Arduino-Based
Current
Measurement System
This presentation explores a simple yet effective system for measuring current
using an Arduino microcontroller and an ACS712 current sensor. The system is
designed to monitor the current draw of a DC motor under load.
Arduino and ACS712 Setup
The setup utilizes an Arduino Uno board, an ACS712 current sensor, a 9V
battery, and a DC motor as the load. The ACS712 current sensor is connected to
the Arduino's analog input pin.
Arduino ACS712 DC Motor
The Arduino board The ACS712 is a The DC motor acts
serves as the brains Hall-effect current as the load, drawing
of the system, sensor, providing a current from the
reading analog data proportional voltage battery, which is
from the sensor and output based on the measured by the
performing current flowing ACS712.
calculations. through the motor.
Hall Effect and ACS712
Current Sensor
The ACS712 current sensor utilizes the Hall effect principle to enable non-
invasive current measurement. When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a
magnetic field, the Hall effect induces a voltage that is proportional to the
magnetic field strength and the current flowing through the conductor.
Disadvantages of Hall Effect-Based ACS712
• Temperature Sensitivity:
• Offset Voltage Drift:
• Linearity Limitations:
While the ACS712 is a widely used Hall effect-based current sensor, it does have some inherent limitations that users should be aware of,
including temperature-induced errors and offset voltage drift. Careful calibration and compensation techniques may be required to mitigate
these disadvantages.
HOW DO WE MEASURE FROM
ACS712
The Arduino can be programmed to display the measured current values on a
serial monitor or LCD screen. The current data can be analyzed to understand
motor performance and efficiency.
CLOSED CIRCUIT
CALIBRATION,AND
SENSITIVITY IN SERIES
CALCULATION
AcsValueF = ((AvgAcs * (5.0 / 1024.0) - 2.5)) / 0.1;
Conclusion and Takeaways
This simple Arduino-based system demonstrates the effectiveness of current measurement using an ACS712 sensor. It provides a valuable
tool for monitoring motor performance and understanding current consumption patterns.
1 Cost-Effective 2 Versatile 3 Educational
The system is relatively The setup can be adapted for This project provides a hands-on
inexpensive to assemble using various applications, including learning experience in electronics,
readily available components. monitoring other electrical loads. programming, and data analysis.
4 Open-Source
The Arduino platform offers a wealth of resources and open-source code for further customization and experimentation.