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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers

with Voltage Output

General Description Benefits and Features

The MAX4080/MAX4081 are high-side, current-sense ● Ideal for High-Voltage Current Monitoring Applications
amplifiers with an input voltage range that extends from • Wide 4.5V to 76V Input Common-Mode Range
4.5V to 76V making them ideal for telecom, automotive, • Independent Operating Supply Voltage
backplane, and other systems where high-voltage current ● High Accuracy and Low Quiescent Current Support
monitoring is critical. The MAX4080 is designed for uni- Precision Application Requirements
directional current-sense applications and the MAX4081 • ±0.1% Full-Scale Accuracy
allows bidirectional current sensing. The MAX4081 sin- • Low 100μV Input Offset Voltage
gle output pin continuously monitors the transition from • Three Gain Versions Available
charge to discharge and avoids the need for a separate
- 5V/V (MAX4080F/MAX4081F)
polarity output. The MAX4081 requires an external refer-
- 20V/V (MAX4080T/MAX4081T)
ence to set the zero-current output level (VSENSE = 0V).
- 60V/V (MAX4080S/MAX4081S)
The charging current is represented by an output voltage
• 75μA Supply Current (MAX4080)
from VREF to VCC, while discharge current is given from
VREF to GND. ● Flexible Current Sensing Supports Monitoring of
Charge and Discharge of Batteries
For maximum versatility, the 76V input voltage range
• Bidirectional (MAX4081) or Unidirectional
applies independently to both supply voltage (VCC) and
(MAX4080) ISENSE
common-mode input voltage (VRS+). High-side current
• Reference Input for Bidirectional OUT (MAX4081)
monitoring does not interfere with the ground path of the
load being measured, making the MAX4080/MAX4081 ● Minimizes Required Board Space
particularly useful in a wide range of high-voltage sys- • 8-Pin μMAX Package
tems.
The combination of three gain versions (5V/V, 20V/V,
Ordering Information
60V/V = F, T, S suffix) and a user-selectable, external PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
sense resistor sets the full-scale current reading and its MAX4080FAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
proportional output voltage. The MAX4080/MAX4081 MAX4080FAUA/V+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
offer a high level of integration, resulting in a simple, accu- MAX4080FASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO
rate, and compact current-sense solution. MAX4080TAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
The MAX4080/MAX4081 operate from a 4.5V to 76V sin- MAX4080TAUA/V+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
gle supply and draw only 75µA of supply current. These +Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
devices are specified over the automotive operating tem- /V denotes an automotive qualified part.
perature range (-40°C to +125°C) and are available in a Ordering Information continued at end of data sheet.
space-saving 8-pin µMAX® or SO package.
Selector Guide appears at end of data sheet.
Applications
Pin Configurations
● Automotive (12V, 24V, or 42V Batteries)
● 48V Telecom and Backplane Current Measurement TOP VIEW
● Bidirectional Motor Control + +
● Power-Management Systems RS+ 1 8 RS- RS+ 1 8 RS-

● Avalanche Photodiode and PIN-Diode Current VCC 2 7 N.C. VCC 2 7 REF1A

MAX4080 MAX4081
Monitoring
N.C. 3 6 N.C. N.C. 3 6 REF1B
● General System/Board-Level Current Sensing
● Precision High-Voltage Current Sources GND 4 5 OUT GND 4 5 OUT

µMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. µMAX/SO µMAX/SO

19-2562; Rev 6; 12/20

MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Absolute Maximum Ratings

VCC to GND...........................................................-0.3V to +80V Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
RS+, RS- to GND...................................................-0.3V to +80V 8-Pin ?MAX (derate 4.5mW/°C above +70°C).............362mW
OUT to GND........... -0.3V to the lesser of +18V or (VCC + 0.3V) 8-Pin SO (derate 5.88mW/°C above +70°C)................471mW
REF1A, REF1B to GND Operating Temperature Range.......................... -40°C to +125°C
(MAX4081 Only).-0.3V to the lesser of +18V or (VCC + 0.3V) Junction Temperature.......................................................+150°C
Output Short Circuit to GND......................................Continuous Storage Temperature Range............................. -65°C to +150°C
Differential Input Voltage (VRS+ - VRS-)...............................±80V Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s).................................. +300°C
Current into Any Pin..........................................................±20mA Soldering Temperature (reflow)........................................+260°C
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these
or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect
device reliability.

