A Four-Decade, Integrated Current-Sensing Solution With Extended Supply Range

Focus:

There is a growing need to measure a wide range of current in a system from miniscule current levels up to several amperes. Current-sense amplifiers used in combination with external sense resistors are a traditional choice for measuring current in these types of applications. However, there are performance limitations associated with this option, particularly with respect to dynamic range. This article introduces a resistorless, greater than four-decade dynamic range current-sensing solution and describes a simple method to extend its supply voltage range from 6 V up to 36 V using only a Zener diode and two MOSFETs. The MAX40016 is featured as an example with schematic and test results. However, the technique is a generic one that can be used to extend the common mode for any current-sense amplifier, particularly those versions with current output.

What you’ll learn:

• How to implement a current-sense amplifier with wide dynamic range, high accuracy and extended supply voltage range

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Author & Publication:

Bich Pham and Ashwin Badrinarayanan, Maxim Integrated, San Jose, Calif., How2Power Today, Apr 15 2021

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