General Description
The MAX4172 is a low-cost, precision, high-side current-
sense amplifier for portable PCs, telephones, and other
systems where battery/DC power-line monitoring is critical.
High-side power-line monitoring is especially useful in
battery-powered systems, since it does not interfere with
the battery charger’s ground path. Wide bandwidth and
ground-sensing capability make the device suitable for
closed-loop battery-charger and general-purpose current-
source applications. The 0 to 32V input common-mode
range is independent of the supply voltage, which ensures
that current-sense feedback remains viable, even when
connected to a battery in deep discharge.
To provide a high level of flexibility, the MAX4172 functions
with an external sense resistor to set the range of load
current to be monitored. It has a current output that can
be converted to a ground-referred voltage with a single
resistor, accommodating a wide range of battery voltages
and currents.
An open-collector power-good output (PG) indicates
when the supply voltage reaches an adequate level
to guarantee proper operation of the current-sense
amplifier. The MAX4172 operates with a 3.0V to 32V
supply voltage, and is available in a space-saving, 8-pin
μMAX® or SO package.
Applications
●Portable PCs: Notebooks/Subnotebooks/Palmtops
●Battery-Powered/Portable Equipment
●Closed-Loop Battery Chargers/Current Sources
●Smart-Battery Packs
●Portable/Cellular Phones
●Portable Test/Measurement Systems
●Energy Management Systems
Benets and Features
●Ideal for High-Side Monitoring
• 3V to 32V Supply Operation
• ±0.5% Typical Full-Scale Accuracy Over Temperature
• High Accuracy +2V to +32V Common-Mode
Range, Functional Down to 0V, Independent of
Supply Voltage
• 800kHz Bandwidth [VSENSE = 100mV (1C)]
• 200kHz Bandwidth [VSENSE = 6.25mV (C/16)]
●Minimizes Board Space Requirements
• μMAX and SO Packages
19-1184; Rev 4; 6/16
μMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX4172ESA+ -40°C to +85°C 8 SO
MAX4172EUA+ -40°C to +85°C 8 μMAX
MAX4172GUA+ -40°C to +105°C 8 µMAX
OUT
GND
FEEDBACK LOOP
LOW-COST BATTERY CHARGER/CURRENT SOURCE
VOUT = 500mV/A
ROUT
1kΩ
100kΩ
ANALOG OR
LOGIC SUPPLY
2A
0 TO 32V
IOUT =
VSENSE / 100Ω
V+
RS+
RSENSE
50mΩ
VSENSE
RS-
PG
MAX4172 POWER GOOD LOAD/
BATTERY
LOW-COST
SWITCHING
REGULATOR
UNREGULATED
DC SUPPLY
3V TO 32V
TOP VIEW
OUT
GND
N.C.
1
+
2
8
7
V+
PG
RS-
N.C.
RS+
µMAX/SO
3
4
6
5
MAX4172
MAX4172 Low-Cost, Precision, High-Side
Current-Sense Amplifier
Typical Operating Circuit
Pin Conguration
Ordering Information
V+, RS+, RS-, PG .................................................-0.3V to +36V
OUT .............................................................-0.3V to (V+ + 0.3V)
Differential Input Voltage, VRS+ - VRS- ..........................±700mV
Current into Any Pin .........................................................±50mA
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
SO (derate 5.88mW/°C above +70°C) ........................471mW
μMAX (derate 4.10mW/°C above +70°C) ...................330mW
Operating Temperature Range
MAX4172E_A ................................................. -40°C to +85°C
MAX4172G_A ............................................... -40°C to +105°C
Storage Temperature Range ............................ -65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
Soldering Temperature (reflow) .......................................+260°C