DC Electrical Characteristics
(VCC = VRS+ = 4.5V to 76V, VREF1A = VREF1B = 5V (MAX4081 only), VSENSE = (VRS+ - VRS-) = 0V, RLOAD = 100kΩ, TA = TMIN to
TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.) (Notes 1, 2)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Operating Voltage Range VCC Inferred from PSRR test 4.5 76 V
Common-Mode Range CMVR Inferred from CMRR test (Note 3) 4.5 76 V

VCC = VRS+ = 76V, MAX4080 75 190

Supply Current ICC µA
no load MAX4081 103 190
Leakage Current IRS+, IRS- VCC = 0V, VRS+ = 76V 0.01 2 µA
Input Bias Current IRS+, IRS- VCC = VRS+ = 76V 5 12 µA
MAX4080F/MAX4081F ±1000
Full-Scale Sense Voltage
VSENSE MAX4080T/MAX4081T ±250 mV
(Note 4)
MAX4080S/MAX4081S ±100
MAX4080F/MAX4081F 5
Gain AV MAX4080T/MAX4081T 20 V/V
MAX4080S/MAX4081S 60
TA = +25°C ±0.1 ±0.6
VCC = VRS+ = 48V
Gain Accuracy DAV TA = -40°C to +85°C ±1 %
(Note 5)
TA = TMIN to TMAX ±1.2
TA = +25°C ±0.1 ±0.6
VCC = VRS+ = 48V
Input Offset Voltage VOS TA = -40°C to +85°C ±1 mV
(Note 6)
TA = TMIN to TMAX ±1.2
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
CMRR VCC = 48V, VRS+ = 4.5V to 76V 100 124 dB
(Note 7)
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio
PSRR VRS+ = 48V, VCC = 4.5V to 76V 100 122 dB
(Note 7)
MAX4080F/MAX4081F,
VCC = 4.5V, VRS+ VSENSE = 1000mV
= 48V, VREF1A =
(VCC – MAX4080T/MAX4081T,
OUT High Voltage VREF1B = 2.5V, 0.15 0.27 V
VOH) VSENSE = 250mV
IOUT (sourcing) =
+500µA (Note 8) MAX4080S/MAX4081S,
VSENSE = 100mV

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

DC Electrical Characteristics (continued)

(VCC = VRS+ = 4.5V to 76V, VREF1A = VREF1B = 5V (MAX4081 only), VSENSE = (VRS+ - VRS-) = 0V, RLOAD = 100kΩ, TA = TMIN to
TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.) (Notes 1, 2)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

VCC = VRS+ = 48V,

IOUT (sinking) = 10µA 4 15
VREF1A = VREF1B =
OUT Low Voltage VOL 2.5V, VSENSE =
-1000mV (for
IOUT (sinking) = 100µA 23 55
MAX4081 only)

REF1A = REF1B Input Voltage (VREF – Inferred from REF1A rejection ratio,
1.5 6 V
Range (MAX4081 Only) VGND) VREF1A = VREF1B

REF1A Input Voltage Range (VREF1A – Inferred from REF1A rejection ratio,
3 12 V
(MAX4081 Only) VGND) VREF1B = VGND

REF1A Rejection Ratio VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 0V,

80 108 dB
(MAX4081 Only) VREF1A = VREF1B = 1.5V to 6V

REF/REF1A Ratio VREF1A = 10V, VREF1B = VGND,

0.497 0.500 0.503
(MAX4081 Only) VCC = VRS+ = 48V (Note 2)

REF1A Input Impedance

VREF1B = VGND 250 kW
(MAX4081 Only)

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

AC Electrical Characteristics
(VCC = VRS+ = 4.5V to 76V, VREF1A = VREF1B = 5V (MAX4081 only), VSENSE = (VRS+ - VRS-) = 0V, RLOAD = 100kΩ, CLOAD = 20pF,
TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25°C.) (Notes 1, 2)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITION MIN TYP MAX UNITS

VCC = VRS+ = 48V, MAX4080F/T/S 250

Bandwidth BW kHz
VOUT = 2.5V MAX4081F/T/S 150

OUT Settling Time to 1% of Final VSENSE = 10mV to 100mV 20

µs
Value VSENSE = 100mV to 10mV 20
Capacitive-Load Stability No sustained oscillations 500 pF
Output Resistance ROUT VSENSE = 100mV 0.1 W
Power-Up Time VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 100mV (Note 9) 50 µs
Saturation Recovery Time (Notes 9,10) 50 µs

