7Semi 5A Analog INA169 DC Current Sensor Breakout

7Semi 5A Analog INA169 DC Current Sensor Breakout Technical Information

Overview

The module is based on the INA169 current shunt monitor IC, an analog current sensing device designed to measure DC current.

• Measures:

  • Current up to ~5A (depends on shunt resistor)

   

• Output:

  • Analog voltage proportional to current

   

• Type:

  • High-side current sensing

   

Suitable for power monitoring and load current measurement.

Working Principle

Shunt Resistor Current Sensing

1. Current Flow Through Shunt

• A low-value precision resistor (shunt) is placed in series with load

• Current flowing hm's Law Relationship

  V=I'RV = I \times RV=I'R

  • VVV = voltage across shunt

  • III = current

  • RRR = shunt resistance

   

  3. Voltage Monitoring

  • The INA169 IC measures this small voltage difference

  4. Current-to-Voltage Conversion

  • Internal circuitry converts measured voltage output current

  • External resistor converts it into output voltage

   

  Final output voltage is proportional to load current.

  Measurement Characteristics

  • Current range: up to ~5A (module dependent)

  • Measurement type: DC current

  • Output: analog voltage proportional to current

   

  Output Relationship

  Vout=Iload'Kli

  KKK depends on:

  • Shunt resistor

  • Load resistor

   

Electrical Characteristics

• Supply voltage: 2.7V to 60V (wide range capability of IC)

• Low quiescent current

• High-side sensing capability

Output Interface

Analog Output

• Provides continuous voltage signal

• Requires:

  • ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)

   

Signal Behavior

• Output increases linearly with current

• No digital communication required

Internal Features

High-Side Current Sensing

• Measures current on:

  • Positive supply line

   

• Does not disturb ground reference

Wide Common-Mode Voltage Range

• Can mea

  • High supply voltage

   

Low Offset Voltage

• Improves measurement accuracy

Simple External Components

• Requires only:

  • Shunt resistor

  • Output resistor

   

Operating Behavior

Real-Time Monitoring

• Continuous analog output

• Suitable for:

  • Instant current tracking

   

Linear Response

• Output directly proportional to current

Fast Response Time

• Suitable for dynamic load changes

Environmental Characteristics

• Stable over:

  • Temperature variations

   

• Suitable for:

  • Industrial and embedded applications

   

Limitations

• Requracy depends on:

  • Shunt resistor tolerance

   

• Analog output:

  • Susceptible to noise

   

• Limited to:

  • DC current only

   

Typical Pin Configuration

• VCC Power supply

• GND Ground

• IN+ / IN Across shunt resistor (high-side)

• OUT Analog voltage output

Functional Role

The module acts as a:

• Current measurement sensor

• Power monitoring component

• Analog sensing interface for embedded systems

Summary

The 7Semi INA169 5A Breakout is a simple and effective analog current sensing solution that:

• Measures DC current up to ~5A

• Provides linear analog voltage output

• Supports high-side current sensing

• Is ideal for power monitoring and embedded electronics systems

IC