12 Sense Amplifier Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for sense amplifiers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 12 sense amplifier manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked sense amplifier companies as of November, 2024: 1.Applied Processor & Measurement, 2.ROHM Co., Ltd., 3.Semtech.
Table of Contents
What Is a Current Sense Amplifier?
A current sense amplifier is a device element that detects the value of the current flowing in an electric circuit. The current can be calculated by measuring the voltage at both ends of a shunt resistor used to detect the current. Since the voltage drop across both ends of the shunt resistor is amplified by an operational amplifier, even a slight potential difference can be seen as a large voltage. In addition, since a fixed gain is configured from the built-in resistor, it is not easily affected by temperature changes or external influences, enabling highly accurate measurements.
Uses of Current Sense Amplifiers
Current sensing is essential for safe and efficient system operation in many machines. Current sense amplifiers are used to measure the currents flowing in various machines. An example is the current flowing in electric vehicles. Standard current sensing in electric vehicles with high voltages is complex but can be measured using current sense amplifiers. Operational amplifiers usually cannot accept input voltages above the supply voltage, but current sense amplifiers can support input voltages due to their sizeable common-mode voltage range.
Principles of Current Sense Amplifiers
Current sense amplifiers are excellent device elements that measure currents flowing in various machines. Here we introduce its principle and features.
Current sense amplifiers measure the value of the flowing current by estimating the potential difference between resistors through which the current flows. This resistance is called a shunt resistor and is calculated based on a simple principle based on Ohm's law. Even if the potential difference between the two ends of the shunt resistor is slight, it can be sufficiently measured by amplifying it with an operational amplifier. The characteristics of the shunt resistor vary depending on the position where it is placed.
- Low-side amplifier - A shunt resistor is placed between the load and ground in a circuit. The most significant advantage of low-side current detection is that the standard code voltage is close to zero. This allows for simple implementation without the need for complex circuit design.
- High-side amplifier - A shunt resistor is placed between the circuit's power supply and the load. The advantage of detecting current on the high side is that it is not affected by the ground.
How to Determine the Current Sensing Resistor
One of the most critical decisions in current sensing is the selection of a current sense resistor (shunt resistor). The resistance value and wattage should be determined to obtain the desired maximum operating voltage from the maximum current that can generally be expected. When necessary, it is also essential to consider the resistor's power dissipation before selecting the resistor's value.
Once the current-sense resistance and wattage are determined, consider the effect of resistor tolerance. Tolerances directly affect the accuracy of the voltage and current measurements that can be taken. Also often overlooked is the temperature drift coefficient of the resistor tolerance.
Also, care must be taken in how the printed pattern is drawn from the shunt resistor to the current sense amplifiers. Since shunt resistors are usually low resistance, depending on how the pattern is drawn, the voltage drop due to the copper resistance of the pattern may also be detected, resulting in a significant error. The pattern should be separated from the shunt resistor and routed to the current sense amplifiers. In addition, the current path and voltage detection should be routed separately to eliminate errors caused by the resistance of the current path.
How to Select a Current Sense Amplifier for Current Detection
Two main types of current sense amplifiers are high-side amplifiers and low-side amplifiers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. High-side amplifiers measure the current between the power supply and the load, so a DC voltage higher than the power supply voltage may be applied. Low-side amplifiers, in contrast, measure the current between the load and ground, so a voltage close to ground level is applied to the input pins.
When selecting current sense amplifiers, determine whether high-side or low-side current sensing will be used. For high-side current sensing, select current sense amplifiers based on the maximum advisory mode voltage required for the application and the supply voltage used. For low-side detection, select a current sense amplifier that operates at an advisory mode voltage close to 0V.
In addition, consider the direction of current detection in the system. Is recent detection limited to one direction, or does the design need to consider bi-directionality? Considering offset and gain accuracy errors based on the shunt resistance and measured current range is also essential.
List of 12 Sense Amplifier Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- China
- Japan
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Analog Devices, Inc.
Sense Amplifier
Manufacturer Overview
Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
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Pacific Instruments Inc.
Sense Amplifiers
Manufacturer Overview
Pacific Instruments Inc., established in 1978, is a manufacturer and designer of state-of-the-art, computer-automated test and measurement systems such as integrated conditioning acquisition & control systems, high-speed data acquisition & control systems, transient recording systems, ethernet data acquisition systems, and signal conditioning systems. The systems are used for gathering, storing, and analyzing data and findings from research and development projects. The company in Concord, CA, serves industries such as aerospace & vehicle, research agencies, civil, rocket, and the military. The company is a brand name of Vishay Precision Group (VPG).
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Applied Processor & Measurement
Sense Amplifiers
Manufacturer Overview
Applied Processor & Measurement established in East Amherst, NY in 1997 is a manufacturer of embedded microcomputers, analog and digital electronic circuits that are used in industrial, automotive, and commercial applications. Their product portfolio includes PWM Solenoid Driver / Control, Proportional / Peak and Hold Current Contro, Signal Conditioning, Motion Control, and legacy equipment. In 2000 the company's name is changed to Applied Processor and Measurement, Inc from B.D.B. Solutions, Inc. The company has a national distribution network and a customer support center.