Note 1: All devices are 100% production tested at TA = +25°C. All temperature limits are guaranteed by design.
Note 2: VREF is defined as the average voltage of VREF1A and VREF1B. REF1B is usually connected to REF1A or GND.
VSENSE is defined as VRS+ - VRS-.
Note 3: The common-mode range at the low end of 4.5V applies to the most positive potential at RS+ or RS-. Depending on the
polarity of VSENSE and the device’s gain, either RS+ or RS- can extend below 4.5V by the device’s typical full-scale value of
VSENSE.
Note 4: Negative VSENSE applies to MAX4081 only.
Note 5: VSENSE is:
MAX4080F, 10mV to 1000mV
MAX4080T, 10mV to 250mV
MAX4080S, 10mV to 100mV
MAX4081F, -500mV to +500mV
MAX4081T, -125mV to +125mV
MAX4081S, -50mV to +50mV
Note 6: VOS is extrapolated from the gain accuracy test for the MAX4080 and measured as (VOUT - VREF)/AV at VSENSE = 0V, for
the MAX4081.
Note 7: VSENSE is:
MAX4080F, 500mV
MAX4080T, 125mV
MAX4080S, 50mV
MAX4081F/T/S, 0V
VREF1B = VREF1A = 2.5V
Note 8: Output voltage is internally clamped not to exceed 18V.
Note 9: Output settles to within 1% of final value.
Note 10: The device will not experience phase reversal when overdriven.

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Typical Operating Characteristics

(VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 0V, CLOAD = 20pF, RLOAD = ∞, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE

INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE HISTOGRAM vs. TEMPERATURE GAIN ACCURACY vs. TEMPERATURE
35 300 0.5

MAX4080 toc02
MAX4080 toc01

MAX4080 toc03
250 0.4
30 200
0.3
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (V)
150
25

GAIN ACCURACY (%)

0.2
PERCENTAGE (%)

100
20 50 0.1
0 0
15 -50 -0.1
-100
10 -0.2
-150
-0.3
5 -200
-250 -0.4
0 -300 -0.5
-125 -100 -75 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (µV) TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAX4081F/T/S MAX4081F/T/S
COMMON-MODE REJECTION RATIO POWER-SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO
GAIN ACCURACY vs. VCC vs. FREQUENCY vs. FREQUENCY
0 0 0
MAX4080 toc04

MAX4080 toc05

MAX4080 toc06
VRS+ = 48V -10 -10
POWER-SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO (dB)
COMMON-MODE REJECTION RATIO (dB)

S VERSION -20 -20

-0.05 -30 -30
GAIN ACCURACY (%)

-40 -40
-50 -50
T VERSION -60 -60
-0.10
-70 -70
-80 -80
-90 -90
-0.15 -100 -100
F VERSION -110 -110
-120 -120
-0.20 -130 -130
4 16 28 40 52 64 76 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M
VCC (V) FREQUENCY (Hz) FREQUENCY (Hz)
MAX4081F/T/S
REFERENCE REJECTION RATIO MAX4080F/T/S MAX4081F/T/S
vs. FREQUENCY SMALL-SIGNAL GAIN vs. FREQUENCY SMALL-SIGNAL GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
0 50 50
MAX4080 toc07

MAX4080 toc08

MAX4080 toc09

-10 VSENSE = 10mV VOUT = 100mVP-P

45 45
REFERENCE REJECTION RATIO (dB)

-20
40 40
-30 MAX4080S MAX4081S
-40 35 35

-50 30 30
GAIN (dB)

GAIN (dB)

MAX4080T MAX4081T
-60 25 25
-70 20 20
-80 MAX4080F MAX4081F
15 15
-90
10 10
-100
-110 5 5
-120 0 0
1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 0.1 1 10 100 1000 0.1 1 10 100 1000
FREQUENCY (Hz) FREQUENCY (kHz) FREQUENCY (kHz)

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 0V, CLOAD = 20pF, RLOAD = ∞, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX4080 MAX4081 MAX4080

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. VCC SUPPLY CURRENT vs. VCC SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
85 125 115
MAX4080 toc10

MAX4080 toc11

MAX4080 toc12
NO LOAD VREF = 2.5V
VSENSE = 0V 120 NO LOAD 110
80 VSENSE = 0V 105
115
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

