A current sensor measures the flow of electric current on a power line by measuring the voltage drop across a resistor. It can be used for performance monitoring, protection against overcurrents, and battery charging. There are two approaches to current sensing: low side detection and high side detection.
A current sensor is an electrical device that measures the flow of electric current along a specific power line. It does this by taking a precise measurement of the voltage drop across a resistor placed in the current path. This allows the current sensor to generate an estimate of the level of current flowing through the line. The current sensor output is provided as a voltage reading or as a DC current that is approximately proportional to the level of current moving along the tested path.
Traditionally used to protect circuits from damage and general current signaling, current sensors are now used in a much wider range of applications. These include performance monitoring and improvement; protection against overcurrents, which can overload a line and put it at risk; and battery-operated circuits, such as those with battery chargers. Rechargeable batteries can especially benefit from current sensing, because without accurate current measurement, they can easily become overcharged or otherwise useless.
A current sensor works by connecting to an active power line. Once connected to the line, the sensor reads the flow of electricity across the line as it passes through a resistor. A resistor is a device placed in the path of a current that prevents the flow of electricity, normally used to control and subdue the amount of current moving through a line. The voltage decreases accordingly as it passes through a resistor, depending on the general level of resistance; By measuring the proportion of this decrease, the sensor can calculate the overall line current.
There are two general approaches to current sensing; low side detection and high side detection. Low side sensing connects the sensor between the original load and ground connection. This type of sensing provides an inexpensive method of measuring current, but has the disadvantage of adding additional resistance to the ground path of the line. High side sensing, on the other hand, connects the sensor between the supply and the load. Typically requires a more expensive sensor, as a higher level of accuracy is required, but does not interrupt ground current like sensing current through low side connections.
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