

Figure 1: Diagram showing maximum voltage limit.

Preparation and Startup

Note: Ensure all equipment power is disconnected. Ensure all equipment is properly grounded during operation.

The DK Series flexible current probe (Figure 2) is suitable for testing AC current signals with oscilloscopes. It can also be used for AC measurements with multi-function digital multimeters. A manufacturer-specified accessory, the MT-246N (BNC-to-banana) adapter, can be used for connection to digital multimeters or data acquisition cards.

Connection Method:

Clamp the DK Series flexible current probe onto the object to be measured (Figure 2). Pay attention to the current direction of the probe. Once clamped, lock the probe's current loop.

Connect the other end of the BP-250 to the input terminal and the other end to the oscilloscope. After connecting, turn on the power for all devices to begin operation. The measured signals and data will be displayed on the oscilloscope (Figure 3).

Figure 2: Diagram showing the flexible current probe clamped around a conductor.

Figure 3: Image of an oscilloscope displaying waveforms.

List of Items

1. The DK Series flexible current probe is shipped with the following items:
   • User Manual
   • 4*1.5V AA Batteries
   • One BP-250
   • One Power Adapter
2. Note: Accessory Purchase Recommendations for Flexible Current Probes:
   To meet customer testing requirements and for ease of use, this series of products can be used with digital multimeters. Recommended accessory: A BNC to banana plug adapter.
   The company's MT-246N model features a color-coded anti-misplug design to prevent polarity errors when connecting to digital multimeters. Please contact the company for purchase.

Battery Replacement

Note: Do not open the product's cover before disconnecting the external power supply.

When the red light is on, indicating low voltage (LOW BATT), replace the battery promptly.

Unscrew the cover at the bottom of the product, replace the dry batteries, and reassemble the cover.

Note: The dry battery design is for emergency use when outdoor power is unavailable. Due to a high power consumption of 35mA, using dry batteries is not recommended.

When using an external power adapter, remove the internal dry batteries to prevent abnormal internal charging, leakage, and potential corrosion of the circuit board.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Handle the flexible current probe with care. Avoid collisions, excessive pressure, and storage in humid environments. For maintenance, use only factory-specified tools. The manufacturer is not responsible for repairs performed by unauthorized service personnel.

If the product will not be used for more than 10 days, remove the batteries and store them separately.

This product does not require specific cleaning. If necessary, use a soft, clean cloth lightly dampened with a mild cleaning solution to wipe the exterior of the product.

Warranty

This product is covered by a warranty and can be repaired, excluding damages caused by intentional misuse or failure to comply with safety regulations.

The warranty covers the cost of parts replacement and shipping, up to the invoice amount.

The warranty covers damages incurred during normal operation. It does not cover intentional damage, operational errors, improper mechanical handling, or improper maintenance, overload, or overvoltage.

The manufacturer's warranty is valid for three years from the date of sale. Any unauthorized repair or replacement of parts will void the manufacturer's warranty.

Repair

For any repairs, maintenance, or part replacements within the warranty period, please return the product to the manufacturer for repair.

Electrical Parameters and Specifications

Attached List: Detail data for each model

*Note: Cable length and coil diameter can be customized according to customer requirements.

Note: cable length, coil diameter and coil circumference are at your request.

Packing List