100
75 110
95
105 90
70 100 85
80
95
65 75
90 70
60 85 65
4 16 28 40 52 64 76 4 16 28 40 52 64 76 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125
VCC (V) VCC (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAX4081 VOUT HIGH VOLTAGE VOUT LOW VOLTAGE

SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE vs. IOUT (SOURCING) vs. IOUT (SINKING)
115 0.50 300
MAX4080 toc13

MAX4080 toc14

MAX4080 toc15
VREF1A = VREF1B = 2.5V VCC = 4.5V VCC = 4.5V
110 0.45
VOUT HIGH VOLTAGE (VCC - VOH) (V)

250
105 0.40
VOUT LOW VOLTAGE (mV)

TA = +125°C
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)

100 0.35 200 TA = +125°C

95 0.30 TA = +85°C
150 TA = +85°C
90 0.25
85 0.20 TA = +25°C 100 TA = +25°C
80 0.15
50
75 0.10 TA = 0°C
TA = 0°C TA = -40°C TA = -40°C
70 0.05 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
65 0
-50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 IOUT (SINKING) (µA)
TEMPERATURE (°C) IOUT (SOURCING) (mA)

MAX4080F MAX4080T MAX4080S

SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX4080 toc16 MAX4080 toc17 MAX4080 toc18

INPUT INPUT INPUT

5mV/div 5mV/div 5mV/div

OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT

25mV/div 100mV/div 300mV/div

20µs/div 20µs/div 20µs/div

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 0V, CLOAD = 20pF, RLOAD = ∞, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX4081F MAX4081T MAX4081S

SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE SMALL-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX4080 toc19 MAX4080 toc20 MAX4080 toc21

INPUT INPUT INPUT

10mV/div 2.5mV/div 1mV/div

OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT

50mV/div 50mV/div 50mV/div

20µs/div 20µs/div 20µs/div

MAX4080F MAX4080T MAX4080S

LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX4080 toc22 MAX4080 toc23 MAX4080 toc24

INPUT INPUT INPUT

400mV/div 100mV/div 33mV/div

OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT

2V/div 2V/div 2V/div

20µs/div 20µs/div 20µs/div

MAX4081F MAX4081T MAX4081S

LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE LARGE-SIGNAL TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX4080 toc25 MAX4080 toc26 MAX4080 toc27

INPUT INPUT INPUT

400mV/div 100mV/div 33mV/div

OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT

2V/div 2V/div 2V/div

20µs/div 20µs/div 20µs/div

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  7

MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(VCC = VRS+ = 48V, VSENSE = 0V, CLOAD = 20pF, RLOAD = ∞, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)

MAX4080F MAX4080T
SATURATION RECOVERY RESPONSE STARTUP DELAY
VCC-TRANSIENT RESPONSE (VCC = 4.5V) (VSENSE = 250mV)
MAX4080 toc28 MAX4080 toc29 MAX4080 toc30

VRS+ = 20V
VCC = 40V VCC
VCC = 20V STEP
5V/div
VREF1 = VREF2 = 2.5V INPUT VCC
500mV/div (0 TO 10V)
VCC = 20V 5V/div

VOUT
1V/div OUTPUT OUTPUT
2V/div 2.5V/div

4µs/div 20µs/div 100µs/div

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Pin Description
PIN
NAME FUNCTION
MAX4080 MAX4081
1 1 RS+ Power connection to the external-sense resistor.
Supply Voltage Input. Decouple VCC to GND with at least a 0.1µF capacitor to
2 2 VCC
bypass line transients.
3, 6, 7 3 N.C. No Connection. No internal connection. Leave open or connect to ground.
4 4 GND Ground

Voltage Output. For the unidirectional MAX4080, VOUT is proportional to

5 5 OUT VSENSE. For the bidirectional MAX4081, the difference voltage (VOUT - VREF) is
proportional to VSENSE and indicates the correct polarity.

8 8 RS- Load connection to the external sense resistor.

Reference Voltage Input: Connect REF1B to REF1A or to GND (see the External
— 6 REF1B
Reference section).

Reference Voltage Input: Connect REF1A and REF1B to a fixed reference

— 7 REF1A voltage (VREF). VOUT is equal to VREF when VSENSE is zero (see the External
Reference section).

