The MAX4372 is a micropower high-side current-sense amplifier with buffered output in a 5-pin SOT-23 package, which measures 3 by 3 mm. While other current-sensing techniques use low-side sensing, the MAX4372 prevents disruption of the circuit ground plane through use of a single external resistor between the power supply and the load. Three factory-trimmed gains are available: +20 V/V (MAX4372T), +50 V/V (MAX4372F), and +100 V/V (MAX4372H). Models in the series feature a +2.7- to +28-V supply voltage range and draw only 30 µA of supply current while achieving a 275-kHz bandwidth (AV = +20 V/V). Their circuit architecture allows the input common-mode voltage to range from 0 to +28 V, independent of the supply voltage. Ground-sensing inputs maintain linearity and keep the output phase from reversing when the input common-mode voltage is near ground. Also, the MAX4372 achieves a 0.18% full-scale accuracy. It's offered in both 5-pin SOT-23 and 8-pin SO packages. At quantities of 50,000 and up, prices start from $0.60.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Dr., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; (408) 737-7600; Internet: www.maxim-ic.com.