Current Sensing Techniques: A Review

This paper provides a thorough review of state-of-the-art current sensing techniques. It catalogues the current sensors according to the underlying physical principle in order to point out their strengths and weaknesses. New current sensing principles based on either established techniques such as Hall-effect sensors and fluxgate principles or emerging technologies such as magneto resistance effect and fiber-optical techniques provide attractive alternatives for current sensing, although generally at a higher price than traditional techniques like shunt resistors.