High-Side Current/Power Sensor From Microchip is World's First to Feature Both a Configurable Analog Output and a 2-Wire Digital Bus

PAC1921 Maximizes Data and Diagnostic Reporting While Minimizing Data Latency

Microchip Technology announced from the Sensors Expo a combined analog and digital current sensor – the PAC1921. This new device is the world’s 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 PAC1921, available in a 10-lead 3 × 3 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 also be adjusted for use with 3 V, 2 V, 1.5 V or 1 V microcontroller inputs.

The PAC1921 is ideal 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 128 times gain configuration make this device ideal for both heavy and light system-load power measurement, from 0 V to 32 V. It has the ability to integrate more than two seconds of power-consumption data. Additionally, the PAC1921 has a READ/INT pin for host control of the measurement period; and this pin can be used to synchronize readings of multiple devices.

“The ability to output power measurements in both the digital and analog domains provides designers with a unique level of flexibility,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, marketing vice president of Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “The PAC1921 accomplishes this by combining a digital current sensor to maximize data and diagnostic reporting, together with an analog current sensor to minimize data latency.”

Development Support

The PAC1921 is supported by Microchip’s new PAC1921 High-Side Power and Current Monitor Evaluation Board (part # ADM00592), which is available today for $64.99.

PAC1921 High-Side Power and Current Monitor Evaluation Board.

Pricing & Availability

The PAC1921 is available now for sampling and volume production, in a 10-lead 3×3 mm VDFN package, starting at $1.18 each in 5,000-unit quantities.