ACS711EX Current Sensor Carrier -31A to +31A

This current sensor is a carrier board or breakout board for Allegro’s ACS711KEXLT-31AB-T Hall effect-based linear current sensor with overcurrent fault output; we therefore recommend careful reading of the ACS711 datasheet (551k pdf) before using this product. This sensor has an operating voltage of 3 V to 5.5 V and an output sensitivity of 45 mV/A when Vcc is 3.3 V (or 68 mV/A when Vcc is 5 V). The following list details some of the sensor’s key features:

• Designed for bidirectional input current from -31 A to 31 A (though the robust sensor IC can tolerate 100 ms transient current spikes up to 100 A).
• Conductive path internal resistance is typically 0.6 mΩ, and the PCB is made with 2-oz copper, so very little power is lost in the board.
• Use of a Hall effect sensor means the IC is able to electrically isolate the current path from the sensor’s electronics (for applications up to 100 V), which allows the sensor to be inserted anywhere along the current path and to be used in applications that require electrical isolation.
• 100 kHz bandwith.
• Good accuracy and reliability: factory calibration results in a typical total output error of ±4% at room temperature, the output offset voltage is extremely stable, and the sensor has zero magnetic hysteresis.
• Overcurrent FAULT output latches low when current magnitude exceeds 31 A.
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C.

The pads are labeled on the bottom silkscreen, as shown in the picture to the right. The silkscreen also shows the direction that is interpreted as positive current flow via the +i arrow.

Using the sensor

Electrical connections

The sensor requires a supply voltage of 3 V to 5.5 V to be connected across the Vcc and GND pads, which are labeled on the bottom silkscreen. The sensor outputs an analog voltage that is linearly proportional to the input current. The quiescent output voltage is Vcc/2 and changes by 45 mV per amp of input current (when Vcc = 3.3 V), with positive current increasing the output voltage and negative current decreasing the output voltage. The relationship between the instantaneous input current, i, and sensor output voltage, VOUT, can be represented by the following equations:

The FAULT pin is normally high and latches low when the current exceeds ±31 A. Once the FAULT pin is latched low, the only way to reset it is by toggling power on the Vcc pin. In our tests, this module was able to handle 31 A of continuous current without exceeding 100°C, with no cooling beyond the heat dissipation of the PCB.

The input current can be connected to the board in a variety of ways. Holes with 0.1″, 3.5 mm, and 5 mm spacing are available as shown in the diagram above for connecting male header pins or terminal blocks. For high-current applications, you can solder wires directly to the through-holes that best match your wires, or you can use solderless ring terminal connectors, as shown in the picture above. The large through-holes are big enough for #6 screws.

Mounting information

The board has two mounting holes on the logic side of the board. These mounting holes are 0.5" apart and are designed for #2 scews.

Included components

This board ships assembled with all surface mount components, and a 5×1 strip of 0.1″ header pins is included but not soldered in, as shown in the picture below.

ACS711EX Current Sensor Included bits

Schematic diagram

ACS711EX Current Sensor - Schematic

Dimensions

General specifications

Notes:

1

Without included hardware.

2

When Vcc is 3.3 V. This specification is proportional to Vcc.

 ACS711 datasheet (489k pdf)