Detailed Description Current Monitoring

The MAX4080/MAX4081 unidirectional and bidirectional The MAX4080 operates as follows: current from the
high-side, current-sense amplifiers feature a 4.5V to 76V source flows through RSENSE to the load (Figure 2), cre-
input common-mode range that is independent of supply ating a sense voltage, VSENSE. Since the internal-sense
voltage. This feature allows the monitoring of current out amplifier’s inverting input has high impedance, negligible
of a battery as low as 4.5V and also enables high-side cur- current flows through RG2 (neglecting the input bias
rent sensing at voltages greater than the supply voltage current). Therefore, the sense amplifier’s inverting input
(VCC). The MAX4080/MAX4081 monitors current through voltage equals VSOURCE - (ILOAD)(RSENSE). The ampli-
a current-sense resistor and amplifies the voltage across fier’s open-loop gain forces its noninverting input to the
the resistor. The MAX4080 senses current unidirectional- same voltage as the inverting input. Therefore, the drop
ly, while the MAX4081 senses current bidirectionally. across RG1 equals VSENSE. The internal current mirror
The 76V input voltage range of the MAX4080/MAX4081 multiplies IRG1 by a current gain factor, β, to give IA2 =
applies independently to both supply voltage (VCC) and β × IRG1. Amplifier A2 is used to convert the output
common-mode, input-sense voltage (VRS+). High-side current to a voltage and then sent through amplifier
current monitoring does not interfere with the ground A3. Total gain = 5V/V for MAX4080F, 20V/V for the
path of the load being measured, making the MAX4080/ MAX4080T, and 60V/V for the MAX4080S.
MAX4081 particularly useful in a wide range of high-volt- The MAX4081 input stage differs slightly from the
age systems. MAX4080 (Figure 3). Its topology allows for monitoring
Battery-powered systems require a precise bidirectional of bidirectional currents through the sense resistor. When
current-sense amplifier to accurately monitor the battery’s current flows from RS+ to RS-, the MAX4081 matches the
charge and discharge. The MAX4081 charging current voltage drop across the external sense resistor, RSENSE,
is represented by an output voltage from VREF to VCC, by increasing the current through the Q1 and RG1. In this
while discharge current is given from VREF to GND. way, the voltages at the input terminals of the internal
Measurements of OUT with respect to VREF yield a posi- amplifier A1 are kept constant and an accurate measure-
tive and negative voltage during charge and discharge, as ment of the sense voltage is achieved. In the following
illustrated in Figure 1 for the MAX4081T. amplifier stages of the MAX4081, the output signal of
amplifier A2 is level- shifted to the reference voltage
(VREF = VREF1A = VREF1B), resulting in a voltage at the
output pin (OUT)

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

10V
4.5V TO 76V ILOAD VSENSE ICHARGE CHARGE CURRENT

VOUT - VREF
SYSTEM LOAD
BATTERY
AND CHARGER
RSENSE VOUT = 10V
5V
RS- RS+
VCC VSENSE
MAX4081T
REF1A -250mV 250mV
5V
REF1B VOUT = VGND -5V

VREF1A = VREF1B = 5V
OUT
GND DISCHARGE CURRENT

Figure 1. MAX4081T OUT Transfer Curve

VSENSE

VSENSE
ILOAD RS+ RS-
RSENSE
RS+ RS- RG1 RG2
MAX4081

RG1 RG2
RF
A1
MAX4080
A1
Q1 Q2
A2 OUT

Q1
125kΩ
CURRENT CURRENT
REF1B
MIRROR MIRROR
IA2 125kΩ
CURRENT OUT
A2 A3 REF1A
MIRROR
VREF

GND

Figure 2. MAX4080 Functional Diagram Figure 3. MAX4081 Functional Diagram

that swings above VREF voltage for positive-sense volt- Note: For Gain = 5 (F), RG1 = RG2 = 160k.
ages and below VREF for negative-sense voltages. For Gain = 20 (T), RG1 = RG2 = 60k.
VOUT is equal to VREF when VSENSE is equal to zero. For Gain = 60 (S), RG1 = RG2 = 20k.
Set the full-scale output range by selecting RSENSE
and the appropriate gain version of the MAX4080/
MAX4081.

