Electronic – Current limit using MOSFET

current measurementcurrent-limitingshunt

I am driving a 24V DC Motor which can draw up to 30A and I would like to incorporate some over current/short circuit protection. As such I am planning to place a shunt resistor and power MOSFET(IRF1405) after my load to switch it off if excessive current across the shunt is detected. This is illustrated in the figure below.

Where I am stuck is what circuitry can be used in place of the block labeled "Some IC?". Ideally I would like to use a single chip solution however I am unable to find something suitable. What is a good solution I can use, and what effect would such a configuration have on inrush current?

Some things i have found are the INA300 however this output signal was never designed to drive the gate of a MOSFET or the LTC4361 which is ideal but not suited for a 24V application.

Figure 1 - Planned Circuit layout

Best Answer

A 30A, 2 milli ohm resistor sounds like a challenge to me, but OK, my daily work is in the micro-Amps range :-).

Since you probably don't need high accuracy, how about using the MOSFET's Rds_on resistance for measuring the current ? Look in the datasheet what Vds will be at 30 A and the Vgs you're going to use. For example at 25 degrees, Vgs = 6 V, Id = 30 A Vds will be around 250 mV.

Use a comparator to compare Vds to a reference voltage of for example 400 mV. When Vds > 400 mV switch off the MOSFET. As you switch OFF the MOSFET Vds will increase to 24 V so the comparator will keep the MOSFET off.