SLUS939B – APRIL 2010 – REVISED DECEMBER 2010
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Power Measurement
Current and bus voltage are converted at different points in time, depending on the resolution and averaging
mode settings. For instance, when configured for 12-bit and 128 sample averaging, up to 68 ms in time between
sampling these two values is possible. Again, these calculations are performed in the background and do not add
to the overall conversion time.
PGA Function
If larger full-scale shunt voltages are desired, the TPS2480/81 provides a PGA function that increases the
full-scale range up to 2, 4, or 8 times (320 mV). Additionally, the bus voltage measurement has two full-scale
ranges: 16 V or 32 V.
Filtering and Input Considerations
Measuring current can be noisy, and such noise can be difficult to define.
The internal ADC has a delta-sigma (
ΔΣ) front-end with a 500-kHz (±30%) typical sampling rate. This
architecture has good inherent noise rejection. However, transients that occur at or very close to the sampling
rate harmonics can cause problems. Because these signals are at 1 MHz and higher, they can be dealt with by
incorporating filtering at the input of the TPS2480/81. The high frequency enables the use of low-value series
resistors on the filter for reducing effects on measurement accuracy. In general, filtering the TPS2480/81 input is
only necessary if there are transients at exact harmonics of the 500-kHz (±30%) sampling rate (>1 MHz). Filter
using the lowest possible series resistance and ceramic capacitor. Recommended values are 0.1 mF to 1.0 mF.
Overload conditions are another consideration for the TPS2480/81 inputs. The TPS2480/81 inputs are specified
to tolerate 26 V across the inputs. A large differential scenario might be a short to ground on the load side of the
shunt. This type of event can result in full power-supply voltage across the shunt (as long the power supply or
energy storage capacitors support it). It must be remembered that removing a short to ground can result in
inductive kickbacks that could exceed the 26-V differential and common-mode rating of the TPS2480/81.
Inductive kickback voltages are best dealt with by zener-type transient-absorbing devices (commonly called
transzorbs) combined with sufficient energy storage capacitance.
In applications that do not have large energy storage electrolytics on one or both sides of the shunt, an input
overstress condition may result from an excessive dV/dt of the voltage applied to the input. A hard physical short
is the most likely cause of this event, particularly in applications with no large electrolytics present. This problem
occurs because an excessive dV/dt can activate the ESD protection in the TPS2480/81 in systems where large
currents are available.
Simple Current Shunt Monitor Usage (No Programming Necessary)
The TPS2480/81 can be used without any programming if it is only necessary to read a shunt voltage drop and
bus voltage with the default 12-bit resolution, 320-mV shunt full-scale range (PGA = ÷ 8), 32-V bus full-scale
range, and continuous conversion of shunt and bus voltage.
Without programming, current is measured by reading the shunt voltage. The Current Register and Power
Register are only available if the Calibration Register contains a programmed value.
Programming the TPS2480/81
The default power-up states of the registers are shown in the register information section. These registers are
volatile, and if programmed to other than default values, must be re-programmed at every device power-up.
Detailed information on programming the Calibration Register specifically is given in the Programming the
TPS2480/81 Power Measurement Engine section.
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