Current-sensing solutions

Current-sensing solutions

Achieve accurate and fast current sensing in isolated
and non-isolated systems

Quickly and accurately measure current for system protection, telemetry and closed-loop control

Whether you need to detect an overcurrent fault, improve system efficiency, or provide closed-loop feedback, TI's large portfolio of isolated and non-isolated current-sensing solutions enables industry-leading accuracy for a range of common-mode voltages and temperatures – without sacrificing system size, complexity or cost. Through decades of experience, we have developed leading-edge current-sensing technology that empowers engineers to achieve maximum system performance, power efficiency and reliability.
 

Skip to the current-sensing technology on this page:

Isolated  |  Non-isolated 

Explore current-sensing trends in EV charging and solar energy

As the world adopts renewable energy sources, the need for accurate and reliable current sensing is growing. From Hall-effect sensors to shunt-based devices, we help engineers design fast, accurate and safe high-voltage systems.

Why choose TI for your current-sensing system?

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Achieve industry-leading accuracy

Our devices feature industry-leading accuracy with maximum errors as low as 1μV offset and drift over temperature as low as 0.01μV/°C for better system efficiency.

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Enable more precise control and protection

Actively control switching systems with our devices featuring high bandwidths and fast response times, enabling fast-reacting systems with more precise control and protection.

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Find the right solution for your system

From isolated to non-isolated current sensing, our extensive portfolio enables fast detection and accurate measurement for a wide range of current-sensing topologies.

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Simplify your design

We make system design simpler by engineering devices that solve common challenges, such as reducing board space and system-calibration requirements.

Compare isolated current-sensing technologies

Hall-effect sensor
Shunt with isolation
Current transformer
Rogowski coil
DC capable Yes Yes No No
Current measured A mA to A A to kA A to MA
Output Analog Analog or digital Analog: signal
conditioning required (filter, gain)
Analog: signal conditioning
required (integrator, filter, gain)
Bandwidth Up to 1MHz
Up to 1MHz
Limited by sensor 1MHz and above
Propagation delay
<1µs
1µs to 3µs
>3µs
<1µs
Accuracy 0.9% to 2% 0.1% to 2% 0.1% to 1% 0.2% to 5%
Thermal drift 50ppm/K 25ppm/K to 300ppm/K <100ppm/K 50ppm/K to 300ppm/K
Power loss mW mW to W mW mW
Solution size Small Medium Large Large

Isolated current-sensing technologies

Hall-effect current-sensing resources

A Hall-effect current sensor is a type of inherently isolated sensor. Current passing through the primary side of the package generates a magnetic field, which is detected by the Hall element. The Hall element provides a proportional analog voltage output signal, depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field, that a microcontroller with an integrated analog-to-digital converter can read.

Learn more about this key product category:

Blog
Simplifying high-voltage sensing with Hall-effect current sensors
This article outlines crucial factors in high-voltage current-sensing circuit design and evaluates shunt-based and Hall-effect technologies, highlighting accuracy, simplicity and cost trade-offs.
White paper
Improve High-Voltage System Efficiency With Zero-Drift Hall-Effect Current Sense (Rev. A)
This white paper explains how to meet the growing need for isolated current sensing while overcoming the associated technical and cost barriers.
PDF | HTML
Reference design
1.6kW, bidirectional micro inverter based on GaN reference design
This reference design shows a four-input bidirectional 1.6kW GaN-based microinverter with energy storage capability.
Featured products for Hall-effect current sensing
NEW TMCS1123 ACTIVE ±1300V reinforced isolation, 80Arms 250kHz Hall-effect current sensor with AFR, reference and ALERT
NEW TMCS1126 ACTIVE 80ARMS 500kHz Hall-effect current sensor with AFR, reference and ALERT
NEW TMCS1133 ACTIVE ±1300V reinforced isolation, 80ARMS 1MHz Hall-effect current sensor with AFR and ALERT

Isolated shunt-based sensing resources

Shunt-based current sensing is implemented in both low- and high-voltage solutions. For high-voltage current sensing, isolation is required in the form of an isolated analog front end (enabled by digital isolators or isolated amplifiers) or a data converter with built-in isolation (enabled by isolated ADCs). Explore our isolated ADCs and amplifiers for direct connection to your shunt, and explore digital isolators to enable non-isolated data converters.

