Yokogawa Adds Clamp-On Current Sensors for Tight EV Test Spaces

Yokogawa Test & Measurement has announced two AC/DC split core current sensors designed for applications where cables cannot be cut to thread through a traditional through-hole sensor.

What Happened

The CT500SA covers the 500 A range while the CT200SA handles up to 200 A. Both units measure 110 mm wide by 62 mm high by 25 mm deep and open with a single unlock-and-open button for one-handed operation. Each sensor can be secured using an M4 screw hole or cable tie slot. Yokogawa rates accuracy at ±0.1% from -40°C to 85°C, improving to ±0.09% of reading plus 0.01% of full scale within a 23±5°C environment. Phase accuracy is listed at ±0.1° between 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz. The CT500SA offers 500 kHz bandwidth while the CT200SA extends to 1 MHz, allowing both to capture switching frequencies used in motor inverter validation. Both sensors connect directly to either a power analyzer or waveform measurement instrument without requiring a conversion connector. They are scheduled for release on September 9, 2026.

Why It Matters

Post-assembly validation of inverters and motors leaves little room around components, and cables often cannot be cut during testing. Lighter, more compact vehicle architectures further limit access compared to sensors sized for higher current ratings like Yokogawa's existing CT1000S. The ability to clamp directly onto conductors without cutting or using adapters addresses a practical constraint in in-vehicle EV testing environments. Engineers can switch between waveform and power analysis as they move through test phases without swapping sensors, which the company says removes the need to synchronize data afterward.

The Bottom Line

Yokogawa's CT500SA and CT200SA target engineers validating inverters and motors in space-constrained applications where traditional through-hole sensors or cutting cables are not viable options. Both models are scheduled for release on September 9, 2026.