SparkFun Current Sensor - INA228 (Qwiic)

The SparkFun Current Sensor - INA228 (Qwiic) makes it easy to monitor DC current and power with high precision over I²C. This Qwiic breakout features the INA228 digital power monitor from Texas Instruments, which measures current, voltage, power, temperature, energy, and charge accumulation using an in-line 20-bit delta-sigma analogue-to-digital converter (ADC).

Solderless or Soldered Integration

The INA228 Current Sensor includes both a 3-pin screw terminal and a pair of Qwiic connectors to allow for a solderless power monitor setup using the Qwiic ecosystem. A 15 mΩ shunt resistor comes pre-populated, but we've also provided through-hole pins for a custom shunt resistor value if needed! Keep in mind that this board shares the same physical design as our INA237 breakout and with the specific version noted by the box in the top left corner of the board.

For those who prefer a soldered connection, the breakout features a 0.1"-spaced plated through-hole header that breaks out the INA228's power, communication pins (SDA/SCL), and alert pin. The alert pin is a multi-purpose open-drain digital output that can report when conversions complete or when the INA228 measures values beyond a defined threshold, such as over/under voltage (both shunt and bus), along with exceeding current/power and temperature values. So, regardless of your preferred wiring method, integrating higher-precision power monitoring into your project is as straightforward as possible!

High-Accuracy Power Measurement

The 20-bit delta-sigma ADC on the INA228 sets this board apart from most other in-line current sensors (including the INA237) by providing incredibly stable, precise readings for highly sensitive electronics. It delivers a power monitoring accuracy of 0.5% full scale and an energy and charge accuracy of 1.0% full scale. With a maximum common mode rejection of 154dB and an extremely low offset drift, your current measurements will remain true even in fluctuating environmental conditions from -40°C to +125°C. To get the most out of your code, the INA228 offers several advanced capabilities:

• Threshold Alerts: Triggers that instantly alert you if voltage, current, power, or temperature limits are exceeded.
• Fast Response: A rapid 75 microsecond alert response time to protect sensitive electronics.
• Deep Analysis: Tracks accumulated energy and charge directly on the chip.

By utilising these built-in hardware capabilities, your main processor can remain in a low-power sleep state until an actual power event requires its attention.

• Schematic
• KiCad Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• Datasheet (INA228)
• SparkFun INA2XX Arduino Library
• GitHub Repository