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This section provides an overview for current generators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 current generator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked current generator companies as of December, 2024: 1.Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation, 2.Quantum Composers, 3.Montena.
Table of Contents
A current generator is a device that generates a constant current for electrical measurements, such as in electronic equipment.
Many products are marketed as voltage-current generators. Since a constant current must flow continuously, the magnitude of the current is controlled by an on-board operational amplifier or reference voltage IC so that a constant current can flow even if the load resistance changes.
Some current generators can be used to measure large-scale electrical equipment by applying a large current.
Current sensors are mainly used in electrical circuits. The following are examples of applications of current sensors:
Current is monitored and controlled in power suppliers and power converters. In photovoltaic and wind power generation systems, current sensors monitor the amount and characteristics of the generated current to ensure a stable power supply.
They are also used to protect circuits and equipment from overcurrents. In power supply equipment and power circuits, currents exceeding the rated current can be detected by current sensors to activate protective circuits. Overcurrent protection is important to ensure safety from equipment failure due to short circuits, etc.
Used in battery management systems to monitor the charging and discharging current of batteries. By measuring the current, it is possible to evaluate the condition of the battery and estimate the remaining capacity. Battery monitoring with current sensors is important in various applications such as electric vehicles and mobile devices.
Current sensors are important devices in motor drive control. It measures the motor current and feeds it back to the control algorithm to control the torque and speed of the motor. It is widely used in drives, mainly inverters.
The principle of a current generator is that a negative feedback circuit using an operational amplifier and reference voltage circuit is utilized to configure a constant current generator circuit that is independent of the impedance value of the load, and the current value to be generated is determined by the reference voltage (Ref voltage) and the internal resistance value.
A circuit often used to generate a constant current is a circuit that establishes a virtual short circuit, in which 0V is generated at the input terminal of an operational amplifier in a negative feedback circuit. There are usually two types of circuits to establish a virtual short: the suction-type and the discharge-type.
The suction-type is a method of creating a virtual short circuit by applying a current from the outside to a circuit that generates a constant current so that it is sucked into a transistor, and then using an operational amplifier and ground.
The discharge-type is a method of establishing a virtual short by passing current externally from the circuit of the current generator to the transistor so that it is amplified and discharged using the transistor.
In both cases, the current value is determined by the value obtained by dividing the ref voltage applied to the operational amplifier by the internal resistance, so the current value is independent of the load impedance and its value can be adjusted by the resistance.
Different types of current sensors exist, depending on the measurement principle. The following are examples of current sensor types.
This type of current sensor measures the current value by connecting a shunt resistor in series with the circuit in which the current flows. The current flowing through the shunt resistor is calculated by the resistance value and the measured voltage drop according to Ohm's law. The current can be measured by measuring the voltage at both ends of the shunt resistor whose resistance is known.
The shunt resistor type can measure current with high accuracy. In addition, its simple structure allows it to be manufactured at low cost. They are used on boards and in rectifier circuits for large currents.
A Hall effect current sensor uses a Hall element to detect current. The Hall element is placed near a conductor through which a current flows, and a Hall voltage is generated by the magnetic field. By measuring this Hall voltage, the current is detected.
DC currents can be measured without contact. This type of sensor is used in portable clamp ammeters for DC.
This is a current sensor that transforms and measures alternating current. It consists of a conductor that serves as the secondary winding and measures the secondary winding current, which varies according to the primary winding current. This allows the AC current to be calculated.
Because of its low cost and high measurement accuracy, it is widely used in industrial equipment. However, their heavy weight and large area for use are drawbacks.
Standardly used in the field of instrumentation, 4-20 mA and 1-5 V are analog signals that are widely used as output signals from sensors (transducers) or as control signals for regulators, sequencers, etc.
For example, in the case of a valve opening, the output signal from a degree of opening meter is as follows:
In other words, 4mA or 1V is output when the measured value is 0, and 20mA or 5V is output when the measured value is 100. By standardizing and unifying signals, it is possible to pass signals between instrumentation devices.
The reason for outputting 4mA when the measured value is 0 is to determine if the wire is broken. In other words, the purpose is to determine whether a 4mA current flows and indicates 0, or whether the wire is disconnected and indicates 0. The wide-angle indicator is designed to indicate 0 at 4mA and less than 0 when the wire is disconnected and no current is flowing.
When signals are sent in voltage, a voltage drop occurs, causing measurement errors.
Another feature of current signals is that if the input of another instrumentation device is 1-5V, it can be easily converted to a voltage signal by inserting a 250ohm resistor. Conversely, a disadvantage is that it is easily affected by noise, which can cause errors in measurement values.
