How to Use Adafruit INA260: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit INA260 is a high-precision current and voltage sensor module that allows for simultaneous monitoring of current, voltage, and power through a single I2C interface. This sensor is ideal for a wide range of applications, including power supply monitoring, battery charging, energy consumption tracking, and load sensing in various electronic projects.

• Power supply monitoring
• Battery chargers and management systems
• Energy consumption measurement for energy-saving systems
• Load detection and management in electronic circuits
• Portable instrumentation

• Voltage Measurement Range: 0 to 36 V
• Current Measurement Range: -15 A to +15 A
• Power Measurement Range: Up to 45 W
• Resolution:
  • Voltage: 1.25 mV
  • Current: 0.1 mA
• I2C Interface: Standard, Fast, and High-Speed Modes
• Operating Voltage: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +125°C

1. Powering the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.0 V to 5.5 V power source and the GND pin to the ground of your system.
2. Current Sensing: Place the module in series with the load to measure the current flowing through it. Connect the positive side of the load to VIN+ and the negative side to VIN-.
3. Voltage Sensing: The voltage across the load is measured between VIN+ and VIN-.
4. I2C Communication: Connect the SCL and SDA pins to the corresponding I2C clock and data lines on your microcontroller.
5. Address Selection: The ADDR pin can be connected to GND, VCC, SDA, or SCL to select one of four possible I2C addresses for the device.

• Ensure that the current and voltage do not exceed the specified maximum ratings of the module.
• Use proper decoupling capacitors close to the module's power pins to minimize noise.
• Keep the I2C lines as short as possible to prevent signal degradation.
• Use pull-up resistors on the I2C lines if they are not already present on your microcontroller board.

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_INA260.h>

Adafruit_INA260 ina260 = Adafruit_INA260();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  // Initialize the INA260
  if (!ina260.begin()) {
    Serial.println("Couldn't find INA260 chip");
    while (1);
  }
  Serial.println("Found INA260 chip");
}

void loop() {
  Serial.print("Current: ");
  Serial.print(ina260.readCurrent());
  Serial.println(" mA");
  Serial.print("Voltage: ");
  Serial.print(ina260.readBusVoltage());
  Serial.println(" mV");
  Serial.print("Power: ");
  Serial.print(ina260.readPower());
  Serial.println(" mW");
  delay(1000);
}

• No Data on I2C: Check connections and ensure pull-up resistors are installed. Verify that the I2C address matches the one configured by the ADDR pin.
• Inaccurate Readings: Ensure that the INA260 is properly calibrated and that the voltage and current are within the specified range.
• Device Not Found: Make sure the module is powered correctly and that the I2C lines are connected properly.

• Double-check wiring, especially the I2C connections and the orientation of the sensor.
• Use the I2C scanner sketch to confirm the device's address on the I2C bus.
• Ensure that the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range.

Q: Can the INA260 measure negative current? A: Yes, the INA260 can measure current in both directions, from -15 A to +15 A.

Q: What is the maximum voltage that can be measured? A: The INA260 can measure voltages up to 36 V.

Q: How do I change the I2C address of the INA260? A: The I2C address can be changed by connecting the ADDR pin to GND, VCC, SDA, or SCL, providing four different address options.

Q: Is it possible to use multiple INA260 modules on the same I2C bus? A: Yes, you can use up to four INA260 modules on the same I2C bus by setting a unique address for each using the ADDR pin.