Zetex Introduces New ZXCT1009 Current Monitor ICs

The first device in an emerging product family, the ZXCT1009 high-side current-sense monitor in a SOT23 package is one of the latest developments from Zetex Inc. (Commack, NY). The device eliminates the need to disrupt the ground plane when sensing circuit or load currents, and replaces current-sensing circuits using discrete transistors configured as current mirrors that require critical matching for acceptable operation.

According to the company, the ZXCT1009 provides a monolithic solution for increased accuracy with the associated benefits of an improved temperature coefficient and smaller size. In operation, the ZXCT1009 takes a high-side voltage developed across a current-shunt resistor and translates it into a proportional output current. A user-defined output resistor scales this output current into a ground-referenced voltage for any circuit current that requires monitoring.

Functioning over a wide input voltage range of 2.5V to 20V, with a typical quiescent current of only 4µA, the device is particularly suitable for battery-powered applications, including battery chargers, smart battery packs, as well as dc motor control and level translation.

The 1,000-piece price for the ZXCT1009 is $0.50 each. Delivery is four to six weeks in production volumes.