ACS-712 current sensor

High-precision current sensor based on ACS712 chip from Allegro MicroSystems, designed for integration with RBgrid SDK and RBgrid App. Uses Hall effect principle for non-contact current measurement with complete galvanic isolation. Ideal for bidirectional energy metering systems and power consumption monitoring.

Connection Guide: https://www.rbgrid.io/application-hardware-connection

Variants and Specifications

General Specifications:

• Measurement type: DC/AC (True RMS with rbpower)
• Supply voltage: 5V DC ±5%
• Current consumption: 10-13 mA
• Output signal: 0-3.3V (centered at 1.65V at zero current)
• Bandwidth: 80 kHz
• Response time: 5 µs
• Isolation: 2.1 kV RMS
• Accuracy: ±1.5%
• Operating temperature: -40°C...+85°C

Design Features

• Hall Effect - non-contact measurement without breaking the circuit
• Trimmer potentiometer for precise zero-point calibration
• Factory calibration - ready to use out of the box
• Low resistance current path (1.2 mΩ)
• Bidirectional measurement - current direction detection
• Compact design - 28×21.6×5 mm
• Overload protection up to 5× rated current

Connection

To ESP32 Microcontroller:

GND → GND
VCC → 5V pin
OUT → GPIO32/33/34/36/37/38/39 (ADC1 pins)

Power Section:

• Terminals IP+ and IP- for series connection in measured circuit
• Maximum wire gauge: AWG-10 (for 50A version) 

Software Integration

Configuration via RBgrid Web App:

1. Open the Sensors page in web interface
2. Select sensor type "ACS712" and variant (5A/10A/20A/30A/50A)
3. Specify GPIO pin connection

Technical Advantages

• Galvanic isolation between power and measurement circuits
• High linearity across entire measurement range
• Minimal losses - conductor resistance only 1.2 mΩ
• Fast response - sampling rate up to 80 kHz
• Temperature stability - built-in drift compensation

Applications

Energy Metering Systems:

• Bidirectional metering (solar/grid)
• Consumption/generation monitoring
• Phase balancing control

Protection and Control:

• Overload protection
• Motor operation control
• Charger management
• Battery system monitoring

IoT and Automation:

• Smart home
• Industrial automation
• HVAC systems
• EV charging stations

Selection Guidelines

Safety and Warranty

• Isolation: 2.1 kV RMS (60 seconds)
• Protection: Overload up to 5× Inom (short-term)
• Warranty: 12 months

Installation Tips

1. Install sensor away from strong magnetic field sources
2. Use shielded cables for signal lines
3. Ensure reliable power wire connections
4. Perform zero calibration with no current flow