RF Current Probe
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Make Your Own Clamp-on RF Current Probe
Figure 1: A pair of Ferrite U-Shaped Cores.
The currents can be sampled using commercially available clamp-on RF current probes. These precision probes comprise two halves of a ring shaped ferrite core that hinges apart so that it can be clamped over a conductor without disconnecting it. The probes contain a multi-turn secondary winding inside an electrostatic shield in which a current equal to the sample current divided by the number of secondary turns is induced. An external resistor connected across this secondary winding develops a voltage which can be measured using an rf voltmeter. If for example, the winding has 50 turns and is connected to a 50 ohm load, then an rf voltage of one volt per amp appears across the load. These probes are quite expensive and the associated rf voltmeter is often subject to false readings caused by the strong electromagnetic field surrounding the antenna. These false readings are particularly severe on instruments that plug in to the ac line supply where the line cord creates a potential path for RF pickup.
This article describes an RF current probe that can be assembled with parts costing less than $50.
Figure 1 shows a pair of ferrite U shaped cores that when mated together, form a continuous magnetic circuit that can be clamped over a conductor of up to ¾ inches in diameter. An electrostatic shield is not required as it is intended for use with conductors that are at ground potential.
Circuit Diagram: Click on the above diagram to see a larger, more detailed view.
RF Output Sample
The probe has two secondary windings. One 50 turn winding feeding a fifty ohm load provides an RF current sample of one volt per amp that is similar to that of the expensive commercial models that are described above. Limited by the power rating of the resistor the RF probe may be used with currents up to 10 amperes. The output may be connected to instruments other instruments such as an oscilloscope or RF spectrum analyser.
DC Output Sample
The second winding of 141 turns feeds a simple detector circuit that produces a dc output voltage proportional to the RF current of the sampled conductor with a scale factor of 0.1 dc volts per amp (rms). This dc voltage can be measured using a standard battery powered multi-meter that is largely unaffected by the antenna’s electro-magnetic field. Provided that the output of the fifty turn winding is shorted, this DC output may be used to sample RF currents up to 30 amperes.
Parts List
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 Complete Assembly |
