MAX9937 is a high-side current-sense amplifier for automotive applications that uses external resistors to set its voltage gain.

This amplifier provides protection against accidental application of the automotive battery voltage in the wrong direction, as well as protection from inductive spikes and transients from -20V to +40V.

The chip is aimed at electronic control units (ECUs) for power steering, 4-wheel drive selection, antilock braking systems, or watching the fuse array to find other problems.

Input common-mode range is 4 to 28V, independent of the 2.7 to 5.5V supply. When Vcc is 5V, supply current is 20µ amps.

When Vcc is 0V, the input bias current at the sense resistor is 1µ amp to minimise battery drain when the ECU is off. Voltage gain is set by the ratio of two external resistors to their accuracy. Input offset voltage is +/-1.2mV maximum.

Packaging is 3x3mm 5pin SC70 and temperature range is -40 to +125ºC.

More information: http://www.maxim-ic.com