Application Note

AN1027

Current Sense Resistors and Circuit Applications

Introduction
In the simplest terms, current sensing circuits provide information that allows control circuits to react
based on that information. Sense resistors are a primary element in most sensing circuit applications. A
controlling circuit monitors current flowing through a sense resistor as a voltage drop across the resistor
and directs parameter changes to ensure that optimum circuit performance is maintained.

Description
Circuits may use external discrete resistors or in some cases be integrated with the controller IC. The
use of sense resistors in circuits is a primary means for monitoring currents through a device or within a
circuit. Figure 1 shows a common input current sense resistor configuration with the voltage measured
across the discrete “R sense”, as a means of determining current flowing into the converter circuit. CPU
converters are examples of circuits that require current monitoring to insure safe operation.
Vin
500mA Li-Ion Battery Charger

Vin=6V
Rsense
Measurement Circuit
7
Rsense
CHARGE Vcc 0.20 ohm 1uF
STATUS 2 CHRG 8 CTS 73L7
SENSE
DRV Q1
Control IC 6
I bat=500mA
3 TIMER
Vout BAT 1
C timer
5
0.1uF PROG
Rprog
GND 19.6K Li-ION 10uF
4 CELL

Figure 1. Common Input Current Sense Figure 2. 500mA Li-Ion Charger

Resistor Configuration.

Circuits that sense either input or output currents may be used. Locating the sense resistor on the input
side, rather than the output side, reduces the power loss and is often the preferred approach for sensing
applications. Battery chargers (Figure 2), power supplies, and DC-to-DC converter circuits are all
examples of systems that use sensing circuits.

Application
Sensing circuits may be very simple (Figure 1) using MOSFET control circuitry or somewhat complex
(Figure 2) unique IC controller technology. Sense resistors are selected based on resistance value,
tolerance, power rating, circuit environment, and stability. The application will dictate the features that are
critical. Where design flexibility is a primary concern, the use of sensing circuits featuring discrete sense
resistors provides more options than would an integrated sense resistor approach.
The CTS 73L & 73E “Thick Film Ceramic” series and 73M “Metal Plate” series sense resistors provide
economical solutions for sensing circuits requiring low value resistors with power ratings less than two

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www.ctscorp.com Current Sense Resistors and Circuit Applications AN1027
Watts. The thick film ceramic-base sense resistors feature compact sizes from 1005 to 6432 with a
power rating of up to one Watt. The surface mount metal plate sense resistors features very low 3
milliohms to 100 milliohms resistance range and high temperature performance up to 180°C.

CTS Series Parameter Part Details

73Lx
Power Rating 0.100 W to 1.000 W
Resistance Values .10 Ω to .91 Ω
Operating Temp. Range -55°C to +125°C
Tolerance 1%, 2%, 5% (2%, 5% for 0402 & 0603 Sizes)
73Ex
Power Rating 0.500 W to 1.000 W
Resistance Values .050 Ω to .091 Ω
Operating Temp. Range -55°C to +125°C
Tolerance 1%, 2%, 5%
73M1
Power Rating 1.0 W @ 70°C
Resistance Values .003 Ω to .100 Ω
Operating Temp. Range -55°C to +180°C
Tolerance 1%, 2%
73M2
Power Rating 2.0 W @ 70°C
Resistance Values .005 Ω to .040 Ω
Operating Temp. Range -55°C to +180°C
Tolerance 1%, 2%

Conclusion
Battery chargers, power supplies, and DC-to-DC converter circuits are applications that require sense
resistors such as CTS 73L, 73E, and 73M series surface mount resistors. These sense resistors, when
used along with the appropriate control circuits, meet design demands for reliable solutions.

Referenced Documents
CTS Sense Resistor Product Datasheets may be down-loaded at:

http://www.ctscorp.com/components/csresistors.htm

Qualification Data is available upon request.

Written by: Damon Niswonger

Date: 5/22/2007

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