Microchip introduces the world's first high-end current/power sensor that supports configurable analog outputs and a two-wire digital bus

     Microchip Technology announced the introduction of the PAC1921, a combination of analog and digital current sensor. The new device is the world's first high-end current sensor to support both digital and configurable analog outputs, with the ability to present power, current or voltage via a single output pin. All power-related output values can also be transmitted via a two-wire digital bus compatible with the I2C™ interface. The PAC1921, in a 10-pin 3x3 mm VDFN package, utilizes two-wire bus transmission to maximize data and diagnostic reports, and utilizes analog output to minimize data latency. The analog output can also be adjusted for use with 3V, 2V, 1.5V or 1V MCU inputs.

     The PAC1921 is ideal for applications that do not allow the slightest delay in performing high-speed power management, such as networking, power distribution, power supply, computing and industrial automation applications. The device is also equipped with a 39-bit accumulator register and 128-times gain amplifier, allowing it to measure system load power as small as 0V and as large as 32V. It is also capable of integrating over 2 seconds of power consumption data. In addition, the PAC1921 is equipped with a READ/INT pin for master control of the measurement cycle, which can also read multiple devices synchronously.

     Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of marketing for Microchip's Analog and Interface Products Division, said: "The PAC1921 can output power measurements through both digital and analog signals. It gives designers more flexibility with digital current sensors to maximize data and diagnostic reports, combined with analog current sensors to minimize data latency."