MTJ based magnetic sensor for current measurement in grid

In this paper, the status and the challenges of utilizing MTJ based magnetic sensor for Grid sensing are reviewed. And it is shown with both modeling and experiment that an optimized MTJ based magnetic sensor can be utilized to monitor Grid current, particularly for each individual transmission line. Unlike the traditional approach, where the sensing element needs to be either integrated with, in contact with or near the transmission line, this measurement technique can be based on a contactless or a “remote” sensing setup, where the sensor is placed away from the Grid line. From the perspective of sensor, the sensitivity, the signal-to-noise ratio and the linearity of MTJ based magnetic sensor can all meet the requirement of application. It is demonstrated that an optimized DC measurement, in addition to AC measurement, can also be utilized for applications in the Grid system, such as solar energy generation.