Microchip's, PAC1921, a combined analog and digital current sensor, is the first high-side current sensor with both a digital output, as well as a configurable analog output that can present power, current or voltage over the single output pin. Simultaneously, all power related output values are also available over the 2-Wire digital bus, which is compatible with I2C. The sensor, available in a 10-lead 3x3 mm VDFN package, was designed with the 2-Wire bus to maximize data and diagnostic reporting, while having the analog output to minimize data latency. The analog output can be adjusted for use with 3 V, 2 V, 1.5 V or 1 V microcontroller inputs. The device is suited for networking, power-distribution, power-supply, computing and industrial-automation applications that cannot allow for latency when performing high-speed power management. A 39-bit accumulation register and 128x gain configuration fit the device for both heavy and light system-load power measurement, from 0 V to 32 V. The PAC1921 sensor is available now for sampling and volume production, in a 10-lead 3x3 mm VDFN package, starting at $1.18 each/5,000. The PAC1921 High-Side Power and Current Monitor Evaluation Board is also available for $64.99.
