Using Current Sense Shunt Resistors in Your Electronic Circuit

 

 

 

Using Current Sense Shunt Resistors in your electronic circuit is a great way to measure the voltage across a known resistance. It seems simple enough, but there are many things to consider when designing a shunt resistor for your circuit. In short, the larger the resistor, the higher the resolution, the higher the dynamic range, and the better the signal/noise ratio. However, it's important to realize that a large resistor also "robs" a load of its rail voltage. Hence, it's important to choose a smaller value.

 

While selecting a current sense shunt resistor, remember to select a small value. A small DC Shunt resistance reduces the voltage drop between the power source and the load, but it also increases heat and decreases measurement accuracy. To determine how much resistance a shunt resistor should provide, consult the datasheet. Ideally, the two pins of the shunt should connect directly to the sense of the shunt resistor. This method is called the Kelvin connection.

 

When choosing a current sense shunt resistor, remember that a small resistance will minimize the voltage drop between the power source and the load. The low resistance will result in high heat, and it will decrease the accuracy of the measurement. Fortunately, datasheets include tables that list the accuracy of the measurement based on the sensing voltage. If you're using a digital multimeter, the sense pins should connect directly to the sense resistor.

 

Another consideration is the footprint of the current sense shunt resistor. A good size footprint is C, which has a measurement error of less than 1%. You should also take into account the routing of the trace through the resistor. The optimum path for the current sense trace is through the resistor edge. If you're routing the trace along the shunt resistor's surface, you'll get the highest accuracy.

 

Electron Current Sense Resistor Shunts are used in applications that need higher power and current ratings. This type of current sensing resistor is a common choice for high power and lower resistance needs.

 

Sense shunt resistors have two basic types: high-current shunt resistors and low-current shunt resistors. They are both needed in power management and are indispensable for current sensing. Aside from being able to detect current, they are also used for measuring resistance. Whether you need high-power shunt resistors for motor control, or you need to choose the correct one for your application.  If you want to know more about this topic, then click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunt_(electrical).