CIRCUIT060093

Some MSP430™ microcontrollers (MCUs) contain configurable integrated signal chain elements such as op-amps, DACs and programmable gain stages. These elements make up a peripheral called the smart analog combo (SAC). For information on the different types of SACs and how to leverage their configurable analog signal chain capabilities, visit MSP430 MCUs smart analog combo training. To get started with your design, download the high-side current sensing circuit design files. This single-supply, high-side, low-cost current sensing solution detects load current between 25 mA and 300 mA and converts it to an output voltage from 0.25 V to 3 V. High-side sensing allows for the system to identify ground shorts and does not create a ground disturbance on the load. The circuit uses the MSP430FR2311 SAC_L1 op-amp in general-purpose (GP) mode with OAx+ and OAx- dedicated as noninverting and inverting inputs. The same approach can be implemented with the MSP430FR2355, featuring four SAC_L3 peripherals with additional built-in DAC and PGA capabilities. The output of the integrated SAC op-amp can be sampled directly by the on-board ADC or monitored by the on-board comparator for further processing inside the MCU.