Hauppauge, New York — With its wide common mode sense range of zero to within 2 volts of the supply voltage applied, this precision current monitor from Zetex Semiconductors is said to enable true, short-circuit current monitoring.

Powered via a dedicated supply pin, the ZXCT1051 current monitor can operate on both high and low sides of the load. The current monitor translates the voltage across a low cost external sense resistor into an accurate proportional output voltage. The ZXCT1051's very low offset voltage enables it to provide a measurement accuracy of more than 3 percent at 25°C and a sense voltage of 30 millivolts. By offering a fixed gain of 10, the ZXCT1051 removes the need for an additional external resistor, the company said.

Drawing a quiescent current of less that 50 microamps, the ZXCT1051 offers a much greater power efficiency than alternatives, according to Zetex. With an operating temperature range of –40°C to 125°C, the current monitor supports industrial and automotive environments.

The monitor's wide 2.7 to 20-V supply range makes it practical for a broad range of applications — power supply, DC motor and solenoid control, battery management, over-current monitor, power management, and short-circuit detection.

 
 
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