High-Performance Power Monitoring with the Microchip PAC1710-1-AIA-TR Current Sense Amplifier

In the realm of modern electronics, from sophisticated servers to compact portable devices, precise monitoring of power consumption is critical for optimizing performance, enhancing safety, and extending battery life. The Microchip PAC1710-1-AIA-TR stands out as a pivotal component engineered to meet these demanding requirements. This high-side current sense amplifier delivers an integrated solution for accurate current and voltage measurement, enabling real-time system intelligence and power management.

The PAC1710-1-AIA-TR is designed for high-side current sensing across a shunt resistor, providing crucial data on current flow and bus voltage directly from the power rail. Its key strength lies in its high level of integration. The device incorporates a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with selectable gains of 5, 20, 80, and 320 V/V, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of shunt resistor values and current levels without sacrificing resolution. This flexibility ensures accurate measurement from milliamps to several amps, making it suitable for diverse applications.

A significant feature of this amplifier is its I²C digital interface, which simplifies communication with a host microcontroller. This interface provides direct digital readings of both the voltage across the sense resistor (proportional to current) and the bus voltage, eliminating the need for external analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and reducing both system complexity and board space. Furthermore, the device includes an integrated precision analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that offers 10-bit resolution for current and voltage channels, ensuring reliable and accurate data acquisition.

The PAC1710 also supports continuous and one-shot conversion modes, providing designers with the flexibility to balance between measurement accuracy and power consumption. In one-shot mode, the device enters a low-power state after conversion, which is ideal for battery-powered applications where energy efficiency is paramount. Its operating voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V makes it compatible with common power rails.

Robust performance is guaranteed with a typical offset voltage of just ±150 µV, minimizing errors in current measurement, especially critical at lower current levels. The device is offered in a compact 8-pin DFN package, ideal for space-constrained designs.

In summary, the Microchip PAC1710-1-AIA-TR is an exceptional solution for adding high-performance power monitoring capabilities to any electronic system. Its integration, accuracy, and digital output make it a superior choice for developers aiming to implement advanced power management strategies.

ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip PAC1710-1-AIA-TR is a highly integrated, digitally-enabled current sense amplifier that provides accurate and flexible power monitoring, essential for optimizing efficiency and performance in modern electronic designs.

Keywords: Current Sense Amplifier, Power Monitoring, I²C Interface, Programmable Gain, High-Side Sensing