Learn more about these key product categories:

Application brief
Accuracy Comparison of Isolated Shunt and Closed-Loop Current Sensing
This document compares the AMC3302, a single-supply isolated amplifier, to a popular closed-loop current sensor.
PDF | HTML
White paper
Comparing isolated amplifiers and isolated modulators (Rev. A)
This document compares isolated amplifiers and isolated-modulator-based solutions, and explains some of the advantages of the latter.
PDF
Analog Design Journal
Design considerations for isolated current sensing (Rev. A)
This article explains how to select the best isolated amplifier for a specific system.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for shunt with isolation
AMC131M03 ACTIVE Three-channel, simultaneous-sampling 24-bit isolated delta-sigma ADC
AMC3302 ACTIVE ±50-mV input, precision current sensing reinforced isolated amplifier with integrated DC/DC
AMC1306M25 ACTIVE ±250-mV input, precision current sensing reinforced isolated modulator

Current transformer sensing resources

Current transformers offer accurate measurements across a focused current range and bandwidth by using windings around various types of cores. Current transformers output a reduced current proportional to what is on the primary side, which is fed into a shunt for measuring. This output typically requires amplification to be measured by a data converter, but some data converters have integrated amplification stages.

Explore our portfolio of non-isolated data converters to enable precision sensing, or our amplifier portfolio if external signal amplification is necessary to feed into an analog-to-digital converter.

Learn more about these key product categories:

Reference design
Three-phase current transformer e-meter reference design with stand-alone ADC
This reference design implements Class 0.1 three-phase energy measurement using a high-performance multichannel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
Reference design
High-accuracy analog front end using 16-bit SAR ADC with ±10V measurement range reference design
This reference design accurately measures voltage and current inputs to identify power system malfunctions and power-quality-related failures accurately and quickly.
Reference design
High-accuracy split-phase current transformer e-meter reference design using stand-alone ADCs
This reference design implements Class 0.1 split-phase energy measurement using high-performance multichannel ADCs.
Featured products for current transformer and flux gates
NEW ADS9817 ACTIVE Eight-channel, 18-bit, 2-MSPS/ch dual simultaneous-sampling ADC with integrated analog front end
ADS131M04 ACTIVE Four-channel, 24-bit, 64-kSPS, simultaneous-sampling, delta-sigma ADC
ADS131E08 ACTIVE 24-bit 64-kSPS 8-channel simultaneous-sampling delta-sigma ADC for power monitoring and protection

Rogowski coil sensing resources

Rogowski coils offer measurements across a wide current range and bandwidth because of their coreless design (since the saturation of a magnetic core typically is what limits range and bandwidth). Rogowski coils output a derivative of the current signal they are measuring and require either a discrete solution or software integration to accurately read the signal.

Explore our portfolio of non-isolated data converters to enable precision sensing, or our amplifier portfolio to enable discrete signal conditioning.

Learn more about these key product categories:

Reference design
Active integrator for Rogowski coil reference design with improved accuracy for relay and breaker
This active integrator reference design covers a wide-input current range for Rogowski coils with accuracy, linearity, stability and repeatability.
Application brief
Current Sensing in an H-Bridge (Rev. D)
Learn more about the design challenges associated with measuring current inline in H-bridge applications.
PDF | HTML
Reference design
High-accuracy AC current measurement reference design using PCB Rogowski coil sensor
This reference design uses a printed circuit board (PCB) Rogowski coil sensor to achieve good linearity for a wide measurement range at a low bill-of-materials cost.
Featured products for Rogowski coil
OPA2188 ACTIVE 0.03µV/°C, 6µV Vos, Low Noise, Rail-to-Rail Output, 36V Zero-Drift Operational Amplifier
INA188 ACTIVE 36-V, Zero-Drift, Rail-to-Rail-Out Instrumentation Amplifier
ADS131M04 ACTIVE Four-channel, 24-bit, 64-kSPS, simultaneous-sampling, delta-sigma ADC

