STMicroelectronics has a current sense amplifier which it says will allow direct measurement of current in power lines operating at up to 70V.

The TSC103 high-side current-sense amplifier is designed to connect directly to power-supply lines at high voltages.

The chip, which requires only a small sensing resistor, accepts a common-mode input from 2.9V up to 70V and measures current more accurately than similar competing devices.

The common-mode input range can also be set from -2.1V to 65V in dual-supply configurations, with outstanding stability of the accuracy versus common-mode voltage.

The output is proportional to the measured current and can be connected directly to the analog input of a microcontroller.

A second version of the chip, the TSC1031, features enhanced EMI filtering for use in electrically noisy environments.

Both devices have adjustable sensitivity that allows their use in diverse applications, such as 24V vehicle systems, 48V telecom equipment, multi-LED display backlights, or solid-state lighting.

The devices are fully ESD specified for rugged performance and they can operate from -40°C to 125°C.