Item specifics
Description
INA260 Module Product Overview
When selecting a current sensing solution for battery management, motor power analysis, or solar monitoring, designers typically focus on three things: whether measurement accuracy covers a wide dynamic range, whether high-side and low-side sensing are flexibly selectable, and whether current and power can be read directly via a digital interface without additional computation. This INA260-based current/voltage/power monitor module is a precision digital monitoring solution built for exactly that requirement.
The module is built around the Texas Instruments INA260 precision digital current/power monitor, which integrates a 2mΩ precision shunt resistor (0.1% tolerance equivalent) and supports a wide common-mode voltage range of 0V to 36V, independent of the module supply voltage. The device is a bidirectional, high-side or low-side current-shunt monitor that measures current flowing through the internal resistor and reports current, voltage, and power via an I2C/SMBus-compatible interface. The integrated precision shunt ensures calibration-equivalent accuracy and ultra-low drift (10ppm/°C), eliminating the need for external sense resistors and complex Kelvin layouts.
The module integrates the precision shunt and level-shifting circuitry, supports 3.3V/5.5V supply, is compatible with 3.3V and 5V control systems, and supports multiple modules on the same I2C bus via programmable addresses. The digital interface allows programmable alert thresholds, ADC conversion times, and averaging, while an internal multiplier enables direct readout of current (amperes) and power (watts), greatly simplifying firmware development. The compact module (approx. 19.9mm × 19.9mm) exposes VIN+, VIN-, VBus, SCL, SDA, Alert, and GND pins, suitable for battery charge/discharge monitoring, motor power analysis, solar system monitoring, and power management modules.
Typical Applications
Battery charge/discharge monitoring and gauging
Motor power analysis and stall detection
Solar system current/voltage/power monitoring
Power management modules and server power monitoring
Test equipment and telecom equipment power monitoring
Battery charger and adapter output monitoring
FAQ
Q: How do I choose between high-side and low-side sensing?
A: The INA260 inputs (VIN+ / VIN-) can be placed between the positive supply and the load (high-side) or between the load and ground (low-side). High-side sensing detects ground faults, while low-side sensing has a lower common-mode voltage and is easier to handle. The module design allows flexible configuration; refer to the pin definitions for wiring.
Q: What should I note about the ±15A continuous current rating?
A: ±15A is the chip's continuous rating over -40℃~+85℃, with ±20A peak. Actual continuous current is limited by PCB copper heat dissipation and terminal temperature rise. Use sufficiently thick wires for VIN+ and VIN-, ensure ventilation, and consider derating or temperature monitoring for sustained near-15A operation.
Q: What is the difference between INA260 and INA219?
A: The INA260 integrates a 2mΩ precision shunt, supports 0-36V common-mode voltage, and uses a 16-bit ADC with higher accuracy (±0.15% gain error), eliminating external shunt design. The INA219 requires an external shunt and uses a 12-bit ADC, suitable for cost-sensitive applications or those needing flexible shunt values.
Q: How is the I2C address configured?
A: The INA260 supports 16 programmable I2C addresses via the A0 and A1 pins (exposed as jumpers or pads on some modules). This allows up to 16 INA260 modules on a single I2C bus for multi-channel current monitoring.
Q: Can the module read power directly?
A: Yes. The INA260 integrates an internal multiplier that allows direct readout of the current register (amperes) and power register (watts), eliminating the need for current × voltage calculation in the microcontroller.
Q: Is this module suitable for solar system monitoring?
A: Yes. It supports 0-36V common-mode voltage and bidirectional current sensing for monitoring solar panel output, battery charge/discharge, and load consumption. Ensure the system voltage does not exceed the 36V common-mode range, and note that module supply (2.7-5.5V) typically requires an auxiliary supply.
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