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High-Accuracy Current-Sense Amplifier Enables Current Sensing and Current Sharing

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39 views2 pages

High-Accuracy Current-Sense Amplifier Enables Current Sensing and Current Sharing

Uploaded by

lordgty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Maxim > App Notes > AMPLIFIER AND COMPARATOR CIRCUITS POWER-SUPPLY CIRCUITS

Keywords: current sense circuit, MAX4372, current sharing, high-accuracy, current sense amplifier Mar 01, 2001

APPLICATION NOTE 1180


High-Accuracy Current-Sense Amplifier Enables Current Sensing
and Current Sharing

Abstract: Current sharing between DC/DC converter modules enables several modules to be paralleled. In
recent years, tight tolerances for current sharing have made discrete current-sense circuit designs a formidable
challenge. This application note describes a low-cost, space-saving and accurate current sensing and sharing
scheme using MAX4372.

Current sharing between DC/DC converter modules is a very important system parameter in ensuring reliable
operation. In recent years, the tolerance for current sharing has been tightened to 10% of the rated output
current, resulting in a challenge in designing a discrete current-sense circuit, as shown in Figure 1, particularly
in high-output-current power supplies. This is because a small-value current-sense resistance (less than or equal
to 2mΩ) is needed to minimize power dissipation, yielding a small current-to-voltage conversion, meaning ≤ 2
mV/A. This makes it very difficult for the traditional discrete current-sense amplifier to meet the total tolerance
requirement due to the op amp (U1), the input offset voltage, and external component tolerances. An example
of an op-amp-based circuit for a 20A output current application is shown in Figure 1. Assume that R1 = 2mΩ and
U1 has a maximum-input offset voltage of 3mV. Because the 2mV drop across R1 represents 1A output current,
the 3mV offset voltage in the worst case represents a 7.5% error (due to offset only), which is often
unacceptable. Low-input offset-voltage op amps together with precision resistors (±0.1% tolerance) reduce the
error, but the cost increases significantly.

Figure 1. Schematic of a typical discrete current-sense amplifier.

Another issue associated with the discrete current-sense circuit is added manufacturing for assembling the
external components. A precision, low-cost, space-saving, current-sense IC is needed to replace the discrete
circuit.
The MAX4372, in a tiny SOT23-5 package, provides a low-cost, space-saving, and precision solution to high side
and high current sense. Offered in three gain versions (20V/V, 50V/V, and 50V/V), this device operates from a
single +2.7V to +28V supply and consumes only 30µA. Guaranteed by design and trimming of input offset
voltage and gain, the MAX4372 provides 0.18% full-scale accuracy with 100mV Vsense input. This is equivalent
to only 0.18mV input offset voltage, assuming that the error is due solely to the input offset voltage. If the
MAX4372 is applied to the previous example, the total tolerance is reduced to just 0.45% (0.18mV/40mV). The
user can set the full-scale current reading by choosing the device (T, F, or H) with the desired voltage gain and
selecting the appropriate external sense resistor. This capability offers a high level of integration and flexibility,
resulting in a simple and compact current-sense solution. The MAX4173 offers higher-bandwidth current-sense
solutions. Figure 2 shows a typical circuit for a 20A current-sense application.

Figure 2. A typical 20A current-sense application using the MAX4372F.

Application Note 1180: http://www.maxim-ic.com/an1180

More Information
For technical questions and support: http://www.maxim-ic.com/support
For samples: http://www.maxim-ic.com/samples
Other questions and comments: http://www.maxim-ic.com/contact

Related Parts
MAX4372: QuickView -- Full (PDF) Data Sheet

AN1180, AN 1180, APP1180, Appnote1180, Appnote 1180


Copyright © by Maxim Integrated Products
Additional legal notices: http://www.maxim-ic.com/legal

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