Galvanically Isolated HV Measurement Systems
Our HV probes and measurement modules operate fully electrically isolated: excitation, readout and, if necessary, switching functions are performed purely optically via fiber optics. This enables measurements at very high potential – without any conductive connection to the evaluation electronics.
Advantages
Why optically isolated HV measurement?
- Absolute galvanic isolation: Optical coupling via fiber optics – no electrical connection between measurement point (HV) and evaluation.
- Good thermal isolation: Optical coupling via fiber optics – good thermal insulation between measurement point (HV) and evaluation.
- Safety & compliance: Concept with insulation resistances up to the GΩ/TΩ range in exemplary designs (system-/design-dependent).
- Wide range of applications: From HV onboard networks and power electronics to industrial networks and converters.
- Modular & scalable: Probe + optical evaluation electronics, optionally with optically controllable switching elements.
Application fields
Who is the system for?
- E-mobility (onboard networks, DC/DC, traction inverter)
- Grid technology & energy (HVDC, industrial DC networks)
- Power electronics test benches, converters, inverters
- Research & laboratories, safety-critical testing
Operating principle
Purely optical sensor and measurement concept
The NV center technology (Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in diamond) enables groundbreaking galvanically isolated current measurement in high-voltage networks. This revolutionary quantum sensing technology uses microscopic defects in diamond crystals as highly precise magnetic field sensors, which can be operated fully isolated via fiber optics.
In the probe sits a sensor element with crystals containing paramagnetic centers (e.g. NV centers). It is excited via pump radiation; the emitted fluorescence is optically detected. The fluorescence intensity and/or its phase depend on the local magnetic flux density – and thus on the current in the line to be measured. Optical excitation and fluorescence collection are performed via separate (or functionally separated) fiber optics.
- Probe mechanically on/around the line, sensor element optionally also in the air gap of a magnetic circuit for field concentration.
- Optical filters prevent pump light from reaching the detector (e.g. dichroic setup).
- One or more sensor elements/air gaps enable extended dynamics and saturation avoidance.
Safety & isolation
Consistent separation
- Probe and, if applicable, switching elements are electrically and thermally isolated from the evaluation electronics (optical coupling).
- Design examples with insulation resistances >1 MΩ up to >1 GΩ/>1 TΩ (design-dependent).
- Optional cover/Faraday cage & sealing for safe outdoor operation.
Technical key points
System overview (selected features)
| Probe | Insulating body; sensor element (crystals with paramagnetic centers), fiber optic in/out coupling |
|---|---|
| Optical coupling | Pumping direction and fluorescence separated (two fibers) or functionally separated via one fiber system |
| Field guidance | Magnetic circuit with air gap for defined field strength at the sensor; multi-air-gap option |
| Filtering | Optical separation of pump radiation and fluorescence (e.g. dichroic elements) |
| Isolation | Purely optical signal paths to evaluation electronics; system concepts with very high insulation resistances |
| Options | Optically controllable switches/modules (electronic fuse/switching functions, system-dependent) |
Next steps
Project & integration
We support from specification through integration to certification. Send us your framework conditions (voltage levels, current ranges, environmental conditions, standards), and we will configure a suitable system.