How to shift differential signal to read with single ended adc?

Question

I'm using a current sense resistor (0.02 ohms) for a high current battery monitor for a hobby project. I'd like to shift this to a 0-5 V range to monitor using an ADC input (single ended.)

I understand how to set the gain of an opamp using a resistor network. I also understand how to use a differential input of an opamp. But I can't seem to figure out how to do both at the same time. The negative feedback resistor will cause a direct path to ground (this resistor is high side at 12-17V.) In the case of unity gain, there will even be a short!

So what am I missing?

Answer 1

If your current sense resistor is in the 12V to 17V line the easiest way to convert the sense voltage to 0V to 5V is with a current sense amplifier. If the current flow is uni-directional, you could use INA139, or AD8212 There are many others. It is also possible to find some that can sense bi-directional currents, like AD8310. Using something like these mean all you need are the current sense resistor and a small signal resistor to set the gain.

Problems with using a differential amp will be things like being forced to have low gain to keep the input within the common mode range of the Opamp, and having somewhat low input impedance (10 KOhms to 100KOhms) due to the differential resistors that set gain and divide down the input voltage. Then having to add the gain later (and you are going to need an overall gain like \$\frac{5 V}{I_{\text{senseMax}} R_{\text{cs}}}\$). Having control of tolerances can also be a challenge. Getting around these problems become complicated, usually meaning a couple of additional amplifiers and precision resistors.

You could also use an instrumentation amp like an AD8223, or an INA826 could work. The nice thing about instrumentation amps is that the manufacturer has take care of the problems you run into when you make your own diff amp. So, you get high input impedance, easily adjustable gain, and don't have to worry about resistor imbalances or offset voltages.

Answer 2

One option is to use an I-Amp (Instrumentation Amp) some of which will be way over kill for your application, but there are less expensive ones. Additionally, if you are lower precision, you can build your own poorer version using op-amps look up I-Amp datasheets to get guidance.

Answer 3

This appnote from diodes inc can give you more information about current sensing.

Some time ago I was also looking to sense current. Here is the schematic I conceived with some help.

You can ignore Q1 and G1.

Answer 4

There are stand alone Current Sense Amplifiers in the market. They are internally Gain set to a value, or have additional isolated feedback pins for adjustable gain values. The advantage of the current sense amplifiers are that, they are purposefully designed for Over the top conditions. Say for a supply voltage of 5V, some CSA's can take in upto 76V of Common mode voltage and have an internal gain of 25 to 50. This can be something close to what you are looking for.

Thanks Ashwin