Sensors & Software CONQUEST 100, User Manual

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Conquest 100 Principles of Operation
15
2.6.1 PCD Responses
The magnetic field generated by current flowing in wires can be simple or highly contorted
depending on how the wires are oriented. Examples of simple and twisted wires are shown in
Figure 2-13. The strength of the PCD response is affected by:
1. Amount of current in the wire : Typically a wire needs a minimum of 2 Amps of current
to be detectable. If the amount of current in the wire is very small, the PCD response
may be very weak or not detectable.
2. Depth of the wire: If the wire is deep, the PCD response may be very weak or not
detectable.
3. Orientation of the wires: Whether the wires are twisted, or if they have constant
separation, will affect the PCD response.