Current Sensing Shunts
Dependable measurement. Uncompromising stability.
PRC manufactures a comprehensive line of precision wire wound current sensing shunts in both surface mount and through-hole packages. Shunts are low-value precision resistors used to measure current flow by producing a known voltage drop proportional to the current passing through them.
Our shunts are distinguished by their low EMF construction, pure copper terminals, low self-heating, and 4-terminal Kelvin measurement capability.
Applications include battery management systems, power supply monitoring, motor drive current sensing, amplifier circuits, process control instrumentation, and precision metering. PRC offers values down to 1 milliohm (0.001Ω) with tolerances to ±0.005% and TCRs to 0±15 ppm/°C, delivering dependable and repeatable current measurements under load.
Surface Mount Shunts
LVS Series
4-Tab SMD Current Sensing Shunts
The LVS series is PRC’s signature surface mount shunt, widely recognized for its 4-tab Kelvin configuration that eliminates solder joint and PCB trace resistance from the current measurement. Available in power ratings from approximately 1W to 5W+ (at 25°C), the LVS series uses a rectangular, solvent-resistant epoxy case that provides excellent thermal transfer to the PCB. Solderable hot-tinned pure copper tab terminals deliver low EMF construction and high current-carrying capacity.
Standard TCR is 0±15 ppm/°C, with a lower TCR option of 0±10 ppm/°C available (add “LTC” suffix to part number). The Low Temperature Coefficient option is sustainable when the combined temperature of self-heating and ambient operating temperature does not exceed +150°C. Stability is ±0.001%/year at +25°C with no load. Available in tape-and-reel packaging for automated SMD assembly.
PVS Series
2-Tab SMD Shunts
HVS Series
2-Tab SMD Shunts
The HVS series extends PRC’s SMD shunt offerings with a 2-tab configuration optimized for mid-power current sensing applications. Like all PRC SMD shunts, the HVS features epoxy case construction with hot-tinned copper terminals.
Through-Hole Shunts
PLV Series
4-Terminal Rectangular Axial Shunts
The PLV series provides 4-terminal Kelvin measurement capability in a through-hole axial lead package, available in 1W, 3W, and 10W+ configurations (PLV1, PLV3, PLV10). These shunts are designed for applications requiring higher power handling than SMD packages can accommodate, while still eliminating lead resistance from precision current measurements.
Key design features include low self-heating (low temperature rise per watt), low TCR and low EMF for thermal stability, and excellent overload and surge current handling capabilities. The PLV series is ideal for amplifier circuits, precision voltage drop applications, and high-accuracy current sensing in industrial and instrumentation systems. The durable rectangular epoxy case offers excellent thermal transfer to the mounting surface.
PVS Series
2-Tab SMD Shunts
The MS series shunts are designed to plug directly into most multimeters and can be custom manufactured for 50mV and 100mV voltage drop applications at currents up to 40A DC. These chassis-mount shunts serve panel meter, test bench, and industrial metering applications where a known millivolt output proportional to current is required.
Shunt Series Comparison
| Spec | LVS (SMD 4-Tab) | PVS (SMD 2-Tab) | HVS (SMD 2-Tab) | PLV (Axial 4-Term) | MS-40 Meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Surface mount | Surface mount | Surface mount | Through-hole axial | Chassis / panel |
| Terminals | 4-tab Kelvin | 2-tab | 2-tab | 4-terminal Kelvin | Screw terminal |
| Power Ratings | 1W to 5W+ | 0.5W to 3W | 1W to 3W | 1W to 10W+ | Up to 40A DC |
| Key Advantage | 4-tab eliminates lead resistance from measurement | Compact 2-tab for simple current sense | Mid-power SMD current sense | High-power Kelvin; excellent overload handling | Custom for 50mV and 100mV drop applications |
Why Wire Wound Shunts Outperform Alternatives
Low EMF construction (<0.3 to 1.5 μV/°C) vs up to 100 μV/°C in tin oxide alternatives
Superior overload and surge current handling capability
A single PRC shunt replaces 2+ thin film or metal strip parts
Pure copper terminals avoid thermocouple errors in low-value shunt applications
Critical for accurate voltage drop measurement in precision metering
Specify Precision
Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific application requirements, request samples, or obtain a quote.