Power management has evolved as electronics continually are miniaturized and deployed in an increasing array of applications. Since there are so many types of specialized circuits with unique operating voltages, it has become commonplace to provide a single external voltage level to a device and to rely on conversion within the device to provide the appropriate power levels to each load. For example, a device may have nine loads and require five voltages, which can be provided by incorporating DC-DC converters.
 

Microhm Electronics offers a variety of resistors  meeting the requirements of the DC-DC converter design while addressing the need for smaller, higher power devices. 
 

 

Current sense resistors are an integral part of the DC-DC conversion circuit. Current sense resistors are used for precise control of current. A resistor is chosen for its tolerance, Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR), power rating, and size. Microhm Electronics's current Sense Resistors commonly have 1 % tolerance, and components with a tighter tolerance are available. TCR is an important factor in resistor selection since the resistance of the component will vary with shifts in temperature. Any change in resistance will affect the voltage output and the current. For instance, in LED applications the current is related to the intensity of the emitted light. Compact components are highly sought out for most designs.

 

Common types of current sense resistors used in these designs are surface mount metal strip chip resistors NFC series metal foil resistor MPR2512 since they have a small form factor and high-power ratings.