Choose your isolated current-sensing solution

Non-isolated current-sensing technologies

Measuring current in a power rail before a load or remainder of the circuit

In high-side current sensing, placing a shunt resistor between the bus voltage and the system load eliminates ground disturbances because the shunt resistor is no longer connected directly to ground. High-side current sensing also detects load short-to-ground conditions. We offer many devices with high-voltage capabilities and a high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) that accurately measure current on high-voltage rails.

Learn more about these key high-side product categories:

Blog
Bringing design simplicity, low drift and small size to integrated-shunt solutions
EZShunt™ Technology brings together low drift, small size and reduced system complexity to a current-sensing space that is proliferating with advancements across many market segments.
Application brief
Precision Current Measurements on High-Voltage Power-Supply Rails (Rev. F)
Learn more about the benefits of high-side current sensing and design challenges associated with this current-sensing method, with a specific focus on current-sense amplifiers.
PDF | HTML
Application brief
Using An Op Amp for High-Side Current Sensing (Rev. A)
Learn more about the benefits of high-side current sensing and design challenges associated with this current-sensing method, with a specific focus on operational amplifiers.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for high-side current sensing
INA281 ACTIVE -4-V to 110-V, 1.3-MHz, high-precision current sense amplifier
INA238 ACTIVE 85-V, 16-bit, high-precision I2C output current/voltage/power monitor with alert
INA149 ACTIVE High Common Mode Voltage Difference Amplifier

Measuring current in the return path to ground

Low-side current sensing has a shunt resistor in between the load and ground. One advantage of low-side measurements is that the common-mode voltage is near zero. The disadvantage is that the voltage drop across the shunt resistor appears as a difference between the supply ground and the load or system ground. We offer a wide range of amplifiers that enable low-side sensing in high-accuracy and cost-sensitive applications.

Learn more about these key low-side product categories:

Blog
Do I need more slew rate or bandwidth in my high-speed, low-side current shunt measurement?
This is the first article in a four-part series discussing how to increase system accuracy and efficiency with op amps built on our proprietary complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) precision process technology.
Application brief
Low-Side Current Sense Circuit Integration
Learn more about low-side sensing and the differences between a discrete implementation using operational amplifiers and an integrated implementation using current-sense amplifiers.
PDF
Circuit design
Single-supply, low-side, unidirectional current-sensing circuit (Rev. A)
This single-supply low-side current-sensing solution accurately detects load current up to 1 A and converts it to a voltage between 50 mV and 4.9 V. It is possible to scale the input current and output voltage ranges as needed.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for low-side current sensing
TLV9052 ACTIVE Dual, 5.5-V, 5-MHz, 15-V/μs slew rate, RRIO operational amplifier for cost-optimized applications
OPA2387 ACTIVE Ultra-high-precision zero-drift low-input-bias-current operational amplifier
INA180 ACTIVE 26V, 350kHz current sense amplifier

In-line current sensing for fast switching common-mode transient voltages (dv/dt)

In-line current sensing offers true phase-current measurements for optimizing the quality of inverter or motor feedback information for closed-loop control. In such applications, the common-mode voltage is a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal, which disrupts the output signal (unless PWM rejection circuitry is enabled) and leads to more strenuous requirements for the current-sense amplifier, which must have a very good DC and AC common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). We offer devices with both enhanced PWM rejection and high CMRR.