Effective noise countermeasures include the use of shielded cables, installation of noise filters, and grounding to minimize noise effects. Another point is that if a loop circuit is formed with 4-20mA signals, the entire loop will be affected if a wire is disconnected. This is because it is a series circuit. One countermeasure is to use an isolator.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation, San Rafael, CA, in 1963 is a manufacturer of Test, Measurement, Nuclear and Life Sciences instrumentation. The company's product portfolio includes Digital Delay Generators, RF & Microwave Signal Generators, and Nuclear Radiation Detectors and Isotope Identification. Their products are used in industries such as Food and Beverage Processing, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology and Chemical and Petrochemical. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
Quantum Composers, founded in September 1993 in Bozeman, Montana, is a manufacturer and supplier of laser systems and pulse generator instrument lines. The company's product portfolio serves different applications, including laser micromachining for semiconductor processes, precision manufacturing, design validation, and repair tasks in the electro-optics and laser industries. Their pulse generators are utilized in laser spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Quantum Composers' expertise lies in custom electronics, instrumentation, software design, and manufacturing consulting services. Moreover, the company provides customizable solutions that support research, development, and precision tasks across various photonic industries.
Keysight Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. Keysight is a global developer and manufacturer of electronic design and test solutions to communications, networking, aerospace, defense, and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries. Keysight’s communications solutions group solutions include electronic design automation software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, as well as optical laser source solutions. Keysight’s electronic industrial solutions group offers various design tools and verification tools. Keysight offers product support, technical support, and training and consulting services. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, resellers, and manufacturer's representatives.
Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation was founded in Japan in 1954. Yokogawa currently serves a wide array of industries including the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, semiconductor and telecommunications industries with both hardware and software solutions. Among Yokogawa’s suite of products are oscilloscopes, voltage probes, power analyzers and meters, data acquisition tools, optical test equipment, a wide variety of handled meters, calibrators, and testers; analog instruments, and manometers.
HYTRON GmbH, a manufacturer of developing measurement and control equipment, was founded in 1990 and headquartered in Germany. The company has been involved in designing camera systems, laser measurement equipment, and other specialized devices with a strong emphasis on real-time processing. It has collaborated with other companies to create complete measurement and adjustment systems. Its expertise lies in its ability to provide integrated solutions, offering various products, including AC and DC generators, AC voltage sources, thyristor control units, analyzers, and sensors. The company also provides automatic testing lines, testing equipment for MCBs (miniature circuit breakers), relay adjustments, and force measurement.
M.C.B. Srl is a power solutions manufacturer founded in 1996 in Como, Italy. The company's distinguishing feature is its customized technological solutions, where they work closely with clients to develop solutions that address specific requirements and challenges. Its product offerings include various customizable power conversion solutions, including power-boost series, power-trust, current generators, AC/DC power supplies, and battery chargers. Its power-boost series offers a cost-effective solution for frequency conversion, voltage regulation, and stabilization, especially for high-power applications with three-phase power.
ADC Corporation, founded as a subsidiary of Takeda Riken Industry Co., Ltd in 1971 and based in Saitama, Japan, is a producer of analog measurement devices like optical power meters, source monitor units, and digital multimeters. Separating from Takeda Riken Industry Co., Ltd (Present Adventest Corporation) in 2003, the company began being a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of optical and electronic measuring instruments, digital multimeters, monitors for DC voltage/current sources and digital electrometers which they specialize in.
Energy is a manufacturer and distributor of electric generators based in Montebello Vicentino, Italy, established in 2003. The company's diverse product range includes generators, special transporters, welder generators, lighting towers, and genset panels. These products cater to multiple industries and sectors, including hobbies, civil applications, industrial and construction sites, and agriculture. The company's investments aim to enhance its generators' efficiency, functions, and technical quality, ensuring the use of original and official components. The company has sold its electric generators in more than 120 countries, offering competitive prices without compromising product quality and customer service.
Montena was founded in 1978 and is a manufacturer and supplier of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) equipment headquartered in Switzerland. The company manufactures various equipment and solutions related to EMC and high-voltage testing. These products include EMC test generators, surge generators, high-voltage testing equipment, EMC testing systems, and more. These products are essential for organizations and industries that must ensure EMC's electronic and electrical equipment compliance. The company caters to electronic and electrical equipment manufacturers, laboratories and testing facilities, the automotive industry, the telecommunications industry, and power generation.
HILO-TEST GmbH, founded in 1978, is a German company specializing in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) devices. The company offers a broad range of EMC devices and solutions. Its product portfolio is designed to help businesses and organizations ensure electromagnetic compatibility in electronic and electrical equipment. These offerings include automotive EMC test systems, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) generators, Burst / EFT (Electrical Fast Transient) generators, Surge / Hybrid Generators, and more. Additionally, the company offers accessories and components that complement the main EMC testing equipment and pre-owned or refurbished EMC testing equipment, providing cost-effective options for businesses.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation |
16.7%
|
| 2 | Quantum Composers |
15.4%
|
| 3 | Montena |
14.1%
|
| 4 | M.C.B. Srl |
12.8%
|
| 5 | HYTRON GmbH |
9.0%
|
| 6 | HILO-TEST |
9.0%
|
| 7 | saVRee |
7.7%
|
| 8 | Keysight Technologies |
6.4%
|
| 9 | Energy |
5.1%
|
| 10 | Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation |
2.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the current generator page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 30.0% |
|
Japan
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
Italy
|
2 | 20.0% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 10.0% |
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