On Semiconductor Current Sense Amplifiers
Current sense amplifiers are a type of circuit component used to measure small current signals accurately, typically in the order of milliamps or microamps. It amplifies the output current, either directly or using a resistive feedback network. The output of the current sense amplifier is usually a voltage that is proportional to the measured current. Current sensing amplifiers are most often used in power supplies, motor controllers, and current shunt monitors. The most common use is to detect an over-current condition.