


ACS712 20A Current Sensor Module
A detailed guide to the ACS712 20A Current Sensor Module, including its pinout, working principle, applications, and more.
ACS712 20A Current Sensor Overview
The **ACS712 20A Current Sensor Module** is an easy-to-use current sensor capable of measuring both AC and DC currents up to 20A. It utilizes the **Allegro ACS712 Hall Effect sensor** to measure the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through a conductor. The sensor outputs an analog voltage corresponding to the measured current. The ACS712 module is widely used in various applications, such as power monitoring systems, battery chargers, and motor controllers.
Pinout of ACS712 20A Current Sensor Module
The ACS712 20A current sensor module has a simple pinout for easy interfacing with microcontrollers like Arduino. Below is the pinout description:

Pin Number | Pin Name | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | VCC | Power supply pin, typically connected to +5V or +3.3V depending on the microcontroller. |
2 | GND | Ground pin, connected to the ground of the system. |
3 | OUT | Analog output pin, provides a voltage proportional to the measured current. Connected to an analog input of the microcontroller. |
4 | IP+ (Current Input +) | Positive terminal for the current to be measured, typically connected to the positive side of the load. |
5 | IP- (Current Input -) | Negative terminal for the current to be measured, typically connected to the negative side of the load. |
Working Principle of ACS712 20A Current Sensor
The ACS712 20A Current Sensor operates based on the Hall Effect principle. A magnetic field is created around the current-carrying conductor. The ACS712 senses this magnetic field and uses a Hall effect sensor to produce an output voltage that is proportional to the amount of current flowing through the conductor. The output voltage varies linearly with the current, making it easy to read and measure using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) on a microcontroller. The sensor can measure both AC and DC currents, with an output voltage of 2.5V when no current is flowing (zero current offset).
Applications of ACS712 20A Current Sensor
- Power consumption monitoring in electronic circuits and devices.
- Current sensing in motor controllers to monitor power usage.
- Battery charging circuits where current measurement is crucial.
- Overcurrent protection systems for various electrical devices.
- Energy metering and monitoring systems for home automation.
Advantages of ACS712 20A Current Sensor
- Wide operating voltage range of 5V to 12V, making it suitable for various microcontrollers.
- Non-contact current sensing using Hall Effect technology, which ensures no power loss in the circuit.
- Capable of measuring both AC and DC currents.
- Compact size, making it easy to integrate into small projects.
- Accurate and reliable current measurements with a simple analog output.