(V+ = +3V to +32V; VRS+, VRS- = 0 to 32V; TA = TMIN to TMAX; unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V+ = +12V,
VRS+ = 12V, TA = +25°C.)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Operating Voltage Range V+ 3 32 V
Input Voltage Range VRS- 0 0 32 V
Supply Current IV+ IOUT = 0mA 0.8 1.6 mA
Input Offset Voltage VOS
V+ = 12V, VRS+ = 12V MAX4172ESA ±0.1 ±0.75
mVMAX4172EUA ±0.2 ±1.6
VRS+ ≤ 2.0V 4
Positive Input Bias Current IRS+
VRS+ > 2.0V, IOUT = 0mA 0 27 42.5 µA
VRS+ ≤ 2.0V, IOUT = 0mA -325 +42.5
Negative Input Bias
Current IRS-
VRS+ > 2.0V 0 50 85 µA
VRS+ ≤ 2.0V -650 85
Maximum VSENSE Voltage 150 175 mV
Low-Level Current Error VSENSE = 6.25mV, V+ = 12V,
VRS+ = 12V (Note 1)
MAX4172ESA ±8.0 µA
MAX4172EUA ±15
Output Current Error VSENSE = 100mV, V+ = 12V,
VRS+ = 12V
MAX4172ESA,
TA = -40°C to 0°C ±20
µA
MAX4172EUA,
TA = -40°C to 0°C ±50
MAX4172ESA,
TA = 0°C to +105°C ±10
MAX4172EUA,
TA = 0°C to +105°C ±15
OUT Power-Supply
Rejection Ratio ΔIOUT/ΔV+ 3V ≤ V+ ≤ 32V, VRS+ > 2.0V 0.2 μA/V
OUT Common-Mode
Rejection Ratio ΔIOUT/ΔVRS+ 2.0V < VRS+ < 32V 0.03 μA/V
MAX4172 Low-Cost, Precision, High-Side
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Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.
Electrical Characteristics
(V+ = +3V to +32V; VRS+, VRS- = 0 to 32V; TA = TMIN to TMAX; unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at V+ = +12V,
VRS+ = 12V, TA = +25°C.)
Note 1: 6.25mV = 1/16 of typical full-scale sense voltage (C/16).
Note 2: Valid operation of the MAX4172 is guaranteed by design when PG is low.
(V+ = +12V, VRS+ = 12V, ROUT = 1kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Maximum Output Voltage
(OUT) IOUT ≤ 1.5mA V+ - 1.2 V
Bandwidth VSENSE = 100mV 800 kHz
VSENSE = 6.25mV (Note 1) 200
Maximum Output Current IOUT 1.5 1.75 mA
Transconductance Gm
Gm = IOUT/(VRS+ - VRS-),
VSENSE = 100mV, VRS+ > 2.0V
TA = 0°C to +105°C 9.8 10 10.2 mA/V
TA = -40°C to 0°C 9.7 10 10.3
V+ Threshold for PG
Output Low (Note 2)
V+ rising 2.77 V
V+ falling 2.67
PG Output Low Voltage VOL ISINK = 1.2mA, V+ = 2.9V, TA = +25°C 0.4 V
Leakage Current into PG V+ = 2.5V, TA = +25°C 1 µA
Power-Off Input Leakage
Current (RS+, RS-) V+ = 0V, VRS+ = VRS- = 32V 0.1 1 µA
OUT Rise Time VSENSE = 0 to 100mV, 10% to 90% 400 ns
OUT Fall Time VSENSE = 100mV to 0mV, 90% to 10% 800 ns
OUT Settling Time to 1% VSENSE = 5mV to 100mV Rising 1.3 µs
Falling 6
OUT Output Resistance VSENSE = 150mV 20 MΩ
1.0
0.9
0
0 10
OUTPUT ERROR
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
0.3
0.4
0.2
0.1
0.8
0.7
MAX4172-02
V+ (V)
ERROR (%)
20 30
0.6
0.5
40
VSENSE = 100mV
TA = -40°C
TA = +105°C
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C
8
6
-6
010
C/16 LOAD OUTPUT ERROR
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
-4
-2
4
2
MAX4172-03
V+ (V)
ERROR (%)
20 30
0
40
TA = +25°C
VSENSE = 6.25mV
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
TA = +105°C IOUT = 0mA
1050
950
450
0 10
SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
650
550
850
MAX4172-01
V+ (V)
QUIESCENT SUPPLY CURRENT (μA)
20 30
750
40
IOUT = 0mA
TA = +105°C
TA = +85°C
TA = +25°C
TA = -40°C
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Electrical Characteristics (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics
(V+ = +12V, VRS+ = 12V, ROUT = 1kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
40
-5
0.1m 10m 100m1m 1
ERROR vs. SENSE VOLTAGE
0
MAX4172-04
VSENSE (V)
ERROR (%)
10
5
15
20
25
30
35
35