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MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Table 1. Typical Component Values

FULL-SCALE MAX4081 FULL-SCALE
FULL-SCALE LOAD CURRENT-SENSE GAIN
VSENSE OUTPUT VOLTAGE
CURRENT, ILOAD (A) RESISTOR (mW) (V/V)
(mV) (VOUT - VREF, V)
0.500 1000 5 ±500 ±2.5
0.125 1000 20 ±125 ±2.5
0.050 1000 60 ±50 ±3.0
5.000 100 5 ±500 ±2.5
1.250 100 20 ±125 ±2.5
0.500 100 60 ±50 ±3.0
50.000 10 5 ±500 ±2.5
12.500 10 20 ±125 ±2.5
5.000 10 60 ±50 ±3.0
FULL-SCALE
FULL-SCALE LOAD CURRENT-SENSE GAIN MAX4080 FULL-SCALE
VSENSE
CURRENT, ILOAD (A) RESISTOR (mW) (V/V) OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
(mV)
1.000 1000 5 1000 5.0
0.250 1000 20 250 5.0
0.100 1000 60 100 6.0
10.000 100 5 1000 5.0
2.500 100 20 250 5.0
1.000 100 60 100 6.0
50.000 10 5 500 2.5
25.000 10 20 250 5.0
10.000 10 60 100 6.0

External References (MAX4081) Applications Information

For the bidirectional MAX4081, the VOUT reference level Recommended Component Values
is controlled by REF1A and REF1B. VREF is defined as
the average voltage of VREF1A and VREF1B. Connect Ideally, the maximum load current develops the full-scale
REF1A and REF1B to a low-noise, regulated voltage sense voltage across the current-sense resistor. Choose
source to set the output reference level. In this mode, the gain needed to yield the maximum output voltage
VOUT equals VREF1A when VSENSE equals zero (see required for the application:
Figure 4). VOUT = VSENSE 5 AV
Alternatively, connect REF1B to ground, and REF1A to a where VSENSE is the full-scale sense voltage, 1000mV
low-noise, regulated voltage source. In this case, the out- for gain of 5V/V, 250mV for gain of 20V/V, 100mV for gain
put reference level (VREF) is equal to VREF1A divided by of 60V/V, and AV is the gain of the device.
two. VOUT equals VREF1A/2 when VSENSE equals zero. In applications monitoring a high current, ensure that
In either mode, the output swings above the reference RSENSE is able to dissipate its own I2R loss. If the resis-
voltage for positive current-sensing (VRS+ > VRS-). The tor’s power dissipation is exceeded, its value may drift or
output swings below the reference voltage for negative it may fail altogether.
current-sensing (VRS+ < VRS-). The MAX4080/MAX4081 sense a wide variety of currents
with different sense-resistor values. Table 1 lists common
resistor values for typical operation.

