Renesas' current sense amplifier portfolio features both analog output current sense amplifiers and digital output digital power monitors (DPMs).
Current sense amplifiers (also called current shunt amplifiers) are special-purpose operational amplifiers (op amps) that integrate external components and output a voltage proportional to the current flowing in a power rail. They utilize a "sense resistor" to convert the load current in the power rail to a small voltage, which is then amplified by the current sense amplifier. Renesas offers unidirectional high-side and low-side current sense amplifiers.
Digital power monitors are integrated solutions that provide high-side, low-side, and bidirectional current monitoring, as well as voltage monitoring, and use an onboard analog-to-digital converter to provide digital feedback. Renesas' robust and highly accurate digital power monitor (DPM) family offers a high level of integration and a range of capabilities including high common mode voltage support, full-featured bidirectional, high-side and low-side digital current sense, and voltage monitors with fast interrupts and serial interface.