To maximize the accuracy of a current sense amplifier, TI recommends to choose the largest current sense resistor value possible in an application. A larger value sense resistor maximizes the differential input signal for a given amount of current flow and reduces the error contribution of the offset voltage. However, there are practical limits as to how large the current-sense resistor value can be in a given application because of the physical dimensions of the resistor, package construction and maximum power dissipation. Equation 2 gives the maximum value for the current-sense resistor for a given power dissipation budget:

Equation 2.

where:

• PD_MAX is the maximum allowable power dissipation in R_SENSE.
• I_MAX is the maximum current that will flow through R_SENSE.

An additional limitation on the size of the current sense resistor and device gain is due to the power-supply voltage, V_S, and device swing-to-rail limitations. To make sure that the current-sense signal is properly passed to the output, both positive and negative output swing limitations must be examined. Equation 3 provides the maximum values of R_SENSE and GAIN to keep the device from exceeding the positive swing limitation.

Equation 3.

where:

• I_MAX is the maximum current that will flow through R_SENSE.
• GAIN is the gain of the current-sense amplifier.
• V_SP is the positive output swing as specified in the data sheet.

To avoid positive output swing limitations when selecting the value of R_SENSE, there is always a trade-off between the value of the sense resistor and the gain of the device under consideration. If the sense resistor selected for the maximum power dissipation is too large, then it is possible to select a lower-gain device to avoid positive swing limitations.

The negative swing limitation places a limit on how small the sense resistor value can be for a given application. Equation 4 provides the limit on the minimum value of the sense resistor.

Equation 4.

where:

• I_MIN is the minimum current that will flow through R_SENSE.
• GAIN is the gain of the current-sense amplifier.
• V_SN is the negative output swing of the device.

Table 8-1 shows an example of the different results obtained from using five different gain versions of the INA310x. From the table data, the highest gain device allows a smaller current-shunt resistor and decreased power dissipation in the element.