Learn more about these key in-line product categories:

Application brief
High-Side Drive, High-Side Solenoid Monitor With PWM Rejection (Rev. D)
Measuring current in solenoid and valve applications provides the ability to detect changes in the operating characteristics of a solenoid.
PDF | HTML
Application brief
Current Sensing in an H-Bridge (Rev. D)
Learn more about the design challenges associated with measuring current inline in H-bridge applications.
PDF | HTML
Application brief
Low-Drift, Precision, In-Line Motor Current Measurements With PWM Rejection (Rev. D)
Learn more about the design challenges associated with measuring current inline in motor applications.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for inline
INA241A ACTIVE -5-V to 110-V bidirectional ultraprecise current sense amplifier with enhanced PWM rejection
INA240 ACTIVE -4 to 80V, bidirectional, ultra-precise current sense amplifier with enhanced PWM rejection
INA296A ACTIVE -5-V to 110-V, bidirectional, 1.1-MHz 8-V/µs ultraprecise current sense amplifier

Current sensing for fast alerts or out-of-range conditions

Overcurrent protection is the most basic form of current monitoring for fast detection of out-of-range or fault conditions. Our portfolio includes high-bandwidth and slew-rate devices, as well as integrated comparator/alert devices for fast throughput to enable this safety feature.

Learn more about these key overcurrent protection product categories:

More literature
Over-Current Detection Products Brochure
Learn more about how to implement an overcurrent or out-of-range condition using discrete current sense amplifiers (CSAs) and comparators, as well as integrated comparator CSAs.
PDF
Video
Overcurrent Sensing Techniques
This training will identify and evaluate the common circuits and components used for overcurrent protection, and highlight the improvements through using precision current measurements in the overcurrent protection function.
Circuit design
Isolated Overcurrent Protection Circuit
This circuit demonstrates how to use an isolated comparator for fast overcurrent detection.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for overcurrent protection
INA381 ACTIVE 26-V, 350-kHz current sense amplifier with integrated over-current comparator
INA200 ACTIVE -16 to 80V, 500kHz current sense amplifier w/ comparator
INA849 ACTIVE Ultra-low noise (1 nV/√Hz), high-speed (28 MHz, 35 V/μs) precision (35 μV) instrumentation amplifier

Low current measurements in submilliamperes

A low-input bias current sensor is necessary to minimize errors when measuring low currents. With standard amplifier input bias currents, the bias current will exceed the measurement current, resulting in diminished accuracy and a low signal-to-noise ratio. We offer amplifiers with nanoampere input bias currents to enable high-accuracy submilliampere measurements.

Learn more about these key submilliampere product categories:

Application brief
Difference Between an Instrumentation Amplifier and a Current Sense Amplifier
Learn more about instrumentation amplifiers and current-sense amplifiers for current sensing.
PDF
Circuit design
Low (microamp), high-side, current-sensing circuit with current-sensing amp (Rev. A)
This circuit demonstrates how to use a current-sense amplifier to accurately and reliably measure small microampere currents and maximize dynamic range.
PDF | HTML
Application brief
Super-Beta Input Amplifiers: Features and Benefits
Learn more about super-beta transistors optimized for high current gain (β > 1,000), which helps reduce the device’s input bias current and input bias current drift over temperature.
PDF | HTML
Featured products for measuring small currents
INA819 ACTIVE Low power (350-µA), precision instrumentation amp with ±60-V overvoltage protection (gain pins 2, 3)
OPA392 ACTIVE Single, low-offset (10 μV), low-noise (4.4 nV/rtHz @10kHz) femtoamp-bias-current e-trim™ op amp
INA190 ACTIVE 40-V, bidirectional, ultraprecise current sense amplifier with picoamp IB & ENABLE

Technical resources

E-book
E-book
An Engineer's Guide to Current Sensing (Rev. B)
Explore a comprehensive library of application-specific current-sensing design challenges and how to solve them.
document-pdfAcrobat PDF
Application note
Application note
Design Considerations for Current Sensing in DC EV Charging Applications
This application report looks into design considerations for current sensing in EV charging applications, especially with a focus on the gain error, offset, bandwidth and latency concerning system performance.
document-pdfAcrobat PDF
Technical article
Technical article
Addressing high-voltage current-sensing design challenges in HEV/EVs
Explore some of the primary challenges in high-voltage current sensing, with additional resources to aid and simplify your design process.

Four key current-sensing design trends that are powering electrification

Learn about higher system voltages, increased system protection, telemetry monitoring and reduced form factors.