# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ina219-current-sensor-breakout.md

# Adafruit INA219 Current Sensor Breakout

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/390/medium800/adafruit_products_INA219_top.jpg?1631046311)

The&nbsp;INA219B&nbsp;breakout board and the INA219 FeatherWing will solve all your power-monitoring problems. Instead of struggling with two multimeters, you can use this breakout to measure both the high side voltage and DC current draw over I2C with 1% precision.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/389/medium800/adafruit_products_INA219_top_header.jpg?1631046301)

As if that weren't enough, we've now also added[&nbsp;SparkFun qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic)&nbsp;compatible&nbsp;**[STEMMA QT](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt)**&nbsp;connectors for the I2C bus **so you don't even need to solder the I2C and power lines.**

Just wire up to your favorite micro using a [STEMMA QT adapter cable.](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20cable)&nbsp;The Stemma QT connectors also mean the INA219 can be used with our&nbsp;[various associated accessories.](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=JST%20SH%204)&nbsp;[QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma+qt+cable&sort=BestMatch).

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/391/medium800/adafruit_products_INA219_STEMMA_side.jpg?1631047192)

## Why the High Side?
Most current-measuring devices such as our current panel meter are only good for&nbsp;_low side_&nbsp;measuring. That means that unless you want to get a battery involved, you have to stick the measurement resistor between the target ground and true ground.   
  
Since the voltage drop across the resistor is proportional to the current draw, this means that the ground reference will change with varying current. &nbsp;Having a shifting ground reference can cause problems for many circuits.&nbsp;  
  
The&nbsp;INA219B&nbsp;chip is much smarter - it can handle high side current measuring, up to +26VDC, even though it is powered with 3 or 5V. It will also report back that high side voltage, which is great for tracking battery life or solar panels.&nbsp;  
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/071/472/medium800/adafruit_products_INA219_FeatherWing_Product.jpg?1550609735)

## How does it work?

A precision amplifier measures the voltage across the 0.1 ohm, 1% sense resistor.

Since the amplifier maximum input difference is ±320mV this means it can measure up to ±3.2 Amps. With the internal 12 bit ADC, the resolution at ±3.2A range is 0.8mA. With the internal gain set at the minimum of div8, the max current is ±400mA and the resolution is 0.1mA. Advanced hackers can remove the 0.1 ohm current sense resistor and replace it with their own to change the range (say a 0.01 ohm to measure up 32 Amps with a resolution of 8mA)&nbsp;

Danger: 

Info: 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/452/medium800/adafruit_products_ID904_LRG.jpg?1396783275)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ina219-current-sensor-breakout/pinouts.md)

## Featured Products

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