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Diodes Incorporated
Current Monitors
Manufacturer Overview
Diodes Incorporated is a supplier for the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Diodes Incorporated designs, manufactures, and supplies application-specific standard products in the discrete, logic, analog, and mixed-signal semiconductor markets worldwide. It focuses on low pin count semiconductor devices. Diodes specializes in semiconductor products, such as MOSFET, TVS, and performance Schottky rectifiers, transient voltage suppressors and other devices. It also provides analog products, such as power management devices comprising AC-DC and DC-DC converters, signaling devices, CMOS devices, and analog switches. Diodes Incorporated was incorporated in 1959 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
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NetSource Technology, Inc.
Sense Amplifiers
Company Overview
Founded in San Clemente, California in 1997, NetSource Technology, Inc. is an independent stocking distributor of electronic components and global procurement services, providing comprehensive supply chain solutions to OEMs and contract manufacturers worldwide. NetSource Technology serves the aerospace, automotive, IoT, medical, mobile device, and telecommunications industries and related companies. NetSource Technology specializes in locating hard-to-find, obsolete, end-of-life and highly allocated components with long lead times, supporting customers throughout the complete supply chain lifecycle.
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Renesas Electronics Corporation.
Current Sense Amplifiers
Manufacturer Overview
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
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Guangzhou DSPPA Audio Co., Ltd.
Sense Amplifiers
Manufacturer Overview
Guangzhou DSPPA Audio Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer and integrator of audiovisual products and professional stage sound equipment and it is based in Guangzhou, China and was established in 1988. The company develops, produces and supplies PA systems, amplifiers, speakers, microphones, conference systems, network PA systems, voice evacuation systems, and more. The products are used to enhance sound quality and clarity in various environments and industries, such as education, hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and public safety.
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Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
High-Side Current Sense Amplifiers
Manufacturer Overview
Monolithic Power Systems (MPS), founded in 1997 and headquartered in San Jose, California, is a manufacturer of integrated circuits (ICs). Their product range includes switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) for converting AC or DC power to lower voltage DC power, LED drivers for driving LED lights, battery management ICs to manage power in portable devices, power factor correction (PFC) ICs for improving power supply efficiency, and sensorless motor control ICs to control motors without position sensors. MPS's solutions find applications in consumer electronics, industrial, and automotive industries, offering efficient power management solutions to enhance various electronic devices.
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STMicroelectronics
Current Sensing
Manufacturer Overview
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
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Semtech
Current Sense Amplifier
Manufacturer Overview
Semtech, established in 1960 and headquartered in Camarillo, California, is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in the catering of solutions for wireless and wired communication, IoT, and sensing applications. The company has over 7,000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries. The company's products are used in several applications, including industrial automation, medical devices, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. Semtech's astute research and development milestones have been recognized through multiple awards and global partnerships reminiscent of their contribution to the advancement of technology.
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ROHM Co., Ltd.
Sense Amplifier
Company Overview
ROHM Semiconductor was incorporated in 1940 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. ROHM manufactures and sells electronic components worldwide. ROHM operates through the segments ICs, discrete semiconductor devices, and modules. ROHM provides ICs comprising memory, amplifiers and linear, power management, clocks and timers, switches and multiplexers, logic, data converters, sensors and MEMS, display drivers, motor/actuator drivers, interfaces, communication and speech synthesis LSI, audio and video, and microcontrollers. ROHM also offers discrete semiconductor products include MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, and diodes; power devices, including power transistors and diodes, SiC power devices, IGBT, and IPM; passive devices, such as resistors, and conductive polymer and tantalum capacitors; and various modules among others.
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ICKey Internet Technology Co., LTD
Sense Amplifiers
Distributor Overview
Hello BOM is an online electronic component storefront designed to bridge customers and suppliers. Customers supply Hello BOM with their bill of materials (BOM) and Hello BOM uses smart analysis via AI data matching to quickly find precise matches that customers need. This is accomplished via Hello BOM’s growing component stock and product information database to grow increasingly accurate and fast, while also simplifying the process of R&D and purchasing for customers. Products include semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, connectors, transistors, and sensors.
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Sense Amplifier Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacific Instruments Inc. |
16.7%
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| 2 | Applied Processor & Measurement |
16.7%
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| 3 | ROHM Co., Ltd. |
16.7%
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| 4 | Semtech |
16.7%
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| 5 | Diodes Incorporated |
16.7%
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| 6 | NetSource Technology, Inc. |
8.3%
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| 7 | ICKey Internet Technology Co., LTD |
8.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the sense amplifier page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- ROHM Co., Ltd.: 23,754
- Renesas Electronics Corporation.: 21,017
Newly Established Company
- Renesas Electronics Corporation.: 2002 (22 years ago)
- Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.: 1997 (27 years ago)
- Guangzhou DSPPA Audio Co., Ltd.: 1988 (36 years ago)
Company with a History
- ROHM Co., Ltd.: 1958 (66 years ago)
- Semtech: 1960 (64 years ago)
- Guangzhou DSPPA Audio Co., Ltd.: 1988 (36 years ago)
Sense Amplifier Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
- Analog Devices, Inc.
- Pacific Instruments Inc.
- Applied Processor & Measurement
- Diodes Incorporated
- NetSource Technology, Inc.
Global Distribution of Sense Amplifier Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
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5 | 62.5% |
Japan
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2 | 25.0% |
China
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1 | 12.5% |
