Shunt Resistor Calculator (DC Current Measurement)
Calculate resistance (mΩ) and power dissipation (W) of a DC current shunt resistor. Enter nominal current and target voltage drop.
Formulas used
- Resistance: R = V / I
- Power dissipation: P = V × I
Where:
V = voltage drop (Volt)
I = nominal current (Ampere)
Engineering considerations
- Higher mV improves measurement resolution but increases power dissipation.
- Always validate temperature rise under continuous current.
- Use Kelvin (4-wire) sensing for accurate voltage measurement.
- Define overload profile and duty cycle.
Typical voltage drops
- 50 mV – low dissipation
- 60 mV – industrial standard
- 75 mV – common DIN value
- 100 mV – higher signal margin