Hookup Guide
Schematic
Datasheet (ACS723)Product Overview
The Low Current version of the SparkFun Current Sensor Breakout is a high-accuracy board designed specifically for applications that require measuring smaller currents—from as low as 10mA to 5A—with precision. Built around the ACS723 chip, this board uses a Hall-effect sensor to measure current, providing a safe and reliable way to monitor low-power devices without significantly interrupting the circuit.
Adjustable Sensitivity
What sets this board apart is the integrated operational amplifier. While the base sensor is accurate, the added amp allows you to adjust the sensitivity (gain) to fit your specific project.
- Tunable Range: You can tweak the gain to maximize resolution for very small currents (like 10-50mA) or widen the range to measure up to the full 5A.
- Resolution Note: Since the output is analog, your effective resolution will depend on the noise in your system and the quality of your microcontroller's ADC.
The Hall Effect Advantage
Using a Hall effect sensor offers a critical safety advantage: Electrical Isolation. The circuit being sensed and the circuit reading the data (your Arduino or other microcontroller) are electrically separated. This means your 5V microcontroller remains safe even if the circuit being sensed is operating at much higher voltages.
Flexible Performance
We have designed this board to be flexible enough for different noise environments and speed requirements:
- Low Noise (Default): Out of the box, the bandwidth is filtered to 20kHz. This reduces noise at high gains, giving you cleaner readings for standard applications.
- High Speed (Selectable): Need to capture faster signals? By closing the JP1 jumper on the back of the board, you can bypass the filter and recover the sensor's full 80kHz bandwidth.
