Importance

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Abstract

A current sensor assembly of planar form arranged for connection in series with an electrical circuit. The circuit includes a first and second conductor. The sensor assembly includes a first conductive member adapted to contact the second conductor in the circuit. A second conductive member is adapted to contact the second conductor in the circuit. A thin layer of conductive material is connected at one end to the first conductive member and at is other end to the second conductive member so that current flow in the circuit between the first and second conductors is via the thin layer. A support supports the thin layer along its entire length. At least a part of the support contacts the thin layer is electrically insulative. The thermal conductivity of the support is different at different points along the length of the layer so that heat disposition is different at the different points and hence the temperature rise caused by current flow through the layer is different. A plurality of temperature sensors are located to sense the temperature of the layer at the different points. The assembly provides an output representative of current from the outputs of the temperature sensors.

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First Claim