How to Use WCS1700-Hall Effect Base Linear Current Sensor: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The WCS1700 is a Hall Effect-based linear current sensor manufactured by Winson Semiconductor Corp. This sensor is designed to measure the current flow in a conductor and provide a linear output voltage proportional to the current. It is widely used in various applications, including power monitoring, battery management systems, motor control, and overcurrent protection.

1. Power Supply: Connect the Vcc pin to a 5V power supply and the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
2. Current Path: Pass the conductor whose current you want to measure through the sensor's aperture.
3. Output Signal: Connect the Vout pin to an analog input of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) to read the output voltage.

• Calibration: Ensure proper calibration of the sensor to achieve accurate measurements.
• Filtering: Use a capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF) between Vcc and GND to filter out noise.
• Temperature Effects: Be aware of temperature variations that might affect the sensor's accuracy.
• Current Range: Ensure the current through the conductor does not exceed the sensor's maximum rating of ±20A.

Below is an example code to interface the WCS1700 with an Arduino UNO to measure current:

// Define the analog pin connected to the sensor's Vout pin
const int sensorPin = A0;

// Define the sensitivity of the sensor (1V/A)
const float sensitivity = 1.0;

// Define the offset voltage (2.5V for 0A current)
const float offsetVoltage = 2.5;

void setup() {
  // Initialize the serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Read the analog value from the sensor
  int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);

  // Convert the analog value to voltage
  float voltage = sensorValue * (5.0 / 1023.0);

  // Calculate the current in Amperes
  float current = (voltage - offsetVoltage) / sensitivity;

  // Print the current value to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Current: ");
  Serial.print(current);
  Serial.println(" A");

  // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
  delay(1000);
}

1. Inaccurate Readings:
   • Solution: Ensure proper calibration and check for any noise in the power supply.
2. No Output Signal:
   • Solution: Verify the connections and ensure the sensor is powered correctly.
3. Fluctuating Readings:
   • Solution: Add a capacitor between Vcc and GND to filter out noise.

• Check Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and correct.
• Power Supply: Use a stable 5V power supply to avoid fluctuations in readings.
• Calibration: Perform a calibration procedure to account for any offsets or variations in the sensor.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate the WCS1700 Hall Effect-based linear current sensor into their projects, ensuring accurate and reliable current measurements.