0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000
POWER-SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO
vs. FREQUENCY
5
MAX4172-05
POWER-SUPPLY FREQUENCY (kHz)
ERROR (%)
15
10
20
30
25
5mVP-P
1.0VP-P
0.5VP-P
VSENSE = 100mV
1.0
0.6
-1.8
0 84 28 32
OUTPUT ERROR
vs. COMMON MODE VOLTAGE
-1.4
-1.0
0.2
-0.2
MAX4172-06
V+ (V)
OUTPUT ERROR (%)
12 16 20
-0.6
24
VSENSE = 100mV
TA = +25°C
TA = +105°C
TA = -40°C
TA = +85°C
2.98
2.88
2.38
-50 -25 0 125
V+ THRESHOLD FOR PG OUTPUT LOW
vs. TEMPERATURE
2.78
2.68
2.58
2.48
MAX4172-07
TEMPERATURE (°C)
V+ TRIP THRESHOLD (V)
25 50 75 100
10µs/div
0 to 10mV VSENSE TRANSIENT RESPONSE
GND
VSENSE
5mV/div
VOUT
50mV/div
GND
MAX4172-08
10µs/div
0 to 100mV VSENSE TRANSIENT RESPONSE
GND
VSENSE
50mV/div
VOUT
500mV/div
GND
MAX4172-09
MAX4172 Low-Cost, Precision, High-Side
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Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(V+ = +12V, VRS+ = 12V, ROUT = 1kΩ, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
Detailed Description
The MAX4172 is a unidirectional, high-side current-
sense amplifier with an input common-mode range that is
independent of supply voltage. This feature not only
allows the monitoring of current flow into a battery in deep
discharge, but also enables high-side current sensing at
voltages far in excess of the supply voltage (V+).
The MAX4172 current-sense amplifier’s unique topology
simplifies current monitoring and control. The MAX4172’s
amplifier operates as shown in Figure 1. The battery/
load current flows through the external sense resistor
(RSENSE), from the RS+ node to the RSnode. Current
flows through RG1 and Q1, and into the current mirror,
where it is multiplied by a factor of 50 before appearing
at OUT.
To analyze the circuit of Figure 1, assume that current
flows from RS+ to RS-, and that OUT is connected to
GND through a resistor. Since A1’s inverting input is high
impedance, no current flows though RG2 (neglecting the
input bias current), so A1’s negative input is equal to
VSOURCE - (ILOAD x RSENSE). A1’s open-loop gain forces
its positive input to essentially the same voltage level as
the negative input. Therefore, the drop across RG1 equals
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1 RS+ Power connection to the external sense resistor. The “+” indicates the direction of current ow.
2 RS- Load-side connection for the external sense resistor. The “-” indicates the direction of current ow.
3, 4 N.C. No Connect. No internal connection. Leave open or connect to GND.
5 GND Ground
6 OUT Current Output. OUT is proportional to the magnitude of the sense voltage (VRS+ - VRS-). A 1kΩ
resistor from OUT to ground will result in a voltage equal to 10V/V of sense voltage.
7PG Power Good Open-Collector Logic Output. A low level indicates that V+ is sufcient to power the
MAX4172, and adequate time has passed for power-on transients to settle out.
8 V+ Supply Voltage Input for the MAX4172
5µs/div
STARTUP DELAY
GND
VOUT
500mV/div
V+
2V/div
GND
VSENSE = 100mV
MAX4172-10
10ms/div
V+ to PG POWER-UP DELAY
GND
PG
2V/div
V+
2V/div
GND
100kW PULLUP RESISTOR FROM PG TO +4V
MAX4172-11
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Pin Description
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
ILOAD x RSENSE. Then, since IRG1 flows through RG1,
IRG1 x RG1 = ILOAD x RSENSE. The internal current mirror
multiplies IRG1 by a factor of 50 to give IOUT = 50 x IRG1.
