Voltage sensor design with multi-layer ceramic capacitors based on electric field coupling principle and differential input structure

For non-contact measurement and excellent transient response, a novel voltage sensor is designed in a differential input structure, which utilizes multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to replace the mutual capacitance between the differential electrodes. This structure makes it smaller and more conducive to installation and voltage adjustment. Based on the principles of electric field coupling and differential structure, the voltage sensor eliminates the need for direct contact or grounding when measuring. The ratio error of the designed sensor under power frequency is within ± 0.6 % and the phase error is within 40’; the ratio error in the range of 500 Hz-30 kHz is within ± 4 % and the phase error is within 4°. The steady-state and transient experiments show that the sensor has the advantages of excellent accuracy, great transient response characteristics, strong directivity and insusceptible to the interphase interference. The proposed sensor boasts a simplified structure and excellent performance, which allows the potential practical applications in voltage measurement and sensor network.