AD8417 Data Sheet
Rev. B | Page 14 of 16
SOLENOID CONTROL
High-Side Current Sense with a Low-Side Switch
In the case of a high-side current sense with a low-side switch,
the PWM control switch is ground referenced. Tie an inductive
load (solenoid) to a power supply and place a resistive shunt
between the switch and the load (see Figure 34). An advantage
of placing the shunt on the high side is that the entire current,
including the recirculation current, is measurable because the
shunt remains in the loop when the switch is off. In addition,
diagnostics are enhanced because shorts to ground are detected
with the shunt on the high side.
In this circuit configuration, when the switch is closed, the
common-mode voltage decreases to near the negative rail.
When the switch is open, the voltage reversal across the inductive
load causes the common-mode voltage to be held one diode
drop above the battery by the clamp diode.
–IN
1
GND
2
V
REF
2
3
NC
4
+IN
8
V
REF
1
7
V
S
6
OUT
OUTPUT
5
INDUCTIVE
LOAD
CLAMP
DIODE
BATTERY
SWITCH
SHUNT
NC = NO CONNECT.
+
–
5
AD8417
11882-032
Figure 34. Low-Side Switch
High-Side Current Sense with a High-Side Switch
The high-side current sense with a high-side switch configuration
minimizes the possibility of unexpected solenoid activation and
excessive corrosion (see Figure 35). In this case, both the switch
and the shunt are on the high side. When the switch is off, the
battery is removed from the load, which prevents damage from
potential shorts to ground while still allowing the recirculating
current to be measured and to provide diagnostics. Removing the
power supply from the load for the majority of the time that the
switch is open minimizes the corrosive effects that can be caused
by the differential voltage between the load and ground.
When using a high-side switch, the battery voltage is connected
to the load when the switch is closed, causing the common-mode
voltage to increase to the battery voltage. In this case, when the
switch is open, the voltage reversal across the inductive load
causes the common-mode voltage to be held one diode drop
below ground by the clamp diode.
–IN
1
GND
2
V
REF
2
3
NC
4
+IN
8
V
REF
1
7
V
S
6
OUT
OUTPUT
5
INDUCTIVE
LOAD
SHUNT
CLAMP
DIODE
BATTERY
SWITCH
NC = NO CONNECT.
+
–
5
AD8417
11882-033
Figure 35. High-Side Switch
High Rail Current Sensing
In the high rail, current sensing configuration, the shunt resistor is
referenced to the battery. High voltage is present at the inputs of
the current sense amplifier. When the shunt is battery referenced,
the AD8417 produces a linear ground referenced analog output.
Additionally, the AD8214 provides an overcurrent detection
signal in as little as 100 ns (see Figure 36). This feature is useful
in high current systems where fast shutdown in overcurrent
conditions is essential.
V
S
1
+IN
2
V
REG
3
NC
4
–IN
8
NC
7
GND
6
OUT
OUTPUT
OVERCURRENT
DETECTION (<100ns)
5V
SHUNT
INDUCTIVE
LOAD
SWITCH
CLAMP
DIODE
BATTERY
+
–
5
AD8214
NC = NO CONNECT.
–IN
1
GND
2
V
REF
2
3
NC
4
+IN
8
V
REF
1
7
V
S
6
OUT
5
AD8417
TOP VIEW
(Not to Scale)
11882-034
Figure 36. High Rail Current Sensing