Current sensing with the ACS712

Projects General Guidance
1

Has anyone used the spark fun current monitor ACS712?

My question is: Why are there are two pins for IP+ and two pins for IP- ?

One is large and one is small. After reading several articles online it seems like you need to connect your load in series with this sensor using the IP+ and IP- pins. But why is there two of each?

Thanks for everyone's help in advance!

2

I would imagine that it is for a current shunt in case you wanted to measure a higher range of currents, although there is nothing to support this theory in the data sheet.

3

Pololu does the same thing for their sensors (alternate connection method as noted by JohnLincoln):

4

Thanks for the replies guys! You are probably correct about them being alternate mounting locations.
I will do a continuity check to prove that theory.

Thanks again for taking the time to help!

Matt

5

I will do a continuity check to prove that theory.

No need you can see the copper trace, they go to the same place.

6

Good call, thanks!