The Adafruit INA169 Current Sensing Breakout is the perfect solution for accurately measuring DC current draw without the hassle of using a multimeter. It utilizes the INA169 chip to provide precise current measurement with an analog output that is referenced to ground. This makes it ideal for applications such as feedback-loop control systems.
Unlike most current-measuring devices, which typically only measure current on the low side, the INA169 breakout can handle high-side current measurement up to +60VDC, making it far more versatile and suitable for a wide range of circuits. The device uses a precision amplifier to measure the voltage across a 0.1-ohm, 1% sense resistor, which is rated for continuous use at up to 2W, allowing it to measure up to +5A of continuous current.
The output of the breakout is proportional to the current draw, with 1V per Amp. For example, with a 2A current draw, the output voltage will be 2V. You can adjust the output voltage per Amp by changing the load resistor. By soldering in different resistors (e.g., a 20K resistor will give you 2V per Amp, and a 5K resistor will give you 0.5V per Amp), you can tailor the output to your specific needs.
The breakout board is designed for easy integration into your projects. It includes a 5-pin header for breadboard compatibility and a pre-soldered 3.5mm terminal plug for quick and easy connections to your load. To use the sensor, simply power it with a voltage between 2.7V and 60V, connect the V+ to the high side of your power supply, and the V- to the grounded load. You can then use a multimeter to measure the output voltage, which will correspond to the current draw.
Key Features:
- Measures DC current with high-side measurement up to +60VDC
- Precision 0.1 ohm, 1% 2W current sense resistor, measuring up to 5A continuous current
- Analog output voltage of 1V per Amp (customizable with different load resistors)
- Includes a 5-pin header for breadboard use and a pre-soldered 3.5mm terminal plug
- Simple to use: power with 2.7-60V, connect to load, and measure output voltage
- Compatible with EagleCAD and Fritzing for easy integration into your designs
Whether you're building a feedback loop, monitoring current for a power supply, or designing a custom project, this breakout board offers a flexible and easy-to-use solution for current measurement.