Current sense amplifier offers low offset for AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified devices, enabling better current measurement solution
With the proliferation of automation and connectivity throughout the automotive and industrial markets, the need to accurately measure dynamic current in the presence of high-frequency noise often creates problems for modern vehicle and factory applications. To combat electrically noisy environments and address the need for higher accuracy current measurement, here’s presenting the MCP602 and MCP604 high-side current sense amplifiers that are AEC-Q100 qualified.
The MCP6C02 amplifier delivers a maximum offset error of only 12 µV, thus offering low offset voltage. Specified over a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +150 degrees Celsius, its offset error allows the use of smaller value shunt resistors while also maintaining a high measurement resolution, which enables a more accurate and energy-efficient current measurement solution for applications exposed to extreme temperatures, like the motor within a vehicle’s water pump. Additionally, the VDFN package is processed with wettable flank plating, allowing for visual inspection of the solder joints and removing the need for x-ray scanning as required for traditional DFN packages.
The MCP6C02 and MCP6C04 devices also feature an on-chip electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter and a zero-drift architecture. The EMI filter provides added protection against high-frequency electrical interference, such as wireless hotspots and radio frequencies, while the self-correcting architecture brings increased accuracy to current measurement. Together these features enable developers to create higher performance solutions in a wide variety of applications, such as creating a current-controlled feedback loop for a power supply or motor, monitoring and charging batteries, or monitoring current levels for safety reasons.
The new ADM01104 evaluation board supports both the MCP6C02 and MCP6C04 high-side current sense amplifiers, and each device is pin, package and function compatible. To avoid subjection to high voltages and currents, the evaluation board ships pre-populated, providing proper filtering and protection of the input pins. Offering multiple reference voltage options enables a quick evaluation of the device for unidirectional and bidirectional modes of operation.
The MCP6C02 is available in both 6-pin SOT-23 package option and 8-pin 3×3 VDFN package option. The MCP6C04 is available in a 6-pin SOT-23 package. They can be obtained from Microchip Technology.