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  11

MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

ILOAD = 0 ILOAD = 0

RSENSE RSENSE
LOAD LOAD
RS+ RS- RS+ RS-
VCC VCC
REF1A REF1A
10V
MAX4081 MAX4081
5V
REF1B REF1B

GND OUT 5V GND OUT 5V

Figure 4. MAX4081 Reference Inputs

The full-scale output voltage is VOUT = RSENSE × ILOAD Because of the high currents that flow through RSENSE,
(MAX) × AV, for the MAX4080 and VOUT = VREF ± RSENSE take care to eliminate parasitic trace resistance from
× ILOAD(MAX) × AV for the MAX4081. VSENSE(MAX) is causing errors in the sense voltage. Either use a four-ter-
1000mV for the 5V/V gain version, 250mV for the 20V/V minal current-sense resistor or use Kelvin (force and
gain version, and 100mV for the 60V/V gain version. sense) PC board layout techniques.
Choosing the Sense Resistor Dynamic Range Consideration
Choose RSENSE based on the following criteria: Although the MAX4081 have fully symmetrical bidirec-
Voltage Loss: A high RSENSE value causes the pow- tional VSENSE input capability, the output voltage range
er-source voltage to degrade through IR loss. For minimal is usually higher from REF to VCC and lower from REF
voltage loss, use the lowest RSENSE value. to GND (unless the supply voltage is at the lowest end of
the operating range). Therefore, the user must consider
● Accuracy: A high RSENSE value allows lower cur- the dynamic range of current monitored in both directions
rents to be measured more accurately. This is due and choose the supply voltage and the reference voltage
to offsets becoming less significant when the sense (REF) to make sure the output swing above and below
voltage is larger. For best performance, select REF is adequate to handle the swings without clipping or
RSENSE to provide approximately 1000mV (gain of running out of headroom.
5V/V), 250mV (gain of 20V/V), or 100mV (gain of
60V/V) of sense voltage for the full-scale current in Power-Supply Bypassing and Grounding
each application. For most applications, bypass VCC to GND with a 0.1µF
● Efficiency and Power Dissipation: At high current lev- ceramic capacitor. In many applications, VCC can be
els, the I2R losses in RSENSE can be significant. Take connected to one of the current monitor terminals (RS+
this into consideration when choosing the resistor or RS-). Because VCC is independent of the monitored
value and its power dissipation (wattage) rating. Also, voltage, VCC can be connected to a separate regulated
the sense resistor’s value might drift if it is allowed to supply.
heat up excessively. If VCC will be subject to fast-line transients, a series
● Inductance: Keep inductance low if ISENSE has a resistor can be added to the power-supply line of the
large high-frequency component. Wire-wound resis- MAX4080/MAX4081 to minimize output disturbance. This
tors have the highest inductance, while metal film is resistance and the decoupling capacitor reduce the rise
somewhat better. Low-inductance, metal-film resistors time of the transient. For most applications, 1kΩ in con-
are also available. Instead of being spiral- wrapped junction with a 0.1µF bypass capacitor work well.
around a core, as in metal-film or wire-wound resis- The MAX4080/MAX4081 require no special consider-
tors, they are a straight band of metal and are avail- ations with respect to layout or grounding. Consideration
able in values under 1Ω. should be given to minimizing errors due to the large
charge and discharge currents in the system.

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  12

MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Power Management Typical Operating Circuit

The bidirectional capability of the MAX4081 makes it an
ISENSE
excellent candidate for use in smart battery packs. In the SYSTEM
VCC = 4.5V TO 76V
application diagram (Figure 5), the MAX4081 monitors the RSENSE
LOAD

charging current into the battery as well as the discharge RS+ RS-
current out of the battery. The microcontroller stores this
VCC
information, allowing the system to query the battery’s
status as needed to make system power-management MAX4080

decisions. OUT

GND
RSENSE

RS+ RS-
VCC

MAX4081
REF1A
GND
Chip Information
SYSTEM REF1B 1.8V PROCESS: Bipolar
POWER
MANAGEMENT BATTERY
AND OUT
CHARGER
CIRCUITRY
Ordering Information (continued)
SERIAL PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1243

INTERFACE
ADC

MAX4080TASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO

MAX4080SAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
µC
MAX4080SAUA/V+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
MAX4080SASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO
Figure 5. MAX4081 Used In Smart-Battery Application MAX4081FAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
MAX4081FASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO
MAX4081TAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
Selector Guide MAX4081TASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO
PART GAIN (V/V) I SENSE MAX4081SAUA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX
MAX4080FAUA 5 Unidirectional MAX4081SASA+ -40°C to +125°C 8 SO
MAX4080FASA 5 Unidirectional +Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
MAX4080TAUA 20 Unidirectional
MAX4080TASA 20 Unidirectional Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns
MAX4080SAUA 60 Unidirectional
(footprints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note
MAX4080SASA 60 Unidirectional that a “+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status
MAX4081FAUA 5 Bidirectional only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but
the drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
MAX4081FASA 5 Bidirectional
MAX4081TAUA 20 Bidirectional PACKAGE PACKAGE OUTLINE LAND
TYPE CODE NO. PATTERN NO.
MAX4081TASA 20 Bidirectional
8 µMAX U8+1 21-0036 90-0092
MAX4081SAUA 60 Bidirectional
8 SO S8+2 21-0041 90-0096
MAX4081SASA 60 Bidirectional

www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated │  13

MAX4080/MAX4081 76V, High-Side, Current-Sense Amplifiers
with Voltage Output

Revision History
REVISION REVISION PAGES
DESCRIPTION
NUMBER DATE CHANGED
0 10/02 Initial release —
1 11/08 Added values for RG1 and RG2 10
2 5/09 Added lead-free and automotive parts to Ordering Information 1
3 5/10 Removed automotive part and added soldering temperature 1, 2
4 7/11 Added automotive part designation 1
5 5/15 Updated Benefits and Features section 1
6 12/20 Updated Package Information section 13

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Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent licenses
are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and max limits)
shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.

Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. © 2020 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. │ 14