DC ammeters take shunts onboard

Datel's new DCA-20PC series LED-display digital DC ammeters are 100% self contained.

Datel's new DCA-20PC series LED-display digital DC ammeters are 100% self contained.

Datel reckons they are the first DC ammeters to include what others lack - built-in precision, low-loss shunts.

The "direct-connect" DCA-20PCs require absolutely no external components and no calibration procedures.

They incorporate onboard scaling circuitry, reference circuits, 3.5-digit A/D convertors, LED displays (red, blue or green), display drivers, DC/DC power convertors, and even screw-style terminal blocks for connecting load and supply wires.

Simply install the meter anywhere between a DC voltage source and its load, and you're measuring the current.

Measuring DC current can be challenging.

DCA-20PC series ammeters put an end to "connection confusion" by offering two shunt configurations that address virtually all applications.

"Low-side", grounded-shunt models feature a 5-40V power supply range and are optimised for conventional ammeter applications in which one side of the shunt is connected to power ground.

These "DC1" models enable straightforward, low cost, three-wire operation.

They can also be configured to operate from 36-75V supplies accommodating the popular 48V telecomms power bus.

"High-side", floating-shunt models incorporate onboard, isolated DC/DC convertors (500V DC isolation).

These "DC4" models feature an 8-36V power supply range and are optimised for applications in which neither side of the shunt is tied to power ground.

Incredibly flexible, these isolated models can be used in literally all DC-ammeter applications with no concerns about common-mode or ground-loop problems.

DCA-20PC series ammeters are housed in subminiature 35 x 22mm rugged packages that feature large 9.4mm-high LED displays.

The onboard shunt and connector blocks are mounted on daughterboards that bring total meter behind-the-panel package depth to approximately 25mm.

An integral high-contrast optical filter ensures the display can be easily read at distances up to 5m.

Available LED colours include brilliant blue, bright green, and standard red.

A screw-style, panel-mount bezel assembly with sealing gasket is supplied with each model.

Total ammeter power consumption, including the miniscule 20mV dropped across the onboard shunts, is typically less than 75mW for 5-40V powered models and less than 1W for 8-36V models.

Low power makes DCA-20PCs ideal for battery-backup applications and generally a perfect upgrade for older, less accurate, analogue ammeters.

Small quantities of DCA-20PC DC ammeters, or free sample/evaluation units can be ordered directly from the Datel website using credit cards.

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