MEASURING CURRENT
V–
V+
The INA117 can be used to measure a current by sensing the
voltage drop across a series resistor, RS. Figure 4 shows the
INA117 used to measure the supply currents of a device
under test. The circuit in Figure 5 measures the output
current of a power supply. If the power supply has a sense
connection, it can be connected to the output side of RS to
eliminate the voltage-drop error. Another common applica-
tion is current-to-voltage conversion, as shown in Figure 6.
(+200V max)
+VS
4
7
380kΩ
380kΩ
380kΩ
2
3
C
RS
6
RC*
VO = RS IDUT+
IDUT+
21.1kΩ
20kΩ
V–
V+
8
1
5
4
7
Device
Under
Test
380kΩ
380kΩ
380kΩ
2
3
V2
V+
V–
4
7
6
IDUT–
VO = V3 – V2
V3
380kΩ
380kΩ
2
3
RC*
21.1kΩ
20kΩ
RS
6
380kΩ
8
1
5
VO = RS IDUT–
200Ω
CMR
21.1kΩ
20kΩ
Adjust
10Ω
10Ω
8
1
5
–VS
(–200V max)
If offset adjust is also required,
connect to offset circuit, Figure 2.
*Not needed if RS is less than 20Ω —see text.
FIGURE 3. CMR Trim Circuit.
FIGURE 4. Measuring Supply Currents of Device Under
Test.
V–
V+
4
7
Power Supply
Out
Sense
380kΩ
380kΩ
380kΩ
±200V max
RS
2
3
6
RC*
VO = IL RS
Optional Load
IL
Sense Connection
(see text)
21.1kΩ
20kΩ
Load
8
1
5
*RC = RS not needed if RS is less than 20Ω—see text.
FIGURE 5. Measuring Power Supply Output Current.
INA117
SBOS154A
7