Current Monitor Accurately Measures Shorts

The ZXCT1050 current monitor promises accurate current measurement even if the load is short-circuited while improving overall power efficiency. Operating on both high and low sides of the load, the device supports dynamic output current limitation circuits across a range of applications from power supply bricks to motor-control circuits. At 50 µA, quiescent current is reportedly 10 times less than that of larger devices. The chip offers a wide common-mode input voltage range from ground to within 2V of the supply, and voltage is translated across an external sense resistor into a proportional output current. Also, voltage gain is programmable via two external resistors. Available in a SOT23-5 package with an operating temperature range of -40ºC to 125ºC, price is $0.63 each/1,000. ZETEX INC., Hauppauge, NY. (631) 360-2222.