SparkFun Power Meter - ACS37800 (Qwiic)

The SparkFun Power Meter, featuring the Allegro ACS37800 power monitor IC, is a versatile power sensing solution for your Qwiic projects. It enables simultaneous monitoring of voltage (up to 60 volts) and current (up to 30 amperes) without the hassle of cutting traces or dealing with complex wiring. Ideal for applications such as 3D printers, UAVs, and solar panels, this power meter efficiently tracks power consumption in high-demand systems.

The ACS37800 employs Hall-effect technology, eliminating the need for hot, inefficient shunt resistors. This design ensures cool operation, as there is no heat generation or voltage drop, allowing the sensor to measure power without wasting it. Additionally, the internal construction provides reinforced galvanic isolation between the current-carrying conductor and the sensing electronics, safeguarding your microcontroller from high-current paths.

Beyond basic readings, this chip offers smart monitoring capabilities. It provides comprehensive data by simultaneously reading voltage, current, and power through its I2C interface. The onboard intelligence includes dedicated pins for zero-crossing detection and rapid overcurrent fault reporting. Moreover, users can configure settings like over/under-voltage thresholds via the Qwiic interface and store them in the chip’s onboard EEPROM for future use.

This power meter is particularly suitable for heavy loads, such as motor control, battery charging, and solar arrays. However, it is not recommended for low-current applications, like microcontrollers in sleep mode or single LEDs, due to its noise floor of approximately ±0.1 amperes RMS on the current channel.