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current sensor help

O

Omegachi

Diamond Member
ohhhh, i need help one last time.

i am looking for a current sensor that would sense a current and then outputs a logic output ( 1 or 0). Please direct me in the right direction.
 
simple logic.. boy its been a while.. well it might help if you tell me what the current is flowing through.
 
well, i am trying to use this current sensor to "tap" into this line between a solar cell panel and to the rest of the system. The purpose of the current sensor is to let the the user know that there is sun on this panel, thus generating current. so i am not sure what current we might have, might be around 1 A or so because we have some pretty efficient solar panels.
 
but the solar panels generate voltage, until they are run into a load..

so basically, what is the load?
 
Maxim makes a chip that will do this. Check out the link it has a few schematics. This chip from them is the only one for DIY job they have a few that would probly work better that are surface mount.
 
Originally posted by: Colt45
but the solar panels generate voltage, until they are run into a load..

so basically, what is the load?
Click to expand...

a bunch of devices, not sure what the total load is...
 
The load is what ever you are powering with the panels (light, motor, some sort of circuit, etc)
Basically its anything draws power from the panels.

 
Originally posted by: Omegachi
well, i am trying to use this current sensor to "tap" into this line between a solar cell panel and to the rest of the system. The purpose of the current sensor is to let the the user know that there is sun on this panel, thus generating current. so i am not sure what current we might have, might be around 1 A or so because we have some pretty efficient solar panels.
Click to expand...

if all you want is indication that there is sun on the panel, then you need to sense a voltage, not current. A simple LM339 voltage comp. circuit would do. You would need to set the 'trip voltage' that would be the minimum voltage to indicate "sun" present. Perhaps a pot on the circuit so that you can adjust on the fly.

If you want to sense the sun and the fact the load is running (i.e. load is "on"), then the best method would be a basic current sense circuit that is comprised of a transistor, resistor and LED.

You made no mention of the current or voltage requirements of the panel or load. These are very important parameters to design this circuit. 🙂
 
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