Substituting IOUT/50 for IRG1, (IOUT/50) x RG1 = ILOAD
x RSENSE, or:
IOUT = 50 x ILOAD x (RSENSE/RG1)
The internal current gain of 50 and the factory-trimmed
resistor RG1 combine to result in the device’s transcon-
ductance (Gm) of 10mA/V. Gm is defined as being equal
to IOUT/(VRS+ - VRS-). Since (VRS+ - VRS-) = ILOAD x
RSENSE, the output current (IOUT) can be calculated with
the following formula:
IOUT = Gm x (VRS+ - VRS-) =
(10mA/V) x (ILOAD x RSENSE)
Current Output
The output voltage equation for the MAX4172 is given
below:
VOUT = (Gm) x (RSENSE x ROUT x ILOAD)
where VOUT = the desired full-scale output voltage, ILOAD
equals the full-scale current being sensed, RSENSE
equals the current-sense resistor, ROUT equals the
voltage-setting resistor, and Gm equals the device’s
transconductance (10mA/V).
The full-scale output voltage range can be set by changing
the ROUT resistor value, but the output voltage must be
no greater than V+ - 1.2V. The above equation can be
modified to determine the ROUT required for a particular
full-scale range:
ROUT = (VOUT)/(ILOAD x RSENSE x Gm)
OUT is a high-impedance current source that can be
integrated by connecting it to a capacitive load.
PG Output
The PG output is an open-collector logic output that
indicates the status of the MAX4172’s V+ power supply. A
logic low on the PG output indicates that V+ is sufficient to
power the MAX4172. This level is temperature dependent
(see Typical Operating Characteristics graphs), and is
typically 2.7V at room temperature. The internal PG
comparator has a 100mV (typ) hysteresis to prevent
possible oscillations caused by repeated toggling of the
PG output, making the device ideal for power-management
systems lacking soft-start capability. An internal delay
(15μs, typ) in the PG comparator allows adequate time
for power-on transients to settle out. The PG status
indicator greatly simplifies the design of closed-loop
systems by ensuring that the components in the control
loop have sufficient voltage to operate correctly.
Applications Information
Suggested Component Values
for Various Applications
The Typical Operating Circuit is useful in a wide variety of
applications. Table 1 shows suggested component values
and indicates the resulting scale factors for various applications
required to sense currents from 100mA to 10A.
Adjust the RSENSE value to monitor higher/lower current
levels. Select RSENSE using the guidelines and formulas
in the following section.
Figure 1. Functional Diagram
RG1
RS+
RSENSE
INPUT
RG2
TO LOAD/
BATTERY
RS-VSENSE
A1
1:50
CURRENT
MIRROR
MAX4172
OUT
VTH
IOUT = 50 IRG1
IRG1
Q1
V+
PG
V+
GND
ILOAD
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Sense Resistor, RSENSE
Choose RSENSE based on the following criteria:
● Voltage Loss: A high RSENSE value causes the
power-source voltage to degrade through IR loss. For
minimal voltage loss, use the lowest RSENSE value.
● Accuracy: A high RSENSE value allows lower currents
to be measured more accurately. This is because
offsets become less significant when the sense
voltage is larger. For best performance, select RSENSE
to provide approximately 100mV of sense voltage for
the full-scale current in each application.
● Efficiency and Power Dissipation: At high current
levels, the I2R losses in RSENSE can be significant.
Take this into consideration when choosing the resistor
value and its power dissipation (wattage) rating. Also,
the sense resistor’s value might drift if it is allowed to
heat up excessively.
● Inductance: Keep inductance low if ISENSE has a
large high-frequency component. Wire-wound resis-
tors have the highest inductance, while metal film is
somewhat better. Low-inductance metal-film resistors
are also available. Instead of being spiral wrapped
around a core, as in metal-film or wirewound resistors,
they are a straight band of metal and are available in
values under 1Ω.
