SBOA551 June   2022 INA240

 

  1.   Abstract
  2.   Trademarks
  3. 1Introduction
  4. 2One, Versus Two Reference Pins
  5. 3Bidirectional Current Sense Amplifier Topologies
    1. 3.1 Single-Stage Difference Amplifier
    2. 3.2 Difference Amplifier Input Followed by Noninverting Output Buffer
    3. 3.3 Voltage Feedback Multi-Stage Difference Amplifier
    4. 3.4 Single-Stage Current Feedback
    5. 3.5 Current Feedback Multi-Stage Difference Amplifier
    6. 3.6 Isolated Bidirectional Current Sensors
  6. 4Options for Driving Reference Pins and Input Referred Reference Error
  7. 5Resistor Divider as Reference
    1. 5.1 Resistor Divider and Equivalent Circuit
    2. 5.2 Reference Source Impedance Error in Difference Amplifier
    3. 5.3 Reference Source Impedance Error in Voltage Feedback Multi-Stage CSA
    4. 5.4 Reference Source Impedance Error in Current Feedback Multi-Stage CSA
    5. 5.5 Reference Source Impedance Error in Difference Amplifier with Output Buffer
  8. 6Examples
    1. 6.1 Calculating Reference Source Impedance Error in Difference Amplifier
    2. 6.2 Calculating Reference Source Impedance Error in Voltage Feedback Multi-Stage CSA
    3. 6.3 Calculating Reference Source Impedance Error in Current Feedback Multi-Stage CSA
  9. 7Summary

1 Abstract

Bidirectional Current Sense Amplifiers (CSA) are capable of measuring current flowing in either direction. The quiescent output level corresponds to zero current. One, sometimes two output reference pins are available for configuring the zero current voltage. A bidirectional CSA can function in unidirectional mode by setting the quiescent output at or close to either of the supply rails. There are many ways of driving the reference pins. The most common methods include using a reference IC, a voltage divider, or a voltage divider followed by a buffer. Output impedance of the driving source impacts the CSA output and may cause significant error if not designed properly. A voltage divider has the advantage of being versatile and inexpensive. It also tends to occupy less area. As a result, it finds adoption in many applications.