Adafruit INA238 DC Current Voltage Power Monitor

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

ADC

An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.

breakout

A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.

CircuitPython

A beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontroller boards. If a product supports CircuitPython, you can often program it by copying code files onto the board rather than setting up a more complex toolchain.

common-mode voltage

The voltage level that both measurement inputs sit at relative to ground while the sensor measures the small difference between them. A high common-mode rating means the board can monitor current in higher-voltage circuits without the measurement chip being damaged.

Gain error

Gain error is a scaling error where the DAC output rises slightly too much or too little across its range. It matters for applications where the exact relationship between the digital value and output voltage is important.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

INA228

A power-monitoring chip that measures current, voltage and power in a circuit and reports the readings digitally. The exact chip matters because it sets the measurement range, resolution and communication method for the breakout.

LSB

Least significant bit is the smallest step a digital converter can represent. In a DAC, it tells you the tiniest voltage change the output can make at a given resolution and output range.

oversampling

Taking many measurements and combining them to reduce noise and improve the stability of a reading. It matters when you want smoother current or power measurements, though it can make updates slower.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

shunt resistor

A very low-value resistor placed in the current path so the board can measure the tiny voltage drop across it and calculate current. Its resistance and tolerance affect the maximum current range, heat produced and accuracy of the readings.

STEMMA

A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.

STEMMA QT

A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.

Terminal block

A connector used to join wires together in a neat, removable, or serviceable way. For this product, it helps split one power input into several outputs without soldering.