Current-sense amplifier
Maxim Integrated Products

The MAX9611/MAX9612 are high-side current-sense amplifiers with an integrated 12-bit ADC and a gain block that can be configured either as an op amp or comparator, making these devices ideal for a number of industrial and automotive applications.

The high-side, current-sense amplifiers operate over a wide 0V to 60V input common-mode voltage range. The programmable full-scale voltage (440mV, 110mV, and 55mV) of these amplifiers offers wide dynamic range, accurate current measurement, and application flexibility in choosing sense resistor values. A choice of either an internal op amp or a comparator is provided to the user. The internal amplifier can be used to limit the inrush current or to create a current source in a closed-loop system. The comparator can be used to monitor fault events for fast response.

An I²C controlled 12-bit, 500sps analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can be used to read the voltage across the sense resistor (VSENSE), the input common-mode voltage (VRSCM), op-amp/comparator output (VOUT), op-amp/comparator reference voltage (VSET), and internal die temperature. The I²C bus is compatible with 1.8V and 3.3V logic, allowing modern microcontrollers to interface to it.