● Cost: If the cost of RSENSE is an issue, you might
want to use an alternative solution, as shown in Figure
2. This solution uses the PCB traces to create a sense
resistor. Because of the inaccuracies of the copper
resistor, the full-scale current value must be adjusted with
a potentiometer. Also, copper’s resistance temperature
coefficient is fairly high (approximately 0.4%/°C).
In Figure 2, assume that the load current to be measured
is 10A, and that you have determined a 0.3-inchwide,
2-ounce copper to be appropriate. The resistivity of
0.1-inch-wide, 2-ounce (70μm thickness) copper is 30mΩ/
ft. For 10A, you might want RSENSE = 5mΩ for a 50mV
drop at full scale. This resistor requires about 2 inches of
0.1-inch-wide copper trace.
Current-Sense Adjustment
(Resistor Range, Output Adjust)
Choose ROUT after selecting RSENSE. Choose ROUT
to obtain the full-scale voltage you require, given the
full-scale IOUT determined by RSENSE. OUT’s high
impedance permits using ROUT values up to 200kΩ with
minimal error. OUT’s load impedance (e.g., the input of an
op amp or ADC) must be much greater than ROUT (e.g.,
100 x ROUT) to avoid degrading measurement accuracy.
High-Current Measurement
The MAX4172 can achieve high-current measurements by
using low-value sense resistors, which can be paralleled
to further increase the current-sense limit. As an alternative,
PCB traces can be adjusted over a wide range.
Figure 2. MAX4172 Connections Showing Use of PC Board
Table 1. Suggested Component Values
FULL-SCALE
LOAD CURRENT
(A)
CURRENT-SENSE
RESISTOR,
RSENSE (mΩ)
OUTPUT
RESISTOR, ROUT
(kΩ)
FULL-SCALE
OUTPUT
VOLTAGE, VOUT (V)
SCALE FACTOR,
VOUT/ISENSE (V/A)
0.1 1000 3.48 3.48 34.8
1 100 3.48 3.48 3.48
5 20 3.48 3.48 0.696
10 10 3.48 3.48 .348
OUT
GND
1
O.1 in. COPPER
VSENSE
RSENSE
INPUT LOAD/BATTERY
VSUPPLY
ROUT
O.3 in. COPPER O.3 in. COPPER
2
8
RS+
RS-
V+ 3V TO 32V
MAX4172
6
5
MAX4172 Low-Cost, Precision, High-Side
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Power-Supply Bypassing and Grounding
In most applications, grounding the MAX4172 requires no
special precautions. However, in high-current systems,
large voltage drops can develop across the ground plane,
which can add to or subtract from VOUT. Use a single-point
star ground for the highest currentmeasurement accuracy.
The MAX4172 requires no special bypassing and
responds quickly to transient changes in line current. If
the noise at OUT caused by these transients is a problem,
you can place a 1μF capacitor at the OUT pin to ground.
You can also place a large capacitor at the RS terminal (or
load side of the MAX4172) to decouple the load, reducing
the current transients. These capacitors are not required
for MAX4172 operation or stability. The RS+ and RS-
inputs can be filtered by placing a capacitor (e.g., 1μF)
between them to average the sensed current.
PACKAGE TYPE PACKAGE CODE OUTLINE NO. LAND PATTERN NO.
SO S8+4 21-0041 90-0096
μMAX U8+1 21-0036 90-0092
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Chip Information
SUBSTRATE CONNECTED TO GND
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a “+”,
“#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the drawing
pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
0 12/96 Initial release —
1 6/10 Claried 0 to 2V is not a high-accuracy range for the device, removed future
product reference, added lead-free options and soldering temperature 1, 2
2 10/12 Revised the Package Information 8
3 5/15 Revised Benets and Features section 1
4 6/16 Added G-temp grade for 105°C operation and updated Typical Operating
Characteristics section 1–4
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
MAX4172 Low-Cost, Precision, High-Side
Current-Sense Amplier
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Revision History
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.