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.

Benefts 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

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