STMicroelectronics have introduced the TSC20x series of precision bidirectional current sense amplifiers. The TSC20x series is available in three gains, 20 V/V for TSC2010, 60 V/V for TSC2011 and 100V/V for TSC2012.

The TSC20x series amplifiers are capable of sensing the current across a shunt resistor over a wide range of common mode voltages, from - 20 to + 70 V, whatever the supply voltage is. Moreover, the ability to fix the output common mode voltage means that the device can be either used as unidirectional or bidirectional current sensing amplifier. The amplifiers are able to sense very low drop voltages as low as 10 mV full scale minimizing the measurement error.

Block Diagram

The ability to measure a wide voltage range makes the devices ideal for use with 48 V battery applications for example, as the device can support and measure the current on line at voltages up to 70 V and no additional protective components are required in that range. This capability makes the TSC20x series suitable for use in demanding automotive and other similar applications requiring reverse battery support without consequent damage. The TSC2010, TSC2011 and TSC2012 devices can also be used in other applications such as: precision current measurement, overcurrent protection, current monitoring, and feedback loops.

This TSC20x series have been designed to operate over the broad supply voltage range from 2.7 to 5.5 V. The devices are available in 8-lead SO8 or MiniSO8 packages and have an industrial grade operating temperature range from -40°C to +125 °C.

Typical Applications

• High-side current sensing
• Low-side current sensing
• Data acquisition and instrumentation
• Test and measurement equipment
• Industrial process control
• Reverse polarity battery protection
• Motor control
• Solenoid control

To support developers STMicroelectronics have also made available an evaluation kit based on the TSC2011 amplifier. The STEVAL-AETKT1V1 evaluation kit implements a bidirectional current sense amplifier consisting of a sense resistor placed either on the high side or the low side. This kit consists of a main board and a daughter board installed with the TSC2011 high voltage, bidirectional, current sense amplifier providing a fixed gain of 60. The main board in the kit can also accommodate other daughter boards with TSC201x current sense amplifiers to allow testing and evaluation of different gain configurations.

Key Features

• Wide common mode voltage: - 20 to 70 V
• Offset voltage: ± 200 µV max
• 2.7 to 5.5 V supply voltage
• Different gains available
  • TSC2010: 20 V/V
  • TSC2011: 60 V/V
  • TSC2012: 100 V/V
• Gain error: 0.3% max
• Offset drift: 5 µV/°C max
• Quiescent current: 20 µA in shutdown mod
• SO8 and MiniSO8 package

Click here for more information or to buy from Anglia Live.

Click here to download the TSC20x series datasheet

Click here to download the STEVAL-AETKT1V1 databrief

Anglia are offering customers a FREE evaluation board and samples of the TSC20x series high voltage current sensor amplifier from STMicroelectronics, please fill in the form below to register for your FREE samples and evaluation kit now.

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