Current Monitor from Zetex Handles Short Circuits

With its wide common mode sense range of OV to within 2V of the supply voltage applied, the ZXCT1051 current monitor from Zetex Semiconductors enables true short circuit current monitoring. Powered via a dedicated supply pin, the device can operate on both high and low sides of the load, and is well suited to dc-dc power bricks.

The current monitor translates the voltage across a low cost external sense resistor into an accurate proportional output voltage. The ZXCT1051's very low offset voltage enables it to provide a measurement accuracy of more than 3% at 25°C and a sense voltage of 30mV.

By offering a fixed gain of 10, the ZXCT1051 removes the need for an additional external resistor. Packaged in the miniature SOT23-5 outline, it presents designers with a highly compact and cost effective current monitoring solution.

Drawing a quiescent current of less that 50µA, the ZXCT1051 offers greater power efficiency than alternatives, and with an operating temperature range of –40 to 125°C it readily supports industrial and automotive environments. The monitor's wide 2.7 to 20V supply range makes it suitable for a broad range of applications.

The 10,000-piece price of the ZXCT1051 is $0.40 each. Delivery is quoted at 4-6 weeks in production volumes.